Little Cumbrae Castle

Little Cumbrae castle
Little Cumbrae, North Ayrshire, Scotland UK grid reference [1]
The castle as seen from Little Cumbrae
Little Cumbrae castle
Coordinates	55°43′13″N 4°56′31″W / 55.7203°N 4.941811°W / 55.7203; -4.941811
Site information
Owner	Private
Controlled by	Montgomery clan
Open to the public	No
Condition	A substantial ruin
Site history
Built	16th century
In use	Until 17th century
Materials	Stone

Little Cumbrae Castle sits on Allimturrail (the islet of the noble's tower) or Castle Island, a small tidal island, situated off the east coast of Little Cumbrae, in the Firth of Clyde.

Little Cumbrae was recorded as Kumbrey circa 1300, Cumbraye circa 1330 and Litill Comeray in 1515. The present small square castle of Little or Lesser Cumbrae was built by Lord Eglinton in the 16th century, possibly as a base to prevent deer and rabbit poaching; both animals being very common on the main island of Little Cumbrae at the time. The Hunters of Hunterston were for centuries the Hereditary Foresters of the island and King's lands of Little Cumbrae, however Hugh, Earl of Eglinton was made keeper of the island in 1515 because the Privy Council believed that Robert Hunter did not have the means to ...resist ye personis yat waistis the samyn without suple and help. This arrangement lasted for fifteen years and in 1527 Robert Hunter obtained a 'Royal Charter of the Island', but soon after the Crown sold it to the Earl of Eglinton, who in 1555 had his rights confirmed by James V.

Walter Stewart (1293–1326), who had married Marjorie Bruce, daughter of King Robert the Bruce, may have previously built a castle or hunting lodge here and his son, Robert II spent time here hunting the deer, however no local traditions about the site of the old castle have survived. The "Auld Castle" was occupied during hunting expeditions by Robert II in 1375 and 1384. King Robert III also visited Little Cumbrae Castle.

Robert Boyd of Badinhaith or Badenheath in Stirlingshire was the second son of Robert Boyd, 5th Lord Boyd and in 1599 resided in the castle and planned to encourage trade by building a harbour going so far as to obtain materials for the work, however at that time a number of families lived on Little Cumbrae and principle amongst them were several Montgomerys who did not wish to improve communications with the outside world. The island was at that time a refuge for "rebels, fugitives and ex-communicates" and the upshot was that the Montgomerys led some thirty men who broke down the doors to the castle, destroyed the materials intended for the harbour and smashed up the furniture, ousting Robert Boyd and occupying the castle. They seem to have escaped punishment and even given succour to other malefactors.