If you are staying in Clackmannanshire, or just passing through, why not take time to visit some of the castles and towers which play an important part of our history. The Clackmannan Tower Trail has been recommended to us by National Trust for Scotland.Alloa Tower: In 1368 David II exchanged the Royal lands of Alloa for the Erskine lands of Strathgartney by Loch Katrine. Alloa Tower, which dates from that time (or shortly thereafter), was the home of the Earls of Mar until 1800 when fire destroyed the mansion house that adjoined the Tower. Not only have the family been regents to many Scots Sovereigns from the 13C onwards, they were also one of the several ancient Ri of Scotland, and have played major roles in the shaping of Scots social, legal and economic history; they have also been instrumental in moulding the history of England, and some European countries. The Tower lay neglected and in a ruinous condition until 1988 when the 13th Earl of Mar & Kellie gifted the Tower and the surrounding park to the newly formed ‘Alloa Tower Building Preservation Trust’. The Tower is now fully restored and houses part of the Mar & Kellie Art collection.
Alloa Tower is owned by Clackmannanshire Heritage Trust and managed on their behalf by the National Trust for Scotland and is open from the 1st April until the 30th September daily from 1.30 p.m. until 5.30 p.m. and weekends in October (last admission 5 p.m.). Admission charges apply. Property Manager Christine Wilson (Tel 01259 211701).
Clackmannan Tower: This Tower formed part of a string of Tower Houses that flanked the shores of the River Forth. The purpose of the Forth Tower Houses was to warn Stirling Castle of imminent attack. They were looking out for the English sailing up the Forth, the Border Reevers who raided as far into Scotland as Castle Campbell, and also for the Highlanders who frequently sent raiding parties to ambush drovers bringing their cattle over the Ochils to market in Central Scotland. Clackmannan Tower, in medieval times was situated in the heart of the forest of Clackmannan; it was used by, amongst others, Malcolm Canmore, and later, by Robert the Bruce, kin of the Erskines. The Tower remained in the hands of descendants of Robert I until its decay in the 1800’s. Throughout this time, the lords of Clackmannan and Alloa Towers were close allies.
Clackmannan Tower is owned by Historic Scotland and, as yet is not open to the public; however, visitors can walk up to the Tower from the village of Clackmannan. On a clear day the views from Tower Hill are well worth the walk.
Sauchie Tower: Old Sauchie (the place of the willows) was granted to one Henri de Annand, a kinsman of Robert the Bruce, in1321. It passed on to the Schaw family around a century later. Sauchie Tower was built, circa 1430, by one James Schaw of Greenock. The Tower is unique in the area remaining almost ‘as built’ i.e. little or no modernisation was carried out before fashion decreed a mansion house should be added. The building itself stands almost fifty-five feet high with sandstone walls that are six feet thick. It comprises four storeys and entresol and fulfilled the defensive requirements of 15th century life in feudal Scotland. It was further protected by a barmkin and moat.
The Schaw family held many high positions of State for much of the Stewart dynasty. Sir James Schaw, grandson of the aforementioned James Schaw, whilst Keeper of Stirling Castle, denied James III access to his son the Duke of Rothesay and was later implicated in the conspiracy which ultimately led to the kings demise at Sauchieburn. James was pardoned by James IV and reinstated as Keeper of Stirling Castle. In 1529, under Alexander Schaw, Sauchie was elevated to the status of Barony. Another James Schaw succeeded Alexander and like his grandfather proved to be a notorious figure. His career culminated in his implication in the murder of Darnley. It is during this era that Mary Queen of Scots is believed to have visited the tower. The last Schaw to live in the Tower itself was Alexander who was knighted by Charles I in 1633.
Sauchie Tower is currently being restored by Clackmannanshire Heritage Trust and is not open to the public.
Menstrie Castle: Menstrie Castle was the birthplace of William Alexander (1572-1640) who was created 1st Earl of Stirling by James VI in 1609. William Alexander’s early life was spent as the travelling companion of Archibald, the young seventh Earl of Argyll (of Castle Campbell). William later became friend and confidant of James VI and, such was his standing with James that he became the tutor of his first born son Henry. William later travelled down to London with James when the Crowns of Scotland and England were united in 1603. Sir William Alexander was made Hereditary Lieutenant of over 60,000 square miles of land which became known as Nova Scotia. A commemorative room details all the Baronetcies of Nova Scotia which were created by James VI on the payment of 1,000 merks. The creation of these new titles created much needed revenue for the Crown and allowed James to build support against the old, entrenched nobility.
Menstrie Castle is managed by the National Trust for Scotland and is open Easter weekend and 1st May to 30th September, Wednesday and Sunday afternoon 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Admission free. Property Manager Christine Wilson (01259 211701)
Castle Campbell: Castle Campbell stands at the top of Dollar Glen and is flanked by the Ochil Hills; it is a suitably spectacular setting for a stunning castle. This 15th century fortress was the lowland stronghold of the Campbells, who became the Dukes of Argyll. The Argylls are best known for their support of the Hanovarians at the Battle of Sherrifmuir where one of the foremost battles of the Jacobite cause was fought. The Duke of Argyll headed the army of the Hanovarians; the army of James VIII (Chevalier St. George) headed by John, 6th Earl of Mar. Visitors may drive to the top car park and then walk to the Castle, or they may park in the woodland car park and walk through the spectacular Dollar Glen (owned by the National Trust for Scotland) to the Castle. The Glen is open all year. Please note paths are steep and can be dangerous in wet weather. Castle Campbell is managed by Historic Scotland and is open all year from 9.30 p.m. until 6.30 p.m.; however, in winter it is closed on Thursday afternoons & Friday and Sunday mornings. Admission charges apply. Property Manager Ken Tullis (Tel 01259 742408)
