University of Stirling (Airthrey Castle) has outstanding artistic and historic interest as a later 20th century campus landscape designed as part of the UK wave of New Universities and embedded within an 18th – 19th century picturesque landscape, with loch, parkland and woodland. It has outstanding architectural interest for its collection of buildings from both these periods, including a range of innovative Modernist buildings designed to respond to the parkland setting. 

Inventory name and record revised in 2024. Previously designated as Airthrey Castle. 

Type of Site

Modern university campus founded in 1964 within an 18th–19th-century picturesque landscape.

Main Phases of Landscape Development

1786–1889, 1964–1975, 1980–2008, 2009–present.

Artistic Interest

Level of interest

Outstanding

• The framework of Airthrey Castle's 18th -19th century picturesque landscape remains evident. The design was well regarded in published accounts of the 19th century, and in more recent appraisals of the modern university landscape (e.g. Filor 1992: 95). 
• The picturesque qualities of the designed landscape at Airthrey were one of the key contributing factors for the selection of the site for Scotland's fifth University.
• Of particular interest is the contribution to the landscape made by a number of post-war Modernist buildings built for the University of Stirling. These are part of a planned campus layout, intentionally responsive to parkland landscape setting. 

Historical

Level of interest

High

• The Airthrey estate is first recorded in the 12^th century and there are a range of historical sources available which help us understand the development of the picturesque landscape and the creation of the university campus over time. These include historic mapping, contemporary descriptions, photographs, development plans and archival material. 
• It is the only example of a 'New University' to be built in Scotland, representative of the wider government agenda to develop and expand tertiary education near small urban centres across the UK, and to exploit parkland settings for a campus environment. 
• The University of Stirling archives hold a significant selection of material relating to the construction of the university and alterations to the grounds such as the University of Stirling Interim Development Plan 1966, University of Stirling Development Report 1968, University of Stirling Phase 3 Development Plan 1973, a plan of the 'Approved Woodland Scheme' and a substantial collection of documents and publications relating to the Airthrey Gardens Group. 

Horticultural

Level of interest

High

• The designed landscape contains is a good collection of mature and veteran specimen broadleaf trees which may date to the establishment of the picturesque designed landscape, and which have been identified and logged on the Ancient Tree Inventory. 
• The arboretum comprises a range of mature conifers including sequoias and monkey puzzle. There are also some similar specimens on the loch island. 

Architectural

Level of interest

Outstanding

• The designed landscape contains many buildings recognised for their special architectural and historic interest, including earlier structures relating to the picturesque landscape of Airthrey Castle and post-war Modernist buildings built for the University of Stirling. 
• The designs and location of key buildings at the University of Stirling, such as the Pathfoot Building, were directly influenced by the earlier picturesque landscape, located around the artificial loch and with low horizontal lines set into the rising contours around the artificial loch. 
• The Principal's House and other staff accommodation located around Airthrey Castle Yard are an important example of a group of post-War Modernist houses by one of Scotland's most important practices of this period, Morris and Steedman, who were leaders in avant-garde house design

Archaeological

Level of interest

High

• The inventory landscape contains two standing stones, including the scheduled monument - Airthrey Castle, standing stone 280m SE of (SM1730) and a further standing stone (Canmore ID 47166), and three further standing stones of possible medieval date (Canmore ID 47114).  
• The lands associated with Airthrey Castle are first recorded in the mid-12th century and a structure marked 'Ethra' on John Adair's map dating to the 1680's may represent a tower house. As with many estate landscapes, there is potential for future archaeological survey or research to reveal more information about the development and character of the landscape over time. 

Scenic

Level of interest

High

• The designed landscape is visible from surrounding elevated positions, and notably from Abbey Craig and the Wallace Monument to the south. It has scenic interest for its physical extent, combination of landscape elements (Modernist buildings, the loch and woodland), and for the overall contrast with adjacent suburban and agricultural landscapes at the periphery of Stirling and Bridge of Allan.
• To the north, Hermitage Wood is a substantial area of woodland that provides an important scenic component of the landscape. 

