Portencross and Our Beach

Rich in history, and with a magnificent scenic outlook, Portencross Castle is reputed to have been the last mainland resting place for the bodies of former Scottish kings from the times of Kenneth MacAlpine until the reign of Malcolm Canmore. While the castle walls are still intact, it is in need of repair, refurbishment and long-term maintenance and featured on the BBC programme “Restoration, Restoration”.

Only a short distance from the town centre, visitors can access West Kilbride shore. For wildlife enthusiasts, sea viewing can be rewarding with seals often seen swimming or resting on rocks. Black Guillemot, Oystercatchers and Cormorants are just some of the seabirds which can be seen. Stonechat, Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler inhabit the scrub and the escarpment has breeding Fulmar and Buzzard.