The Glenkens Story will present an afternoon of talks on the castle and the people in its history. Janet Brennan-Ingils, castle historian and author, restorer of Barholm Castle and former chair of the Scottish Castles Association, will speak on the history of Kenmure and its place among the castles of the South West.
Kenmure Castle, the most famous of the Glenkens Castles, stands just south of New Galloway and has been touched by much of Scottish history. It was a Balliol stronghold in the wars of independence, it was a refuge for Mary Queen of Scots on her flight from Scotland and sacked by her enemies, it was sacked again by Cromwell for supporting the Royal cause and subsequently the 6th Viscount was beheaded in the Tower of London for backing the Jacobites. Robert Burns predictably was a guest – on his way to Kirkcudbright.
For much of its history the castle has been held by the Gordon family. Major General (retd) James Gordon, the present owner, will give a personal account of the Gordon family’s close links to the castle’s eventful history.
Local place names expert Michael Ansell will discuss the origin of the name ‘Kenmure’ which looks straightforward – the muir of the Ken – but all may not be as it seems.
Sunday 26th February 2-4pm CatStrand
Tickets £12 (U26 £4)
www.gcatscot or call 01644 420 374.