Nature Conservation

Level of interest

High

• The designed landscape provides a variety of habitats for wildlife and plant species, in particular the loch which is a non-statutory Wildlife Site, and Hermitage Wood. 
• Sustainable practices to encourage biodiversity such as the reduction in grass mowing and retaining fallen trees and undergrowth within Hermitage Wood have also been introduced. 

University of Stirling (Airthrey Castle) is located at the foot of the Ochil Hills. It is located between Bridge of Allan (northwest) and Causewayhead (southeast). 

The inventory boundary encompasses 154 hectares including an extensive university campus which is situated around the north, south and west of an artificial loch. There are multiple teaching spaces within the Pathfoot and Cottrell buildings, on-site student accommodation, the Macrobert Arts Centre and a Sports Centre with outdoor facilities including sports' pitches and tennis courts. 

The core of the campus sits within a bowl, the lowest point of which has a loch, created as part of the 18th – 19th century picturesque landscape. This topography was an important contributing factor in deciding where to position the university buildings. 

To the east of the loch is Airthrey Castle and its ancillaries - an ice house, walled garden, Garden Cottage and yard. There is open parkland to the south of Airthrey Castle which was landscaped as a golf course. Near the eastern boundary there is further student accommodation. 

The designed landscape is bounded by an estate wall to the west, south and east. The boundary to the north is defined by the northern edge of Hermitage Wood.

Origins 

The area has been a focus of human activity since prehistory. Evidence for this survives in the form of two large standing stones located in the east of the campus (scheduled monument SM1730) and a standing stone to the northeast of the Pathfoot building (Canmore ID 47166). Three further standing stones, which may be medieval boundary markers lie to the east-southeast of Airthrey Castle. 

The Airthrey estate dates to at least the mid-12th century and was recorded in a charter of King David I as 'Atherai.' The first recorded building was a manor house destroyed by fire by the Marquis of Argyll in 1645 and later rebuilt. This rebuild may be the structure marked 'Ethra' on John Adair's map dating to 1681. No known trace of this building now survives. 

In the early 18th century the estate was acquired by John Dundas and his son Ralph, who began planting trees. By the mid-18th century, John Dundas had established a kitchen garden, perhaps the origin of the walled garden, and had constructed a modest house. William Roy depicts the estate between 1747–55 and, though wrongly identified as 'Menstrie', the map shows a large rectangle of planted woodland extending north onto the hillside. This may be the beginning of Hermitage Wood. A central avenue leads towards a house from the south. This house sits within a small area of open ground. Opposite this a further avenue extends to the north. 

In 1759, the East India Company Captain, landowner and politician, Robert Haldane of Plean (1705–1767) purchased the Airthrey Estate and spent £2000 developing the parkland from 1759–67 (Stacy 2017: 58). He redirected the road which ran through the estate connecting the former villages of Pathfoot and Logie Burn, leading to protests and a court case. Work on the estate continued with his heir and great nephew of the same name – Robert Haldane (1764–1842). 

The Picturesque landscape from 1786 

The laying out of the much-celebrated picturesque landscape began in 1786 with Robert Haldane (1764–1842). Aged 22, he settled at Airthrey following service in the Navy, a Grand Tour and marriage. He instigated building and landscape works that created much of the framework of the present landscape. Although there is no conclusive evidence for his involvement, the prolific landscape designer, Thomas White (Senior) may have had a hand in the design, and some parts of the layout are characteristic of his work (Turnbull 1990: 97, 534; Simpson and Brown 2009: 233).

In the parkland, individual mature trees were moved into selected locations within a parkland design and by 1787 work had begun on digging the large serpentine loch at the heart of the estate. In 1791 Haldane commissioned Robert Adam to design a new main residence – Airthrey Castle.  

