The Pineapple was built in 1761 by the Earl of Dunmore as a summerhouse overlooking the walled garden of his estate. It must be one of the most unusual follies in the UK. Designed on classical principles yet surmounted by a convincing stone replica of the fruit, it is said to have been chosen because of the rarity of pineapples at that time. Clearly it was designed to be an exotic and very special place. 250 years later it could still be described in the same way. The building is maintained by the National Trust for Scotland and is located above the valley between Stirling and Glasgow. The entrance up an overgrown lane just adds to the power of this incredible place within the woods. It is well worth a visit.
