The Clackmannanshire Tower Trail

Parliament walk leading to Alloa Tower

Parliament walk leading to Alloa Tower

Sometimes it’s enlightening to choose just one aspect of an area, one striking feature, and explore it from that angle. This week, we’re getting a different slant on Stirlingshire by exploring it through towers: specifically, the Clackmannanshire Tower Trail.

The origins of the towers: Bordering Fife, Perth & Kinross and Stirling, Clackmannanshire has four medieval towers. Built in the 14th to 15th centuries, these handsome buildings have their origins in earlier timber defensive constructions. However, the newer, stone constructions were created in less turbulent times, built by aristocratic families who needed both to be near the Royal Court in Stirling, and to display their status. The heyday of the tower was short-lived: by the 16th century, ‘height’ was less in vogue, with the wealthy favouring the larger footprint of stately homes, the like of which we see today. Happily, relative rarity makes the medieval towers an even more appealing focus for sightseeing.

Alloa Tower: Alloa Tower was home to the Erskine family, Earls of Mar, from the late 1300s until 1800, in which year the building was destroyed by fire. Restored to its 1712 appearance by the Alloa Tower Building Preservation Trust, the building was reopened by the Queen in 1997. It has a fascinating history, an extensive collection of original portraits, and is open daily Good Friday–31st October 1pm to 5pm. See www.clacksweb.org.uk and www.nts.org.uk

Castle Campbell Tower, Dollar Glen

Castle Campbell Tower, Dollar Glen

Castle Campbell Tower: Castle Campbell in Dollar Glen was a lowland home of the Campbell family of Argyll until 1654. Around 1466, the tower building was extended by the first Earl of Argyll to include a great hall and family accommodation, with an east range, stair turret, defensive gateway and enclosing wall added around 1600. Turbulent years followed, and the building suffered. The estate was sold in 1805, and has been partially restored by Historic Scotland. Opening times: 1st April–30 Sep daily 9.30–5.30. 1st October–31st March Saturday to Wednesdays 9.30–4.30. See www.clacksweb.org.uk and www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Clackmannan Tower, on King's Seat Hill

Clackmannan Tower, on King’s Seat Hill

Clackmannan Tower: Kings’ Seat Hill, overlooking the Forth Valley, is home to Clackmannan Tower, the likely site of a royal residence dating as far back as the 11th century. In 1359, David II granted Clackmannan to Robert the Bruce, and construction began, with additions in the 15th and late 16th centuries. Despite a fascinating history which included an unofficial ‘knighting’ of Robert Burns, the Bruce family abandoned the tower and its accompanying house in 1841. Under the guardianship of Historic Scotland extensive repairs have begun – full entry access is by special arrangement and Doors Open Days in September. See www.clacksweb.org.uk and www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Sauchie Tower, open during 'Doors Open days' In September

Sauchie Tower, open during ‘Doors Open Days’ In September

Sauchie Tower: In 1321, King Robert Bruce granted the lands of Sauchie to the Sherriff of Clackmannan, Henri de Annand. In 1431, descendant Mary de Annand married Sir James Schaw, who soon began work on Sauchie Tower. A courtyard, great hall and ovens were later added, and defences improved in 1490. An additional house, built in 1631, became the main family residence. By 1710, the tower was used only for dancing and theatre and was in grave disrepair by the 1800s. Clackmannanshire Heritage Trust with the Friends of Sauchie Tower have undertaken to restore it, the accompanying house, and environs. Full entry access is by special arrangement and Doors Open Days in September. For information, contact Clackmannanshire Council Museum and Heritage Service (tel: 01259 216913).

For full information on all of these, how to gain entry to them, and how best to enjoy them on ‘non-entry days’ see http://www.clacksweb.org.uk/visiting/towertrail/ where you will find more info, histories, and full contact details.

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