Introduction
This evening, I am reprising a ‘Montgomery’ themed ancestry tour for two guests from the U.S.A.
Tour itinerary: Part 1
After collection at Lochwinnoch, we drove north to view the 20 bedroom castle at Skelmorlie which dates from 1502. Historically, the castle was owned by the second Earl of Eglinton who led the Montgomery clan in support of Mary Queen of Scots in battle.
Next we drove down the coast to Largs, a pleasant seaside town, for a coffee stop. Then on to Ardrossan Harbour which was built by the Montgomerys of Eglinton Castle. This project caused the family considerable financial distress at the time. From Ardrossan we could view the Isle of Arran which was granted to Hugh, the 3rd Lord Montgomery in the 15th century.
A next objective was Kerelaw Castle. This was not easy find, being located in the midst of a social housing scheme in Stevenston. In fact, there are just ruins evident. This is because of destruction by fire when the Montgomerys burnt this Cunninghame castle in 1488.
Next, we moved on to Eglinton Castle, near Irvine. This is a ruined 18th century castellated mansion located in a pleasant public park. See video for more information and views.
En-route to Troon we stopped at Annick Bridge. This is close to where Hugh Montgomery, 4th Earl, was murdered in 1586 by the Cunninghams of Colbeith and Robertland.
At Troon we enjoyed a spot of lunch at a pub close to the harbour, which was good value.
Our final destination was Polnoon Castle and Eaglesham both of which have strong Montgomery connections.
Tour itinerary: Part 2
Polnoon Castle is little more than a pile of rubble in a field having been abandoned by end of the 17th century.The castle was built using proceeds of a ransom paid to Sir John Montgomerie by Sir Henry ‘Hotspur’ Percy. This settlement followed the Battle of Otterburn in 1388.
The conservation village has close links with the Montgomerys dating from the late 1760s. At this time Alexander Montgomerie, 10th Earl of Eglinton, decided to bring order to the local collection of crofts and farms. We visited the church burial ground where can be found records of many deceased Montgomerys recorded on grave-markers. There are also Montgomery place names and a Montgomery armorial stone over the (closed) Cross Keys pub.
En route to lodgings we viewed the Eaglesham Moor wind farm and photographed a herd of deer.
This is Annick Bridge close to which occurred the murder of Hugh Montgomery.
Ruins of Kerelaw Castle, Stevenston.
Coat of Arms at former stables at Eglinton Castle. Inscription reads “Garde Bien” or Careful.
Ruins of Polnoon Castle near Eaglesham
Eaglesham Kirk, in the burial ground of which can be found many Montgomery grave markers.
More information for the visitor
Please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland which contains nearly 800 pages of information and images on many aspects of Scotland. ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. Also available via Kindle.