See how Dunure Castle Ayrshire changed between 1840 and 2024. Drag the slider to compare the historic photograph with the modern view.
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## Dunure Castle
Dunure Castle, perched on a rocky promontory in South Ayrshire, Scotland, traces its origins to the late 13th century. The earliest known reference to the lands dates from 1256, though the existing structure primarily reflects 15th and 16th-century architecture. Tradition holds that the castle was built by the Danes, while another account suggests the Mackinnons held it from Alexander III as a reward for their valor at the Battle of Largs. In 1357, the Kennedy family, ancestors of the Earls of Cassilis, were granted the lands, establishing Dunure as their stronghold. The castle's strategic location made it a focal point in regional politics; notably, in 1429, it hosted a meeting between James Campbell, representing King James I, and John Mor MacDonald, representing the Lords of the Isles. By the mid-17th century, the castle had fallen into disrepair, with local tradition suggesting it was damaged by fire or dismantled during the Civil War period. Today, the ruins stand as a testament to its storied past, overlooking the small harbor of Dunure.
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