Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
Introduction
It’s in North Ayrshire, Scotland is a place called Fairlie Glen. It is located on the shore of the Firth of Clyde, only 13 kilometres (about 8 miles) northwest of Largs. Its history, more than its cute marina and harbour, is what draws most visitors. Structures from the 1700s may still be seen here.
Fairlie Village
About 1,200 people call the community of Fairlie in Ayrshire, Scotland, home. Fairlie Castle was constructed as an estate settlement in the early 19th century by Robert Montgomerie, commonly known as Robert Maxwell. Originally established as an estate community, the town now bears the name of the nearby castle. John Maxwell and Mary Montgomerie raised him as their son. Fairlie Castle, constructed by David Hamilton between 1819 and 1821, is a prime example of the Gothic Revival architecture. Apart from Auchenharvie House, which is located close to Kilmarnock, he was responsible for the design of numerous other structures around Scotland during the period.
Fairlie Glen is a little town steeped in history that almost anybody has heard of. At the most recent count, 687 individuals called it home. The village has been perched on a hillside since the 14th century. Fairlie’s castle is steeped in legend because of its significant role in the town’s past.
Fairlie Glen – Castle Myths
Two major myths circulate regarding Fairlie Castle. For one, a castle did not exist. The other is that it could have existed before, but was destroyed by fire or other means by someone who didn’t like it.
John Stewart, who lived in Sir William Stewart’s mansion after it was constructed in 1706, started spreading the tale in 1856. (this would make him born around 1686). He said his grandpa informed him Sir William had demolished an earlier house and started again so he could live on the estate without having to pay rent. James, Sir William’s son, retreated to this residence following his father’s passing and lived here until his own death in 1803. (this would mean James was born around 1750).
Several noble families have called the castle home at various points in its history. Mr. George Pollock held it for 84 years, beginning in 1825. After his passing, his granddaughter inherited the property, but she had little interest in keeping the massive mansion. She emptied it out, selling everything from Sir Walter Scott paintings to the furniture. The latter was 71 and a half when he went there on his last trip before passing away in 1832.
Sir Thomas Bruce, another of Robert Bruce’s brothers, is said to have ruled over the Fairlie settlement (1277-1346).
Sir Thomas Bruce
Sir Thomas Bruce was honoured as a Knight of the Thistle and appointed to the Privy Council of Scotland in 1320. Later in 1362, he was elevated to the position of Earl of Elgin.
In 1329, Sir Thomas landed his soldiers at Fairlie after marching up from Arran. After that, he made his way up Glen Auchindoun, eventually reaching Battle Park, where he soundly destroyed a comparatively tiny Scottish army. Some historians believe the fight took place in what is now our 18th greenside bunker, which is adjacent to where the first hole (The White) is located.
After returning from the island of Arran, Sir Thomas spent some time in his castle on Loch Long. Before coming home, he waited until King David II asked him to conduct another expedition into Ayrshire.
The current structure of the castle dates back to the 14th century, although it has a rich history that predates before. Robert the Bruce, according to historical accounts, constructed the first version of the building in the year 1300. There is a legend that Bruce camped out at the castle when fighting the English for control of Scotland. People seem to believe this myth to be genuine.
The Duke of Buccleuch
In 1616, the Duchess of Buccleuch made an acquisition of Fairlie estate. In 1663, his son Charles, now the Earl of Dalkeith, constructed a new mansion there. By 1670, it had been finished and taken on its current name, Dalkeith House. General Monck, under King Charles II, took control of the region in August 1660.
The inspiration for his New or Little Cottage was Palladio’s Villa Capra “La Rotonda,” which he detailed in 1779. Construction on this structure began in 1781 and was finished on the site of a former mediaeval tower. In 1791, Sir John Clerk, Lord Eldin (1749-1837) had the mansion remodelled by architect Robert Adam when he purchased it.
Located on a slope, it began to sway and eventually collapse in 1824, necessitating a rebuild. An exquisitely arched entryway on the north side, Corinthian columns, and a pedimented bell tower define it as a prime example of the Scottish Baroque style.
Fairlie Castle
For more accurate details about Fairlie Castle’s past, historians recommend taking a look at the structure’s design. Large blocks of stone were used in the original structure’s construction, and the building was kept together using mortar and cement. Erosion from natural causes like rainfall has reduced the structure to only the pieces that are above ground. Those who aren’t interested in archaeology or history (and so aren’t reading this) may nevertheless enjoy a visit to Fairlie Castle thanks to the legends that surround it. A good example is the story of “Crom Cruach,” an ogre who supposedly resided in the area but was really simply a human who happened to appear like an ogre. Another legend claims that fairies used to dance atop the ruins late at night until a priest drove them away. Thankfully, the priest is long gone and we have electricity, so the dancing fairies are a thing of the past.
The Ogre of Fairlie Castle
The fabled Ogre of Fairlie Castle has allegedly been seen in the area. The construction of the castle began in the Middle Ages. There are descriptions of a big, hairy ape-like monster with a human-like face and enormous teeth.
Bear and ape sightings have been put out as possible explanations for ogre appearances. Still, there are many who think it may be proof of extraterrestrial beings like Bigfoot or even aliens.
