PENKILL Castle in Ayrshire is finally under new ownership after more

than a year on the market, and a number of unsuccessful bids.

Mr Patrick Dromgoole, chairman of HTV Wales, and his wife have bought

the castle near Girvan from millionaire American businessman Elton

Eckstrand.

While the sale price is not being disclosed, it is understood that Mr

Eckstrand got close to the #650,000 figure he asked from the Penkill

Trust, which wanted to save the castle and its contents for the nation.

Ayr solicitor Mr Bill Haggarty, who represented the former laird

during the sale, said: ''I can now confirm that the castle has been

bought by Mr and Mrs Patrick Dromgoole. The purchase price remains

confidential, but Mr Eckstrand is satisfied with the outcome.''