Stanecastle was a 14th century medieval barony and estate, which is now part of Irvine. Stane Castle was constructed in the early 16th century by William Montgomerie, the third son of the first Earl of Eglinton.
The castle is about 1 1/2 miles from Eglinton Castle and underwent repair and refurbishment around 1750, which added large gothic windows.
In 1508 William Montgomerie of Greenfield, the third son of the 1st Earl of Eglinton married Elizabeth Frances, sole heiress to Robert Francis of Stane, through whom he acquired the lands of Stane, Brydeskirk and Bourtreehill. He built the small rectangular castle at Stane.
In 1570, William’s grandson, Hugh Montgomerie of Stane and Auchinhood, sold the Barony of Stane to Hugh Montgomerie, 3rd Earl of Eglinton. Around 1750 the tower was altered by Alexander Montgomerie, 10th Earl of Eglinton who inserted the large gothic windows and in 1874 the lights of the tower were enlarged and remodelled.
The castle measures 31 feet by 24 feet. It’s 4½ feet thick walls are built from whinstone with freestone at its corners. In the north-east corner of the castle was a spiral staircase which gave access to the upper floors. At the top of the castle is a parapet.
The entrance door to the castle is on the east-end of the south-side of the building and stands eight-feet above the ground. Two corbels extend from the doorway which would have supported a platt. On the west side of the building above a wide panel is a square stone with the Eglinton coat of arms cut into it. Some claim this stone was inserted upside down but it is the fleur-de-lis and the signet rings that are upside down.
In the more modern era, Irvine Development Corporation added a roof to the structure and made the shell more secure.
Further Reading
Stane Castle at Historic Environment Scotland
Stane Castle at Trove.scot