Doune village owes much of its charm to a range of colourful independent retailers, pubs cafes and shops, intermingled with cottages.
The castle of Doune is within walking distance and there are a number of walking routes along the river, round the ponds and up the hills.
Free parking available in the village.
Doune is an ideal stop over point to start or end a Scottish vacation as it’s on the route to the Trossachs, Highlands and Islands.
Doune has a history dating back to the Romans who had a fort in the area now occupied by Doune Castle. At the site of Doune Primary School Roman medical instruments were unearthed suggesting a hospital.
Doune Caste is a formidable example of a 14th Century castle and was built by Robert, Duke of Albany. Its prominent features are the imposing 95 foot high gatehouse, which also houses domestic quarters including the impressive Lord's Hall with carved oak screen, musicians' gallery and double fireplace. The castle is popular with fans of Monty Python, Outlander and Game of Thrones as it was used as a filmset.
Other buildings of architectural and historical interest in the village include:
• the Kilmadock Parish Church built in 1822
• the Moray Institute
• the Bridge of Teith built in 1533 and
• the Market Cross built in 1620
The Mercat Cross is at the centre of Doune. It was historically the commercial heart of the village, with cattle trading and fairs held around it. It was a more macabre gathering point for public execcutions. Today it is still at the commercial heart and you can visit without fear of losing your head.
The Bridge of Teith crosses the River Teith that provides a watery boundary to the south of the village. The Bridge was apparently built by the royal tailor, Robert Spittal of Stirling, in 1535 and once had a ferry across the river.
Doune was, for a period famous for Doune pistols some of which can be seen in the Glasgow Kelvingrove Museum. Apparently it was a pistol made in Doune fired the first shot in the American War of Independence.
A few miles south is the Blair Drummond Safari Park where you will find the African big game animals in the Scottish countryside. It is the only safari park in the country and contains many wild animals including; rhinos, elephants, tigers and hosts an entertaining sea lion show.
Deanston is a neighbouring village built by the Adelphi Cotton Mill business in 1785 to house workers. The mill was updated in 1950 but closed in 1965. It has since been converted into Deanston Distillery – the once weaving shed has become the warehouse.
