Dean Castle

Dean Castle is a 14th century castle located in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland. It was the stronghold for the Boyd Family, who were lords of Kilmarnock for over 400 years, and is situated in a 200-acre (80-hectare) site situated within the Dean Castle Country Park. The castle contains a museum collection of European arms and armour, and features an extensive collection of early musical instruments. Originally known as Kilmarnock Castle (or Kilmarnock Castell) until 1700, it gradually took its name from the dean or wooded valley, a common place name in Scotland. Owned originally by the Boyd family, it has strong historical connections with many people and events famous in Scottish history. Robert the Bruce who gave the Boyds these lands; James III of Scotland whose sister married a Boyd; the Covenanters, some of whom were imprisoned here; Bonnie Prince Charlie, whose rebellion was joined by the 4th Earl of Kilmarnock and Robert Burns who was encouraged to publish his poetry by the Earl of Glencairn who owned the Castle at that time. Today, the castle is owned and operated by East Ayrshire Leisure, a department of East Ayrshire Council, and is one of the top visitor attractions in across Ayrshire. It has been designated Category A listed building status by Historic Environment Scotland, who cite its "chequered past" as a defining feature of the castles significance.