Nearby on the lands of Kyle Stewart stands the large Dornal Motte, a fortification that is recorded as 'Danhell' on Timothy Pont's 16th century map.

[4] The first written record in 1445 shows that Kyle Castle and its lands were previously held by the monks of Melrose Abbey before the Farquhars of Gilmilnscroft obtained possession,[5] John Farquhar having been granted them in a charter granted by a Commendator of Melrose Abbey.

[7] Very little written or verbal history survives regarding Kyle Castle except however for inevitable links with 'Old King Cole or Coilus' that have been regularly suggested.

Kyle stands atop a natural flat-topped spur which appears to have had a surrounding barmkin or courtyard wall[11] as suggested by the elevated sections along the edge of the enclosure and a possible watchtower at the extreme western end.

Remains of a dry defensive moat lies on the north-east side of the tower castle ruins.

[12] Timothy Pont's 16th century map of Kyle shows Castle Keyil (sic) on its natural mound with three towers and a curtain wall or palisade.

[16] It may be no accident that the ruins that remain form a useful landmark in this desolate and relatively featureless landscape.