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Only half of the once heavily-fortified tower of Kilmaronock Castle remains intact today.
Originally consisting of four storeys, the two remaining levels are in danger of collapse despite the walls being almost eight feet thick in places.
This 14th century castle now stands in the garden of Kilmaronock Mansion, which was built in 1901 on the south bank of the River Endrick, a mile west of the village of Drymen.
The land belonged to the Earls of Lennox until 1329 when Sir Malcolm Fleming was granted the estate.
However, shortly afterwards, John Dennistoun married Malcolm's daughter and was given the land as part of the dowry.
It was probably John or his son Robert who built the castle, as the Dennistoun coat of arms can still be seen carved above one of the remaining windows.
Robert was taken hostage by the English in 1357 to strengthen the ransom demand for David II, who had been captured the year before while invading England.
He was released in 1347 after only half the ransom had been paid.
For his loyalty, Richard was granted the hereditary keepership of Dumbarton Castle, several estates and the Sheriffdom of Lennox.
Robert died without a male heir.
His property was split between his two daughters and over the years the Kilmaronock estate was split into smaller pieces.
The castle fell into ruin by the mid 19th century.

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