Description

The monument comprises a stretch of masonry wall about 115 metres in length. Its western, or outer, face is constructed of rubble masonry and battered from the ground up to about 5 metres in height; above this is a narrower vertical wall, also of rubble build, standing on average about 1.5 metres in height and which was added at a later date.

The area to be scheduled includes both the battered wall and the later vertical wall and the strip of grass-covered ground measuring up to 5 metres in width along its eastern, or inner, face up to but not including the metalled surface that forms part of the street known as Arran Terrace. The area is indicated in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because it formed part of the monument known as Ayr Fort, an artillery garrison fort, or citadel, built in 1652-5 for the Cromwellian army of occupation. The fort was designed by Hans Ewald Tessin, one of the foremost military engineers of his day. The fort was evacuated and slighted in 1660.

Ayr Fort was one of only five built in Scotland during the Cromwellian Protectorate, the others being at Inverlochy (now Fort William), Inverness, Leith and Perth. All were impressive bastioned artillery forts with spacious interiors. The remains at Ayr, which include this part of the artillery defences, are now the best preserved of this important group.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

References:

Cruden, S. (1981) The Scottish Castle.

Tabraham, C. and Grove, D. (1995) Fortress Scotland and the Jacobites.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland