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This project was born from work, humility and experience in order to make people who visit Scotland feel part of its history and its legends.

If you would like an experience tailored to you, we offer personalized packages with a variety of options. You can choose the duration of the tour, focus on specific aspects of the city's history, and explore the locations that are of interest to you.

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We will introduce you to the history of this medieval city, which is more than 3000 years old. We will walk through its most picturesque streets, such as the Royal Mile, Chambers Street or Victoria Street. Learn about the alleys where people lived in the 17th century. We will tell you how they died during the Black Death and about the beaked doctors who tried to cure them. Exciting stories await you!


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Edinburgh

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**Glasgow** is currently one of the most visited cities in the United Kingdom and not many decades ago it was one of the most important cities of the Industrial Revolution, although today only remnants of that past remain.


Glasgow catedral.jpg

Glasgow

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**Stirling** was one of Scotland's three most important strongholds. A city that has witnessed countless battles and great feats, but if anything is born from its very heart, it is the name of one of the country's most important heroes: **William Wallace**.



Stirling Old Town

Stirling

Guided tours in Stirling

This show, based on the namesake novel by [Diana Gabaldon](https://www.amazon.es/s?k=saga+forastera+diana+gabaldon&i=digital-text&language=en_US&__mk_es_ES=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=3EYH7Z3JHOMY9&linkCode=ll2&linkId=cbec271ebb8ad61364f7081ee41b68ac&sprefix=saga++fo%2Cdigital-text%2C177&tag=carlospaz-21&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_7), tells us about **the adventures of Claire Randall,** a married nurse during World War II, who suddenly finds herself in **1743** Scotland, where she runs into the Jacobite uprisings and a handsome warrior from the **Highlands, Jamie Fraser**. If you want to know more, I suggest that you watch it, especially for its spectacular views (not only of the wonderful landscapes in these lands).

And now you must be wondering: what does all of this have to do with [Stirling](https://scotlandcitytours.com/blog/things-to-see-and-do-in-stirling)? Quite a bit, both within and outside fiction. You see, the city of Stirling has been one of the locations for the filming of the series, as well as the main actor of a long siege during the **Jacobite uprisings of 1745**, during which the series is set. Let us begin with the events that went around in those bygone times with a brief history lesson.

The **Jacobite uprisings were a series of revolts, rebellions, and wars** that took place in the British Isles between 1688 and 1746, whose goal was to return the throne to king James II of England, from the universally known **House of Stuart**, hence the name **Jacobite** by which the instigators of these revolts are known.

The **Jacobites** were mostly Irishmen and Scotsmen from the **Highlands**, Catholics who did not resign to handing **Protestants** access to the throne and power. But **it was in Scotland** where the highest number of uprisings took place, the latest one happening in 1745 in favor of **Bonnie Prince Charlie**. The latter gathered an army, mostly comprising clans from the Highlands, with which he took over [Edinburgh](https://scotlandcitytours.com/blog/things-to-do-and-see-in-edinburgh) and attempted to conquer all of **Scotland**.

It is then that **they arrive in Stirling**, the gateway to the **Highlands**, and they attempt to seize the city castle, unsuccessfully, despite keeping it under a state of siege for nearly a month, between January and February, 1746. This defeat in Stirling was the beginning of the end for the **Jacobites**, which would culminate with the **Battle of Culloden**, one of the cruelest to be remembered, and the last one fought in British ground up until today.

But let us now go back to present day Stirling, the one that has been an **Outlander** location, and even appeared on **Game of Thrones**. Where can we find these filming locations? Well, most of them can be found within or next to the University of Stirling (in which **Sam Heughan**, the actor who brings Jamie Fraser alive, has been recently named as an Honorary Graduate), and they are as follows:

## Pathfoot Buidling
This building, erected in 1967, can be found in the new campus of the University of Stirling, close to the main entrance. It makes an appearance in season two of the series as “**Inverness College**”.

## Dumyat
At the end of the university campus, an abandoned country cottage can be found with a spectacular view on Dumyat hill. This picture perfect location was used as a village in season one.

In order to find the following locations, we need to travel around 12 kilometers (roughly 7 ½ miles) away from Stirling, where they are found:

## Doune Castle
In the series, it is shown as **Castle Leoch** in season one, as the home of **Colum MacKenzie** and his clan in the 1600s. This castle has also **appeared on Game of Thrones and Monthy Python and the Holy Grail**.

![doune-castle.jpeg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/doune_castle_42711a39d9.jpeg)

## Deanston Distillery
Very close to Doune Castle, on river Teith and the entrance to Loch Lomond, this distillery can be found, which was formerly a **cotton factory**, even though it shifted to producing **[whisky](https://scotlandcitytours.com/blog/how-is-whisky-made)** in 1965 (which was undoubtedly more profitable). In season two of the series, the distillery is presented as the wine cellar that Jamie’s cousin, Jared, runs in the port of Le Havre.


To finish off our brief walk through history and Stirling, you may find here this map by [Visit Scotland](https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/attractions/tv-film/outlander/) in which all **Outlander** locations, both in Stirling as well as in other parts of **Scotland**, are marked, just in case you might wish to recreate any other of your favorite scenes.


outlander.jpg

Outlander filming locations

It has always been said that battles are told from the perspective of the winning side, and the [battles of Bannockburn](https://somosescocia.com/blog/batalla-de-bannockburn) and [Stirling Bridge](https://scotlandcitytours.com/blog/Battle-of-Stirling-Bridge) can be counted among those. But, in order to provide some background, we need to go back a few years. More precisely, to the year 1286, when **king Alexander III** died in a horse riding accident. The worst thing about this is not that the king of Scotland had died, but the fact that his son and heir had passed away about two years before that. The next one in the succession line to the throne was one of his granddaughters, Margaret, the Maid of Norway; however, during the journey from Norway to Scotland to take the crown as queen, she would also perish.

![Lerwick Town Hall stained glass window depicting “Margaret, queen of Scotland and daughter of Norway”.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Lerwick_Town_Hall_stained_glass_window_depicting_Margaret_queen_of_Scotland_and_daughter_of_Norway_12a3a25bf9.jpg)
_Stained glass in the town hall of Lerwick (Shetland, Scotland). “Margaret, queen of Scotland and Maid of Norway”"_

After this misfortune, Scottish noblemen would fight for the throne, since Alexander III had no further heirs. In 1292, **John Balliol** would be elected to be the **new king of Scotland**, cherry-picked by Edward I of England. Since the noblemen did not seem able to reach an agreement, they sought the assistance of the English king to make a decision. That is how Balliol was chosen because he was the weakest of all candidates, one that Edward could rule over and treat as a vassal, and so Scotland fell under the domain of its archenemy. But John I of Scotland would turn out to be smarter than he seemed, and thus he signed an alliance with France, **The Auld Alliance**, in order to stand up to England. This would cost John Balliol the throne, since he would be ousted four years after his crowning by the very English.

![john balliol rey de Escocia.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/john_balliol_rey_de_Escocia_7cb1e76ef0.jpg)
_John Balliol, king of Scotland (source: Pinterest)_

The following years would be quite complicated, since Scotland was still smothered by the English yoke. In 1297, **William Wallace and Andrew Moray** would lead an army of 2 500 farmers and peasants into a battle against 10 000 English soldiers in the [Battle of Stirling Bridge](https://scotlandcitytours.com/blog/Battle-of-Stirling-Bridge). This battle would be won by the Scots. In this way, Wallace would embody the hope to retrieve his country’s independence, but he ran away to France after losing the **Battle of Falkirk in 1298** and, just a few years later, he would return to Scotland, where he was betrayed, delivered to the English, and tortured to death.

![Batalla del Puente de Stirling.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Batalla_del_Puente_de_Stirling_4368805716.jpg)
_<center>Battle of Stirling Bridge</center>_


**Robert the Bruce** picks up Wallace’s lead as **Guardian of Scotland**. In the year 1306 he was crowned as king, but he suffered several defeats owing to the brutality of the English, during which his army was severely decimated, and thus he was forced to flee as an outlaw. He sought refuge in a cave in Rathlin Island, in the north of Ireland. The legend says that, during his confinement, Bruce took notice of a very **persevering spider**, and he watched how it weaved its web over and over again, to no avail. It is said that this inspired him to keep on fighting against the English. Six times did the wind blow the spider’s cobweb away, six times it failed, the same number of battles that he had lost. But it did not give up and, on the seventh try, the spider succeeded in weaving a cobweb that not even the wind could tear down. If the spider had risen victorious on its seventh attempt, why could he not do the same?

