Stirling
Stirling City Guide
Introduction
Situated in a strategic position in the heart of central Scotland, the city of Stirling has played an important role in the history of Scotland over the centuries. It was here that two of Scotland’s national heroes, William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, led their fellow countrymen to victory in two of the greatest battles for Scottish independence of the Middle Ages. The impressive Stirling Castle, which stands majestically atop a craggy extinct volcano, was one the home of Scottish Kings. With so much history and heritage in the city, there’s a wide range of fascinating things to see and do.
Attractions
Stirling Castle
Startlingly similar to the Edinburgh skyline, Stirling is dominated by its large castle perched atop the cliffs of an extinct volcano. It’s a striking landmark, visible for miles around. It’s a large complex of old buildings and it can take a whole day to explore. Highlights are the medieval Great Hall with its impressive beamed ceilings and enormous fireplaces, the recreated castle kitchens, the Royal Apartments in the Palace building, the Argyll and Southern Highlanders Regimental Museum in the King’s Old Building, and James VI & I’s Royal Chapel.
Argyll’s Lodging
Just below the castle is one of Scotland’s best examples of a 17th century townhouse. This Renaissance mansion, with turreted walls set around a private courtyard, was built by Sir William Alexander of Menstrie, the first Earl of Stirling. The displays inside the museum outline the history of the building and its various occupants and many of the rooms have been painstakingly renovated to create an authentic impression of how it would have looked in its early days as a private residence.
Church of the Holy Rude
This historic church is one of the oldest buildings in the city and it’s where King James VI (later King James VI & I, the first monarch of the whole United Kingdom) was crowned. Many of the interior features that James VI would have seen at his coronation still survive today, such as the oak beamed ceiling and the beautiful nave.
Old Town Jail
This lively and imaginative museum gives a fascinating and entertaining insight into the prison that once occupied the building. Saved from demolition in the early 1990s, it has been perfectly renovated as a dark, damp and forbidding Victorian prison. Role-playing, costumed actors guide visitors on a tour of the building, bringing its history to life. You’ll meet the hangman, the prison warden and even some of the prisoners. There’s also a great rooftop viewing area that gives spectacular panoramic views of the city below.
Smith Art Gallery and Museum
This is a good place to visit for an overview of the social history of Stirling, from the monarchs who lived here to the lives of its everyday inhabitants. One of the most interesting exhibits is what is thought to be the oldest football in the world, made from a pig’s bladder. In the art gallery section there are various collections of applied arts, paintings and contemporary photography.
National Wallace Monument
Stirling’s other most prominent landmark is the hilltop memorial built in honour of William Wallace, who led the Scots to victory in various battles for independence, including the tremendous triumph at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. It’s just outside Stirling on top of a wooded hill. There’s a free shuttle bus to the top for those who don’t fancy the steep climb, but it is a pleasant walk through the woods for those who’re feeling energetic. The monument has an excellent exhibition on life and politics in Scotland in the 13th and 14th centuries, as well as a reconstruction of Wallace’s trial. Other Scottish heroes are also commemorated in the Hall of Heroes. Finally, climb to the top for breathtaking views over central Scotland. On a good day, it’s possible to see as far as Ben Lomond in the Trossachs to the west and the Pentland Hills behind Edinburgh to the east.
Blair Drummond Safari Park
Five miles northwest of Stirling is Scotland’s only safari park, where wild African animals roam across acres of Scottish countryside. There’s also a petting zoo with rather more tame creatures and farm animals.
Bannockburn Heritage Centre
Just south of the city centre, the Bannockburn Heritage Centre tells the story of Scotland’s most famous battle, the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, in which the Scots, led by King Robert the Bruce, defeated the English troops of Edward II, resulting in the culmination of the Wars of Independence. There’s a wonderful audio visual display that recreates the battle and outlines the battle tactics that led the Scots to victory.
Doune Castle
A site of pilgrimage for fans of Monty Python’s film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Doune Castle was used for the filming of some of the castle scenes. It’s a tall, fortified 14th century partly ruined keep with an impressive surviving Great Hall and Lord’s Hall.
Eating Out
Yill and Kail on Broad Street is one of the most popular places to eat in the city, serving excellent traditional Scottish dishes in its upstairs restaurant and a good range of beers in its bar downstairs. Alternatively, Olivia’s on Baker Street has an exciting menu of Scottish dishes cooked with a modern twist. If you’re looking for something a little more exotic, Hermann’s on Broad Street is a relaxed and friendly brasserie specialising in Austrian and Scottish dishes – an unusual combination, but one that works perfectly. Some of the best takeaway restaurants are the Hong Kong Cantonese Restaurant on King Street and Planet India on Queen Street.
Nightlife
The presence of Stirling University campus on the outskirts by Bridge of Allan ensures a vibrant atmosphere in the city’s bars and pubs, most of which are popular with students, locals and tourists alike. The Settle Inn on St Mary’s Wynd is Stirling’s oldest pub. It’s cosy and friendly with many real ale loving regulars. Drouthy Neebors on Baker Street pays homage Rabbie Burns, with tartan-clad booths and murals depicting the tale of Tam O’Shanter on the ceilings. For something more contemporary, check out The Yard on Back Walk, a stylish pre-club bar with three bars and a great selection of cocktails.
For theatre and cinema, the MacRoberts Arts Centre at Stirling University has an eclectic programme of performances and films throughout the year, while the Cowane Theatre on Cowane Street in the city centre hosts a range of comedy and folk music gigs.
