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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Entertainment
Sean Murphy

The colourful castle under an hour from Glasgow with walks, playparks and a music festival

If you head south from Glasgow, down along the Ayrshire coast, around an hour from the city you'll discover one of Scotland's most whimsical castles.

A magical sight, the exterior of Kelburn Castle in Largs is covered in psychedelic murals making it easy to spot among the estate's expansive woodland.

Dating back to the 12th century, this stunning landmark was given its striking makeover in 2007, after the building's owner, Lord Glasgow, was prompted by his children to take a colourful approach to replacing the castle's concrete exterior (harling).

This led to four Brazilian graffiti artists, some of the best in the world at the time, being invited by Patrick, the 10th Earl of Glasgow, to work alongside Scottish artists with incredible results.

How the castle looked before its transformation. (wfmillar/CCBYSA2.0)

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Costing £20,000 it has been named as one of the world's best examples of urban art and is inspired by the colourful murals and street art that have sprung up in cities around Brazil.

Twin brothers Otavio and Gustavo Pandolfo, known as Os Gemos, together with Nina Pandolfo and Francesca Nunca used 1,500 cans of spray paint to create the design which features colourful cartoons.

Approved by the local council at the time, it was allowed on the basis it would be a temporary exhibit but would be removed when the castle was eventually reharled.

Over the past decade, the Earl has pushed for the mural to remain permanently and thankfully, it seems like it is now here to stay.

Hugely popular with tourists, local residents and festival fans, the castle has a range of activities and events on offer throughout the year.

The castle has outdoor play areas including the Secret Forest, a fairy tale trail through the woodland, as well as an adventure course.

As well as being registered for weddings and civil ceremonies, it also offers glamping and camping options for those looking to stay on the estate.

Every year the family also host the Kelburn Garden Party, a hugely popular music and arts festival. Straddling late June and early July, you'll find all kinds of music across the seven stages ranging from dance, funk and disco to jungle, jazz and experimental pop music.

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