Lochmartnaham

Martnaham Loch
Martnaham Loch at Jelliston
Location	Coylton, South Ayrshire, Scotland
Coordinates	Coordinates: 55°25′24.2″N 4°32′23.4″W / 55.423389°N 4.539833°W / 55.423389; -4.539833
Lake type	Freshwater loch
Primary inflows	Snipe Loch Burn, Sandhill Burn, rainwater and field drainage
Basin countries	Scotland
Max. length	1 1⁄4 miles (2.0 km)
Max. width	1⁄4 mile (0.40 km) at maximum
Surface area	113 acres (46 ha)
Max. depth	29 ft (8.8 m)
Water volume	47×10^6 cu ft (1.3×10^6 m3)
Surface elevation	269 ft (82 m)
Islands	One
Settlements	Ayr

Martnaham Loch (NS 396 172) is a freshwater loch lying across the border between East and South Ayrshire Council Areas, 2 km from Coylton, in the parishes of Coylton and Dalrymple, 3 miles from Ayr. The loch lies along an axis from north-east to south-west. The remains of a castle lie on a possibly artificial islet within the loch. The Campbells of Loudoun once held the lands, followed by the Kennedys of Cassillis.

Martnaham Loch is a large post-glacial 'Kettle Hole' fed by the Sidehill Burn, the Whitehill Burn and an outflow from Snipe Loch which in turn receives water from Loch Fergus. The loch's outflow is at the south-west end and the Sidehill Burn enters at the north-east end. As stated the outflow from Loch Fergus passes into Snipe Loch, this flow entering between Cloncaird Cottages and Martnaham Lodge. A small islet lies off the eastern lochshore and a promontory, once an island, holds the ruins of the old castle.

Martnaham is variously recorded as Martinham, Martnam, Martna, Matuane, and even Mertineton in 1700. The name may be Anglian or Gaelic and any connection with Saint Ninian's tutor, Saint Martin of Tours would be speculation.

The ruins of an old castle built on an island, recorded as Martnam Ynch (sic), near the centre of the loch are still apparent (NS 3952 1732), the entrance having been from the south side of the loch, formed by a stone embankment or causeway from the land to the island. It is not clear when it was erected. It was inhabited till the 16th century. The remains are of a large building, 21m by 7.5m, and the foundations of an annexe, 12m by 5m, were visible to the north-east. The main block is divided into three compartments, and the walls are of mortared rubble masonry, 0.8m thick, and attain a maximum height of 2.0m. Architectural features suggest a 16th/17th-century date. A possible rectangular building at the approach to the causeway may indicate the previous presence of a gatehouse. The site has been densely wooded for many years.

Martnaham may have been part of a chain of fortalices forming a defensive line, including Drongan and Auchencloigh castles. Love has it as the original seat of Old King Cole, thereby linking it with nearby Loch Fergus, named after King Cole's opponent and vanquisher. Circa 1661 John Bonar, a schoolmaster in Ayr, wrote a poetical description of the local traditions regarding King Cole and states that -