Knockdolian Castle

[William Douglas]

Knockdolian Castle is a ruined small 16th century pele-tower once occupied by the Grahams, the McCubbins and the MacConnels.

It has come to my attention through research by another (Maybe he will name himself here?) as we dig deeper into my mother-in-law's family history.

Elspet Brok married Adame Dowglase in 'Inveresk with Musselburgh, Midlothian, Scotland' on 25 Nov 1606. Or so the record shows. But Elspeth may be Lady Elspeth Brok Graham, of Knockdolian Castle. The Grahams were from the Duke of Montrose's family, but I have yet to identify Elspeth. Another line of enquiry shows Elspeth as being Elspeth Brockie. Could she have married twice?

There is a rather good tale about Knockdolian Castle:

The old house of Knockdolion stood near the water of Girvan, with a black stone at the end of it. A mermaid used to come from the water at night, and taking her seat upon this stone, would sing for hours, at the same time combing her long yellow hair. The lady of Knockdolion found that this serenade was an annoyance to her baby, and she thought proper to attempt getting quit of it, by causing the stone to be broken by her servants. The mermaid, coming next night, and finding her favourite seat gone, sang thus–

Ye may think on your cradle–I’ll think on my stane;
And there’ll never be an heir to Knockdolion again.”

Soon after, the cradle was found overturned, and the baby dead under it. It is added that the family soon after became extinct.

[Ronald Drysdale]

"Maybe he will name himself here...."

I prefer to remain anonymous!