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The traditional mining/textile village developed in the centre of the county in the heart of Scotland. Ancient Celtic Druid circles and Pictish forts indicate these were the earliest inhabitants of the scenic land that lies at the bottom of the Ochil Hills. The early cultures and later civilizations had ample water supplies from the River Devon, which lies south of Tillicoultry. A named settlement formed early on and was first mentioned in writing during the year 1195. The property belonged to Alexander II who bestowed the land to the de Meser family. Alexander III retrieved the territory after feudal services did not go as planned. William Count of Mar acquired the lands, which remained in his family unitl 1483.
The territory continued changing ownership over the centuries through inheritance or purchase. The hamlet grew along the main road travelling from St. Andrews to Stirling. Cloth manufacturing began in the 1560s. Tillicoultry had a parish church in 1639. In the 1700s the women of the community developed a unique cloth known as Tillicoutry Serge. They created the new material by weaving wool and linen together. Also during this period, the local Harviestown Estate played host to famed poet Robert Burns, who wrote about the scenic village. Tiillicoutry had a weaving mill by the 1790s, operated by the water that flowed down the hills and through the valley.
Tillicoultry constructed a steam powered mill in the 1830s. By the last quarter of the century, Tillicoultry had 12 mills employing 2,000 people. The population rose so dramatically that inadequate housing caused overcrowding. Insufficient water supplies and waste drainage caused illness and increased infant deaths. The community formed the Tillicoultry Burgh in 1871 in attempts to formulate solutions. In 1877, disaster struck Tillicoultry and surrounding communities when the burn flooded and caused major property damage. The community survived and reconstructed. By the end of the decade, quartz quarrying accompanied coal mining.
The success and prosperity of Tillicoultry’s ventures turned the village into an industrial centre. This status provided the community with the reward of being the first village in the area to obtain railway service. One of the major Tillicoultry mills closed down by the time World War I began. The building served as a barracks for soldiers and a stable for hundreds of horses. Quarrying flourished in the 1930s and during these years Tillicoultry constructed the first bus station in the country. The mining and textile industries eventually diminished and many residents currently commute out of town for employment.
Activities and Attractions
The overlapping rolling hills separated by valleys and flowing rivers contain dozens of paths waiting for exploration. Most of the trails also prove adequate for off road cycling. Scale the hills and enter wooded areas, travel along springs and find hidden waterfalls. Make the descent on the opposite side and encounter other charming villages. Many paths also traverse along more level terrain. Stroll around Tillicoultry and see the interesting historic features that include the bell tower, the town square clock, the Victorian drinking fountain and the Gothic architecture of the Tillicoultry Parish Church. A path travelling down the old railway line features flowering plants and other foliage.
For an interesting and educational adventure, visitors might venture west for the day and explore Striling Castle. A castle stood on the grounds from the early 1100s. The present fortress, completed in the mid 1500s for Kings James V, exudes all of the power, magnificence and wealth of the Tudor period. From the 500 year old Queen Anne garden to the luscious apartments of the king and queen, visitors have the chance to see the castle in all of its former splenour. Special exhibits include the vaults, where guests get a better understanding of the individuals performing special tasks around the palace. See the musical instruments used during medieval times and learn about how artists made paints using animals and plants. Browse through the sets of tools used by the master carver and hear why the jester was a vital employee.
Visitors learn the history behind the artwork in the palace, which includes paintings, sculptures and tapestries. Stroll over to the Great Hall and discover the important occasions celebrated here. Hear about the unusual methods used by the kitchen staff for bringing the great amounts of food from the cellar kitchens to the king’s table. Take a walk on the upper fortess walls, following in the footsteps of many a soldier who guarded the king. The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum also lies within the fortress walls. As part of the king’s Royal Army, the Highlanders provided faithful service to the crown for over 200 years. Learn about the many battles fought, the uniforms worn and the weaponry used.
Places To Stay and Dining
Guests enjoy a pleasant stay surrounded by the beautiful Ochil Hills at villa styled facilities. Modern, yet having a bit of yesteryear charm, some hotels feature front facing courtyards and patio furniture providing enjoyable warm nights under the stars.
Guests awakening with a ravenous appetite after a good night’s sleep are ready for a full traditional Scottish breakfast. At the Harviestoun Country Hotel and Restaurant, the complete morning meal includes bacon, sausage and eggs cooked per preference, a potato scone, tomatoes and mushrooms. Also included with the meal are baked beans, black pudding, haggis and hash browns, with toast and preserves on the side.
Accommodation in Tillicoultry
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