In **1307, Robert the Bruce would return to Scotland** and, this time around, luck would be on his side. In that very same year, the **English king, Edward I, would die**. The heir to the throne, Edward II, was not interested in Scotland the same way his father was. Taking advantage of this, Bruce took the lead and, throughout the years to come, he would gradually begin to regain control of his country. **He started to win back castles, and he destroyed them** so that the English could never make any use of them again.

Seven years after returning from his exile, in **1314, Robert the Bruce had reconquered nearly all of Scotland.** Except for Stirling Castle, the most strategic of all, which was still in the hands of the English. Edward II of England had to teach those Scots a lesson; he departed to the north with 20 000 infantry soldiers and 3 000 knights, where he would be awaited by 7 000 brave soldiers along with their king, **Robert I of Scotland**, who led the way.

What happened during this battle would be the end of English dominion, since Robert the Bruce would win a [battle that lasted for two days](https://somosescocia.com/blog/batalla-de-bannockburn), July 23 and 24 of year 1314, thanks to a poor management of the battle strategy on the English side, and a wonderful layout and fighting as a single block on the Scottish side. 

![bannockburn.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/bannockburn_f0e4474916.jpg)
_Battle of Bannockburn, 1314, on the second day, the Earl of Gloucester charging against Edward Bruce’s schiltron. Author: Mark Churms._

Politically speaking, the **de facto independence of Scotland had been won**, and the **ruling of Robert I of Scotland** had been consolidated. On April 6, 1320, the **Declaration of Arbroath** was sent to Pope John XXII, in which Scotland demanded to be an independent and sovereign state, although independence would not be recognized until 1328.

![declaración de Arbroth.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/declaracion_de_Arbroth_a82d89acd2.jpg)
_Declaration of Arbroath._

**“As long as one hundred Scots remain alive, we will never, under any condition, be submitted to the English domain. For it is not for glory, nor riches, nor honor that we are fighting for, but for freedom itself, which no honest man would sacrifice but at the cost of his own life.”**

 The humble part about this feat is that the history of Scotland is marked by **the legend of a tiny spider**.

Bandera de Escocia.jpg

Wars of Scottish Independence

[**Stirling**](https://scotlandcitytours.com/blog/reasons-to-visit-stirling) is a small city of around 94 000 inhabitants, nestled in Scotland’s central region. In the beginning, it was little more than a burgh engulfing [**Castillo de Stirling**](https://scotlandcitytours.com/blog/fun-facts-stirling-castle), although, as time went by, it even came to be Scotland’s capital for a while.


### **From Edinburgh**


By road::

The fastest route from [**Edinburgh**](https://scotlandcitytours.com/blog/things-to-do-and-see-in-edinburgh) to Stirling is to follow the M9 for about 55 minutes, depending on the traffic. [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Edinburgh/Stirling+FK8+2BY/@56.0029385,-4.1097932,9z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x4887b800a5982623:0x64f2147b7ce71727!2m2!1d-3.188267!2d55.953252!1m5!1m1!1s0x488862bfe1c7db3b:0x7b1bbad87a77927e!2m2!1d-3.9355603!2d56.1198154!3e0).

However, should you prefer to avoid having to drive while remembering all the time to stay in the left lane, we still have some more options left.

Train:
In order to reach **Stirling** from **Edinburgh** by train, one must head towards Waverley Station. From there, about 45 trains on average depart, bound for Stirling, on a working day, and the trip typically **takes about 50 minutes**, although it can take a bit longer on a weekend or during the holidays. 

Watch out! Because, even though it is usually a direct route, you may need to make a transfer at some point during your journey, so keep an eye open!

