Cumbrae Historical Society delved into the history of an intriguing mainland castle in North Ayrshire this week.

Dr Amanda Simpson of Ardrossan Heritage Society gave a fascinating talk on the history of Ardrossan Castle.

Now a ruin, due to the depredations of Oliver Cromwell's troops in 1648, it's outline is still visible and its missing stonework can be seen in Ayr Citadel to where it was removed by Cromwell's army.

Ardrossan Heritage Society was founded in 2012 to advance the protection of the area, encourage citizenship and community participation locally by enhancing educational awareness of the heritage on the doorstep of the local population.

Ardrossan being one of the most deprived areas in Scotland. Artefacts dating back to the Iron Age have been discovered and various archaeological investigations of the site have been undertaken.

A most successful Ardrossan Castle Carnival was held in June 2016 after attracting substantial lottery funding.

The castle dates back to 1140 when it was the home of the Norman knight de Morville. The main construction work took place during the 13th and 14th centuries by Lord Montgomerie's family.

Three phases of construction are readily visible in the stonework that remains. Near the castle is also the remains of a church with some 36 grave markers, some with visible inscriptions (one dated 1662). The finely carved Ardrossan stone sacrophagus was a major find on the site, discovered in 1911, leather fragments from inside of which being currently under investigation. The site was also the place where Scotland's Privy Council met on 18 June 1546, so Ardrossan has much history of which to be proud.

The next meeting will be Monday 12 December when Christine Watson (Kilwinning) will present a talk on “A personal journey into local history”. All welcome, visitors charged £1.