Drongan

Drongan is a former mining village, in West Ayrshire approximately 8 miles from Ayr. However, it has a long history before its mining era, with sources mentioning Drongan, dating to back the 14th century.

In the late 14th century the lands of Drogan were granted to the Craufurd family who lived in Drongan Castle for around 250 years. The remains of the castle can be seen on Drongan Mains Farm. The estate passed through various hands until the 1760s, when it was purchased by the Smith family. They then built Drongan House, set up a pottery and introduced innovative agricultural improvements which helped the village to grow.

It then developed into a coal village and by 1900 consisted of 65 houses and a few shops. Like many other villages in this part of East Ayrshire, Drongan benefited largely when the Killoch and Barony pit mines were operational.