ardstinchar castle was built by hugh kennedy of ardstinchar, originally a dominican friar who left his monastery to travel to france, where he took part in the hundred years' war as a mercenary and led troops for joan of arc at the siege of orléans (1428–1429). he probably inherited the land from his brother, alexander, who died without issue, and held it by 1429. with another brother, thomas, he combined estates to form the barony of ardstinchar, but retained a liferent on his own land until his death in 1454. his descendants lived in ardstinchar castle for more than a century. mary, queen of scots visited the castle in 1563. she is likely to have strolled and admired the view on the half turret walkway which still remains today.