History of Kilkerran Tower Castle otherwise known at the "Auld" Fergusson Tower Castle
Clan Fergusson (or Ferguson) is one of Scotland's oldest clans, tracing its root ancestry back to the ancient Gaelic MacFhearghuis—meaning "son of Fergus." Tradition links the clan origins to Fergus Mór mac Eirc, the legendary king of Dál Riata who helped establish Scotland's early foundations moving across from Ireland to Argyle since about 500AD.
While Fergusson families flourished across multiple regions of Scotland, including Argyll, Perthshire, Dumfries, Ross and Aberdeenshire, the Fergusson lairds of Ayrshire established what would become the principal line. Settled in the rolling lands of Carrick probably before the early 11th century, likely traveling south from Argyll the Fergussons of Kilkerran came to dominate the clan's legal, military, and cultural history. They successfully maneuvered through periods of violent border conflicts, Scottish independence wars eventually rising to monumental influence during the Scottish Enlightenment. This family also survived the Jacobite wars and experienced the sacrifice of support for the King rather than Cromwell.
Whether Fergussons built this castle is unknown. There are many tower castles in the area. Tower castles were built for personal protection against raiding rival clans, etc. There are other similar tower castles nearby that claim King James IV built tower castles in 1490 to use for garrisons to subdue unruly clans. Today it is unfortunate that this tower castle is almost in complete ruins. The Fergussons moved into the current Kilkerran Mansion which is located 1-2 miles away.
The Kilkerran Tower Castle Estate
Located in South Ayrshire near Maybole, the Kilkerran Tower Castle Estate has served as the ancestral home and heart of the clan since the time of King Robert the Bruce. Moving well past its medieval defense origins, it grew into an exquisite designed landscape spanning rolling lowlands, pristine woodlands, and peaceful glens.
Kilkerran Tower Castle Ruins
The Kilkerran Tower almost in complete ruin .
The Former Ferguson Ancestral Seat
A wider perspective of the tower castle in over grown woodlands, Former seat of the Clan Fergusson Chief.
Kilkerran Tower Castle Ruins
The Kilkerran Tower almost in complete ruin .
The Ancient Former Ferguson Ancestral Seat
the tower castle in over grown woodlands, Former seat of the Clan Fergusson Chief.