Alloa Tower handed over to The National Trust for Scotland

The 14th century building, the largest and oldest keep in Scotland, is the first heritage property to be acquired by the conservation charity in seven years.

Since 1996 NTS has managed the tower – the ancestral home of the Erskine family, the Earls of Mar and Kellie – in partnership with Clackmannanshire Heritage Trust, with financial support from Clackmannanshire Council.

It is the success of this alliance, and the philanthropic endeavours over many years of the current Earl of Mar and Kellie and his father, that have enabled the charity to secure the property’s long-term future.

It was formally handed over on Thursday (23 April) which was also the last major public event attended by outgoing chairman, Sir Kenneth Calman.

He said: “This is the culmination of many extraordinary acts of dedication and generosity.

“Through collective devotion played out over almost thirty years, we have assured the survival of a place that was at the nexus of events that shaped Scottish history. Since its construction around 1368, Alloa Tower has been altered many times and it provides a rich tapestry of architectural styles and historic collections: it is wonderful addition to the trust’s portfolio.

“Along with Jamie Mar, who has been unswerving in his efforts to secure long-term funding for the tower, and his father, we have the dedicated volunteers of the Clackmannanshire Heritage Trust and the local authority to thank for ensuring that this fine building has been saved for the nation.

“On a personal basis, I must admit tremendous satisfaction in seeing the National Trust for Scotland overcoming the difficulties of a few years ago to the extent that we are now ready, willing and able to take charge of such an important example of our nation’s heritage.” Alloa Tower becomes the first property taken into the trust’s ownership since the Burns National Heritage Park in 2008.

Jamie, 14th Earl of Mar and 16th Earl of Kellie, said: “I am very pleased that the National Trust for Scotland is willing to take on Alloa Tower – my family’s historic home – and, arguably, the largest and most altered tower house in Scotland. I am sure that Mary, Queen of Scots, King James VI and the Jacobites would approve!” The Rt Hon Sir George Reid, former presiding officer of the Scottish Parliament and former Lord-Lieutenant of Clackmannanshire, who was born and bred locally, cited the tower in his 2010 strategic review of the National Trust for Scotland, Fit for Purpose.

He also took part in the handover ceremony and said: “Alloa Tower is at the centre of the town where I grew up.

“When I was asked to lead a review of the National Trust of Scotland, I saw the tower as the type of property that offers a model for the charity’s future.

“Not only does it physically dominate the town but it provides a focal point for the surrounding community, exemplified by the outstanding work of the local heritage trust.

“In 2010, I said that it was by rebuilding connections with local communities and their heritage that the NTS could find a way forward to a sustainable and relevant future. By the act of taking possession of Alloa Tower, it is clear that the Trust is taking this to heart and the reforms overseen by Sir Ken Calman are bearing fruit.” -Alloa Tower was originally built to guard the nearby ferry crossing on the River Forth.

-The Erskines were aides to the Stuart monarchs and guardians to the royal children – Mary, Queen of Scots and James VI both spent part of their early lives at Alloa Tower.

-It was Mary who conferred an earldom on the Erskines in 1565.

-From 1988, the tower was restored from a semi-derelict state by the Clackmannanshire Heritage Trust, established by the council with support from NTS.

-The restored building was first opened to the public in 1996.

-Among features within the tower are a sweeping, 18th century Italianate staircase, a medieval oak beamed roof, a dungeon and a well.

-It also houses collections of important paintings, including works by Raeburn and Van Dyck, and silverware.

-One of the trust’s first acts on taking ownership will be to improve the reception area, provide new interpretative materials for visitors and it will also seek greater engagement with those who live and work in Alloa.