**Tickets from Edinburgh to Stirling cost around £12**, although they may end up being cheaper or more expensive depending on how far in advance you purchase them. If you buy them three months in advance, they will be cheaper than they would be if you booked them on the very same day of your trip, for instance. Prices may also shift depending on the time of the day that you wish to travel, which route, and which class you book.

| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Off-peak return | £12.60 |
| Billete de ida | £12.10 |

_Prices in this table are only for one way trips, unless it says otherwise. Prices for buyers in advance are subject to availability, and its cost may vary._


**The most affordable option**, if you purchase your tickets right before your journey, is the return ticket during off-peak hours (off-peak return). They are available all day long on Saturdays and Sundays, and from Monday to Friday as of 9:15 in the morning, except for trains departing from Edinburgh **between 16:30 and 18:00.**

This is the web to book your train ticket [TRAINLINE](https://www.thetrainline.com/es)

Bus:
at last, you also have the bus option, which is much more affordable (**approximately £4 - £11 per person**), even though it is also the slowest one. Here, we will find the following three options, all of which depart from Edinburgh Bus Station, **next to St. Andrews Square**.

![Estación de autobuses Edimburgo.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Estacion_de_autobuses_Edimburgo_4797c28ba8.jpg)

1 . [Bus number 909](https://bustimes.org/services/909-edinburgh-stirling-university-or-dunblane): This one is a bit more direct, and it only takes an hour and twenty minutes to get there, more or less, although it only departs once an hour.

![Glasgow Estación de autobuses.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Glasgow_Estacion_de_autobuses_3c23e67154.jpg)

2 . [Megabus](https://uk.megabus.com/): This is a hugely famous bus company here in Scotland, which offers bus tickets at a very reasonable price to a wide array of cities within the island, so it is always advisable to have a look at it, even if you do not wish to travel to Stirling.

 

### **From Glasgow**

By road:
The most direct route from Glasgow to Stirling by road is the M80, which will take about 35 minutes depending on the traffic.

Train:
there are two train stations in Glasgow: Glasgow Central, and Queen Street station, the latter being the main one, as well as the one we will focus on, since the trip from Glasgow Central involves taking a train up to Queen Street, and making a transfer there, bound for Stirling.

**From Queen Street**, about 60 trains depart every day heading for Stirling, and the average duration of the trip is around half an hour, although trains can be slower if it is a weekend day, or holidays.

Once again, it usually is a direct route, but it is best to pay attention to the speakers, just in case you might need to make any unexpected changes.

Tickets from Glasgow to Stirling cost around £10.70, even though, just as it happens if you travel from Edinburgh, depending on how far in advance you buy them, the time of the day that you wish to travel, the route, and the class that you book, they may end up being more or less expensive. But the most affordable option is still to buy a return ticket during off peak hours (off-peak return).

| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Off-peak return | £10.80 |
| One way ticket | £10.70 |
_Prices in the table are only for one way trips, except when it says otherwise. Prices for buyers in advance are subject to availability, and its **cost may vary**._

![Glasgow Queen Street.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Glasgow_Queen_Street_dd49f44703.jpg)

Bus: Should you prefer to take the bus, rather than the train, just as it happens when you travel from Edinburgh to Stirling, you have options such as **Megabus** and **bus 909** which, even though it runs through Edinburgh, it departs from **Buchanan Bus Station** in Glasgow, as well as all others which will be shown as follows. The remaining options available for you are:

![Estación de autobuses Glasgow.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Estacion_de_autobuses_Glasgow_f4cc74e166.jpg)
 
1 . [Bus X36](https://bustimes.org/services/x36-glasgow-stirling): This one, just like bus 83 from Edinburgh, is a line bus. The X makes reference to the fact that it is express, that is, it makes less stops and it (supposedly) takes a shorter time to arrive, even though the trip takes about an hour. They usually depart hourly, although the frequency is fairly higher during peak hour.

![Buchanan Station Glasgow.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Buchanan_Station_Glasgow_34dcfaf5b0.jpg)

2 . [Buses M8/M9/M11](https://www.citylink.co.uk/timetables/Winter19/glasgow-stirling%20summary.pdf): These buses are more direct, and they take about 45 minutes to take us to Stirling, even though they are somewhat more expensive, costing about £6 - £9, and they usually depart once an hour as well.

