Alloa Tower

Alloa Tower, the largest surviving keep in Scotland, dates from the 14th century. It was home to successive generations of the Earls of Mar, who played host to and were guardians of many Scots monarchs. Here, so legend has it, Mary, Queen of Scots was reconciled with Darnley and shortly thereafter granted the 5th Lord Erskine the much-coveted earldom in 1565. One tradition holds that Marys infant son, later James VI and I, died shortly after his birth and was replaced by the baby son of the Earl of Mar.
The Tower has seen six major alterations, the most dramatic being the sweeping Italianate staircase and dome added in the early 1700s by the 6th Earl of Mar. But it still retains original medieval features such as the dungeon, first-floor well and magnificent oak roof timbers. Fully restored and furnished to a high standard, the Tower contains a unique collection of family portraits and silver on loan from the present Earl of Mar and Kellie.

Opening Hours

30 March to 31 Oct, daily 15.

Contact

Piers De Salis

Alloa Park
Alloa
Clackmannanshire
FK10 1PP
Scotland

Tel: +44 (1259) 211701
Fax: +44 (1259) 218744
WWW: http://www.nts.org.uk