Craigneil, an ancient fortalice in Colmonell parish, SW Ayrshire, near the left bank of the Stinchar, 7 furlongs S of Colmonell village. Built in the 13th century, it was a hiding-place of Robert Bruce; was afterwards a feudal prison and place of execution; and is now a picturesque ruin, crowning a rocky mount, and commanding a view of the Stinchar's valley from Penmore to Knockdolian.

(F.H. Groome, Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland (1882-4); © 2004 Gazetteer for Scotland)