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History - Doune
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Pre Medieval period
Lots of evidence of ancient life around Doune exists,
for example remains of a child were found in a stone cist, dated c1800 BC,
proof of the occupation since the Bronze age.
High in the Doune braes there is archaeological evidence of hut circles, cairns, and standing stones.
These stones can also be found on the hill of Row and at Doune ponds.
A Roman Flavian fort dated to c. AD80 was recently discovered near the primary school.
This probably housed a Roman hospital.
Loch Mahaick lies north of Doune in the braes and is a site of special scientific interest.
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Medieval period
Doune has a fantastic Medieval castle, built around AD 1419 in a Scottish baronial style,
by the Duke of Albany and Earl of Monteith.
King James I owned the castle in 1425 and used it as a hunting lodge.
It was first owned by the Earls of Moray In 1503 and was used briefly by bonnie Prince Charlie in 1746.
A Mercat Cross stands in the centre of Doune signifying the status of Royal Borough
bestowed on the village in 1611.
Doune is also renowned for its pistols.
Thomas Caddell started making Doune pistols in 1646, each one costing a year's wages.
It is said the first shot fired in the American war of independence was from a Doune pistol.
Doune has a wealth of religious heritage, the Old Kilmadock cemetery has
interesting graves of famous residents dating back to 1560.
Kilmadock, the parish name, in which Doune sits had seven churches.
Sites of Religious remains can be found as far back as 600AD starting with the first Culdees monastery.
Due to its strategic location, Doune had famous trade fairs where
Cattle droves passed through the village on their way from Fortwilliam to Edinburgh and from Perth to Glasgow.
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Pre War period
The railway came to Doune in 1857 with the Dunblane to Callander line.
This was part of the Calendonian railway network and was on the tourist route to Oban.
The railway closed in 1965, but the path remains.
General manager, Sir James Thompson lived in Doune at Inverardoch Mains (now a B&B).
Doune has a well-established sporting tradition starting with the
Doune curling club, founded in 1732, being the 2nd oldest curling club in the world.
Doune castle bowling club is the 3rd oldest bowling club in Scotland and was founded in 1860.
Doune castle football club was founded 1885.
Wester hill golf course existed in 1903, but now is the Doune Ponds Nature Reserve.
A number of private estates exist around Doune
e.g. Inverardoch, Row, Blair Drummond, Argaty, Moray, Lanrick and Gartincaber.
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Post War Period
Historically, Doune was a scattering of dwellings but in more recent times has become a picturesque village.
The Muir hall was a gift from Sir A K Muir of Blair Drummond and was built at the same time as the War Memorial in 1922.
The Roman Fort was discovered in 1983 when doing some work in the grounds of the primary school.
Doune castle was the location for two Monthy Python films.
Recently a SAS Monument to their founder, Sir David Stirling, was erected on the hill of Row with spectacular views.
In the last few years The Kilmadock Development Trust was formed and
is working hard to ensure the future sustainability and development of the area.
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