Auchendrane, an extinct ancient castle and a modern mansion in the W of Ayishire, on the river Doon, 4 miles S of Ayr. The castle was centre of the events which formed the subject of Sir Walter Scott's drama, the Ayrshire Tragedy; and is still traceable in its foundations. The mansion was originally called Blairstone House; belonged to the Muir family; passed by marriage, in 1793, to David Cathcart, Lord Alloway; and in 1868 was purchased by Sir Peter Coats, Knt. (cre. 1869). A picturesque edifice in the old castellated style, it was enlarged (1880-81) by the addition of a conservatory, aviary, new wing, tower, etc.

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