Dundonald, South Ayrshire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dundonald
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 Dundonald Parish Church |
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 Dundonald
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| Population | 2,570 (2020) |
| OS grid reference | NS365345 |
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| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | KILMARNOCK |
| Postcode district | KA2 |
| Police | Strathclyde |
| Fire | Strathclyde |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Dundonald (Gaelic: Dùn Dhòmhnaill) is a village in South Ayrshire, Scotland. It is well-known for its historic castle and beautiful natural areas.
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The Village of Dundonald
Dundonald is most famous for Dundonald Castle. King Robert II built this castle in the 14th century. It stands on the remains of an older stone castle from the late 1200s. The castle was used by Scottish kings for about 150 years.
Near the village, you can find the ruins of Old Auchans Castle. This was once the home of Susanna Montgomery, Lady Eglinton. In Dundonald Woods, there are also the ruins of Kemp Law Dun. This was an Iron Age hillfort, close to an old chapel site.
Since 1945, Dundonald has mostly been a place where people live and travel to work in bigger towns nearby.
Dundonald Parish Church
The church you see today (at NS 366 343) was built in 1803. However, records show there was a church here much earlier, in 1229. It was first given to a convent and then to Paisley Abbey. It stayed with the Abbey until the Reformation.
- Views in and around Dundonald
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The Auchans Burial Ground, Dundonald Parish Church
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A memorial for John Dunlop, who lived to over ninety years old. He used to manage Auchans Castle.
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A view of Auchans House ruins in 2009
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A small painting of Susanna Montgomery, Lady Eglinton, from around 1710.
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Commissioner Vernon of the Eglinton estates.
New Auchans House
A new Auchans House (NS 36035 34900) was built around 1819. William Wallace designed it. Many important families lived there over the years. The Earl of Eglinton sold the house in 1947. Later, it was sold to a builder and then taken down in 1970. Now, houses stand where it once was.
Nature in Dundonald
Dundonald Woods (NS363343) is one of the largest areas of elm trees in Ayrshire. You can also find ash, oak, and sycamore trees here. Some parts of the woods were cut down during World War II. There are also areas with conifer trees.
The area has wetlands, including Collennan Reservoir. These wet places help many different plants and animals live here. Special plants like Dog's Mercury and Bluebell grow in these woods.
The small loch of Galrigs was once near Laurieston Farm. Today, it is a marshy area with many rushes. Galrigs was the old name for the lands of Newfield.
Sports and Games
Troon Dundonald A.F.C.
The main sports team in the village is Troon Dundonald A.F.C. The club started in 1983 as Troon Burns A.F.C. They have now played for over 30 seasons in the Ayrshire Amateur Football Association. This is one of Scotland's largest amateur leagues.
The club has changed its name a few times. In 1998/99, they became Troon Amateurs Football Club. The club President, Stuart Urquhart, was one of the original founders. He is still very involved with the club and amateur football.
In their early years, they were promoted three seasons in a row. They went from the 4th Division to the 1st Division between 1983 and 1986. Recently, the club has also started youth teams for younger players.
The club has faced some challenges with their playing fields. Local authorities are working to fix drainage issues on the field. This work is expected to be finished in the Spring of 2024.
Dundonald Highland Games
The biggest sports event in Dundonald is the annual "Dundonald Highland Games." This event brings the whole village together for a weekend of traditional Scottish sports and fun.
The Slough of Despond
On the border of Dundonald and Symington parishes, there is an area called the 'Slough of Despond'. This name comes from a famous book, The Pilgrim's Progress, by John Bunyan. In the book, the Slough of Despond is a deep bog.
The burn (a small stream) in this area has long been known as the Slough. In Scots, 'sleugh' means a marsh or muddy area. No one knows exactly how the name 'Slough of Despond' was added to this place. It has been used since the mid-1800s. It might be linked to old limekilns nearby. These kilns were known for their strong, smoky fumes.
The Slough Burn still starts from the marshy area below Broadhirst Woods. The old limestone quarry that supplied the limekilns is now empty. It has become a place rich in wildlife. You can find old woodland plants like Wood Anemone and Bluebell here. The Slough Burn flows past several places before joining the River Irvine near Gatehead.
Events in Dundonald
- August - "Dundonald Highland Games" - A weekend of traditional Scottish Highland Games.
- May - "Dundonald Music Festival" - A weekend with live bands and jam sessions.
