We arrived at Dean Castle early one morning to find that it was closed for a special occasion. However, a gracious worker obtained a set of keys and enthusiastically showed us parts of the castle. The castle was so lovely that it warranted a return visit the following year.

Dean Castle was known as Kilmarnock Castle prior to 1700. It sits majestically in a lovely woodland park. The lands were awarded to the Boyds in 1316 in recognition of their allegiance to Robert I during the War of Independence and at the Battle of Bannockburn against Edward II. It was the family seat of the Boyd clan for over 400 years and the place of the wedding of Thomas Boyd and Princess Mary, the king's sister.

The earliest part of the castle, the square keep, was built around 1350 and a second tower added in 1468. However, in 1469 the Boyds were tried and found guilty of treason. Sir Alexander was beheaded while the Earl of Arran, Princess Mary's husband, fled to Denmark. It is claimed that Princess Mary was confined to Dean Castle until her husband's death.

In 1735 the castle was seriously damaged by fire, reputedly caused by a careless maid. The main castle buildings burned, were abandoned and lay in ruins for the next 200 years. Restoration was started in the early twentieth century when the Eighth Lord Howard de Walden inherited the castle. Restoration took place over the next thirty years. His son, the ninth Lord, donated the castle to the people of Kilmarnock in 1976.

The castle is open at stated times to the public. The exterior can be viewed at any time from the surrounding Country Park which provides excellent wild life facilities for parents and children.