Stirling

Stirling has been described as the huge brooch, clasping the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland together. This is a fairly accurate description as it is situated near the geographical centre of Scotland.

Stirling offers the visitor the opportunity to experience a unique blend of well-preserved history and culture within an area of outstanding natural beauty. Stirling started life as a town in the 1120s when it was granted a royal charter, and since then it has been at the heart of Scottish history.

William Wallace, as portrayed by Mel Gibson in the film Braveheart, won the battle of Stirling Bridge against the English in 1297. That bridge was a timber structure, which collapsed under the weight of the crossing English forces. However the current stone bridge, a few hundred yards up stream, dates from the 15th century. Although it is one of the best examples of a bridge from that era, it is in everyday use as a pedestrian river crossing. The Wallace Monument, erected in honour of William Wallace, was not built until Victorian times. Climb the 246 curvaceous stone steps to admire the wonderful view from the top. You can muse at the 700-year-old two-handed broadsword used by Wallace, all of 66 inches in length. Envisage wielding it and bringing its full might down on your enemy.

The Battle of Bannockburn, the famous victory of Scots over English in 1314, took place in nearby Bannockburn. The English king, Edward the 2nd, had amassed an army of 40,000 to crush the troublesome Scots. Incredibly Sir Robert The Bruce, the Scottish leader, triumphed with a force of 13,000 due to careful planning and tactics, and exploitation of the boggy ground. The battlefield is now under the care of the National Trust. You can wander round the battleground and imaging the battle cries and swirling swords. Many of the Scots would form a schiltron, a defensive circular formation with spears slanted outwards at an oblique angle. As the English cavalry advanced, the Scottish pikes killed many of the horses and knights.

Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle, perched on volcanic rock rising 250m from the surrounding valley, is the region