Tower Trail – Video

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p65aV2Hn7WE

26-05-2012 08:39 Clackmannanshire's collection of tower houses (dating from the 14th and 15th century) were built by Scotland 's aristocrats to be near the royal court at Stirling Castle . Each tower, has it's own fascinating history, and formed part of a wider complex of buildings, including great halls, courtyards and living quarters. Being so close to the royal court, these tower houses played host to royalty including Mary Queen of Scots, witnessed the plotting of the ill fated Jacobite Rebellion of 1715 led by the 6th Earl of Mar, and came under attack and were damaged by fire as a result of war and dispute over the centuries. Menstrie Castle Menstrie Castle was built c1560 as a manor house by the Alexander family. It was the birthplace of Sir William Alexander, who had an illustrious career during the reign of James VI and I, becoming Principle Secretary of State for Scotland in 1626. In 1621 he began to establish a new colony called Nova Scotia , but the scheme failed and Sir William lost money. Nonetheless, he improved Menstrie Castle and his town house in Stirling in 1633, when he was invested 1st Earl of Stirling and Viscount Canada . Neglected for a number of years, Menstrie Castle was saved during the late 1950's and converted into apartments, but two ground floor rooms were restored as a display area, with dedicated exhibitions about Nova Scotia . These are now managed by the National Trust for Scotland . Open: Wed and Sun 2.00pm - 5.00pm (1st April - 30th September ...

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Tower Trail - Video