The unique 'Banksy-like' castle where graffiti has taken over in the heart of Scotland

Daily Record

05-05-2025

Kelburn Castle in North Ayrshire is one of the most unique in the world and is often compared to graffiti artist Banksy for its colourful walls which are adorned with Brazilian graffiti.
Scotland's castles, with their old stone structures and towering turrets, are a major draw for tourists.
However, one historic castle stands out from the rest due to its vibrantly colourful walls, earning it comparisons to world renowned graffiti artist Banksy.
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Kelburn Estate, located in Largs, in North Ayrshire, is already famous for its stunning woodlands, often ranked among Scotland's most picturesque.
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The estate's castle, constructed in the 13th century, holds the distinction of being the oldest in Scotland to have been continuously inhabited by the same family - the Boyle family, whose head of the family is otherwise known as the Earl of Glasgow.
What sets this castle apart is its unique adornment of Brazilian graffiti, which has led to the mural being named as one of the world's top 10 examples of street art by author and designer Tristan Manco.
This places it in the same league as Banksy's work in Los Angeles and the Favela Morro Da Providencia in Rio de Janeiro.
In 2007, experts advised the Boyle family that the castle's concrete facing would eventually need replacement to prevent further damage to the stonework.
Inspired by his children, the Earl of Glasgow invited four Brazilian artists - Nunca, Nina and the Os Gemeos twins - to paint the castle walls, reports the Scottish Daily Express.
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Historic Environment Scotland (HES) had approved the project with the caveat that the graffiti would be removed when Kelburn Castle underwent re-harling.
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However, thanks to its feature on BBC's Culture Show and the documentary 'Crisis at the Castle', which highlighted the financial burdens of maintaining the castle, the graffiti gained significant attention.
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Upon completion, it became a sensation across the nation, leading to Lord Glasgow being granted permission to retain the mural permanently.
The castle's south side is now a canvas of vibrant colours enveloping its walls and turrets, the result of collaborating artists living within the castle for a month to conceive their plan.
During his appeal to Historic Environment Scotland, The Earl of Glasgow pressed his case: "In the three years that the mural has been on the castle it has attracted enormous interest from around the world and it is loved by everyone who sees it. It has become a landmark and a talking point and it has given the castle and the estate a whole new character."
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The mural showcases a series of intertwined cartoons in vivid, surreal colours showcasing urban cultural icons and fantastical scenes. Yet this unique castle is not the sole draw to Kelburn, located merely 50 minutes from Glasgow by car or about two hours from Edinburgh.
Kelburn is accessible from Easter until October, promising visitors more than just impressive and imaginative wall art.
Additionally, there's a picturesque woodland glen next to the Waterfall Pool, nestled within a sandstone grotto. A hike to the top of the glen rewards you with breathtaking views across the Firth of Clyde and towards the Isle of Arran.