New 'pleasure grounds' to the north of the castle with a summerhouse and an elaborate grotto, known as The Hermiage were also set out. Pleasure grounds frequently included formal gardens comprising flowerbeds and lawns with areas for sport and recreation alongside contrasting areas of perceived 'wild' such as woodland threaded with walks and viewpoints. The framed windows of the Summer House would have provided the viewer with a literal picturesque perspective across the designed landscape. The Hermitage was built to imitate that described in a mid-18th century ballad 'The Hermit' written by Oliver Goldsmith. The walls were originally decorated with lines of text from this work (Rogers 1853, 20-21). 

Robert Haldane sold the estate in 1798, going on to become a pivotal figure in Scottish evangelism. The new owner was the army officer and colonial administrator, Robert Abercromby (c.1740–1827). Abercromby continued works on the estate, including new east and west lodges by William Stirling in 1809, the demolition and removal of the old village of Logie Burn, and replacing a road through the grounds with a turnpike road to the south. 

The design was highly fashionable and continued to be held in high regard into the mid-19th century. Reverend Charles Rogers describes the view from Hermitage wood as follows; 

"prospects rarely exceeded even in the most celebrated landscapes. The summerhouse...directly looking over the park of Airthrey, affords a view which can only be represented, in the grandeur of its poetry, by the pencil of the artist.” (Rogers 1853, 19).

Airthrey remained in the Abercromby family until 1889, when Donald Graham (1844-1901) bought the estate. As the landscape matured more formal Victorian planting was introduced around the castle. Further changes under Graham's ownership included an extension to Airthrey Castle, a new arboretum, a boathouse at the loch's edge and the enlargement and planting of its island. 

The designed landscape at Airthrey changed little in the following decades. Notable events included the creation of the emergency maternity hospital at Airthrey Castle during the Second World War (1939-1945). In 1947 this hospital was transferred to the NHS and Stirling County Council purchased 414 acres, including the castle and policies. In 1952, a nurses' accommodation block and conservatory were added to the castle. 

The University of Stirling from 1964

The picturesque quality of the designed landscape at Airthrey was one of the key factors for the selection of the site for Scotland's fifth university: The University of Stirling. Founded in 1964 the university was the only 'New University' to be built in Scotland and was part of the wider government agenda to develop and expand tertiary education near small urban centres across the United Kingdom. Stirling was chosen along with Sussex, Warwick, Kent, York, Essex, Lancaster, East Anglia, all of which were set in parkland.  

Among the criteria for selecting a site was that it must have an area of at least 100 acres. With over double this area, Airthrey more than met this requirement. Its modern design and construction focusing on steel and glass would define it as a 'plate glass' university. It is representative of a move away from the 'red brick' university designs of previous decades. The picturesque, designed landscape has been described as "probably the finest landscape setting for a new university in Britain.” (Filor 1992, 95).

In 1966, Robert Matthew, Johnson-Marshall and Partners produced a development plan for the University. This was influenced by landscape architect, Edmund Hillard's Site Analysis Report which emphasised the importance of the earlier designed landscape. As a result, the plan took key features such as the loch, woodland and natural slopes and embedded the university buildings within the landscape.

A significant contribution to the landscape was made by a number of post-war Modernist buildings built for the University of Stirling and which respond to the parkland setting. The Pathfoot building exploits its natural setting with a discreet form and carefully controlled internal and external vistas, while the bridge over the Airthrey Loch cuts a bold straight line across the natural form of the loch.

Between 1969–1973 important university buildings were built and opened including: the Principal's House and 2-7 Airthrey Castle Stables Yard, the Library, Gannochy Trust pavilion footbridge, link bridge, the student residences, Andrew Stewart Hall, H H Donnelly House and Fraser of Allander House, the Cottrell Building (originally known as T70), Macrobert Arts Centre, Robbins Centre, Studies Building and Gannochy Sports Centre.

The economic downturn of the mid 1970's meant that plans for the 'Phase 3' expansion of the eastern campus were greatly reduced. The sports hall of the Gannochy Sports Centre was completed in 1980 along with the golf course to the south of Airthrey Castle. Development moved towards further student accommodation to secure other sources of income. Ten chalets were constructed at Pendriech Way by 1981 (with a further 23 chalets added at Spittal Hill by 1990). In 1983, Wang Laboratories purchased around 13 hectares of land where it constructed a manufacturing facility. Other additions include Stirling University Innovation Park (completed 1986) and the Stirling Management Centre (completed 1988, extended 1994). 

