STIRLING CASTLE

Stirling, Stirlingshire

A commanding position dominating the pivotal point of Scotland

Stirling Castle - At the Pivotal Point of Scotland

Stirling Castle, like her sister in Edinburgh, is not just a single building but a group of interwoven defences, castle, palace, fortress and courtyards all in one, occupying the summit of one of the most impressive volcanic rocks to be seen anywhere. It is the navel of Scotland, standing at the pivotal point on the River Forth, guarding the land routs north and south and controlling the obvious bridgeing point with uninterrupted views east and west. So obvious is its position that it has been a stronghold since men first followed the retreating ice-cap northward at the end of the last Ice-age some 10,000 years ago. Every Scottish monarch has paid close attention to Stirling as an important strategic site and failure to command it has usually led to disaster.

James IV and V lavished much time, energy, love and money on strengthening and embellishing Stirling as one of their favourite palaces. James V built a great Parliament Hall there, rivalling in grandeur the one built a century later under Charles I in Edinburgh. James IV's private family chapel has recently been unearthed by archaeologists and Historic Scotland has done much excellent restoration on the Banqueting Hall and other major parts of the structure.

Today Stirling Castle is one of the show-places of Scotland and is a "must" to be included on a tour. There are many royal associations and Stewart connections too numerous to mention.