Ochiltree Castle and the Colville Family, Ayrshire

[@robertochiltree8543]

Thank you for this video...I hope someday to go over to Scotland and visit Ochiltree...it would mean a lot to me to see my family's homeland.

[@rogergriffith286]

You should!

[@laurarigg6719]

Thank you from the 13th great granddaughter of Lady Catherine “Kate” Colville (1512-1579). Would she have lived here or did this predate this? I understand that her father died in the battle of Flodden so likely a different time scale? This whole video gave me the chills - in a good way!

[@rogergriffith286]

The castle would be a few centuries earlier.

[@jamescolville2800]

Dear Roger. I am returning to Scotland late October. Are you available on 21st October please. Same rdv? Best wishes James

[@rogergriffith286]

Did you get my mobile phone message?

[@jamescolville2800]

@@rogergriffith286 Hi Roger. No didn’t receive the message sorry. Is it ok for our rdv at the Boswell Coach House cafe, 11am Saturday 21st? Many thanks James

[@rogergriffith286]

@@jamescolville2800 That should be fine. I replied via my mobile phone previously.

[@debstercatlady]

Thank you Roger Griffith from a Colville! My sister shared this video after doing some family tree research.

[@rogergriffith286]

Thanks. A fascinating story and spectacular place.

[@luhickey668]

Hello from an Ochiltree in America. My ancestor was Michael and Matthew Ochiltree who came to America in early 1700. I find them in Renfrewshire then on to Ireland to the Stewart Farms in the Ulster plantation. Mid 1700, they were sent to America with the MacClanachan family of Md and VA...

[@rogergriffith286]

People moved around a lot even in those days! Our Ochiltree is a delightful place.

[@luhickey668]

How can I find living Ochiltree family there ??

[@rogergriffith286]

I checked the telephone book that lists all landline numbers and nobody in that area has your name. Lord Ochiltree was a title and its use as a surname seems more a diaspora tendency.

[@luhickey668]

Campbell of Argyll named them Ochiltree when …..I know they are there possibly as Ucheltree or MacUchtre..possible they could be in Ireland. Mr. Colville should know of the Ochiltrees….

[@ubular]

Greetings from another Ochiltree in America! Considering a visit to Scotland and found myself here.

[@christinehowell3923]

Hello Sir. Thank you for this wonderful video. As I am working on learning about my family ancestry, that runs through the Colville line, I am wondering if you can tell me where you obtained all of the historical information that you have presented? What was the first name of the Laird who was killed in the middle of the stream? Also, what year did that occur. I would love to correspond with you. Thanks again.

[@rogergriffith286]

Hello Christine, I used a considerable number of sources of information. The National Library of Scotland has a useful selection of old maps on its website to start with. Two useful books are "Ayrshire. Discovering a County' by Dane Love. Fort Publishing Ltd. and "Ayrshire Nights Entertainment" by John Macintosh by Dunlop & Drennan is good but out of print. I hope this is useful. Various books on Scottish Castles and Clans will help you.

[@christinehowell3923]

@@rogergriffith286 Thank you!

[@theresaochiltree3371]

Hi there I have ochiltree family heritage and links to larger trees 🌲

[@AsperkidsVideos]

Wonderful - thank you so very much....15th great-granddaughter of Janet Colville.

[@rogergriffith286]

Many thanks. I am glad you found it interesting.

[@christinehowell3923]

Hello Mr. Griffith. Could you please tell me the story of the Knight and his lady, and how her parents made her marry before he could get back from the crusades. You mentioned that when riding back to her he fell and died, but his ghost still rode to his lady, scooped her up, rode away and they were never seen again. Where did you hear that story? Is this story widely rumored? Could you give me the link to the video that you speak about this? Thank you.

[@rogergriffith286]

Hello Christine, I made a video about the story 'A Ghost Story - The Cunningham Bride of Aiket Castle' on KZbin. It is mentioned in 'Ayrshire Nights Entertainments' by John MacIntosh. 1894. p.301. Also my article on Aiket Castle - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barony_of_Aiket#cite_ref-R425_13-0

[@christinehowell3923]

@@rogergriffith286 Thank you kindly!!

[@joycolville3438]

Does anyone know any history of Colvilles of Arbroath Forfar?

[@rogergriffith286]

Have you tried Scotlands People?

[@jamescolville2800]

Many thanks Richard. No plans yet but working on it. Cheers James

[@christinehowell3923]

Are the Colvilles still members of the peerage? I may be a distant relative. Researching my heritage now.

[@jamescolville2800]

@@christinehowell3923 Yes they are. He is Charles Mark Townshend Colville, 5th Viscount Colville of Culross. A distant relation of mine by 3 generations.

