Not far from Cumnock,nestling deep in the woods within the grounds of Auchinleck Estate and sitting atop a precipitous sandstone cliff on the banks of the river Lugar is the ruin of a medieval castle/keep.This is the “old” House of Auchinleck, the ruins of the later probably 16th century Auchinleck House is nearby, as is the 18th century Auchinleck House now restored. It is the oldest of these though that is associated with an intriguing tale from a bygone era.(the small photograph shows the path up to the castle proper)

The aforementioned castle as stated before sits atop a sandstone cliff, when it was occupied the Castle of Ochiltree sat on the opposite side of the Lugar. At this time the Auchinleck keep was inhabited by “Auchinleck of that ilk” and the Ochiltree keep was inhabited by the Colvill family. The story goes that both families co-existed amicably and used a rope pulley arrangement as a primitive postal system across the river to communicate and send items back and forth as necessary. As with all relationships eventually a quarrel of some sorts emerged, the actual initial reason for the quarrel is not known but it is said that the quarrel was certainly of gravity. As the dispute continued all friendly relations ceased, it then escalated when Auchinleck to insult Colvill sent via the rope pulley the skull of a sheeps head in a parcel. Apparently Colvill was surprised at the audacity of Auchinleck sending him anything at all and when he opened the parcel it is said that his rage knew no bounds. Colvill it is said then called upon his retainers to consider a response to this insult and resolved to take action.

They knew that they couldn`t storm Auchinleck`s keep as its position on the cliff made it near impregnable, this in mind they devised a strategy to overwhelm he keep by stealth. They quietly by night climbed the narrow path and the rocks up to Auchinleck`s keep and lay in wait until the door was opened. As soon as the door was opened Colvills men rushed into the keep and quickly overwhelmed the few attendants and then sought to find Auchinleck himself. It is sadi that Auchinleck fought bravely to survive but was slain and Colvills honour was appeased. Auchinleck was an adherent of the Douglas and when he heard of this event he swore revenge. Apparently he made swift progress to Ayrshire with a strong enough force to beat any opposition encountered. Colvill couldn’t match this force and it is said he must have known his fate when he saw the force surround his castle.

It is also said that he attempted to make terms but this was refused and he was told to yield and take his chance of life. Colvill didn’t take this offer and so the keep was forced and he was led out a prisoner. The keep was then burnt down and though ruins can be seen to this day they are scant and not immediately apparent. Colvill watched as the keep burned and the story goes that he engaged Douglas himself in conversation but Douglas it is said listened impatiently. As they traveled through the parish of New Cumnock they came to a stream known as the Pashill burn. It was then that Colvill told Douglas of a prophecy that he had been told by a “wise woman” that he would meet his end near a burn. It is not known why Colvill told Douglas of this but it was to prove his downfall. On hearing this Douglas resolved that the prophecy should be fulfilled and gave orders that Colvill should be slain. And so it was that Colvill of Ochiltree was slain there. Apparently Douglas and his four brothers Robert, Henry,George and Simon were summoned to appear at the bar of the Court of the Justiciary for this act. Their followers were similarly called to atone for the act and one hundred Scottish merks was set to secure their release. One did not appear and sentence of outlawry was pronounced against him, his goods and gear being forfeited to the King.