The Kennedys have long been associated with Ayrshire, particularly the ancient Kingdom of Carrick. Indeed, Gilbert Mac Kenedi and Gillespie Kennedy, the seneschal of Carrick, are two medieval Kennedys of note. Kinship was claimed with the Earls of Carrick, and the Kennedys were strong supporters of the Bruce - so much so that in 1372 Robert II named John Kennedy of Dunure as chief of the Kennedys as well as the Baillie of Carrick. Gilbert Kennedy was named Lord Kennedy in the late 1450s and David, 3rd Lord Kennedy, was given the title of Earl of Cassillis, a title still held by the Kennedy family. By the time of the 12th Earl, an additional title was given: Marquess of Ailsa. The Kennedy family has had many strongholds and castles in Ayrshire, with the most famous and recognizable being Culzean Castle. Constructed between 1777- 1792, it is considered to be architect Robert Adam's greatest achievement. Culzean was given to the National Trust in 1945, and the last Marquess to be born there was the late 8th Ailsa, Archibald Angus Charles Kennedy. However, the Kennedy family continues to live nearby, as the 9th Marquess resides in Maybole. The Kennedy Society of North America was founded in 1973 at Grandfather Mountain with the approval of the 7th Marquess, Archibald David Kennedy, and has grown over the years. The Kennedy Society is active in games across the continent, especially since the decision in 2005 to not exclusively hold its annual meeting at Grandfather Mountain. More information can be found on the KSNA website, kennedysociety.org. The Society is proud to have the continued support of the Kennedy family via David Thomas Kennedy, the 9th Marquess. His son, Archibald David, is the current Earl of Cassillis.