![Como llegar a Stirling-Glasgow.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Como_llegar_a_Stirling_Glasgow_72026d9421.jpg)

3 . [National express](https://www.nationalexpress.com/es): This would be the most expensive option, as far as buses go, from £8 per person for a one way trip, but they also take 45 minutes to complete their journey. What is the catch? Most of the time, there are only 1 or 2 a day.

![National Express Glasgow.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/National_Express_Glasgow_765d3d5d2d.jpg)

**These are the most affordable or direct options that we have been able to find, although there are surely many others. Should you find any other good, nice, and inexpensive way to get to Stirling, do not hesitate to share it with us, safe journey!**

Como llegar a Stirling.jpg

How to get to Stirling

All of you will probably have seen the movie called Braveheart (and if you still have not, it has been out for over twenty five years!) in which the super famous Scottish hero William Wallace (embodied by Mel Gibson, a full blooded Scotsman) leads Scottish troops into that epic and monumental defeat of the English army, in the wider frame of the First War of Scottish Independence. But, do you remember in which place that famous battle took place? Well, it was no less than in the Stirling Bridge. And it is here, in [Stirling](https://scotlandcitytours.com/blog/reasons-to-visit-stirling), that you will find the only monument in the whole wide world devoted to this brave heart of Scotland.

The National Wallace Monument is no more and no less than a sandstone tower built in Victorian Neogothic style, standing about 67 meters (around 220 feet) tall. It is nestled upon the highest point of Abbey Craig, in the very same fields where Wallace commanded the Scots into such a historic victory, and it is said that, from it, he watched the English army before the [Battle of Stirling Bridge](https://scotlandcitytours.com/blog/Battle-of-Stirling-Bridge).

The tower was built thanks to a fundraising campaign, amid a renewed nationalist sentiment in Scotland during the 1800s. Besides this public endorsement, it was also funded by some foreign sponsors, including Italian leader **Giuseppe Garibaldi**. It was completed in 1869, following the designs of architect John Thomas Rochead.

In order to access the monument, it is necessary to climb up to the hill found in the outskirts of the city and, once inside, it consists of three floors featuring exhibitions, plus the crown spire in its uppermost part, from which you will be able to enjoy some impressive views of the surroundings. Each level of the monument can be accessed by means of a spiral staircase with no less than **246 steps**, which also happen to be narrow and steep.

The monument remains open all year long, with a diverse event program including regular shows by actors in costumes during summer months. Your entrance ticket can be purchased directly upon your arrival, or in advance on the Internet, and these are the fees:

Web: [National Wallace Monument](https://www.yourstirling.com/see-do/the-wallace-monument/)

| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | £11.65 |
| Seniors or Students | £8.75 |
| Kids | £6.75 |
| Kids under 5 years | Free |
| Family entrance (from) | £24.25 |
 
 
 
![torre wallace otoño.jpeg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/torre_wallace_otono_e5d9ade4cc.jpeg)

Once indoors, you will find your way up the tower, towards the crown, and you will be able to see that every floor tells the story of this **national hero of Scotland**, as well as showing us how his partaking in Scottish history has been acknowledged throughout many generations. This is what you will find in each one of the levels:

 
## 1. The armory room
This gallery sets the stage to tell us the story of **William Wallace**, placing us in the historical background of the events that took place in 1297, when the Scottish army, **led by Wallace and Andrew of Moray**, faced up to the forces of **King Edward I** of England upon **River Forth**.

In this hall, you will discover how William Wallace emerged from the dark and became the leader of the Scots, as well as how the Battle of Stirling Bridge was fought and won, and the role that Wallace played in the [Wars of Scottish Independence.](https://somosescocia.com/blog/guerras-de-independencia-escocesa).

An unmissable piece in this floor is **the enormous Wallace sword**, which is 1.67 meters (5’ 6”) long, a remarkable symbol for his courage and talent, which has been preserved in the monument since 1888. Although there is something even more outstanding: the fact that this sword was stolen not once, but twice! The first time was in 1936, by Scottish nationalists from the University of Glasgow, and then it happened again in 1972. Luckily enough, the sword was returned both times.

