Alloa Tower (National Trust for Scotland) — Attraction in Scotland

A wee 'keep' for the Mar Family. As National Trust members we are always looking for new places to visit that are not famous castles and houses. This tower or keep is one of those buildings. It is situated in Alloa (only 10 miles from Dunfermline & 9 miles from Stirling Castle). Every wealthy family had to have a tower just in case they were attacked by a rival clan. This unique building has been preserved due to the funding raising efforts and hard graft of local people. They should be proud of their efforts saving it from ruin. It has multiple levels and a roof top viewing platform with great views of the area including Stirling Castle. We also visited the town centre only 5 minutes walk past Tesco. We had a coffee and cakes at Dnisi in the town...

I found this place on the national trust website. I was looking for somewhere to take the kids that wouldn't be too expensive so I thought I'd give it a try. On arrival you are welcomed by the loveliest staff ever!!!!

They are only too happy to answer questions about the tower, they engaged with the kids and got them to take part in the Lego people challenge and staff dotted around also gave the kids clues to were the Lego people were when they were struggling to find a couple.

The view from the top of the castle was lovely too. I'll definitely visit again

There's a small gift shop on the ground floor too if you fancy...

So on Saturday we discovered Alloa Tower (National Trust for Scotland). We've lived only 12 miles away for 40 years, but this was our first visit. In our defence, it was only restored in the 90s, and it is surrounded by a fairly unattractive housing estate. But it was great. Really helpful, knowledgeable guides, great views from the roof, and an interesting history. (We are now much better informed about the Earls of Mar, both sets!) And I managed the 130 steps to the roof quite easily, to my pleasant surprise. Only downside was there seemed to be only five or so other visitors. Do...