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Dundonald

Dundonald Castle (Historic Scotland) is one of Scotland’s royal castles, and sits on a high hill overlooking the village. The hill has been occupied for at least 3000 years, and has been the site of at least three medieval castles. What you see nowadays are the remains of the third castle, built in the 14th century by Robert II, grandson of Robert the Bruce and the first Stewart king of Scotland, to mark his accession to the throne in 1371. It was here, in his favourite residence, that Robert died in 1390. When Boswell and Dr Johnson visited the castle in 1773 during their Scottish journey, Johnson was much amused by the humble home of “Good King Bob”, though in the 14th century the castle was much larger than it is now, having stables, a brew house and a blacksmith’s workshop.

At the top, now reached by a metal staircase, are what would have been the royal apartments, and it is here that Robert II no doubt died. There are fine views northwards and eastwards over central Ayrshire.