Craigends

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Craigends: The Cuninghame family of Craigends was a prominent family in the area for many years. Descendants of the ancient family of Cuninghame of Kilmaurs in Ayrshire William Cuninghame, the first Laird of Craigends was granted the lands of Craigends on 4th February 1479. The first mansion house was built at around this time by William and remained there for over four centuries.

The 1Oth Laird, William Cuninghame, extended the estate by building a large courtyard around 1760 with a barn and stables, as well as office houses. In 1762 an arched bridge was built over the River Locher enclosing much of the land.

William's son, Alexander, took over the estate in 1765 and added an orchard and garden of around three acres adjacent to the courtyard. At one stage tobacco was one of the crops planted in the estate, although little is known of how the experiment went.

The house was demolished during the time of Alexander Cuninghame, the 16th Laird and a new mansion house was designed by David Bryce and built in 1857. It was situated nearer to the river Gryffe than the previous house The new house is believed to have influenced architecture by setting the example of having a central hall forming the main lounge and sitting room of the house.

The last occupent of Craigends House, Alison Cuninghame, widow of John Charles Cuninghame, the 17th and final Laird of Craigends, died in 1958. Three years later the contents of the house were sold by auction and the property lay vacant for many years. Despite efforts to safeguard the house it was finally demolished in 1971. The land, including the gardens, was used for a private housing scheme. The 200 year old stone arch from the property still exists, and can be found in nearby Cunningham Gardens.