Description:

Dundonald Castle stands overlooking the village of Dundonald, between Kilmarnock and Troon in South Ayrshire. Built by Robert II upon becoming King of Scotland in 1371, it served as a royal residence for him and his son, Robert III. Robert II, who died there in 1390, constructed the castle to mark his accession, while his ancestor, Walter, High Steward of Scotland, had built the first castle on the site in the mid-1100s. Little remains of the earlier two castles built before 1371. The first, made of earth and timber, was replaced around 1260 by a formidable stone fortress, kite-shaped in design with twin-towered gatehouses. Part of the west gatehouse from that era is still incorporated into the current castle, likely built by Alexander, the 4th High Steward. The castle suffered badly during the Wars of Independence (1296–1356).