Clackmannan Tower
From 14th century King's Seat Hill, a spectacular and strategic site in the control of the Forth, was sold with its hunting lodge by King David II to a kinsman, Robert Bruce, in 1359 (possibly to keep it in the family without it continuing a royal burden). The great rectangular tower, constructed of beautifully cut blocks of pink sandstone, was begun soon afterwards to the normal pattern of ground floor cellars, great hall, capped by a guard house. In the 15th century, a taller square tower, build equally delectably, was added abutting the south, at which both were presented with a crenellated wall-walk supported on machicolations (open corbels between which defenders could pour unpleasantness upon attrackers).
In the late 16th century, the Bruces built a splendid mansion block with crowstep gables and turrets to the south-west; and in the late 17th century, a new entrance court, walled and protected by a moat, to the east, with a new doorway into the castle embellished by a lovely pedimented frame. Fragments of the outer walls, of a garden terrace, and of an ancient bowling green may still be traced.
The direct Bruce line died with Lady Catherine Bruce in 1791, soon after which the mansion crumbled and the stones thriftily resetted elsewhere. The Tower itself was later threatened by coal mining subsidence. Although that threat has receeded, access is not easy, internal access currently impossible and the environs a tragic waste of outstanding potential.
Contact
Clackmannan Tower
3 Castle Court
Menstrie
Clackmannanshire
FK11 7AH
Scotland
Tel: +44 (1259) 452000
