Craigneil Castle
Tower House (14th Century) - (15th Century)
Site Name Craigneil Castle
Classification Tower House (14th Century) - (15th Century)
Canmore ID 61961
Site Number NX18NW 13
NGR NX 14701 85304
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/61961
- Council South Ayrshire
- Parish Colmonell
- Former Region Strathclyde
- Former District Kyle And Carrick
- Former County Ayrshire
Craigneil Castle is a rectangular tower 42' by 30' with walls 6' thick possibly dating from the 14th or 15th c's and situated on a rocky height which has been quarried as far as the base of the tower.
It has contained two main floors and an unvaulted basement the entrance being at ground level.
The name Craigneil is said to derive from Nigel, brother of Robert Bruce, but this tradition is doubtful and the property now belongs to Wm McConnel of Knockdolian.
D MacGibbon and T Ross 1887
Field Visit (25 October 1955)
As described; this massive keep is in a crumbling condition.
Visited by OS (JLD) 25 October 1955
Field Visit (8 January 1976)
No change to previous field report.
Visited by OS (BS) 8 January 1976
Field Visit (24 March 1977)
No change to previous field report.
Visited by OS (JRL) 24 March 1977
Field Visit (June 1981)
Craigneil Castle NX 147 853 NX18NW 13
The ruins of this late 14th- or 15th-century tower stand on a steep-sided knoll 300m E of Craigneil farmhouse.
RCAHMS 1981, visited June 1981
(Paterson 1863-6, ii, 129-31; MacGibbon and Ross 1887-92, i, 297-8)