Dean Castle

Dean Castle, once known as Kilmarnock Castle, is a restored 14th century castle which was the home of the Boyd family for four centuries.

In the 15th century the Boyds were involved in a feud with the Stewarts of Darnley. Sir Thomas Boyd of Kilmarnock killed Sir Alan Stewart of Darnley, 2nd Lord of Aubigny and Concressault, in 1439.

The location of their encounter is named in some sources as Powmathorn or Powmathorne, and is described variously as being three miles from Glasgow, three miles from Falkirk, between Falkland and Linlithgow and between Falkirk and Linlithgow. Polmaise Thorn is one interpretation, although there is also a Pomathorn to the south of Penicuik. Sir Alan’s brother, Alexander, killed Boyd at the Battle of Craignaught Hill later that year.