Castles and Churches in Stirling
and the Forth Valley

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Castles and Churches to visit in and around Stirling. Stirling has a range of ancient churches, some of the very earliest grave yards, containing graves not just head stone but foot stones too. You will find ancient abbeys, castles, monument and martyrs. Browse the information below to discover exactly what is on offer.
 

The Church of the Holy Rude is one of the finest medieval buildings in Scotland, its construction dating back to the early 15th century. James VI was crowned here in 1567 with John Knox preaching the sermon. The stained glass windows are among the best in Scotland while the Dreaper and Rushworth organ is one of the finest in the UK.

Open daily 11.00am to 4pm, 1 May to 30 Sept, with monthly Organ recitals on dates advertised. 
Sunday Services Jan to June at 11.30am, July to Dec at 10.00am.
(Map Grid Ref: B2)

Alloa Tower was restored in 1996.  Dating back to the 15thC it was the ancestral home of the Earls of Mar & was extensively altered in the early 18thC by the 6th Earl of Mar. The tower retains it's underground dungeon. The fascinating story of one of Scotland's most powerful families, the Erskines, and the Tower is unravelled in an AV presentation.  Superb furniture and portraits.  Open 1 April to 31 Oct. 1 to 5pm. weekday mornings available for pre-booked groups. Tel:01259 211701  The National Trust for Scotland.  Sign posted off the A907 in Alloa, North of Stirling.

Logie Kirk. Although in ruins, there are many ancient grave stones in the church yard which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, some of the earliest surviving in Britain. Examples of the once common 17th century practice of setting up two identical headstones on the same layer can be seen. Park at the new church and walk up the road, approx 500m, to Logie Kirk. Situated off the B899 past the Wallace Monument. Just before its junction with A91, (signposted)
 

The Wigtown Martyrs. In the valley cemetery in the City of Stirling you will come across a monument erected to two women martyrs. One of the women, Margaret Wilson is alleged to have been only 18 years of age, when she was drowned in 1685 along with Agnes for reputedly refusing to renounce their protestant faith. The monument avoids the horror of her death and presents a more sentimental Victorian idealism of women. (Map Grid Ref: B1)
 

Cambuskenneth Abbey, an Augustinian Abbey, was founded in 1140 by King David I. Now all a ruin except its tower. Descriptive plaques will help you unravel its past. Free Admission.

Open Summer only (April to September) Mon to Sat 9.30am to 6pm & Sundays 2pm to 6pm. Historic Scotland. Access over the foot bridge at the end of Shore Road and Abbey Road (Map Grid Ref: D1)
 

The lands for Clackmannan Tower were granted by King David II (son of King Robert the Bruce) to Robert de Bruce in 1365. The last of that line died in 1772. The main surviving part of the castle is the tower house which dates from the late 14th century. Access to the outside only, with superb views of River Forth, the Forth valley and Orchil Hills behind. Turn off the A907 into Clackmannan village, approx 300m walk up High Street, opposite the Clackmannan’s Tolbooth.
 

The Bastion, a 16th Century defensive tower, originally guarded an angle of the Town Wall. Beautifully restored, it superbly displays the Bastion’s history. Find out about the Stirling Hangman, ‘Thieves Pot’ and Ceremonial Halberds.

Open Mon to Sat, 9am to 5.30pm, Sun 11 to 5pm. Free entry. In Thistles Shopping Centre, near Port St Entrance. www.thethistles.com (Map Grid Ref: D4)
 

Tolbooth, Cross and Stone of Clackmannan. The stone or clack was sacred to the pre-christian people of Mannan and hence the modern day name of Clackmannan. The shaft of the cross is engraved with the Bruce arms, the lower part of the shaft has been worn by prisoners chains. The Tolbooth, built in 1592, cost £284 and comprises a court room. Jailor’s house and instruments of punishment. Turn off the A907 for Clackmannan, situated in the centre of the town in Main Street.
 

The Stirling Old Kirkyard. At one time many Stirling people set up their gravestones as status symbols while they were still alive. Many of these stones have the trade symbols, designating their profession of bakers, masons, weavers, masons and other crafts. Walk through this old cemetery and find these fascinating head stones. (Map Grid Ref:- B1)
 

Pithy Mary. This area was laid out as a public pleasure ground by local seeds man and evangelist, William Drummond. The Star Pyramid, with its texts and emblems, was nearing completion in April 1863, when a bible and Confession of Faith were sealed into an inner chamber. It recalls the principals of the Reformation and publicised the famous Drummond Tract Enterprises. The origin of the name Pithy Mary is unknown. (Map Grid Ref: B1)

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