Ochiltree Castle, East Ayrshire facts for kids
Ochiltree Castle was an old castle in East Ayrshire, Scotland. Its name means "the lofty dwelling-place." It was built on a high piece of land next to the Lugar Water. Right across the water was Auchinleck Castle.
The de Colville family built Ochiltree Castle in the 1100s. Sadly, it was destroyed in 1449 by Sir William Douglas.
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Early History of Ochiltree Castle
The de Colville family, who were Normans, came to Scotland around 1174. They owned the land around Ochiltree. The castle stood on a tall, rocky bank by the Lugar River.
The Castle's Destruction
In 1449, William Douglas attacked and captured Ochiltree Castle. He defeated the Colville family and took over their lands. This happened because a Colville had killed a friend of Douglas. It was an act of revenge.
After the castle was destroyed, people took all its stones away. They used the stones to build houses and walls on nearby farms.
Changes in Ownership
Ochiltree Castle and its lands changed hands many times over the years.
Important Exchanges
In 1530, Sir James Colville traded the castle. He gave it to Sir James Hamilton of Finnart for land in East Wemyss in Fife.
Then, in 1534, the new owner traded it again. He gave it to Andrew Stewart, Third Lord Evandale. In return, Stewart gave him the barony of Evandale. After this trade, Andrew Stewart became the first Lord of Ochiltree.
Famous Marriages at the Castle
Two interesting weddings happened at the old castle:
- In March 1564, John Knox got married there. He married Margaret Stewart, who was the daughter of Lord Ochiltree.
- In June 1684, John Graham of Claverhouse married Jane Cochrane. She was the niece of Sir John Cochrane.
Later Years and Final Sale
The title of Lord of Ochiltree became unused in 1675. The land then passed through many different owners.
The Castle's Final Fate
Eventually, the first Earl of Dundonald owned the land. He gave it to his second son, Sir John Cochrane. Sir John lost it in 1685, but his son bought it back in 1686.
Around 1737, Governor M'Crae bought the land from the Cochrane family. He left it to Miss Macquire, who later became the Countess of Glencairn. Finally, around 1817, the land was sold off in smaller parts to different people.
It is believed that the castle was completely destroyed by fire. All its important papers, valuable plates, and other treasures were lost in the fire.
