Scottish Nobles. Marquess of Ailsa.

The title Marquess of Ailsa is a dignity in the Peerage of the United Kingdom, held by the head of the Clan Kennedy family. The title is significant for its deep historical roots in Ayrshire and its association with one of Scotland’s most iconic architectural landmarks.

Key Aspects of the Marquessate of Ailsa

The Kennedy Family and Titles

The Marquessate of Ailsa is the higher, more recent title in a long line of peerages held by the Kennedy family, one of the most powerful families in the south-west of Scotland:

• Lord Kennedy (1457): The family’s first major title in the Peerage of Scotland.
• Earl of Cassillis (1509): The title that preceded the Marquessate for over three centuries, also in the Peerage of Scotland. The title of Earl of Cassillis is still used as the courtesy title for the Marquess’s eldest son and heir.
• Marquess of Ailsa (1831): Created for Archibald Kennedy, the 12th Earl of Cassillis, by King William IV. The title is named after Ailsa Craig, the famous conical island in the Firth of Clyde, which the family owns and which is visible from their estates.

Historical Seat: Culzean Castle

The family is indelibly linked to Culzean Castle (pronounced Kull-ane), one of Scotland’s most famous stately homes, located near Maybole, Ayrshire.

• Construction: The castle was lavishly rebuilt in the late 18th century by the celebrated architect Robert Adam for the 10th Earl of Cassillis (the 1st Marquess’s uncle).
• Significance: This clifftop masterpiece served as the principal seat of the family and is renowned for its elegant architecture and dramatic location. The family later gifted the castle and surrounding estate to the National Trust for Scotland in 1945, although they retain certain hereditary privileges and continue to be closely associated with the property.

Clan Chief

The Marquess of Ailsa is the hereditary Chief of Clan Kennedy, leading a clan with centuries of influence in the Carrick region of Ayrshire.

Notable Figures

• Gilbert Kennedy, 3rd Earl of Cassillis (c. 1515–1558): A highly influential and powerful figure in the time of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the Scottish Reformation. He was famously educated by the renowned scholar George Buchanan.
• Archibald Kennedy, 1st Marquess of Ailsa (1770–1846): The man for whom the Marquessate was created. He was a Scottish Representative Peer and was created a Knight of the Order of the Thistle.

The current Marquess of Ailsa, David Thomas Kennedy, is the 9th holder of the title.