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Local History
 Dunblane was founded in 602 A.D. by the Celtic missionary St. Blane (from whom the city derives its name). He lived with his followers in honeycomb shaped stone cells inside the old Dun (or hill) fort behind the town. St. Blane founded a church here and became one of the most important churchmen of his time, known as 'Blaan the Triumphant'. After St. Blane's death in 640AD, Dunblane became a stronghold of the Culdee church who were most likely responsible for building the lower four stories of the cathedral tower. However, it was not until 1240 and the arrival of the 8th bishop, Clement, that building work began on the cathedral as it is seen today. From then on Dunblane became an important center of church and state.
 Today Dunblane still exudes an olde worlde charm where examples of seventeenth and eighteenth century architecture blend with Victorian and more contemporary buildings. The old town remains a quiet, atmospheric place which provides many 'touchstones' of bygone times. The city clusters around the bridge over the Allan Water and visitors can enjoy a pleasant stroll by the river banks or go further along the Darn Walk, to the nearby town of Bridge of Allan and to Stevenson's Cave, so named because the famous writer Robert Louis Stevenson is reputed to have composed some of his famous novels here .About half a mile from the town centre are the Laighhills and Ochlochy Park, also offering excellent walking opportunities as well as a number of tranquil and secluded spots for picnicking.
Although Dunblane is a thriving and prosperous community, it actually reached the peak of its prestige and prosperity in 1500 when King James IV, who ruled Scotland from the nearby Royal burgh of Stirling, elected it a city. However, the fortunes of Dunblane took a dramatic turn during the Reformation when local landowners seized back the land their ancestors had gifted centuries before to the church, and without funds the cathedral turned to ruin. Dunblane's importance diminished rapidly and it became only a poor weaving village noted only for its trafficking in drink and tobacco. However, the skills of the weaver stayed with Dunblane, and in King George IV's famous tartan review (1822), the Dunblane Tartan (of 14 different colours) was the most complicated of all recorded District tartans to weave, and remains a tribute to local skill.
About three miles east of Dunblane is the secluded spot of Sheriffmuir. It was here on the 13th November 1715 that a Jacobite uprising culminated in the battle of Sheriffmuir. It was an inconclusive battle in which the right wing of each army overcame the opposing left wing, so in the end neither could truly claim victory. An old Scots ballad immortalised the battle with the words "some say that they won, and some say that we won, and some say that none won at all". The great burial mounds are still visible, as is the gathering stone where the powerful Duke of Argyll is said to have watched the opposing Jacobite army gather. Today Sheriffmuir is a eerily desolate spot that offers superb views and has a charming hostelry. The Jacobite cause touched the Dunblane area once again in 1745 when Bonnie Prince Charlie stopped at Balhaldie House on his way south with his Highland army. Perhaps ironically, six months later the Duke of Cumberland stopped at Dunblane while pursuing the prince and his army (now in retreat). A serving girl from Balhaldie House nearly altered the course of history by throwing down a pail of boiling oil at the Duke which almost fell on him.
 The coming of the railway in 1845 brought prosperity and fortune back to the town, and large villas were constructed for wealthy Victorian commuters. The large Hydro, now a luxury hotel, was built as a spa in 1875 to take advantage of the local mineral waters. The awesome cathedral was restored to its original glory in 1889 and is full of splendour and medieval treasures and artifacts. As John Ruskin wrote, "He was no common man who designed the cathedral of Dunblane. I know of nothing so perfect in its simplicity, and so beautiful in all Gothic with which I am acquainted". Visitors to this ancient city can enjoy best of both worlds: the rich history of yesteryear, with the modern amenities of today.
The town offers a full range of holiday accommodation and an excellent choice of places to dine. The narrow winding streets offer a charming array of shops, which include superb craft shops and a traditional goldsmith. The architecture of the old town of Dunblane is truly magnificent, especially around the cathedral, where there are delightful 18th century houses. Open to visitors is the Dean's House of 1624 which contains the Cathedral Museum, with its fascinating exhibits while the Leighton Library (1681) contains over four thousand rare books. The historic district of Ramoyle remains largely unaltered, the exception being that the roofs of the whitewashed weaver's cottages are now slated, not thatched.
Above Dunblane the site of the Dun can still be seen on the wooded hill where St. Blane lived 1400 years ago and founded this wonderful city. Add to this attractive riverside walks, parks, interesting shops, rich surrounding countryside on the edge of the Highlands, friendly local folk and a warm welcome at any of the local hostelries and it is not hard to see why Dunblane and Sheriffmuir are popular with visitors.
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