Clackmannanshire · Scotland

A tower with
a story to tell.

Stand on King's Seat Hill and look across the landscape that has watched the Bruce family, Robert Burns and centuries of Scottish history pass by.

Plan your visit ↓ Explore the story

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01 / The landmark

A medieval tower house above the Wee County

Visible for miles.
Remembered for centuries.

Clackmannan Tower stands proudly on King's Seat Hill, overlooking Clackmannan and the Forth Valley. The earliest part of the existing tower dates from the later 14th century, with later additions creating the distinctive L-plan building seen today.

Discover the history →

02 / The story

Four centuries.
One remarkable family.

1359

The Bruce connection begins

King David II granted Clackmannan to his kinsman Sir Robert Bruce. The earliest part of today's tower appears to date from shortly afterwards.

1400s

The tower grows

The tower was heightened and a second wing added, creating the L-plan form. Further changes followed in the 16th and 17th centuries.

1787

Burns is “knighted”

Lady Catherine Bruce entertained Robert Burns at Clackmannan Tower and famously “knighted” him with the sword said to have belonged to Robert the Bruce.

1950s

A new chapter in preservation

A large section of the east wall collapsed following mining subsidence. The tower was subsequently repaired and remains a striking landmark today.

03 / A famous visitor

“Knighted” by a Bruce.

On 26 August 1787, Robert Burns visited Clackmannan Tower. Lady Catherine Bruce, a descendant of Robert the Bruce, used the family's sword to perform a playful knighting ceremony.

A small Scottish tower, a famous poet, and one very memorable afternoon.

Read the Burns story ↗

1787Robert Burns visits
Clackmannan Tower

04 / Plan your visit

Make the climb.
See the view.

Book a guided tour ↗

Exterior

The exterior can be viewed year-round from the hilltop setting.

Guided tours

Interior tours are running on selected dates through 28 October 2026. Current prices are £11 adult, £9 concession and £6.50 child.

Getting there

Nearest public parking is in Clackmannan village, around a half-mile walk from the tower. Strong footwear is recommended.

Know before you go

The approach crosses working farmland. Tours include steep stairs, uneven flooring, low lintels and exposed heights.

19 Sep 202610am · 11am · 1pm · 2pm · 3pm

6 Oct 202610am · 11am · 1pm · 2pm · 3pm

28 Oct 202610am · 11am · 1pm · 2pm · 3pm

05 / The view

Clackmannan
from above.

Clackmannan Tower on its hilltop setting

King's Seat Hill

A landmark in the landscape, with views south towards the Forth and north towards the Ochil Hills.

06 / Explore further

Come and see it for yourself

History is better
from the hilltop.

Plan your visit ↗

A tower with
a story to tell.

Visible for miles.
Remembered for centuries.

Four centuries.
One remarkable family.

The Bruce connection begins

The tower grows

Burns is “knighted”

A new chapter in preservation

“Knighted” by a Bruce.

Make the climb.
See the view.

Exterior

Guided tours

Getting there

Know before you go

Clackmannan
from above.

Make a day of it.

Castle Campbell

Cambuskenneth Abbey

Stirling Castle

History is better
from the hilltop.

A tower witha story to tell.

Visible for miles.Remembered for centuries.

Four centuries.One remarkable family.

The Bruce connection begins

The tower grows

Burns is “knighted”

A new chapter in preservation

“Knighted” by a Bruce.

Make the climb.See the view.

Exterior

Guided tours

Getting there

Know before you go

Clackmannanfrom above.

Make a day of it.

Castle Campbell

Cambuskenneth Abbey

Stirling Castle

History is betterfrom the hilltop.

A tower with
a story to tell.

Visible for miles.
Remembered for centuries.

Four centuries.
One remarkable family.

Make the climb.
See the view.

Clackmannan
from above.

History is better
from the hilltop.