Kyle Castle

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 Extended Espagnole (4 couples):
 1- 2 1L+2L also 3L+4L lead RH across to opposite sides and cross while 2M+3M lead LH to opposite sides and cross while 1M and 4M cross singly (Ladies 2143 on Men's side, Men: 1324 on Ladies' side)
 3- 8 Repeat 3 more times from new positions. 4321
9-16 3s turn 1½ LH while 2s turn 1½ RH (4 bars). 4s+3s also 2s+1s set and link. (3)41(2)
17-24 4s+1s dance LH across while 3s and 2s chase ½ round clockwise. 2s+4c and 1s+3s dance RH across. 2413
25-32 RSh Reels of 4 on the sides, 4M+1M end with ½ LH turn, retaining hands ready for repeat. 2413

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)

1- 2 Extended Espagnole for 4 couples: 1st woman with 2nd woman also 3rd woman with 4th woman lead by the right hand to the opposite sides and cross while 2nd man with 3rd man lead by the left hand to the opposite sides and cross while 1st and 4th men dance across singly. End with all the women on the men's side in the order 2,1,4,3 and all the men on the women's side in the order 1,3,2,4.
3- 8 Repeat the figure three more times from new positions, always using right hands on the women's side and left hands on the men's side. All finish back on their own sides opposite their partners in the order 4,3,2,1.
9-12 3rd couple (in 2nd place) turn by the left hand one and a half times while 2nd couple (in 3rd place) turn by the right hand one and a half times.
13-16 4th and 3rd couples also separately 2nd and 1st couples dance set and link for two couples to end in the order 3,4,1,2 with 3rd and 2nd couples on opposite sides. Those who had their left hand free for the set and link (3rd and 4th men, 1st and 2nd women) do not turn to face in but stay facing out.
17-20 4th and 1st couples dance left hands across while 3rd and 2nd couples chase clockwise half way round the set.
21-24 2nd and 4th couples also 1st and 3rd couples dance right hands across and end facing up and down on the sidelines.
25-32 All dance parallel right shoulder reels on the sides. In the last bar, for the easiest flow into the repeat, 4th and 1st men half turn by the left hand and retain hands (instead of passing left shoulders) while 2nd and 3rd women finish with extra loops but 2nd and 3rd men omit them. The progressed order is 2,4,1,3.

(Dance crib compiled by the deviser, Murrough Landon, CC BY-SA May 2017)

Keith Rose's Crib Diagram

Kyle Castle - Full Size And Key To Symbols

Dance Instruction Videos

Dance Information

Recommended music: Suggested tune James Gray's Strathspey by John Renton; suitable recording Set of Strathspeys (James Gray: Piano Dance, track 10).

(Dance information by the deviser, Murrough Landon, CC BY-SA May 2017)

The ruins occupy a strategic position on a peninsula formed by the meeting of the Guelt and Glenmuir Waters. This location marks the historical boundary between the regions known as Kyle Regis and Kyle Stewart. The castle's prominent placement suggests it once held considerable importance in the area.​ The earliest documented mention of Kyle Castle dates back to 1445, indicating that the land was initially under the ownership of Melrose Abbey.

Subsequently, the Farquhar family of Gilmilnscroft acquired the property through a charter granted by the abbey's commendator. Over time, ownership transitioned to the Cunningham family and later to the Stewarts of Bute. While detailed historical records are scarce, local lore often associates the site with the legendary figure 'Old King Cole' or Coilus.​

Constructed in the 15th century, Kyle Castle was designed as a tower house accompanied by a courtyard. The remaining structure includes a rectangular keep measuring approximately 14 by 7 metres. A surviving section of the north wall, built from ashlar stone, stands about 6 metres long and 5.5 metres high. The castle was strategically built atop a flat-topped spur with steep slopes on three sides, enhancing its defensive capabilities. Evidence suggests the presence of a surrounding courtyard wall and a possible watchtower at the western end. A narrow, covered passageway leads up to the courtyard area, and remnants of a dry moat are visible on the north-east side.​

By the late 18th century, Kyle Castle had fallen into disrepair and was largely abandoned. Much of its stonework was repurposed for constructing dry stone walls and nearby farm buildings, a process that reportedly involved significant effort due to the strength of the original mortar. Despite the extensive removal of materials, a portion of the structure remains, serving as a notable landmark in the otherwise featureless landscape. Historical maps and an 1863 engraving indicate that the ruins have changed little over the past century and a half.​

Roy By The Last Remains Of Kyle Castle

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