Between 1991 to 2008 there were several further changes including the opening of the Gannochy Tennis Centre (1991), completion of Alexander Court student accommodation (1992), extension of the Stirling Management Centre (1994), construction of the R G Bomont Building and University Court Building (1998) and the opening of the Golf Centre, Sports Pavilion and addition of driving ranges (2001-2002). In 2002 the Macrobert Arts Centre was refurbished and extended. In 2002 the International Council on Monuments and Sites selected the University of Stirling and the designed landscape of Airthrey estate as one of the UK's top 20 heritage sites of the 20th century. In 2003 the Colin Bell building was opened, followed by the Craig Gowans football Centre in 2008. 

Architectural Features

The picturesque designed landscape was created to provide a setting for Airthrey Castle (LB10412), a D-plan castellated mansion house located in the eastern half of the designed landscape. It was designed by Robert Adam, 1790-91 for owner Robert Haldane (1764–1842). Haldane tried to reduce costs by contracting a mason for the building work and Adam retired from the commission. The north face was remodelled by David Thomson between 1890–91. 

There is an east lodge (LB10428) designed by William Stirling (Senior) in 1809 and an original gatepier has been incorporated into the 'Garden of Time.'

To the north-northeast of Airthrey Castle is an ice house, and to the northeast a walled garden and garden cottage (LB10453). To the northeast is Airthrey Castle yard with the remains of the 19^th dwellings and barns – evidence for the utilitarian aspects of the former estate. 

Late 18^th-century buildings surviving in the pleasure grounds include the Summer House and a grotto (The Hermitage) within Hermitage Wood. 

The east of the campus has several buildings of architectural significance which comprise the core of the 'plate glass' University of Stirling. The Pathfoot Building (LB51327), opened in 1967,has been recognized with a Civic Trust Award, RIBA Award and as a key monument of the modern movement in Scotland for Scotland. To the north of the loch is student accommodation and the bridge over Airthrey Loch (LB51326) completed in 1970 and providing a key visual and physical link between the central area of the campus and the residences on the north bank. To the south of the loch are the Cottrell building and the Macrobert Art Centre opened between 1970–1972. 

To the west is an extensive sports facility. Further east at the edge of Hermitage Wood set on a steep crag to the northeast of Airthrey Castle are the Principal's House (LB51322) and further staff accommodation (LB51325, LB51324 and LB51323) completed in 1969. 

Drives & Approaches

The main entrance to the university campus is located on the southwestern boundary. Dating to the early 1960s, this replaced the original entrance to the picturesque landscape which had approached Airthrey Castle by following the north side of the loch. The West Lodge was demolished in the process of widening the entrance. 

Paths & Walks

The university campus has an extensive path network which connects the university buildings to key scenic elements of the designed landscape such as the loch and Hermitage Wood (See also under 'Woodland'). The loch is surrounded by a 2.5km circular path. The path network through Hermitage Wood closely follows the layout as shown on the six-inch 1st Edition Ordnance Survey surveyed in 1861. 

Parkland

There is one main surviving area of parkland from the former picturesque landscape design. This is located to the south of Airthrey Castle. From the 1980's to the early 21^st century this area was used as a 9-hole golf course, and there has been some subsequent tree-planting. In the 2020s, this area is managed as open grassland extending to the main elevation of Airthrey Castle, which reflects the intentions of the original picturesque design (2023). 

From the late 18^th century, most of the designed landscape was parkland with open areas of grass interspersed with single mature broadleaved trees. The Gardeners' Magazine of 1842 describes Airthrey Castle as having a 'beautiful, varied park with a large artificial lake.' (Loudon 1842, 593).

