Top visitor attraction to re-open after work
Six-month closure
Major renovation work is underway at one of Stirling’s most historic attractions.
Argyll’s Lodging at the Top of the Town has been closed to members of the public for around seven months. However, this week operators Historic Environment Scotland said they expected the property to re-open to the public soon.
Many city tourists have in the past combined their visits to Stirling Castle with a tour of nearby Argyll’s Lodgings in Castle Wynd but the attraction has been shut since September. Scaffolding has now been erected at the site and restoration work is well under way.
A spokesperson for HES said: “We are currently carrying out conservation work within the roof space of Argyll’s Lodging.
“This work is now nearly complete, and we are moving on to repair of areas of plaster throughout the building.
“We hope to complete work and reopen the building to visitors during summer, 2018.”
The history of the house goes back to the mid-1500s when a twostorey dwelling, with a hall on the first floor and a kitchen below, was built for John Traill, a wealthy burgess. This was soon extended to form an L-shaped tower house.
In 1629, the house passed to Sir William Alexander, 1st Earl of Stirling and later Lord Stirling.
Expecting a visit by Charles I, he created a private palace, with fine suites of public and private rooms and a lavish exterior.
He died insolvent in 1640 and the house stood empty until the 1660s when the 9th Earl of Argyll bought it and made many alterations and adornments including a screen wall with an elaborate Tuscan entrance gate.
The property was used as a military hospital from the mid-19 century until 1964 when it opened as a youth hostel. Historic Scotland took it over as a museum in 1996.