Culzean
Castle - Ayr, Strathclyde (NTS)
Beautiful Culzean Castle stands overlooking the sea, with views to the
Isle of Arran and the Mull of Kintyre. Its appearance today is a far cry from its origins
as a L-shaped tower house of the 1590's, built by Sir Thomas Kennedy, guardian to his
nephew the 5th Earl of Cassillis. The Kennedys claimed descent from the Earls of Carrick
and thus a relationship with Robert Bruce. At one time
an important family in the Scottish Royal circle, the Kennedys like the Bruces before
them, had a varied and sometimes murky history.
The 8th Earl died without an heir and after a protracted legal dispute
about the succession, the title was granted to Sir Thomas Kennedy of Culzean in 1762. He
decided to improve and modernise the castle, which he preferred to the other family seat
at Cassillis House near Maybole. He was followed in both regards by his brother David, who
inherited in 1775 and it was David who employed the renowned architect Robert Adam for his new building.
The building took place in four phases between 1777 and 1792.
Incorporating some of the original sixteenth century stonework (the Old Eating Room
occupies the interior dimensions of the old tower house) Adam carried out an incredible
scheme of enlargement and decoration in his Neo-classical style. The ceilings, plasterwork
mouldings and paintings (by Antonio Zucchi) together
with the colour schemes (now restored) all reflect the mature Adam style seen in other
properties he worked on, such as Nostell Priory and Harewood House.
There are very many original elements from Adam's time, including
Chippendale, Hepplewhite and Sheraton furniture. The rooms provide a wonderfully elegant
contrast to the wild seascape outside, with the circular Saloon and Oval Staircase
particular highlights.
The estate was given to the National Trust for Scotland in 1945 and
considerable restoration and conservation has been undertaken both inside and outside the
castle. The grounds have been opened as a country park and the castle is used as a venue
for weddings and various functions.
