Scottish Castles

Local information

Alloa Tower, Stirlingshire

Location: Alloa Park, FK10 1PP (map and directions)

The ruined 14th century Alloa Tower in Alloa was the medieval residence of Clan Erskine, the Earls of Mar. One of Scotland’s earliest and largest tower houses in Scotland, Alloa Tower retains its original timber roof and battlements along with its extremely thick walls. The Earls of Mar hosted many Scottish monarchs here, including Mary Queen of Scots.

Alloa Tower © Ally D

History of Alloa Tower

The original tower was incorporated into a larger classical 17th century house which was built and subsequently torn down, leaving Alloa Tower standing alone once more in this central Scottish landscape. One of the most significant features of Alloa Tower even today is the Italianate staircase and dome which was added in the 18th century, though Alloa’s medieval features like its dark dungeon, its well, and the roof timbers are also worth seeing.

Alloa tower is administered by the National Trust for Scotland and has been fully restored and refurnished and contains a collection of family paintings by Kneller, Raeburn and Alloa artist David Allan.

Map and directions

Other castles in Stirlingshire