[@christinehowell3923]

@@jamescolville2800 Thank you. Is there a family seat?

[@jamescolville2800]

Richard hello. I am planning a long delayed trip to Ochiltree and would very much like to meet you. Any chance you would be available late October? With best wishes James

[@CMC-NFG]

Hi Roger, when you look across from the "beach" at the foot of Auchinleck castle towards Ochiltree castle, looking at the cross section of the gorge, you can see two distinct layers of rock. The gorge seems to be comprised of mainly sandstone on top of a layer of a different rock which extends from the level of the water to about ten feet above. The bed rock has the appearance of lean mix concrete. My geology is sadly lacking, but having watched a documentary (or ten) I'd like to get my head around what the layers are. I wondered if you'd ever noticed these layers, and had any more knowledge? Been waiting to pick someone's brain on this for ages, and by chance this video popped up tonight! P.S. From the same vantage point, you can see what appears to be a pile of flat faced stones. I've always wondered if these had been discarded over the edge from Ochiltree castle, and I will venture into the water some day to inspect further...

[@rogergriffith286]

This is an excellent explanation of the Geology of Ayrshire and specifically mentions red sandstone gorges.

[@rogergriffith286]

Your comment regarding Ochiltree Castle stonework. It may have been mainly wooden as it was on a very well defended spot. Auchinleck Castle has stone walling though. It would be fascinating to excavate the deep red sandstone pits in the river. Who knows what could lie at the bottom of them!

[@rogergriffith286]

www.ntsayrshire.org.uk/GeologyAyrshire.html

[@CMC-NFG]

@@rogergriffith286 that's a great link, thanks!

[@edb-uz3hw]

good stuff again roger well done

[@rogergriffith286]

Thanks

[@jamescolville2800]

Hi Roger, Could you tell me the position of this exactly? Is it on private land? Would love to make a visit. Many thanks James Colville, Dorset.

[@rogergriffith286]

It is very hard to get to! The Lugar Water can't be crossed due to the deep and dangerous water eroded pools so getting to it from Auchinleck House is not on. I walked down the lane from Auchinbay Farm and then walked parallel to the river until I reached it. I had to cross several fences and streams on the way. It is on private land but that is not a problem in Scotland.

[@rogergriffith286]

Let me know when you are over and I will show you the way.

[@erikcolville411]

​@@rogergriffith286 , greetings from Erik Colville in Oregon USA. I must be confused. I have records that say the Ochiltree Castle was at the confluence of the Lugar and Burnock Waters. The location of the Auchinbay Farm, according to Google Maps, is on the Burnock Water nearly 3 miles downstream from the Lugar and Burnock confluence. Any assistance would be appreciated. I am planning a trip to that area fall of 2020 and would like to walk the site. Thank you.

[@erikcolville411]

So sorry Roger. After looking at my records I see it was the house built (about 1450) to replace the castle that was said to be at the confluence of the Burnock and Lugar Waters. I am still confused. however, about the name of the river passing Auchinbay Farm...Google maps seems to indicate the Lugar is nearly 3 miles upstream from the farm. Again, any assistance would be appreciated.

[@rogergriffith286]

@@erikcolville411 To reach the castle motte site is very difficult as it lies across several fields. Much confusion exists regarding location, however apart from the evidence on the video of the castle earthworks the best clue is that it lay immediately opposite the old castle at Auchinleck. Access to that castle is straightforward as the estate is open to public access (and has a cafe, shop, etc). Standing on the northern banks of the Lugar Water you can see the site of the castle easily on the southern side. Remember that Auchinleck has two castles and a mansion house. I have made a couple of videos of the oldest castle which will help. Good luck with your search and get back to me if you need more directions. The nearby Ochiltree House has been demolished.

[@billienuhfer447]

Do you know what the tiff was about to begin with??

[@rogergriffith286]

I can'r find any reference as to why. I will get back to you if I find anything. An over reaction certainly :-)

[@joycolville3438]

Interesting

[@rogergriffith286]

Well worth the effort of reaching it

[@johnochiltree1170]

Where’s my castle?

[@rogergriffith286]

Burned to thr ground

[@robertochiltree8543]

It's mine as well!!!

[@angusmacnuggets2164]

My Colville family also - Colvilles exchanged this land later with Sir James Hamilton of Finnart for Easter Wemyss in 1530. Richard Colville was the one that got killed by William Douglas, Earl of Douglas in 1449. A nephew, Robert Colville sold Oxnam to Sir Andrew "Dand" Kerr of Fernihesrt in 1502. His aunt Catherine Colville was heiress of Ochiltree & she married Thomas Kerr of Ferniherst. Thanks for a great video on Ochiltree Castle.

[@rogergriffith286]

Thanks and I also appreciate the extra detail - interesting.