Discover Alva
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Seeped in history, the old town centred on Alva House a tower house dating from 1542 and enlarged and remodelled in 1636 by Sir Charles Erskine. It remained in the Erskine family until sometime after 1802 when it passed to the mill owner James Johnstone. Alva House was requisitioned by the government during the Second World War and as an act of sanctioned vandalism (although hard to believe) was used for target practice by local artillery battalions.
During the Industrial Revolution, Alva developed as a textile manufacturing centre; the woollen mills, originally water-powered, provided employment for locals and migrants to the area. The former Mill Trail Centre is next to the Cochrane Park, housed in the old Glentana Mill built in 1887. It housed permanent exhibitions about the history of the old woollen industry and the experiences of the many people employed in the industry. The Dalmore Works was built in 1874 for Wilson Brothers, who produced textile products including tweed, woollen novelty fabrics and mohair and woollen rugs. The works were operated by Wilsons until 1964, when the failure of Wilson Bros (Alva) Ltd, set up jointly with McBean and Bishop Ltd, caused the firm to lose the works.
Alva Glen
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Alva's gorge, nestled at the foot of the Ochils. The Glen boasts a diverse and attractive landscape, with a forest floor adorned with wildflowers and a variety of wildlife. For those who love a refreshing dip, there are plenty of ideal spots to take a cold water plunge.
Woodland Park
Discover the rich history of Alva House, a grand 17th century estate that has been transformed into a beautiful woodland park. Originally home to the Erskine family, the estate was later sold to the Johnstone family and rebuilt as a mansion in 1789. Although the house collapsed during World War 2, old stable block designed by William Stirling has been preserved and now serves as a visitor center. Come explore the beauty and history of Alva House today.
The Village Centre
Alva is a charming village that boasts a fantastic kids playpark located beside the Cochrane Hall. The main road is lined with independent shops, including The Bottle Shop, which offers a selection of local craft beers and wine, a bookshop, hairdressers, aesthetics studio, gift shop, fishmongers, sweet shop, tattoo studio, and an antique store that has been featured on the Antiques Roadshow. There are plenty of options for visitors explore and enjoy in Alva.