18th-century pistols homecoming display

Ten 18th-century pistols have returned to their place of origin in an extraordinary homecoming for the historic village of Doune.

- KAIYA MARJORIBANKS

Once part of a private collection, the pistols are now on permanent public display at the community's Information and Heritage Centre in the village.

Forming the centrepiece of new heritage exhibitions, the collection has been gifted to Kilmadock Development Trust (KDT) by collector Andrew Yool in a remarkable act of generosity.

Crafted by six different Doune hammermen in the 1700s, the pistols are said to be outstanding examples of the artistry that made the village a renowned centre of gunsmithing.

Each piece features elaborate decoration, often Celtic-inspired, applied through fine engraving and silver wire inlay.