OS1/21/25/26

Continued entries/extra info

Mains Castle (continued)
continued from foregoing page.
- having the Arms of Scotland cut upon it. This stone was about 50 years ago removed to Torrance by order of Col. [ Colonel] Stuart and placed in the front of the house above the chief entry. The old and probably the first edifice of the Mains stood about 70 yards north of the Tower and is now lying in ruins. The fossa within which it was enclosed is more perfect and much larger than the one round the Castle Tower. An aged Yew which stands a few yards to the S.E. [South East] of the Mains is the only tree worthy of notice about the place. The Castle, the age of which is unknown, was probably built by the Cummins before the reign of King Robert the Bruce, at that period nearly 2/3 of the lands of Kilbride belonged to that powerful family but the whole was forfeited by the treachery of John Cummin whom Bruce killed at Dumfries. They were afterwards given to John Lindsay of Dunrode successor to James Lindsay who assisted the King in Killing the Traitor. The family prefering the Mains to Dunrode their ancient family seat near Gourock took up their residence in Kilbride. They flourished in great wealth and splendour till little more than a century ago when the estate was sold to pay the debt which the extravagance of the owner forced him to contract." - Mr. Ure published his History about the year 1793 . The Tower or Castle as it is called which he described is yet standing but the fosse which surrounded it cannot be traced nor are there any traces of the draw-bridge or gate which he mentions. There is an ancient yew tree yet standing at about 3 chains from the Castle and nearly east of it. It is much decayed and is the only tree of the kind near the place. The more ancient building which he describes as being in a heap of ruins is totally removed the foundations can be easliy traced and a double fosse is visible and well defined on the north and east.