Most of this parkland survived until the late 1960's and the establishment of the University of Stirling. Some mature specimens of oak, beech and lime were retained. This was a deliberate design choice by the landscape architects following Hillard's Site Analysis Report, which recognised the importance of preserving features of the earlier picturesque landscape (see under Site History). Retaining mature specimen trees, along with the mass introduction of young trees and shrubs, was used to create the impression of a mature planting scheme. 

Further buildings were introduced into former parkland areas between the 1970's and 1990s (including Wang Laboratories manufacturing facility, the innovation park and Alexander Court student accommodation to the east). 

Avenues and Vistas

Set within Hermitage Wood are two structures, a grotto (the Hermitage) and the Summer House. An important key function of which was to view the Airthrey estate and surrounding countryside. The intended picturesque vistas from the Summer House, framed by three arched windows are now mostly obscured by tree growth.   

Woodland

There is significant woodland cover within University of Stirling (Airthrey Castle), the majority of which has been deliberately introduced and is defined as Long Established Woodland of Plantation Origin by the Ancient Woodland inventory. However, a small proportion of Ancient Woodland (AW) survives in the east of Hermitage wood – this is an area that has been continuously wooded since 1750. Located at the heart of the campus are two ancient trees – a sweet chestnut and a willow as identified by the Ancient Tree inventory. Spread across the campus are at least 30 veteran trees and 22 notable trees – trees which stand out in their natural environment.

Hermitage Wood covers the northern half of the designed landscape and comprises 31 hectares of mainly mixed deciduous woodland and Scots Pine planted in the 18th century. In the earlier 19th century, Loudoun believed that the structure of the estate woodlands had been designed with reference to the work of the painter Alexander Nasmyth (1826: 1091).

In the present landscape, Hermitage Wood provides the setting for a well-established path network, the remains of The Hermitage and the Summer House - their entrances marked by yew trees. The woodland canopy also provides visual contrast to the University Buildings. 

In the south-southeast of the campus is a small area of woodland that connects to Abbey Craig. Further areas of long-established woodland are located at the extreme east of the campus and the southwest of the campus at Spittal Hill.

Woodland Garden

N/A.

Water Features

At the heart of the designed landscape is the artificial loch. Dug out in the late 18th century for Robert Haldane, 3^rd of Airthrey, this large body of water is orientated east-west with an informal serpentine shape designed to imitate a natural feature. In the late 19^th century Donald Graham commissioned the construction of a footbridge over the loch, a pier and a boathouse. The footbridge was replaced in 1970 with a new bridge of reinforced concrete by Robert Matthew Johnson-Marshall and Partners. 

The loch has a surface area of approximately 933 acres and is fed from the northwest by a tributary of the Forglen. To the southeast a sluice and overflow control the water level. At the south-eastern end is an island, possibly enlarged in the 19^th century. The loch is almost entirely surrounded with broadleaf planting with breaks to the north and south which allow views across to the Macrobert Arts Centre from the student accommodation. There are extensive views of the loch from the 1970 bridge (LB51326) and the 2.5km path which encircles it. 

There is a separate small feature known as the Macrobert pond. This was once part of the larger loch and was altered as part of works to provide service access to the Macrobert Arts centre. Other water features include the small waterfall and marble spring to the north of Airthrey Castle. 

The Gardens

To the west of Airthrey Castle is a collection of rhododendron and azalea specimens comprising the George Forrest Walk. This was established in 1973 with specimens donated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh and including varieties collected by the Scottish botanist, George Forrest (1873–1932).

The 'Garden of Time' is located to the east of Airthrey Castle. This was established by Anthony, Lord Cochrane of Cults in the 1990s originally as a memorial garden to commemorate gardeners globally. Redeveloped in 2017, it contains a pond, specimen trees, floral meadows and sculptures. The commemoration of individuals remains a key part of its intended function. 

Walled Gardens

The walled garden to the northeast of Airthrey Castle has been consistently used as such since its creation. It is walled to the north, west and east and contains two buildings – Ivy Cottage and Garden Cottage. There are iron railings to the south. The wall is a composite of a rubble-built exterior with brick repairs and a brick interior. The interior of the north wall bears evidence of being painted and plastered. Towards the northeast corner is a door with a stone lintel and quoining. 

