A new welcome at Alloa Tower

As you step into the hall, a new map greets you, answering the question: ‘Why are we here?’

Stepping back into the 18th century, we encounter the visionary 6th Earl of Mar, John Erskine. Inspired by his travels in France, he embarked on a transformative journey, turning his family home in Alloa into a grand mansion that not only reflected the fashion of the time but also supported the local industry.

This map was drawn up from the 6th Earl of Mar’s plans in 1702, and has notations and amendments, which he added until he died in 1732.

The project’s main aims were to highlight specific moments in history, use media that reflected these eras and create different ‘zones’ that caught the eye.

In the reception area, we wanted to take advantage of this beautiful rounded wall and decided to use a traditional 17th-century wall covering (a verdure tapestry) to explain why Alloa has this tower. The story stretches back to the 14th century, with the structure fluctuating in size, beginning and ending as a solitary tower.

Hand-designed by the talented team at Tea and Type Interpretation Designs and expertly installed by Eastern Exhibition and Display, this banner is visually appealing and environmentally friendly. It is constructed from recyclable materials and securely fastened to flexible batons using only a few small fixings.

The story of how the tower was restored is told in a series of pictures inspired by Seventies rock posters. This is a nod to the 12th Earl of Mar, who initiated the project to bring Alloa Tower back to life in the 1970s. His portrait has been brought down from an upstairs room, and now hangs beside the sculpture bust of his father.

Sustainability and conservation lay at the heart of our decision-making regarding this installation. Sutherland Joiners have skilfully installed new picture rails, specifically designed for the curved wall, allowing for pictures to be moved and easily changed. This way, new stories can be told without the need for further intervention that may harm the precious masonry walls.

Lighting played a crucial role in the success of this project. Iain McIntosh, from Heritage Lighting Matters, worked tirelessly to create a system bespoke to our needs. With LED spotlights and 18th-century period-style wall sconces, we now have a low-energy, flexible system that lights specific areas of the room and creates an ambient atmosphere.

The addition of a new fire, soft lighting, a luxurious rug and comfortable seating, creates a cosy atmosphere, inviting visitors to relax and admire its beauty.

You can discover the captivating story depicted in the painting hanging above the fireplace. It portrays Lady Frances Erskine, the wife of the 6th Earl of Mar, and their young daughter Frances Charlotte, sitting by a harpsichord. The sheet of music displayed on the instrument's stand is an aria from a 1719 opera.

This piece of music, and others of the period, were recorded at St Cecilia’s Music Hall in Edinburgh by the sound engineer Guy Veale, who captured the skills of Dr John Kitchen on the harpsichord and curator of the musical instrument collection, Dr Jenny Nex, singing.

Now, when you walk into the tower, the dulcet tones of early 18th-century music lift through the air and gently echo up the stairs into the Great Hall above.

Old technology and promotional banners are replaced with a series of newspaper cuttings, as though cut and pasted for posterity by the lady of the house. The stories are from the late 18th century into the mid 19th century, a period when the Alloa Glass Works and coal mines were active, the mansion house was destroyed by fire, and cholera raged through the town.

Keen to highlight the skilful artistry of David Allan, who was born and raised in Alloa and whose career was supported by the Erskine family, we chose to stand in the painter’s shoes: what might he have written to his patron, Lady Frances Erskine, who helped him travel to Italy and study? And why did he make certain compositional choices while sketching out the landscape paintings that the family commissioned?

If you explore the collection, you’ll find two sketches and a letter that offer valuable insights. As you ascend to the rooftop to admire the view, you’ll also have the opportunity to observe the changes that have occurred over the centuries.

The window recess pictured above focuses on Alloa’s trades. It features a banner inspired by a poster from the Great Exhibition of 1851 and some trade cards that merchants would have used to promote their wares.

Installation happened over three days in March 2024, thanks to many supporters — including designers and collections care staff.

Training was an integral part of the process, with staff learning how to install and change the new lighting system.

During the downstairs renovation, the Great Hall above the entrance hall was a temporary storage space, where collection items were carefully looked after.

The project to enhance the welcome and interpretation at Alloa Tower is part of our ten-year strategy, Nature, Beauty & Heritage for Everyone. This aligns with our engagement objectives of offering captivating heritage experiences and being a learning organisation by championing skills to support traditional innovation and growth.