Alloa Tower

Dating from the 14th century, Alloa Tower is the largest surviving medieval tower house in Scotland and one of the finest examples of its type. Built by the Erskine family, later Earls of Mar, the tower served as their principal residence for centuries. The castle gained particular fame as the childhood home of James VI of Scotland (later James I of England), who lived here under the protection of the Earl of Mar. The tower's impressive height and substantial walls demonstrate the wealth and power of the Erskine family. Now preserved by the National Trust for Scotland, Alloa Tower offers visitors insight into medieval Scottish domestic architecture and royal connections.