Inside the Ice House

We have lived in Bridge of Allan for over thirty years yet never knew about this icehouse a stone’s throw from the busy main street.
 
Until a friend, a keen walker with an interest in local history discovered it and took us there this afternoon.
 
This circular brick chamber is built underneath a mound just off Alexander Drive but accessible only via a muddy path, a broken wall and some wild overgrown woodland. (see extras)
So it’s not surprising few people know of its existence.
 
Built in Victorian times, before the age of fridges, for Westerton House, one of the grand stone houses in Upper Bridge of Allan, it would have had ice brought in from Norway.
 
It is surprisingly big inside, large enough for a small party. Indeed at one stage it was a favourite hideout for drug users and the gate was locked.
 
It would be good to see it properly restored and open to the public.