The Barony of Kersland

About

The remains of the old castle of Kersland lie about 1.5 miles to the north-east of the town of Dalry in North Ayrshire, Scotland, in the old Barony of Kersland. The River Garnock lies nearby.

The Barony of Kersland was once extensive, however after the days of the Kerrs the land was parcelled out and the mid-superiority purchased by John Smith of Swineridgemuir (sic) after having been held by the Kerr family for upwards of 500 years. In the 15th century the parish had four other baronies: Kelburne, Blair, Lynn and Pitcon. The Kerslands proper sat on a bank shelving towards the River Garnock, comprising the properties of Kersehead, the Coalheugh-glen, the Tod-hills, the Brown-hills, the Davids-hills, and Auchengree, amounting to about 700 acres of arable land.

The ancient mansion or castle of Kersland stood on Easter (now 'East') Kersland Farm. The remains of the 'L-Plan' tower has been built into the farmhouse. The barmkin wall survives and has a surviving strong defensive corner tower. Paterson records that the house was almost entirely pulled down by the feuar, Robert Ker. The remaining two barrel vaulted chambers...