visitor centres

The Regimental Museum of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders
Housed in the castle is the Regimental Museum of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, which colourfully recounts the 200 year history of the famous regiment. On the castle esplanade is the Royal Burgh of Stirling Visitor Centre, offering a multi-lingual audio-visual tour through 1,000 years of Stirling’s history. The Smith Art Gallery and Museum also offers a fascinating introduction to the history of the area, as well as a popular programme of special exhibitions.

Mill Trail Visitor Centre
The Mill Trail Visitor Centre in Alva introduces tells the story of Clackmannanshire’s woollen making traditions through the ages. In a fascinating audio-visual film, 12 year old Mary Simpson tells of her typical 14- hour working day in the local mills.

Here you can also acquire a variety of local crafts produced by the Ochil Craft Association, as well as D&M Fashions offering ladies designerwear at superb bargain prices.

The Wee County also other local mill shops selling traditional Scottish knitwear, including some genuine quality bargains. Another “must visit” destination on the itinerary of any shoppers has to be Sterling Mills, a discount retail outlet in Tillicoultry.

SS Sir Walter Scott
Loch Katrine Steamship Sir Walter Scott is a major attraction to visitors in the Trossachs but few realise the story behind the old steam ship which has plied these waters for over 100 years.

'Sir Walter Scott' is named after the 19th Century poet who wrote "The Lady of the Lake " and is the last of a series of ships to ply the loch. The story goes that the first steamer on Loch Katrine was sent to the bottom by the sailors who had been employed to row the previous craft!

The usual timetable provides a return trip from Trossachs pier to Stronachlacher in the mornings and two afternoon cruises which do not land at Stronachlacher.

Queen Elizabeth Forest Park
Aberfoyle is a good place to begin exploring the huge network of trails in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. Enjoy many different kinds of woodland in this part of the Trossachs. Then witness the sheer expanse of Flanders Moss - the largest surviving raised bog in Britain , between Aberfoyle and Stirling . View it from interpretation points along the A873, and watch for big pink-footed goose flocks in autumn and winter.