A TOWER once home to Mary Queen of Scots has become the first heritage property to be handed over to the The National Trust for Scotland in seven years.
Alloa Tower, in Clackmannanshire, is the ancestral home of the Erskine family, the Earls of Mar and Kellie.
The National Trust for Scotland has managed the property in partnership with the Clackmannanshire Heritage Trust since 1996, with financial support from Clackmannanshire Council.
The tower, largest, oldest keep in Scotland is the first property taken into the Trust's ownership since the Burns National Heritage Park in 2008.
It was originally built to guard the nearby ferry crossing on the River Forth.
The Erskines were aides to the Stuart monarchs and guardians to the royal children. Mary, Queen of Scots and James VI both spent part of their early lives at Alloa Tower and was Mary who conferred an earldom on the Erskines in 1565.
The Rt Hon Sir George Reid, former Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament and former Lord-Lieutenant of Clackmannanshire, who was born and bred locally, cited Alloa Tower in his 2010 strategic review of the National Trust for Scotland, Fit for Purpose.
Chairman of the National Trust for Scotland, Sir Kenneth Calman, who was performing his last public duty duty before stepping down, said: "This is the culmination of many extraordinary acts of dedication and generosity.
"Since its construction around 1368, Alloa Tower has been altered many times and it provides a rich tapestry of architectural styles and historic collections: it is wonderful addition to the Trust's portfolio.
"Along with Jamie Mar, who has been unswerving in his efforts to secure long-term funding for the tower, and his father, we have the dedicated volunteers of the Clackmannanshire Heritage Trust and the local authority to thank for ensuring that this fine building has been saved for the nation."
Jamie, 14th Earl of Mar and 16th Earl of Kellie said: "I am very pleased that the National Trust for Scotland is willing to take on Alloa Tower - my family's historic home - and, arguably, the largest and most altered tower house in Scotland.
"I am sure that Mary, Queen of Scots, King James VI and the Jacobites would approve."
Sir George said: "Alloa Tower is at the centre of the town where I grew up. When I was asked to lead a review of the National Trust of Scotland, I saw the Tower as the type of property that offers a model for the charity's future.
"Not only does it physically dominate the town but it provides a focal point for the surrounding community, exemplified by the outstanding work of the local heritage trust."
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