This case study is part of our visitor economy series, showcasing the widespread benefits of tourism and events in Scotland.
We spoke to Friends of Dundonald Castle to hear more about how the visitor economy positively impacts the local community in Kilmarnock.
Perched on a hilltop in the heart of South Ayrshire, Dundonald Castle has long been a striking landmark in the region’s landscape. But today, it's much more than just a monument to history — it’s a living, thriving centre of community life, education, and inclusive tourism.
Operated by the charity Friends of Dundonald Castle SCIO (FoDC), the site has been transformed into a vibrant, welcoming destination where local heritage and local people are at the centre of everything. Working in partnership with Historic Scotland, the charity provides cultural, educational, and wellbeing activities seven days a week, year-round thanks to a driven and enthusiastic team of 15 staff and over 65 volunteers.
In 2024, Dundonald Castle welcomed over 29,000 visitors from local families to international travellers.
Behind the castle walls and beneath its rich history lies a true community engine. The Visitor Centre is a daily hub for learning, wellbeing, and social connection, regularly welcoming school and youth organisations to promote learning and heritage awareness.
The charity also supports over 12 local clubs and groups, from the reflective Silent Book Club to the creative buzz of Knit n Natter and the welcoming gatherings of Castle Cronies. As well as that, they also run a variety of social and wellbeing clubs, collaborating with organisations like Alzheimer Scotland and Thriving Communities.
Friends of Dundonald Castle’s annual calendar is packed with inclusive community events, while a growing youth programme includes initiatives like the Crazy Castle Kids Junior Committee — empowering the next generation to shape the site’s future.
The charity is also taking on stewardship of the local village archive and the Dundonald Historical and Archives Society, ensuring local stories are preserved for years to come.
Their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed — in 2024, Friends of Dundonald Castle proudly won the Scottish Thistle Award for Celebrating Thriving Communities, both at the regional and national level. The award was welcomed with pride across the village, including a special assembly at the local primary school.
Friends of Dundonald Castle is a major local employer and skills provider, supporting training and work placements through schemes like Work It, Evolve, and Steps to Change.
Their community archaeology digs and education programmes reconnect people with their heritage.
As one parent shared after a school visit: “My daughter came home beaming—she now wants to be an archaeologist! What a brilliant experience.”
A dig at Dundonald Castle. Credit Dundonald Castle.
The impact of Dundonald Castle extends far beyond visitor numbers. The site has become a cornerstone for meaningful connections across local sectors.
The charity is an active supporter of the Scotland Loves Local initiative. You just need to look in the visitor centre to see examples of local produce and products.
From the village butcher (Rankins Family Butcher), the baker (Del’s Rolls) and the candle maker (Stanecastle Candles) to packaging and cleaning supplies (GMC Corsehill). Even ice cream (Ice Cream Factory) and cheesecakes (Scottish Creamy Cheesecake Company) are supplied locally.
In their on-site shop, visitors can buy a range of products from over 20 regional artists and authors.
And the work to support other sectors doesn’t stop when you leave the shop. Earlier this year the charity worked with Story Contracting in collaboration with Ayrshire Roads Alliance to install a brand-new footbridge, the McQuiston Bridge, to provide safe and accessible crossing for the community and visitors.
They're also working with Sustrans and South Ayrshire Council to improve trail access and community infrastructure. This includes future plans to expand the visitor centre as part of their strategy to meet the demands of visitor and community needs, while continuing to enhance the visitor experience.
At Dundonald Castle, it’s clear how the visitor economy strengthens not only tourism, but entire communities.
The project has helped bring investment into rural areas like Dundonald, sustained jobs, skills, and small businesses.
It has encouraged visitors to stay longer and explore wider while connecting them to Scotland’s cultural identity and landscapes. This in turn enables communities to share and benefit from the stories of their hometown.