By the end of the 18th century, the crumbling fortress had been dubbed Fairlie Castle. The castle was referred to as “Castle Low” in a poem written by John Logan. He said that the Stewart family of Ardgowan had formerly possessed the property. Evidence suggests that it was a hunting lodge constructed for the 4th High Steward of Scotland, Robert Stewart (who died after 1311), and maybe his son, the 5th High Steward, Robert Stewart (died 1326). The structures have been designated as national monuments, thus they are safe from destruction.
The significant vistas across the Clyde Estuary are the reason the ruin is included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes maintained by Historic Environment Scotland.
The Origins of the Site at Fairlie Glen
There are two hypotheses as to why this location was selected.
Lady Grizel Cochrane, it is said, fell into the sea while doing laundry nearby and drowned. A passing local noticed her and tossed an outgrown clothing from his boat; she grabbed it, but they yanked it from of her grasp while trying to take her aboard. She was so appreciative that she promised them everything they wanted as a prize, but they specifically requested property in Largs on which to construct their houses.
Ancient Fort near Fairlie Glen
The ruins of an old fort may be found a little distance to the east, although still inside Fairlie Glen’s official boundaries. Little information is available about this location. It was probably constructed by the Romans, but they could have done it earlier, between the years 200 and 400 A.D. There is no record of its previous inhabitants or their purposes for using the building, although its position suggests an agricultural community existed in the area.
What we see now is the remnants of a stone rampart that would have been part of a large circular enclosure (more than a thousand feet in diameter) that would have provided enough living space for its inhabitants.
Cup and Ring Marked Rock near Fairlie Glen
One of the most striking specimens of rock art in Scotland is this cup and ring marked boulder. The rock at Fairlie Glen that has been penned in probably dates back to the Bronze Age (c.2200-800BC). It’s made up of a number of tiny circles inside of two larger concentric circles. They sit on a sandstone cliff with cutouts and hollows all around them, providing a breathtaking view of the ocean.
Cup and ring markings have a mysterious significance. Some believe they were employed in rituals as talismans or emblems, while others think they were used to keep track of the seasons and astronomical events like eclipses and solstices. Around Scotland, you may find a plethora of them; over 5,000 have been documented so far.
Diamond Hill south of Fairlie Glen
North Ayrshire, Scotland is home to Diamond Peak, a hill that overlooks the Firth of Clyde coastal plain. It’s a plug of diabase, a kind of basalt, that was formed when a volcano that no longer exists exploded.
The summit may be found to the north-northwest of Fairlie and to the south-southwest of Dunure. The top sits around 5 miles (8 km) east-southeast of Ailsa Craig Lighthouse. When seen from certain vantage points, Diamond Hill resembles a diamond that has been faceted.
It has major geomorphological importance since it represents one end of “the longest continuous natural length”. Without a barrier to stop their path, manmade constructions along the west coast may go on unbroken.
Fairlie Viewpoint
A stunning ocean panorama can be seen from the Fairlie Viewpoint, making it a favourite spot for photographers and birdwatchers. Several pathways go to and from the viewpoint, making it a pleasant walking destination in its own right.
Fairlie Sands
A sandy beach, Fairlie Sands attracts families, surfers, and fishermen. You may leave your vehicle at the top of the hill leading to the beach and take a short stroll down to the sand.
A sandy beach stretching over a half a mile in length. People go from all over Scotland to swim in its warm waters in the summer and to dip their toes in the white water in the winter.
Wildlife around Fairlie Glen
Red grouse and ptarmigan may be seen in the nearby hills. There are more than 30 different types of birds to watch out for. Fairlie Glen is a designated nature reserve, thus it is against the law to injure or harass the flora and fauna that call it home. The government of the United Kingdom has enacted legislation to save rare animals like the red kite and the European bee-eater. Outside of the United Kingdom, this safeguard is enforced by the European Union and the United Nations Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
Simply put, it’s crucial that humans refrain from mistreating these creatures. They are irreplaceable components of British history and culture, and as such, we owe it to future generations to keep them safe.
Lots of different kinds of animals live in Fairlie Glen. A lot of them are common, but a few are seriously threatened by extinction.
- The red squirrel is the most prevalent local mammal. Previously native to places like Glen Lyon and Loch Tummel, it has been restored to those areas’ estates. These little animals are now an essential component of daily life in Fairlie Glen. They are sometimes sighted scurrying through the trees of Scotland in search of nuts, but these critters are really visitors from North America.
- Other creatures include badgers (which aren’t native), foxes, and deer. Goldfinches, blackbirds, and blue tits, and even swans, passing through on their way to their northern wintering haunts in the Moray Firth area, are just some of the numerous species of birds that may be seen in the air.
Flowers, plants, and trees
- Trees: oak, birch, elm, hazel, ash, hawthorn, blackthorn, sycamore, holly (Ilex aquifolium), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), willow (Salix sp.), elder (Sambucus nigra), aspen (Populus tremula), alder (Alnus glutinosa) and beech (Fagus sylvatica).
- Flowers: primrose; ragged robin; common dog violet; lesser celandine or poison oak buttercup; greater stitchwort; yellow flag iris; harebells or bluebells of Scotland.
Conclusion
With any luck, this little introduction to Fairlie has given you a taste of the colourful and eventful past of this charming little town. If you’re interested in learning more, we can tell you about a number of other little towns in Scotland that have enormous stories to tell. So much of our country’s history and present may be discovered via study.