 
![espada.jpeg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/espada_aca2486a6e.jpeg)

<figcaption>William Wallace’s Claymore</figcaption>


## 2. The hero hall
As well as inspiring those who fought beside him, Wallace’s spirit has also inspired generations of Scots in the centuries to come, for his fame has not lost one bit of its strength during all of these years. This gallery also shows how they came to be acknowledged as heroes, and the place they took alongside **William Wallace**.

A special exhibition within this gallery presents us with [Scotland’s female heroes](https://somosescocia.com/blog/mujeres-de-escocia) and it tells the story of **fourteen extraordinary women** whose creativity, kindness, and selfless service have enriched Scottish society, as well as many other countries across the world.
 

## 3. The royal chamber
In the gallery on the third floor, you will be able to discover some facts and figures about the **Battle of Stirling Bridge**. On two special screens, it can be seen which weapons might have been used by both armies, as well as how the battle was fought and won.

In this room, an interactive viewer allows us to see the views that can be observed nowadays from **Abbey Craig**, and then watch them as Wallace would have in 1297, looking through Stirling, with a detailed reconstruction of the landscape and important historical monuments.

## 4. The crown
At last, you will reach the highest point in the monument, from whence you can get a glimpse of a historical landscape: a place where battles were fought and won, as well as the best views Scotland can provide. From Ben Lomond and the **Trossachs** in the west, all the way through the Ochil Hills and the valley of River Forth beyond the city of **Stirling**, until reaching the Pentland hills to the east.

 
![vista.jpeg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/vista_13bbebc56d.jpeg)

 

To bring matters to a close, as previously mentioned, the **National Wallace Monument** is nestled in the outskirts of Stirling, about a 50-minute walk from the heart of the city, but there is also a bus service which departs from Stirling Bus Station, adjacent to the train station. From here, bus 52 departs every thirty minutes as of 8:30 in the morning on working days, and it stops outside the monument.

Despite how far away it is from the center, it will be worth it to have climbed such a number of steps! I am not a huge fan of the movie, there is no denying it, so, to me, it is an almost mandatory visit due to its history, its importance, and because of **William Wallace**.

| Tours and trips |
|---|
| Book the **Stirling Historic Tour** |
| Book the **Stirling Castle Tour** |

| Tours and activities in other cities |
|---|
| Book the [Edinburgh Free Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-free-tour) |
| Book the [Mystery and witch burning free tour in Edinburgh](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-ghost-tour) |
| Book the [Glasgow Free Walking Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-glasgow/glasgow-free-tour) |
| Book the [Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/guided-tour-edinburgh-castle) |
| Book the [The Best Night Out in Scotland!](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/pubcrawl-edinburgh) |

williamwalace.jpeg

National Wallace Monument

![William Wallace vs Mel Gibson.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/William_Wallace_vs_Mel_Gibson_db8643fca1.jpg)
_Mel Gibson, from the film Braveheart & Portrait of William Wallace, 1870_

**What is factually known about William Wallace, as far as genuine information goes, can be written in a single page**. He makes an appearance in several English chronicles, and there is also a document composed by him, bearing his seal, the **Lübeck letter (1297)**. Such a letter was sent to the seafaring harbours of Hamburg and Lübeck, claiming that Scotland was on its way to achieving independence, and that its merchant ports would soon be open. And little more, since everything else which is told about his life comes from an epic poem dating back to 1470, penned by Blind Harry, which is called “**The Wallace**”. It is no more and no less than a literary creation, full of tropes from knight stories which were typical of those times and, stemming from that epic poem, most biographies that we know about William Wallace would be written in the 1800s.

His father's name is not known for sure, although Sir Malcolm Wallace or Sir Allan Wallace are considered as possible options; nothing is known about his childhood, for that matter, nor about his days as a young man, nor his origins, even though it is believed that he could have been born in Elderslie, near Glasgow. It is also thought that he studied theology, and he might also have fought in the war of Wales, owing to his skills with the sword and the bow. As it has been previously wagered, there is nothing but conjectures and assumptions. And what about Wallace's alleged wife? The truth is that her existence has not been proven at all, since the very first time that she was ever mentioned was on a revised edition of Blind Harry's poem back in 1570. It is also though that Wallace could have been 1.90 meters tall (about 6' 3”), since his sword was 1.65 meters long (around 5' 5”), and it weighed 30 kilos (roughly 66 pounds) so, indeed, he must have been sturdy and tall.

