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Ardrossan Castle was built in the 14th Century and sadly today it's in pretty bad shape. The castle commands the best view over the village of Ardrossan. Perched on a steep hill it offers a natural defence from the South. There are deep ditches on either side still to this day. Although overgrown it is easy to see how gaining access to the Castle would have been difficult.
About the only story that came up with local historians was about "Wallace's Larder". Apparently our very own William Wallace lured the English troops down into the village by setting a house on fire. When they returned Wallace was waiting for them and the whole garrison was defeated. The bodies of the English were thrown into the dungeon and the name "Wallace's Larder" emerged. Wallace was also the first to begin demolishing the Castle, however not completely. Oliver Cromwell years later also pillaged the Castle by taking stone for the construction of a Citadel in Ayr.
There are few details anywhere about Ardrossan Castle which is very sad. It is a forgotton piece of Ayrshire history. The Castle is in very poor health and from what I saw in May 2005 steps need to be taken to prevent public access. The southern flank has a concave roof about 9 feet in height. Both ends are open leaving only two sides supporting the structure. Many children were climbing all over it whilst I visited. If any one of the keystones gave way through erosion or malicious means, several tons of stone will come crashing down on top of someone, then continue down the side of the hill onto the railway line below. I have written to South Ayrshire Council with my safety concerns regarding Ardrossan Castle. It's a sad end to an old lady that has been around for a very long time and a familiar sight on the hill above Ardrossan.
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