Alloa, Clackmannanshire

Flower Delivery to Alloa by Clare Florist

Alloa is located about two miles west of Clackmannanshire and is the largest town in the smallest of counties in Scotland. The River Forth lies to the south of Alloa, while the north and the west are bounded by the River Devon.

Alloa will always be known as the locaion of the largest surviving keep in Scotland, the Alloa Tower. It was built by the Erskines, who were later given the title Earls of Mar by Mary, Queen of Scots – who was also a frequent visitor to the tower.

The Earls of Mar are largely credited with the rise of Alloa to prominence in the 18th and 19th centuries. The town largely benefited from the Industrial Revolution as it had a harbour and trading port that teemed with activity.  

According to Dr Jamieson, the author of the Scottish dictionary, the most probable etymology for the name Alloa is Aull Waeg which means the way to the sea.

In the 14th century, the lands of Alloa and its environs were granted to Sir Robert Erskine for services rendered to King David II. Robert and his descendants were good stewards of the land by developing estates and constantly innovating.

By the 18th century, the Earls of Mar owned a lot of the coal mines and a local mining engineer, Robert Bald, was contracted to provide power to the mines and other industries. He was asked to get water power from the Gartmorn Dam, and the result of this was good water supply. This, along with supply of barley from the carselands led George Younger to establish a brewery in the 1760s. He was followed soon after by others which led Alloa to become one of the premier brewing centres in Scotland.

Robert Erskine's descendants continued the tradition of creative industry by establishing glassworks in 1750. They were also responsible for one of the earliest railways in Scotland, which extended from the Sauchie mines down to the harbour.

Allo thrived as a river port in the 19th to 20th centuries where manufacture from Glasgow was exported to continental Europe. Coal mining was also a main industry until the 1950s. Wool, weaving, glass making and ale brewing were all big industries in Alloa.

In addition to ale brewing, malt distilling was an industry in Alloa. After whiskey stopped being produced in Carsebridge, cooperage became a source of income.

Alloa also has a military history thanks to its link to historic Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders housed at Stirling Castle.

Alloa used to be a burgh of barony, but today it functions as the administrative centre of Clackmannanshire.

PARKS & OPEN SPACES

Alloa has a couple of parks and open spaces where you can go on a romantic date or walk. You can even make the day extra special when you send flowers to Alloa before proceeding with your stroll in any one of the parks and open spaces in town.

Greenfield Park – This mature parkland offers sunny glades and woodlands. There are lots of specimen trees, including Cappadocian Maples, a Bronze Maple and a Tulip Tree. The park also houses the Greenfield House, which is a three-storey sandstone building that was built between 1892 and 1984 for David Thompson, the Deputy Lieutenant of Clackmannanshire during that period.

The park has a play area for toddlers equipped with modern play equipment. Older children can enjoy the adventure playground which features an aerial runway.

Gartmorn Dam Park and Nature Reserve – This is a peaceful retreat perfect for walking, cycling, fishing or horse riding. The 370 acre park houses a 19th century kitchen garden, as well as the Gartmorn Dam ehich was used to power the pumps that drained the Sauchie mines.

There is a diverse range of wildlife where creatures such as wildfowl, woodpeckers, roe deer, wild hare and red squirrels.
 
West End Park

These are just a few of the many parks and open spaces in Alloa. So, whether you want to see Alloa flowers or just stroll in the beauty of nature, know that there are lots of options for you in Alloa.

LANDMARKS

Alloa Tower – The most famous landmark in Alloa. This is the only surviving part of the medieval residence of the Erskine family, the Earls of Mar.

Alloa Town Hall and Library – Designed by architect Alfred Waterhouse.

Alloa War Memorial – By Sir Robert Lorimer with sculpture by Pilkington Jackson.

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