Tourism
PLACES OF INTEREST
Dean Castle
^ Dean Castle and Country Park, Kilmarnock
Dean Castle, and the extensive Country Park which surrounds it, lie towards
the north of Kilmarnock.
The earliest part of the fortress is the square Keep, built around 1350
by the Boyd family. In 1316, the Boyds had been given the estate of Kilmarnock
by Robert I (the Bruce) as a reward for their support for him during the
War of Independence and at the Battle of Bannockburn against Edward II
in 1314.
The Place, or Palace, was added about 1468 when the influence of the
Boyd family was at its strongest. It was built as Lord Boyd's private
apartments and was designed for comfort, although defence was not entirely
forgotten. In 1735 the Place was seriously damaged by fire and lay in
ruins for the next 200 years. In 1749 the Boyd family sold the castle
and the estate. Since then there have been many owners, including the
Earl of Glencairn, friend and patron of the poet Robert Burns.
When the 8th Lord Howard de Walden inherited the castle he began its restoration.
He completed the keep in 1908 and began the important collection of arms,
armour and tapestries. The musical instrument collection also displayed
here was collected by the 8th Lord's father-in-law. Restoration was completed
in 1946, and in 1975 the castle, collections and estate were gifted to
Kilmarnock by the 9th Lord Howard de Walden.
A recently opened Visitor Centre in the Country Park enables everyone
to learn more about the Park and its wildlife in the Discovery Room and
Auditorium. The building also houses a tea room. The Rare Breeds Centre
has exhibitions relating to some of the animals kept here, and the Children's
Corner and Riding Centre let the visitor get closer to the animals.
On 19th September 2002, the Robert Burns World Federation, in conjunction
with East Ayrshire Council, unveiled a memorial plaque to commemorate
the tragedy that took place in the United States of America on 11th September
2001. The plaque, which is situated in a memorial rose garden in front
of Dean Castle in Kilmarnock, was unveiled by Provost Jimmy Boyd on behalf
of the Robert Burns World Federation and the people of East Ayrshire.
Attending the event were members of Burns Clubs from the United States,
Canada and Australia.
Go to the Dean Castle Country Park web site
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