- Barony of Aiket
The Barony of Aiket was in the old feudal Baillerie of
Cunninghame , nearStewarton in what is nowEast Ayrshire ,Scotland .The history of Barr Hill and Aiket castle
Barr Hill, near Aiket Castle (Ackett in 1775) had two beautiful small monuments on its top until the early 1800s. These structures were well built, with lime cemented stones and stood twelve feet high. Aiket Castle itself was a square tower typical of the residences of the lesser barons, originally surrounded by a moat. A Justice Hill stood near to the castle. The name is derived from 'Oak Wood'. The family were descended from the Cunninghames of Bedland, who were cadets of the family of GlencairnDobie, James D. (ed Dobie, J.S.) (1876). "Cunninghame, Topographized by Timothy Pont" 1604–1608, with continuations and illustrative notices. Pub. John Tweed, Glasgow.] .Alexander Cunninghame is the first recorded as living at Aiket. Robert Cunninghame seems to have been a very undesirable individual, killing Sir John Mure of Caldwell and his own wife attempted to poison him. He was implicated in the murder of the Earl of Eglinton, had all his property forfeited and was eventually shot dead on his own doorstepBayne, John F. (1935). "Dunlop Parish - A History of Church, Parish, and Nobility". Pub. T.& A. Constable, Pps. 10 - 16.] .
Robert Cunninghame's wife complained bitterly when the estate was eventually returned in ruinous condition. James Cunninghame was closely involved with the
Darien scheme and accompanied the first expedition. On his return he was an armed opponent of the 1707 Union Of Parliaments. He lost so much on his various activities that he was forced to sell his estates.The murder of the 4th Earl of Eglinton
Three Aiket daughters were married to participants in the tale of the murder of Hugh, Earl of Eglinton; two to Cunninghames and one, Lady Margaret, to a Montgomerie. In 1564 Cunninghame of Aicket (sic) is referred to as the 'Larde of Halkhede.'Rollie, James (1980). "The invasion of Ayrshire. A Background to the County Families". Pub. Famedram. P. 83.] In the 18th-century the Dunlops made the castle more fashionable by cutting off the tower and regularising the windows. A disastrous fire in 1957 left the castle with only two vaults and three walls standing, however Robert and Katrina Clow restored the building in the mid -seventies.Dunlop Ancient & Modern. An Exhibition. March 1998. Editor. Dugald Campbell. P.17. ]
The Spectral Knight of Hessilhead and the Bride of Aiket
Anna Cunninghame of Aiket was pledged to marry her true love, Henry Montgomerie of Hessilhead. They were to marry upon his return from the crusades, however Allan Lockhart, son of a neighbouring Baron began to pay increasingly frequent visits to the inmates of Aiket Castle. His courtship was in vain and he would have no success unless the Crusades were to claim Henry. After many more months had passed Allan decided to used trickery and eventually persuaded a footsoldier recently returned from the Crusades to tell the false tale of the death of Henry Montgomerie. The ruse was carried off with success and after a short while Allan pressed his attentions again and the marriage day was set. On that very day Henry returned to Hessilhead castle and discovered the treacherous act, however he fell from his horse on his way to claim his bride and died within minutes. At twelve o'clock midnight the wedding feast was halted abruptly by the figure of the fully armour clad Neil Montgomerie striding into Aiket Castle hall, lifting up the Lady Anna and then vanishing into the night. Neither soldier nor bride were ever found.Robertson, William (1889) "Historical Tales and Legends of Ayrshire." Pub. Hamilton, Adams & Co. P. 340 - 357. The Lockhart, Loccard or Lockhard family are believed to have been the first owners of the Barony of Kilmarnock. Symington is named after a Flemish knight, Simon Loccard.
Braikenheuch Hill
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