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The village developed toward the eastern portion of Clackmannanshire, located in the central part of the country. Burial cairns and urns over 3,000 years old represent the first civilizations in the Dollar area. The Pictish tribe Maeatae lived in the area for thousands of years. According to Norse history, a battle between the Scots and the Vikings cost the Norse nation its king in 874 AD. In 877 AD, Constantine II fought the Danes here in a skirmish known as the Battle of Dollar. This time the Danes acquired the victory, killing many Scots on the battlefield. The Vikings pursued and killed the survivors, including Constantine himself.
In 1336, English pirates travelled up the Forth River and invaded many villages in the area. The marauders destroyed everything between the riverfront to the Ochil Hills. The path of devastation ran from Corning to Dollar. Legend has it that after loading the ship with stolen property, they headed out to sea where the ship sank. The wealthy royals constructed the castle sometime during the 1400s. Documents first mention the structure in 1466. Colin Campbell acquired the fortress through marriage, which also earned him the title first Earl of Argyll. In 1489, Campbell changed the name of the fortress from Castle Gloom to Castle Campbell.
The location served as a supply base when the royals attended court in the larger townships. The Earl sent ale, grains, meat and coal to the specific locations hosting the king. In 1563, Queen Mary attended the wedding of the Earl’s half-sister and stayed at the castle for the festivities. Two years later, Mary seized the castle. Feuds and wars continued plaguing Dollar. In 1645, the Marquess of Montrose, passing with his army through Dollar, destroyed homes, crops and livestock out of vengeance. Much to the dismay of the people, the Earl did nothing to defend the village. Cromwell and his troops stormed and burned the castle in 1654. The Earl did not rebuild the fortress, but abandoned the structure instead.
From the 1700s, Dollar had coal, copper and lead mining facilites, powered by the river. Textile mills were also of great importance. The community also had a bleach works facility. By the year 1800, Dollar had 500 residents. The local governing body constructed the main road and designed plans for a new town. The Dollar Academy came into existence during this time. Because of the academy, Dollar became known as an educational centre. Many arrived for the priviledge of attending the school. The school also attracted families, which influenced housing developments. The quality of the Dollar school continued attracting new residents into the middle of the 20th century.
Activities and Attractions
Dollar developed between the beautiful Ochil Hills and the River Devon. Either location offers picturesque views. The glens and hills of the Ochils offer paths and trails varying in difficulty for those who enjoy cycling or hiking. Available pamphlets provide car parking locations and details displaying varied trails. One circular path begins at the Burn of Sorrow and follows the river through a wooded area. Hikers have the opportunity to encounter wildlife along the journey. This path leads to the Burn of Care, which eventually turns into the Dollar Burn. At one point during the trail, the river tumbles into the Souchie Falls. The trail rises and falls along the way, but offers amazing views of the local countryside.
The trail also passes around the path leading to the remains of Campbell Castle. Paved paths and bridges lead up the steep slope to the front of the fortress, which features a green lawn and benches. Roses and other ground covering, flowering plants line the wall of the castle. Inside the courtyard, portions of walls remain that once formed ancillary structures. The first floor of the five story tower house contains a model of how the fortress complex resembled after completion. Visitors explore the floors of the tower, seeing the great hall and massive fireplace, along with the apartments that once served as royal quarters. A wall walk runs along the top of the tower, offering spectacular views over the hills and the town of Dollar.
An 1800s building, once containing a woollen mill, now houses the Dollar Museum. The facility strives to explain the history of the community through artefacts and collections that not only depict local cultures and generations through the ages, but also provides an interesting look into the individual lives of past residents. Learn about the ancient Battle of Dollar, fought between the Scots and the Vikings. Find out about the local women who attracted the affections of recognized Scottish poet Robert Burns. Hear about the woman who served as the first Lady Provost in all of Scotland. Learn about the little boy who was so poor, he stole passage on the local ferry. Years later, after making a fortune abroad, returning to Dollar, he established the Academy.
Places To Stay and Dining
When arriving in Dollar, guests find historic coaching inns, now modern hotels, in the heart of the community. Though located in town, private gardens and the gentle flow of the passing burn offer tranquil relaxation.
The Castle Campbell Hotel and Restaurant offers guests the option of dining in one of three separate areas, each having their own unique atmosphere. Popular dinner meals include roast pork with braised cabbage and mashed potatoes seasoned with chives, topped with red wine jus.
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