01/09/2026
🏰 The Cathcarts of Killochan & Old Dailly Church ⛪️
A little piece of Killochan’s history, just across the Girvan Water…
The history of Killochan Castle is inseparable from the Cathcart family, who held the lands of Killochan for more than six centuries.
The Cathcarts of Carleton were granted the lands of Killochan in the early 14th century, traditionally dated to 1324, in recognition of their support for Robert the Bruce. Killochan subsequently became the ancestral home of this branch of the family. (markhitstheroad.com)
The magnificent tower house that we see today dates principally from the 16th century. John Cathcart of Carleton and his wife Helen Wallace began the present castle in 1586, as recorded by the inscription above the entrance:
“This work was begun the 1 of Marche 1586 be Ihone Cathcart of Carltovn and Helene Wallace his spouse.” (markhitstheroad.com)
The Cathcarts were prominent figures in the history of Carrick and Ayrshire. Robert Cathcart of Killochan was among those of the family who fell at the Battle of Flodden in 1513, while later generations continued to play an important role in the affairs of the district. (Wikipedia)
But perhaps one of the most tangible reminders of the family’s long connection with this landscape can be found only a short distance from the castle, at the atmospheric ruins of Old Dailly Church.
The church has an extraordinary history of its own. Dedicated to St Michael, a church at Dailly is recorded as early as 1236, when it was granted to the monks of Paisley. It was subsequently transferred to the monks of Crossraguel, and the present ruined building is thought to incorporate elements of an earlier place of worship. (visitdailly.co.uk)
And within this ancient churchyard are the burial places of some of the great landed families of the district.
At the north-east corner of the ruined church stands the stone crypt of the Cathcarts of Killochan. The Cathcart burial vault is specifically recorded by Historic Environment Scotland, while the Bargany vault occupies the eastern end of the church itself. Nearby is the burial ground associated with the Boyds of Penkill. (Historic Environment Scotland)
So, although the castle and churchyard may appear to be separate places, they are in fact part of the same story — the churchyard providing the resting place for generations of the family whose home stood just across the Girvan Water at Killochan.
The connection continued well beyond the medieval and Renaissance periods. The Cathcarts were also prominent in the religious history of Dailly during the turbulent Covenanting period of the 17th century. The family were supporters of the Presbyterian cause and, despite the considerable risks involved, Killochan Castle was used to provide a place where outed ministers could preach to local people. In 1678, during the period of the Highland Host, a force of around 120 men was ordered to attack Killochan Castle — but its formidable defences prevented them from taking it. (markhitstheroad.com)
The Old Dailly churchyard itself also bears witness to this turbulent period. Several local Covenanters are commemorated here, including John Semple and Thomas M’Clorgan, while another memorial commemorates John Stevenson, Gilbert Martin and others who suffered during the Killing Times. (ayrshirepaths.org.uk)
There is something particularly special about standing amongst the ruins today and realising that this quiet churchyard once served the people of the surrounding estates — the Cathcarts of Killochan, the Dalrymple Hamiltons of Bargany and the Boyds of Penkill — as well as the ordinary families who lived and worked on their lands.
The old church ceased to be used for worship in the late 17th century, but the ruins and churchyard have preserved an extraordinary record of the people and events that shaped this corner of Ayrshire. (Historic Environment Scotland)
For anyone interested in the history of Killochan Castle, the Cathcarts, Dailly and the wider Carrick area, Old Dailly Church is well worth exploring.
👉 Read more - https://visitdailly.co.uk/old-dailly-church-churchyard/