![William Wallace.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/William_Wallace_da1eb22b94.jpg)
_Stained glass from the National Wallace Monument, Stirling_

As for **Andrew of Moray**, although he has been mostly forgotten, **there is much more information about him than can be found about William Wallace**. He came from a noble family, one of the most influential in **Scotland**, which had ties to the crown and fought in countless battles. He also rode beside his father during **the Battle of Dunbar**, against the troops of Edward I, and he spent some time imprisoned in the English town of Chester, but he was able to break free, thus returning to northern Scotland and mustering an army with which he stood up to the English, reclaiming [castles](https://somosescocia.com/blog/castillos-de-escocia) such as those in **Inverness or Urquhart**. Wallace had won over a handful of Scottish noblemen after he murder the **sheriff of Lanark**, which caused him to lead a group of rebels into southern Scotland. Moray, once he headed southwards, found out about Wallace's activities, hence joining forces, albeit little is known as to how and under which circumstances they met.

On September 11, year 1297, in the heart of Scotland, [Stirling](https://scotlandcitytours.com/blog/reasons-to-visit-stirling), on the spot where the [William Wallace monument](https://somosescocia.com/blog/monumento-nacional-de-william-wallace) stands today, Moray and Wallace could be found, devising the strategy on the day before the attack, a strategy which was conceived by Moray, given that his knowledge in the battlefield was far more extensive than Wallace's.

![Monumento de William Wallace.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Monumento_de_William_Wallace_47acf44de6.jpg)
_View of the National Wallace Monument from the Stirling Castle esplanade._

The Earl of Surrey commanded the **English army** alongside the royal treasurer, Cressingham. Neither of them regarded the Scots as a threat, since they outnumbered them four to one: **10 000 soldiers, facing 2 500 farmers and peasants**. Surrey was a great strategist, and he was acquainted with the codes of chivalry, by means of which the enemy had to wait for them to stand in their formation on the battlefield. This is why they decided to cross the bridge of Stirling with their knights; **Moray and Wallace** waited for the English horsemen to cross over to bring down the wooden bridge, hence trapping them between the river and the Scottish army, and their archers took care of the rest. **Cressingham**, the English treasurer, who was fairly hated by the Scots, died in the midst of the battle, and English chronicles tell that the Scotsmen cut him into pieces and shared them; Wallace had a sheath for his sword made with his skin.

![Batalla Puente de Stirling.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Batalla_Puente_de_Stirling_9f9b237dc2.jpg)

**Andrew of Moray and William Wallace would be appointed as Guardians of Scotland**, although Moray did not last long as a guardian of Scotland, since he would pass away just a few weeks later. There are plenty of contradictions regarding Moray's death, since some historians claim that he died during the very battle, whereas others argue that it happened some weeks later.

Wallace may have been forced to keep sending out documents jointly with the name of his late commander, since he made use of him as a shield against the more elitist and traditional circles in Scotland. Without him, **Wallace** would be nothing but a former outlaw, and he would be exposed to the political plots of the noblemen. For Wallace, his lasting association with the name of **Andrew Moray** was a necessity. Only once **Wallace had been appointed as a knight** and **named as a Guardian of Scotland** did it become needless to send letters jointly with Moray.

Another interesting fact is that Moray was involved in the only important battle which was won by Wallace; all others were lost. Unfortunately, both cinema and time have forgotten about this hero, since there are no sculptures of **Andrew Moray**, and the very Scots often ignore who he was, so this may serve as a homage to such an important character as Andrew of Moray was. 

Following the **Battle of Falkirk**, a battle in which **Wallace lost his army**, he managed to run away to France, where he would stay for 5 years. He went there to muster financial and military support for the Scottish revolt, and also to fight for freedom and independence. And the rest of it is already history. Upon his return to Scotland, he was betrayed by John de Menteith in 1305, and sent to England, where the English put an end to his life...

