William Wallace is known as Scotland’s national hero who fought the English armies during the Wars of Independence. Wallace also had quite a big connection to Ayrshire. His connections with Ardrossan Castle are recounted in the tale known as “Wallace’s Larder” which details his surprise attack on the castle during it’s occupation by English forces. Wallace and his allies set fire to a small number of buildings near the castle which drew the attention of the English soldiers who left to investigate. They were then set upon by Wallace who led his forces up the hill and slaughtered the remains of the English garrison, throwing the bodies into the castle’s keep, which become known as “Wallace’s Larder” and where the name of the story came from.

However, some historians have cast doubt over the accuracy of Wallace’s
accounts in Ayrshire, but the legends persist none the less. It is also said that the ghost of William Wallace roams the grounds of the castle on stormy nights.

Ardrossan Castle has stood in it’s commanding position over the Firth of Clyde for almost 1000 years and is one of the oldest castle’s in Ayrshire and Scotland.

The ruins continue to be battered by wind, rain and harsh weather but
fortunately efforts have been made to keep it safe and secure for many more generations to enjoy as a historical relic from Ayrshire’s past.

This story is brought to you by Aidan Lynn of Ayrshire Legends. Listen to the full episode on the Ayrshire Legends YouTube channel.