Alloa Tower

About

Alloa Tower, the oldest surviving building in Clackmannanshire, is a striking medieval keep that once formed the heart of the powerful Erskine family’s estate. Rising over 20 metres, it dates from the 14th century and served as both fortress and residence, offering a rare glimpse into the domestic life of Scotland’s nobility. Inside, the tower reveals its layered history through atmospheric rooms and carefully preserved features. The Great Hall is a highlight, with its thick stone walls, vaulted ceiling and traces of medieval decoration. Here, the Earls of Mar hosted feasts, councils and political gatherings. The upper floors explore later periods, including the 18th‑century improvements that added elegant fireplaces and more comfortable living spaces. One of the most intriguing elements is the original timber roof, an impressive survival that showcases medieval craftsmanship. Exhibits throughout the tower display artefacts linked to the Erskine family, local industry and the building’s long evolution. Informative panels explain how the tower once formed part of a much larger mansion complex, now lost to fire.

Alloa Scotland

Location

Alloa Tower is located in the town of Alloa, within Clackmannanshire, Scotland. You can find this ancient ancestral seat of the Erskine family at Alloa Park Drive, Alloa, FK10 1PL. Set in public parkland near the River Forth, it is one of Scotland's largest and oldest surviving medieval tower houses. The surrounding area in Clackmannanshire offers a great selection of castles, historic sites, and local cultural attractions to visit. In the center of town, you can visit The Speirs Centre, which houses local heritage exhibits and historical archives. Just a short drive east stands Clackmannan Tower, another impressive historic stone fortress perched on a hill above the nearby village of Clackmannan. To the north toward the Ochil Hills, you will find Sauchie Tower and Menstrie Castle, a charming restored 16th-century tower house with ties to early Nova Scotia history. Further up into the hills in Dollar, you can explore the picturesque Dollar Museum before taking a scenic walk through Dollar Glen to Castle Campbell, a dramatic historic stronghold set on a high rocky outcrop. If you enjoy outdoor recreation, nearby Gartmorn Dam Country Park offers lovely peaceful walks around Scotland's oldest man-made reservoir.