Stirling is well known as being one of the oldest towns in Scotland, recently being recognised as a city. The city is built around a medieval fortress and old town by the River Forth. With its position between the highlands and lowlands, Stirling was traditionally known as “the Gateway to the Highlands”. Stirling continued to grow and was granted city status in 2002.
The History of Stirling
Stirling started life as a Stone Age settlement, and has been strategically important due to its location ever since. Until the Kincardine Bridge was constructed in the 1930s, Stirling provided the lowest crossing of the River Forth.
Many important battles of the Wars of Scottish Independence took place at Stirling Bridge in 1927. William Wallace and Robert the Bruce famously fought at nearby Bannockburn. The Victorians built the Wallace Monument, a 246 step stone tower, to commemorate this history – including Wallace’s original sword.
The Church of the Holy Rude was burnt down in the fire of 1405 and later rebuilt. It is one of only two surviving churches in the United Kingdom, the other being Westminster Abbey, to have held a coronation, where James VI of Scotland was crowned King in 1567.
Things to See in Stirling
As mentioned above, the Wallace Monument is one of Stirling’s most famous landmarks, as a symbol of freedom and the Scottish spirit. Stirling Castle is also another noticeable point on the landscape, a perfect place to learn more about the famous battles or simply to witness some magnificent architecture.
On top of these magnificent buildings, visitors can also take a trip to Stirling Old Town Jail, or Bannockburn Heritage Centre to find out more about the famous battle of Bannockburn.
Nearby, the Falkirk Wheel was designed to link the Forth and Clyde Canal in a practical and symbolic manner that would commemorate the new Millennium. Visitors can take a 15 minute boat trip on the wheel to appreciate the structure and the views that surround it.
Other attractions in the area include: Cambuskenneth Abbey, Stirling Old Bridge, Argyll’s Lodging, Smith Art Gallery and Museum and Blairdrummond Safari Park – plenty to do for the whole family!
Shopping
Stirling has plenty in the way of shopping, including major high street stores to farmers’ markets. Stirling Arcade is home to many different shops in a backdrop of Victorian architecture. Other popular shopping areas include Murray Place, Port Street, Barnton Street, Friars Street, and King Street.
Transport
Many of Stirling’s attractions, including places to eat, shops and more, are within walking distance from the town centre. There are a number of buses taking you around the local area, including services to the Wallace Monument. A number of taxi ranks operate in the city, and rail links can take visitors to nearby locations three times an hour.