Kippen

Kippen is a beautiful town located in the western part of the district of Stirling, situated at the foot of the mountains of Gargunnock and Fintry. Today it has a population of about 1,200, but it has a long, rich history dating back to Pictish times. The market shows that it was a major trading center for cattle, and as a parish area was under control of the Monastery of Cambuskenneth (Stirling) during the Middle Ages. Interestingly, it became famous for its vineyards in the late nineteenth century, planted by the merchant Duncan Buchanan. A tourist attraction until being closed in 1964, today there are no wines to be tasted, which is unfortunate! I was eager to experiment with Scottish wine ... ah well.