Doune

Doune is a quiet dormintory village situated 8 miles northwest of Stirling.

Once renowned as a centre for pistol-making, the village was perhaps best known for its formidable castle, built by Robert, Duke of Albany in the 14th century. Today the most prominent features of the castle are its mighty 95-foot-high gatehouse, which also houses domestic quarters including the splendid Lord's Hall with its carved oak screen, musicians' gallery and double fireplace. More recently, the castle's fame has rested on being one of the locations used in the filming of 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail'.

A few miles south of the village, the Blair Drummond Safari Park attempts to recreate the African bush in the Scottish countryside and is the only safari park in the country, with everything from big cats to sea lions and elephants.