Stirling
Crossroads and Independance
The name of Stirling derives from the word Striveling which means place of strife, over the centuries this crossroads on the forth, in the heart of Scotland has been fought over. The castle strategic position commanding the routes north and the crossings of the forth made the castle very important.
The castle sits atop an old volcano when the surrounding part eroded over the millennium only the black lave core or plug was left.
The two most famous battles for Scotland’s independence were fought nearby the first by William Wallace hence his grand monument nearby. The second was led by Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn, which firmly established the nation of Scotland.
Thankfully, nowadays, all is calm and the town can reveal a long and rich history to its visitors, Stirling was once the capitol of Scotland.
Sitting at the top of a high wooded crag Stirling old town is nigh on impregnable the old cobbled streets wend their way upwards to the castle the whole place is full of fine and historic old buildings. Including the 11th century castle.
Stirling was home to Mary queen of Scots whose son James VI of Scotland was baptized in the chapel there. On the march south to England Bonnie Prince Charlie forced, the town’s inhabitants to surrender to him the castle however held out against him. The castle as it is now was largely rebuilt by the Stewarts.
Stirling’s location makes a good base to explore Scotland from, with the Highlands to the north, Argyll, and Bute adjacent and nearby the beautiful Loch Lomond.
Places of interest include:
The Wallace memorial.
The castle and old town.
Argyll’s Lodgings, considered the finest example of 17th domestic architecture to survive in Scotland, although built by William Alexander its name comes from the 1st marquis of Argyll Archibald Campbell.
The Museum of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
Nearby visit Bannockburn, itself and the heritage centre.
Activities in Stirling
Castles
Stirling Castle - Stirling Castle
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