The Heritage Group, a partnership with the Community Council, collect and archive mixed media social history relating to the town’s past. Celebrating local heritage was identified as a priority in the Community Action Plan, and the group also run events designed to engage with residents and highlight the history of the town. Thanks to funding from the National Lottery’s Heritage Fund, one of the group’s first projects was the creation of four Heritage Trails around the town and outlying areas, and the accompanying Look Aboot Ye map.

Stone of Mannan

The ancient stone, or clack, or Mannan is the rounded stone that sits on top of the upright pillar. Originally located at the bottom of Lookabootye Brae, it was brought to the centre of the town in 1883 and raised on its current whinstone plinth.

The Mercat Cross

The Mercat Cross bears the arms of the Bruce family. The narrowing at the base of the cross is allegedly due to the prisoners’ chains wearing away the stone.

The Tolbooth

The Tolbooth was started in 1592 at the request of local Sheriff William Monteith, who was no longer inclined to keep prisoners in his own house. It served as the county gaol and courthouse for the next 200 years. All that remains today is the bell tower and gable end of the courthouse.

Clackmannan Tower

The Tower has seen many changes over the years. Originally a timber hunting tower in Clackmannan Forest, a 5-storey tower house was built in the 14th century. In the late 16th century the Bruce family built a mansion house to the south-west of the Tower, and in the 17th century a new entrance court, walls and a moat were added. Today, only the Tower and fragments of the outer wall remain. The building is now in the care of Historic Environment Scotland.

Church of St Andrews and graveyard

The site has been a place of worship since St Serf in 680 AD, with the present category B-listed church built in 1813 -1815, designed by James Gillespie Graham. The building has Scottish stained glass designed by renowned artists including Douglas Hamilton and Sadie McLellan. The graveyard contains the Bruce family lair.

Download our Handout for Visitors here.

Join the Heritage Group

The group meet at the Bruce Lounge on the first Tuesday of the month. Would you like to find out more or suggest a project for the group to take forward? Email Doreen Gallagher at gall55@uwclub.net