| Ayr Castle | |
| Location: | Ayr, Scotland |
| Coordinates: | 55.465°N -4.6355°W |
| Map Type: | UK Scotland |
| Map Relief: | 1 |
| Map Size: | 150 |
| Type: | Tower |
| Built: | 1197 |
| Materials: | Stone |
| Used: | Until 16th or 17th century |
| Condition: | Demolished |
| Open To Public: | Private |
Ayr Castle was a castle situated at Ayr in Scotland. Once considered a royal castle, nothing remains of it above ground.[1]
In 1197, the castle was built by King William the Lion of Scotland, who later in 1205 created a burgh at Ayr. The castle was captured by the Norwegian King Håkon Håkonsson and a substantial Norwegian army in 1263 which led to the Battle of Largs after which it returned to Scottish control.[2] Robert the Bruce burned the castle in August 1298 in order to keep it out of the hands of the English.[3] The castle in 1542 was garrisoned by French troops and appears to have been demolished before the Cromwellian occupation between 1650 - 1651.