Alloa Tower
Large fortified tower boasts lavish interiors where kings and queens once wandered
Current page: Overview
Discover the largest surviving keep in Scotland.
Explore the home of the 6th Earl of Mar, leader of the 1715 Jacobite Rising.
Admire the opulent 18th-century interiors.
Don't miss the medieval Solar, with its original oak roof timbers.
Climb to the top of the tower to enjoy views stretching across nine counties.
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At all Trust places, admission is free for members.
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The sweeping Italianate staircase in Alloa Tower
The Great Hall at Alloa Tower
The medieval Solar
Alloa Tower: the ancestral home of the Erskines
This bold medieval keep may look forbidding, but inside it's full of art and riches – not to mention intriguing tales. The tower dates back to the 14th century and was built to guard a strategically important ferry crossing on the nearby River Forth.
It became the ancestral seat of the Erskine family, the Earls of Mar and Kellie. This family have played a pivotal part in Scotland's history through the centuries and were loyal supporters of the Stuart monarchs. Mary, Queen of Scots and her son, James VI, both spent part of their childhoods here under the guardianship of the Erskine family.
Alloa Tower was lavishly updated by John Erskine, 6th Earl of Mar, who created an 18th-century mansion within the ancient walls.
Our accreditations and awards
Stories featuring this place
The life of Mary, Queen of Scots
A summary of the life of one of Scotland's most fascinating historical figures
Central Scotland features many of our most captivating properties.
ArtUK
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