A new Heritage Trail around the villages of Doune & Deanston has been launched by the community. Taking in the major historic attractions of Doune Castle and Deanston Distillery along with a host of historic sites including a Roman Fort, a bridge used by Bonnie Prince Charlie and his troops and former pistol factories (a Doune-made pistol is said to have fired the first shot in the American War of Independence). The trail consists of existing information boards and a number of new plaques installed across the villages.
The heritage trail has been a joint project between Kilmadock Development Trust (KDT) and Kilmadock Community Council. For the new plaques over sixty plaques suggestions were made by the public, which was narrowed down to seventeen. The hope is to encourage people to spend more time walking around the local villages.
Ken Russell, community councillor and a director of KDT said:
“We are lucky to have thousands of years worth of history on our doorstep. While the main attractions of the castle, distillery and Doune Ponds bring in thousands of visitors, people haven’t been getting the full story of the villages. The same applies to people who live here too.”
“That’s where the idea of installing heritage plaques and creating a trail came from. To make more of the stories, people and places that make up our history visible when walking down the street.”
Neil Fergusson, Development Officer at KDT said:
“Scores of people from across the community have contributed their time to make the plaques and the trail a reality. Including property owners who agreed to have a plaque installed on their building. It’s a great example of what a community can get done themselves, and we hope it captures the interests of locals and visitors alike for years to come.”
“We have to thank our key funders, who made the project a reality, Forth Valley & Lomond CLLD and Kilmadock’s Windfarm Trust.”
The trail was officially launched at a community event held in Doune’s Rural Hall on the 12th of July. Free maps of the trail can be collected from the Information & Heritage Centre (61–63 Balkerach Street, Doune, FK16 6DF) or details are online at www.DouneAndDeanston.com/trail