This family clan are first recorded in the early twelfth century, but may have been around much longer than that. Some people say that the name Kennedy originates from the Votadini tribe that stayed in the Lothian area of Eastern Scotland . A chieftain of that tribe named Cunedds had been sent by his Saxon leader to establish communities to resist the raids from Marauding Picts. The settlements soon spread down the whole of the west coast as far as Northern Wales .

Using the Celtic language to explain the name Cunedda meant that it would be spelt Cinneidigh (Ugly – or grim headed). The name eventually became synonymous with the Ayrshire district of Carrick. William the Lion granted lands to Gilbert Mac Kenedi, and he witnessed them as recorded at the time.

The Kennedy family clan claim to be blood related to the earls of Carrick. They played their part in the Scottish war for Independence which Sir William Wallace and (King) Robert the Bruce so gallantly led.

Wallace until his death at the hands of the English in the year 1305, and Bruce to the fields of Bannockburn on that summer day the twenty-fourth of June 1314 Scotland finally regained her Independence from the yoke of English rule only to give it back in the year1603, when the crowns were united. They were rewarded further with Robert the second confirming John Kennedy of Dunure as chief of his name and Baille of Carrick. This happened in the year 1372.

James Kennedy, who was born in the year 1406, was appointed Bishop of Saint Andrews in the year 1440 and did much to turn the fortunes of the diocese round and in fact became one of the most outstanding prelates of Scotland .

Gilbert Kennedy was created Lord Kennedy in the years between 1452-57 there is a dispute about this date. He was also Regent to the infant James the third. In the year of 1509 Sir David the third Lord Kennedy, was created Earl of Cassillis, but unfortunately for him he died a few years later at the battle of Flodden, in the year 1503, many Scottish clans people died a savage and brutal death that day. The cream of Scotland 's upper-class clans people, were killed this day. From the years 1649 to 1651 the Lord Justice General of Scotland , was John Kennedy the sixth earl of Cassillis. Him and his son who would become the eighth earl were firm believers in the Protestant religion and backed Parliament during the civil war.

The Kennedy family stayed out of the Jacobite struggle years and were little heard of until they were all over.

The fifth Marques of Ailsa presented Culzean Castle to the National trust of Scotland , to enable future generations to appreciate the history and diverse cultures of the Scottish life style.

Chief: Marques of Ailsa

Clan Seat : Cassillis House, Maybole; Culzean Castle , Ayrshire

Plant: Oak

Memorials: None