Scheduled MonumentsScotlandPortencross Castle

Portencross Castle

Scotland
HES SM327
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Portencross Castle is a late medieval tower house situated on the coast of North Ayrshire near the village of Portencross. The castle dates from the fifteenth century and comprises a rectangular stone keep of modest proportions, characteristic of Scottish tower house architecture of that period. The structure served defensive and residential functions for the local nobility, commanding views over the Firth of Clyde. The castle remains substantially intact as a standing ruin and is recorded as a scheduled monument under Historic Environment Scotland's designation.

Portencross Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM327. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Portencross Castle?

Portencross Castle is a late medieval tower house situated on the coast of North Ayrshire near the village of Portencross. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM327.

Who is responsible for protecting Portencross Castle?

Portencross Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic Environment Scotland — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Scotland. The official designation reference is SM327.

What other scheduled monuments are near Portencross Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Auld Hill,fort,Portencross (0.3 km), Little Cumbrae Castle (3.3 km), Castle Knowe,motte (3.4 km).

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