Although the castle and policies were considered particularly picturesque, the continued growth of the town of Johnstone reduced its size and the estate had largely disappeared by the start of the 20th century.

[3] Today all that remains is the central square tower along with a crow-stepped bartizaned section of an older date.

[4] Johnstone Castle's principal claim to fame is a visit by the Polish composer Chopin in 1848.

He had been invited by Anne Houston, wife of the then-5th laird of Johnstone Ludovick (1780-1862), as part of his Scottish tour.

Anne's sister Jane Wilhelmina Stirling was a student and long-time friend of the composer, and had arranged the tour.