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The town lies on the banks of the River Forth in southwest Clackmannanshire, in central Scotland. The discovery of an ancient farming complex in the area means people favoured the area as early as 3,000 years ago. The Romans also constructed forts not far from Alloa. The royal crown gave the lands to the Erskine family in the late 1200s. Sir Robert Erskine became the first Earl of Mar and constructed a castle tower house in Alloa sometime in the latter 1300s or early 1400s. Among other his other duties, which included holding a high office, the Earl provided the custodial care and education of the royal children. Mary, Queen of Scots was one of the children he cared for.
During the Reformation, the Earl bought and sold the stones from the Cambuskenneth Abbey. Enraged, the abbot cursed the Earl and his family declaring he would lose his wife and home in a fire and his children would never see the light of day. The abbot also proclaimed that the Earl would lose his properties and a weaver would occupy his prized chamber. Another prediction included the home being used as a stable and a sapling growing out from the roof. By 1820, all of the thngs prophicied by the abbot came true. Despite the misfortunes of the Erskine family, Alloa grew and prospered.
The coal mining industry began here in the 1600s and weaving cloth was also common. The Earl contracted engineers who designed and built the necessary structures that leashed the river’s power for operating mining equipment. In the next century, the small river port grew in importance, as ships exported goods from Glascow to other areas of Europe. Merchants constructed warehouses that held imported sugar and tobacco, pending resale. During this time, the Earl expanded his mansion, constructing buildings on either side of the tower house.
Ale brewing emerged in 1762, and by the 1900s, Alloa had nine breweries, which exported the beverage to England, Egypt, the West Indies and the Far East. Shipbuilding began, and facilities created vessels spanning 100 feet (30 metres) in length. In the 1800s, Alloa became increasingly important as a port. Up to 2,000 ships entered the harbour daily. During this time of affluence, a fire consumed all of the Earl’s manor estate with the exception of the tower house. His wife perished in the fire. By the middle of the century, in addition to the many products exported, ships carried hundreds of thousands of tonnes of coal. Alloa had railway services by 1885.
Activities and Attractions
The Alloa Tower, once home of the Earls of Mar, remains standing in a pretty wooded park in the centre of town. Constructed sometime in the 1300s, the structure stands four stories tall and features walls 11 feet (3.48 metres) thick. The roof has four turreted corners and a wall wallk covers the entire perimeter. The building also retains the original wide beamed oak ceilings and medieval dungeon. Exterior and interior diagrams display the fortress and describe various aspects of history. Guests entering the home find a collection of 1700s furnishings, wall coverings and carpets. The medieval portraits and antique silver belong to the current Erskine family. Climb to the top of the tower for commanding views over Alloa, which extend to the River Forth and the Ochil Hills.
Visitors having transportation might enjoy travelling the Clackmannanshire Tower Trail, featuring other famous Scottish tower houses that include the Clackmannanshire Tower, home of Robert the Bruce, the Castle Campbell and the Menstrie Castle. Stroll around the community, beginning at the centre of town, and gaze at the beautiful Victorian architecture of the Alloa Ludgate Church, Burgh Chambers and Town Square Tower. On the eastern edge of Alloa, lies the impressive Gean House. Constructed in the Arts and Crafts style, the grand estate was a wedding present to the son of a wealthy woollen yarn manufacturer. The mansion now serves as an elegant hotel and hosts special event occaisions.
Visitors looking to explore the area, and get exercise at the same time, find many different trails and paths in and around the Alloa countryside for biking or walking. Enjoy a stroll along the Forth River or hike into the nearby Orchil Hills. Many organizations have trail pamphlets depicting different paths in varied destinations. Individuals who enjoy winter sports venture to the Firpark Ski Slope. The facility has specially designed indoor slopes measuring over 394 feet (120 metres) in length. Guests enjoy skiing, snowboarding and tubing regardless of the temperature outdoors or the time of year. The centre also serves cold beverages and snacks.
Places To Stay and Dining
Hotel options in Alloa include classic Tudor style estate mansions. Though having historic features, facilities offer up to date modern conveniences that include flat screen TVs and iPod docking stations. Choose accommodations at the foothills of the slopes, in the central part of Alloa, or along the scenic river.
For an authentic taste of Italy, visitors dine at the Bar Aldos Restaurant. Have Veal Scaloppina, prepared with veal, ham, cheese and tomatoes in white wine. Indulge in a plate of Filleto Diana, featuring beef steak with onions and mushrooms in a creamy brandy sauce.
Accommodation in Alloa
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