THE GUILDHALL IN STIRLING DATES BACK TO
1649 WHEN IT WAS BUILT AS AN ALMSHOUSE.
In
medieval times Stirling was a town built on a rock, with trackless marshland
stretching westwards, and commanding the only bridge over the River
Forth before the estuary and the open sea. No wonder it became a strongly
fortified site between the Lowlands and the Highlands — the 'key
to the kingdom'.
Stirling Castle dominates the plain, a favourite residence of
the Stuart kings. James IV built the Great Hall, James V the Renaissance
Palace, and James VI the Chapel Royal.
Walks around and below the castle’s hilltop walls open up splendid
long-ranging views. There are dignified gardens, and the castle also
houses the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum.
A Heritage Walk examines many fine old buildings in the upper town,
while re-enactments of historic events and entertainments feature in
Stirling’s summer programme.
The Wallace Monument on Abbey Craig is Scotland’s grandest
memorial to the Independence wars. Rising to 220 feet (64 metres), this
ornate baronial tower was completely renovated in 1993. Its various
floors include a dramatic exhibition on William Wallace’s victory
in the 1297 battle of Stirling Bridge, a Hall of Heroes, and a panoramic
viewing platform under the stately crown-tower roof, 246 steps up from
the entrance.
Bannockburn in 1314 was the battle which finally re-established
Scotland’s independence. There is a gripping account of its progress
in the National Trust for Scotland’s Bannockburn Heritage Centre.
A mounted statue of Robert the Bruce stands at the Borestone,
which was his command post.
Cambuskenneth is a separate and colourful village, on the far
bank of one of the meanders of the Forth. James III lies buried in its
ruined 12th-century abbey. In Victorian times the village attracted
the artists known as the ‘Glasgow boys’ – Crawhall, Lavery,
Walton and others – who had summer studios here.
Bridge of Allan is a one-time spa resort with pleasant woodland
walks rising above it. Holy Trinity Church features many furnishings
installed in 1904 to the designs of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The Darn
Road, actually a wild-flowery footpath, follows the Allan Water.
Dunblane is a city in status, if not in size, thanks to its partly
13th century cathedral. Organ playing and handbell ringing are just
two elements in the cathedral’s very strong musical tradition.
Bishop Leighton’s Library displays thousands of volumes,
some more than 500 years old.
From Stirling the A84 road passes Blairdrummond Safari and Leisure
Park. In spacious estate surroundings there are lions, tigers, elephants
and antelopes, as well as cruises to a waterfowl sanctuary and a chimpanzees’
island.
Doune was once famous for the pistols which figure on its heraldic
arms. Its 14th century castle stands on a grassy peninsula above
the River Teith. Doune Motor Museum houses a valuable collection
of vintage and classic cars, while the speed hill climb course alongside
plays host to some of Scotland’s most exciting motorsport events.
Nearby Deanston is a well preserved 18th century cotton village,
although its mill has been converted into a whisky distillery.
|
previous
|
page
1 of 1
|
next
|
