Clackmannan Tower, Tower house in Clackmannan, Scotland
Clackmannan Tower is a stone tower house that stands on King's Seat Hill with an L-shaped plan and crenellated parapet. Machicolations support the upper structure, while an internal turnpike stair connects the multiple floors.
The Bruce family owned and occupied the tower from 1359 to 1796 after King David II granted the property to their ancestors. This extended period of ownership made it a seat of regional power across several centuries.
The sword of Robert the Bruce remains here, kept as a cherished relic within the tower's walls. Visitors can see this historic weapon, which connects the building to Scotland's medieval past and royal lineage.
The tower sits on a hillside that is accessible on foot via a signposted path from the town center. Information panels nearby explain the structure and guide visitors through its different periods of use and modification.
Mining subsidence in the mid-twentieth century caused structural cracks that required extensive restoration work to stabilize the building. The repairs and reinforcements remain visible today as part of the tower's modern conservation story.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
