The Lainshaw Sundial, Hensol House

The Lainshaw Sundial at Hensol House is a large and complex lectern-type sundial from the later 17th century. It features the initials and shield of Sir Alexander Cunninghame of Lainshaw and Dame Margaret Stewart, likely created around their marriage in 1673. The sundial has a multi-faced sandstone head with various dials, including some that are hollowed and some that are heart-shaped. The lead gnomons were replaced in the 1980s.

The pedestal of the sundial is significantly damaged, as it fell into disrepair at Cunninghame's Lainshaw estate in Ayrshire. In the 19th century, it was moved to Hensol and re-erected. Originally, the pedestal had a square baluster shape with a bulbous fluted base and a now truncated obelisk-shaped shaft that displayed the shields and initials. The plinth and foot of the pedestal are missing. When it was complete, the pedestal likely resembled one at Ladyland House in Ayrshire, which has an almost identical sundial dated 1674.