Stirling
Stirling is a town steeped in history with the Wallace Monument, Stirling Castle and the Battle of Bannockburn being just a few of the attractions.
Stirling Castle has played a strategic role throughout Scottish History. Situated where the River Forth is narrow enough for an army to cross heading North or South, and with the wide Forth valley running East to West it has always been an important crossroads. Sometimes referred to as the 'lock of Scotland' whoever controlled the castle controlled the movement of troops through Scotland.
During the Wars of Independence in the 12th and 13th Centuries, the castle was in the hands of the English. It was on the plain below the castle that William Wallace, our great patriotic hero, had his finest victory at the battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297, defeating a far superior force with his cunning, passionate leadership and local knowledge. It was also here in 1314 Robert the Bruce and approximately 5000 Scots faced an English army of 20000 under King Edward II of England to regain Stirling Castle and control of the area. Edward II of England fled the battlefield and headed for Dunbar whilst Robert the Bruce was victorious.
The Wallace Monument was erected in 1869 after being funded by public subscription for a true Scottish Patriot who lived over 500 years earlier. Situated on the Abbey Craig overlooking the site of Wallace’s finest moment, it is a prominent landmark in the area and views from the top stretch from Ben Lomond in the West to North Berwick Law in the East with Sherrifmuir to the North and the Campsie Fells to the South.
Scots Wha Hae, a poem written by the great Scottish bard Rabbie Burns, and our unofficial National Anthem Flower of Scotland both incorporate this period of Scottish History in their lyrics.
What we can get up to in Stirling:
- Climb the top of the Wallace monument
- Hear the History of the great battles
- Laugh at the statue of Mel Gibson
Tours that visit the Stirling area:
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