Cowane's Hospital
16 minute walk from Stirling station · Stirling, Central and Fife
Cowane’s Hospital is a historic 17th-century almshouse located in Stirling’s Old Town. Established in 1637 through a bequest from merchant John Cowane, this Category A listed building was later converted into a Guildhall. It is considered one of the finest examples of 17th-century burgh architecture in Scotland.
The site is significant for its rare survival of both period architecture and institutional gardens. Visitors can admire the building's Dutch-influenced bell tower and a niche containing the statue of John Cowane, affectionately known as "Auld Staneybreeks." The grounds features a historic bowling green, terraces, and a carved sundial from 1673.
The hospital serves as a unique venue where you can experience the restored Gothic Revival interior, featuring stained glass and a timber gallery. Outside, you can explore the 17th-century ornamental gardens, which offer terraces overlooking the Carse of Forth and borders once famous for Dutch plants and fruit trees.
Visitor information
- Place type
- Historic building
- Good for
- Architecture, Gardens, Local & social history
- Characteristics
- Designed landscape, Gothic, Listed, Nationally significant
- Admission
- Paid admission
- Region
- Stirling, Central and Fife
Stations within walking distance
- Stirling station — 16 min walk, 0.9 km
Other places near Stirling
- Stirling Castle and Gowanhill — 1 min walk from the station
- Cambuskenneth Abbey from Stirling — 1 min walk from the station
- Albert Halls — 7 min walk from the station
- Holy Trinity Episcopal Church — 8 min walk from the station
- Tolbooth — 11 min walk from the station
- Smith Art Gallery & Museum — 11 min walk from the station