Montgomerieston

[3][4] The Ayr Citadel, built 1652–1653,[5] was designed by the Dutch architect named Hans Ewald Tessin; it was constructed to a hexagonal plan with six bastions.

Some privileges were retained by the provost for in 1747 objections were made to the countess having restricted access across the old moat, thereby preventing the people of Ayr from walking where they wished.

Miller purchased the Barony of Montgomerieston and built a Gothic style residence for himself using the tower of St John's church as its centrepiece.

He also added an extension to a pre-existing corbelled turret at the end of one of the bastions which is known today as 'Miller's Folly', although the lower courses may be original.

[20] The 'Citadel' church was in public use again between 1687 and 1689,[16] after which it ceased to be used for worship and much of it was demolished, the tower itself only being spared as it was a valuable sea-mark for sailors and a look-out for ships.

[22] Following the sale of the barony to the Countess of Eglinton the town burgesses were very concerned about the condition of the tower and it was repaired with a flat roof added.

[2] A ley tunnel is said to have run from St John's tower to Greenan Castle and in the 1950s reports circulated of the discovery of its entrance with stories of skeletons hanging in chains.

Despite the low costs this business was not a success and it disappears from the records after a relatively short period of time,[26] the buildings being turned into a brewery.

[25] Susanna Montgomery, Countess of Eglinton during her period of ownership[16] established a brewery here and it is also recorded that[12] in 1734 whisky was being distilled here and that cinnamon and herbs were being used to produce drinks.

His feu plan, produced by Clarke and Bell[21] survives, however the square outline and circular central area layout was not followed.