The walled garden may have its origins in a kitchen garden associated with a small house lived in by Robert Dundas in 1747. In 1827, the estate factor Andrew Hutton describes an old orchard which is thought to refer to the walled garden. The walled garden or 'kitchen-garden' was described in 1842 by the Gardeners' Magazine as 'perfect, as regards culture and neatness, and the abundance and fine quality of the fruit.' (Loudon 1842, 593). The 1st Edition Ordnance Survey 1:2500 (surveyed 1860) shows trees organised in orderly rows around rectangular areas of open ground surrounded by paths and five glasshouses. 

In the early 21st century the garden retains little of its earlier planting scheme but still contains several later 20th century greenhouses. Part of the garden has been converted into the Stirling Students' Union Community Garden with a focus on growing vegetables and sustainability.

Arboretum

To the north of Airthrey Castle is an arboretum, established in 1889 and planted primarily with conifers and yews. This is part of the Victorian planting scheme and has subsequently been added to with magnolias and rhododendrons.

Historic Environment Scotland https://canmore.org.uk/site/375881/stirling-university

Historic Environment Scotland http://www.canmore.org.uk reference number CANMORE ID 254547; 47166; 47157; 254503; 158651; 223787; 47151; 375881; 350522; 375881; 270149; 47115; 4714; 159687; 320513; 289148; 47114; 307826; 47133; 238941; 350505; 350506; 350507; 332177; 317247; 221710; 221709 [accessed on 25/09/2023].

Maps

• William Roy, Military Survey of Scotland, 1747-55.
• 1st Edition Ordnance Survey, Stirlingshire X.12 (Logie) Survey date: 1860, Publication date: 1864.
• 1st Edition Ordnance Survey, Perth and Clackmannanshire - Perthshire & Clackmannanshire (Det.) CXXXIII.9 (Logie (Part of

  Survey date: 1862, Publication date: 1864.

• Adair, John, ca. 1650-1722, A map of Strath Devon and the district between the Ochils and the Forth, Date: 1681.

Printed sources

Rogers, C. (1853) A Week in Bridge of Allan. Edinburgh. Adam and Charles Black North Bridge.

Filor, S.W. (1992) The process of landscape design. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Glendinning, M. (1997) Rebuilding Scotland: the post-war vision 1945-1975. East Linton: Tuckwell Press.

Loudon, J.C. (1826) An encyclopaedia of gardening (London, Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown and Green).

Loudon, J.C. (1842) Gardeners' Magazine Vol. 8 (London Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown and Green).

Simpson and Brown Architects (2009) Stirling University Campus Conservation Plan.

Stacy, N. (2017) The Haldanes of Gleneagles: a Scottish history from the twelfth century to the present day, Edinburgh: Birlinn

Turnbull, D (1990) Unpublished PhD Thesis: 'Thomas White (1739–1811): Eighteenth Century Landscape Designer and Arboriculturist': University of Hull

Mackay, K. J H. and Angus, D. (1985). Airthrey Roads. Captain Haldane's Magic Roundabout. The Forth Naturalist & Historian journal 9. Vol 9

Online sources

Ancient Tree Inventory, Available at https://ati.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ Accessed on 07/02/2024.

Ancient Woodland Inventory AWE45 Available at https://opendata.nature.scot/datasets/ancient-woodland-inventory/explore?location=56.143764%2C-3.922478%2C14.00 Accessed on 07/02/2024

Eighteenth-Century Poetry Archive, Available at https://www.eighteenthcenturypoetry.org/works/o5089-w0080.shtml Accessed on 27/07/2024.

UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING CAMPUS MASTERPLAN A CHANGING PERSPECTIVE Available at https://www.stir.ac.uk/media/stirling/services/policy-and-planning/documents/campus-masterplan.pdf Accessed on 08/02/2024