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The shell you see today is of a building created in the early 1800s by Flora Mure-Campbell, Countess of Loudoun in her own right and through marriage Marchioness of Hastings. There were earlier structures on the site of the present castle which itself replaced another castle half a mile to the east - Arclowdun - reputedly sacked by the Kennedys of Culzean in a raid in medieval times.

The earliest part of the building incorporated in the present ruins is thought to have been a four storey keep, probably built by the Craufurds of Loudoun in the 1400s. This keep was some 30 feet by 20 feet with walls at least six feet thick and its foundations lie deep and inaccessible in the present ruins.

The First Earl of Loudoun, Sir John Campbell, Chancellor of Scotland, erected additional buildings to the south of the old keep which were also incorporated in the later rebuilding. It is thought that this work was carried out about the time of the creation of the Earldom of Loudoun in 1601.

These additions were overseen by "Matho Fulton", Master Mason whose monument can be seen in Loudoun Kirk.

Loudoun Kirk lies half a mile to the west of the Castle and is the traditional burial place of the Loudoun family and many local people. Now a near ruin, Loudoun Kirk was established by the monks of Fail in memory of Sir John Campbell at the behest of his widow in 1457. A local voluntary society 'Friends of Loudoun Kirk' has been set up to safeguard this ancient and sacred place.
Local records show that the work was going on in the early part of 1714 to stake out the walks around the parterre on the third Earl's "Great Plan" along with a number of internal improvements to the Castle.

These were organised by Alex McGill whose descendent John McGill is now active in researching the history of the castle.

Domestic problems are not limited to the present day as on April 27 1714, Mr Mcgill reported to the Earl that he could not get any "of those white tiles for my Lady's bedroom so must be doing with blue and white for some time".

There were also plans at that time to find a place for a "menagerie" and for "a house of entertainment". These were not, as far as we know, carried out, but perhaps the present developments at Loudoun are not so far removed from the thoughts of the third Earl.

The present castle was built for Flora, Countess of Loudoun to encompass both the 17th century extension and the 15th century keep. One estimate suggests that the "improvements" to Loudoun Castle between 1804 and 1811 cost over £100,000 - over £3,500,000 in today's money.

It is considered that James and Robert Adam and particularly Archibald Elliot were influential in the architectural work. The massive structure, known as The Windsor of Scotland, had over 90 apartments and was dominated by the main tower of which now, one solitary corner remains dramatically in place as an eerie monument to its builders.

"The sword that seemed fit for an archangel to wield was light in his terrible hand". Trad.

Sir Hugh de Crawford of Loudoun was the grandfather of Sir William Wallace (1273 - 1305) the great Scottish patriot who was born nearby at Ellerslie outside Kilmarnock. One of Wallace's swords was a treasured family possession and hung in Loudoun Castle. It was sold by auction in 1930.

The entrance hall was some 70 feet by 30 feet and the Wallace Sword had place of honour on the east wall.

The library on the south front measured 100 feet in length and incorporated much of the 17th century extension.

Archibald Elliot's plans included a large banqueting hall on the north front but this was not built, through lack of money. The West Front, above, was completed according to plan.

On the night of the fire, 1st December 1941, the family comprising the Countess Edith, her daughters and infant granddaughter Sheena, were sleeping in their rooms under the first floor library. Heating was by coal and log fires and it is thought that burning resin came back down the library chimney setting the wooden floor alight.

The family awoke to the frightening sound of the raging fire above them, fled to what is now the Estate House, and since that day no other member of the family has slept in the Castle.

Like all self-respecting castles of antiquity, Loudoun castle has its ghosts. The best known is the Grey Lady who flitted about the castle with such regularity that she was accepted as part of the fittings and did not disturb the smooth running of the castle.

There is also the Phantom Piper and the Benevolent Monk who seems to wander the policies wishing anyone who comes within earshot 'Pax Vobiscum' (Peace be with you).
However, in recent years there have been no sightings.....

but you never know......