| Ayr Castle | |
|---|---|
| Ayr, Scotland | |
  Ayr Castle | |
| Coordinates | 55°27′54″N 4°38′08″W / 55.4650°N 4.6355°W |
| Grid reference | grid reference NS33482218 |
| Type | Tower |
| Site information | |
| Open to the public | Private |
| Condition | Demolished |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1197 |
| In use | Until 16th or 17th century |
| Materials | Stone |
Ayr Castle was a castle situated at Ayr in Scotland. Once considered a royal castle, nothing remains of it above ground.[1]
In 1197, the castle was built by King William the Lion of Scotland, who later in 1205 created a burgh at Ayr.[1] The castle was captured by the Norwegian King Håkon Håkonsson and a substantial Norwegian army in 1263 which led to the Battle of Largs after which it returned to Scottish control.[2] Robert the Bruce burned the castle in August 1298 in order to keep it out of the hands of the English.[3] The castle in 1542 was garrisoned by French troops and appears to have been demolished before the Cromwellian occupation between 1650–1651.[1]