In and Around Maybole

MAYBOLE

Baltersan Castle
16th century fortified laird's house now in ruin, on A77 south of Maybole near Crossraguel Abbey.

Cassillis House (private residence)
Dating from 14th century still owned by the Kennedy family, can be seen from the B742 Maybole/Dalrymple road.

Covenanters Memorial
Memorial to group of Covenanters on back road near Maybole.

Crossraguel Abbey
Built in 1244 one of the few Cluniac settlements in Scotland. Extensive remains are of high architectural distinction. Open to the public on A77 two miles south of Maybole. Contact Historic Scotland. Tel: (01655) 883113.

Crossraguel Abbey

Kilhenzie Castle
Taken over by the Kennedys about one mile due south of Maybole on the Girvan road.

Maybole Castle
Typical Scottish Baronial style castle, formerly the Town house of the Earl of Cassillis, visit by arrangement.
Tel: (01655) 883765.

Maybole Collegiate Church
Roofless ruin of 15th century church, built for small college establishment in 1373 by Kennedys of Dunure. Contact Historic Scotland. Tel: (0131) 668 8800.

Maybole Tolbooth
Clock tower all that remains of ancient tolbooth. Originally Town House of Lairds of Blairquhan. Town hall built adjacent to it last century to form Town Buildings.

CULZEAN

Castle and Country Park
Beautifully furnished castle designed by famous architect Robert Adam in 1777 and built around an ancient tower of the Kennedys. An Eisenhower Presentation explains the General's part in European history. Castle open 1st April - 31st October. Country Park opened in 1973 with Reception and Interpretation Centre. Ranger naturalist service with guided walks, swan pond, deer park, picnic sites, restaurant and tea rooms. A719 nine miles north of Girvan. Tel (01655) 884455.

KIRKOSWALD

Kirkoswald Churchyard
Tam O'Shanter (Douglas Graham) and Souter Johnnie (John Davidson) are buried here.

Souter Johnnie's Cottage
Operated by the National Trust for Scotland, home of the cobbler (Souter), in Burns' poem Tam O'Shanter.
Tel: (01655) 760603.

STRAITON

Blairquhan Castle
Private mansion house desined by William Burns for Sir David Hunter Blair and built between 1821 - 1824. Spectacular grounds with walled gardens. Fine collection of paintings. Open mid July to mid August.
Tel: (01655) 770239.

Church
18th century church with Pre-Reformation aisle. Convenanters' graves.