Menstrie Castle

Menstrie Castle Facts

Now located in the midst of a housing scheme, most part of the Menstrie Castle has been subdivided into flats.

Externally the structure comprises random rubble, with corner turrets, and a vaulted pond through the middle of the building.

The ground floor to the left of the gateway is now the Nova Scotia Commemoration Room and it is this which is open to the public. Connected to it is a vaulted room.

The connection with Nova Scotia, the Canadian State, is due to the fact that Sir William Alexander, 1st Earl of Stirling, was born here in 1567. He was James VI’s Lieutenant for the plantation of Nova Scotia and a noted poet.

The room is adorned with displays on the history of this scheme, as well as painted armorials depicting the 109 Nova Scotian baronetcies created as a result.

These were sold for three thousand Scots merks (£166.66) each. There are also portraits of James VI, Charles I and Sir William.

Menstrie was bought in 1649 by Sir James Holbourne and sold in 1719 to Alexander Abercromby. Sir Ralph Abercromby (1734-1801), who commanded the British Army at Aboukir Bay, was born here.

The Menstrie Castle was saved from demolition in 1957 when a fund was launched to restore it. The architect was Schomberg Scott and it was opened to the public in 1961.

Menstrie Castle Photos

Menstrie Castle Map&Location

Address: Menstrie Castle, 3 Castle Court, Menstrie, FK11 7AH, United Kingdom