The Tower Trail - Clackmannanshire
Clackmannanshire's collection of tower houses (dating from the 14th and 15th century) were built by Scotland 's aristocrats to be near the royal court at Stirling Castle .
Each tower, has it's own fascinating history, and formed part of a wider complex of buildings, including great halls, courtyards and living quarters.
Being so close to the royal court, these tower houses played host to royalty including Mary Queen of Scots, witnessed the plotting of the ill fated Jacobite Rebellion of 1715 led by the 6th Earl of Mar, and came under attack and were damaged by fire as a result of war and dispute over the centuries.
Alloa Tower
Alloa Tower is one of the largest and finest 14th century towers of its type in Scotland , and the ancestral home of the Erskine family, the Earls of Mar and Kellie. The tower has a magnificent medieval oak-beamed roof, a dungeon and 11ft thick walls, on view are an important collection of portraits, silver and furniture which are on loan from the family's private collection.
Managed by the National Trust for Scotland , Alloa Tower is open to visitors between 1st April and 31st October. Visits outside these dates / times and costume tours can be organised by prior arrangement.
- Open: Friday to Monday (April & September) and Thursday to Monday (May until August) 1pm until 5pm
- Telephone: 01259 211707
- website: www.nts.org.uk
Castle Campbell
Castle Campbell was built in the early 15th century, the castle is situated in the spectacular location above Dollar Glen, considered one of the most beautiful locations in Scotland . This impressive fortress was built to demonstrate the wealth and power of the Campbell family of Argyll, who's influence on politics and religion in Scotland during the medieval period was extensive.
Having fallen into disrepair in the 17th century, Castle Campbell is now partially restored and under the guardianship of Historic Scotland.
- Open: Daily 9.30am - 5.30am (1st April - 30th September)
- Daily 9.30am - 4.30am (1st October - 31st October)
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat & Sun (1st November - 31st March)
- Telephone: 01259 742408
- website: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Menstrie Castle
Menstrie Castle was built c1560 as a manor house by the Alexander family. It was the birthplace of Sir William Alexander, who had an illustrious career during the reign of James VI and I, becoming Principle Secretary of State for Scotland in 1626.
In 1621 he began to establish a new colony called Nova Scotia , but the scheme failed and Sir William lost money. Nonetheless, he improved Menstrie Castle and his town house in Stirling in 1633, when he was invested 1st Earl of Stirling and Viscount Canada . Neglected for a number of years, Menstrie Castle was saved during the late 1950's and converted into apartments, but two ground floor rooms were restored as a display area, with dedicated exhibitions about Nova Scotia . These are now managed by the National Trust for Scotland . Visits outside scheduled dates / times can be organised with prior arrangement.
- Open: Wed and Sun 2.00pm - 5.00pm (1st April - 30th September)
- Telephone: 0844 4932130
- website: www.nts.org.uk
Clackmannan Tower
Clackmannan Tower stands on King's Seat Hill, a dramatic site overlooking the Forth valley. There may have been a royal residence here in the reign of Malcolm IV (1053-65), but what we see today was built by David II in 1359. The earliest part of the tower was probably built c1360, but was modified a number of times over the centuries.
Clackmannan Tower has been in the guardianship of what is now Historic Scotland since the 1950s. Subsidence had caused major structural collapse in 1948. Historic Scotland has undertaken extensive repairs and is committed to increasing public access in the next few years.
At the moment the tower is only open to visitors by special arrangement. For further information please contact Historic Scotland - Tel: 01786 450000 or visit www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Sauchie Tower
Sauchie Tower was built by the influential Shaw family around the early 1400's. This was a vibrant home until the 1700's which included a tower complex, an outer wall on at least two sides, a cobbled courtyard and large hall. On the completion of a large new mansion in the 1700's Sauchie Tower became neglected and fell into disrepair.
Now owned by the Clackmannanshire Heritage Trust, excavation work and repairs to prevent further deterioration have taken place, but funds are needed to complete this work to continue restoration and conserve the house and surrounding landscape.
At the moment Sauchie Tower is only open to visitors by special arrangement. For further information please contact Clackmannanshire Council Museum and Heritage Service - Tel: 01259 216913 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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