With the death of William Wallace, the future king of Scotland took over in order to restore Scotland's freedom. It would nearly take a decade before he avenged Wallace's death but, in 1314, following the [Battle of Bannockburn](https://somosescocia.com/blog/batalla-de-bannockburn), **Robert the Bruce** would expel the English, and it is here that the path towards independence would begin.

![SB Batalla Puente de Stirling.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/SB_Batalla_Puente_de_Stirling_519ff767d7.jpg)
_Battle of Stirling Bridge, source by Andrew Hillhouse Prints_

**Thanks to the movies, they made us imagine men in skirts and faces painted in blue, they made us dream of cities and incredible landscapes, a country of lovely people, mountains, lakes, monsters, bagpipes and, most importantly: a country with whisky. FREEDOM**

Batalla del Puente de Stirling.jpg

Battle of Stirling Bridge

## The weather in Stirling
In spite of being in the north of **Great Britain**, the reason why we do not get extreme temperatures is the oceanic climate typical of both **central and eastern Scotland**.

![Vistas desde el Castillo de Stirling.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Vistas_desde_el_Castillo_de_Stirling_49ad3650b7.jpg)
_Views from Stirling Castle_

During **wintertime**, it is unusual for the temperature to drop below 0ºC (32ºF), although it happens occasionally; in the same way, it does not usually get any warmer than 7ºC (45ºF). The **coldest** months are commonly **December, January, and February**, that are also the months during which there is always some snowfall, but it comes as swiftly as it fades away, so it rarely lasts for long.

**Summers** are often cool, with temperatures ranging from 15ºC (roughly 60ºF) to 19ºC (mid to high 60s). Still, there are always a few days when the temps get really hot by **Stirlinger standards, exceeding 20ºC** (around 70ºF). The all-time record was registered in July 2019, at 32.9ºC (in the low 90s).

**Months with the fairest weather**: June, July, and August, even though the weather is also nice during May and September.

![Tabla.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Tabla_9d316422ef.jpg)
_Data taken from the [Met Office](https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/climate/maps-and-data/uk-climate-averages), the United Kingdom's national met service._

### Rain and wind
One of the factors to be taken into account upon arriving in **Stirling is rain**. With an average of almost 150 days every year, it can be said that it rains quite a bit, but using umbrellas is not recommended, since they are of no use from minute one because of the remaining factor to be bargained for: wind. Gusts of wind that will cause rain to fall sideways and, as good as your umbrella might be, it will fall apart, and you will get soaked all the same. **Wearing boots and a waterproof jacket is recommended**.

But fret not, because it is not heavy rain; most of the time, it is just a **light drizzle**. Oh! I almost forgot that it can also be sunny, there are plenty of sunny days, it is not Mordor you are going to visit!

![Stirling en invierno.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Stirling_en_invierno_45d4e294c5.jpg)
_View from the Stirling Castle esplanade_

### Which clothes do we need to visit Stirling?
As previously said, it is very important to **dress in layers**. Do not bring a snowproof coat which might be too warm, and then wear a T-shirt underneath; remember that you will experience all four seasons in a single day. Although there may not be any drastic temperature changes, it is best to wear 2, 3, or even 4 layers, and then take them off or put them on depending on your needs.

![Puente de Stirling verano.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Puente_de_Stirling_verano_462b51fe70.jpg)
_Stirling Bridge_
 

|Tours you can embark on in Stirling|
|---|
|Book your **Stirling Castle Tour** |
|Book your **Historic Stirling Tour**|

### Wintertime clothing
**From the waist down**: trekking boots or comfortable sneakers, preferably waterproof, and thick, warm socks. Jeans, even though it is advisable to wear thermal or cotton pants underneath, just in case it might get really cold; should you have trekking trousers, which are sturdy and warm, they are also a fine choice to wear instead of jeans.

**From the waist up**: a thermal T-shirt, a long or short-sleeved T-shirt, a polar coat, or a jumper. A waterproof, hooded coat. Do not forget your cap, scarf, and gloves.

These clothes may also be suited for springtime or fall, given how the temperatures usually range from 10ºC (50ºF) and 15ºC (around 60ºF).

![T.Stir. Maria.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/T_Stir_Maria_2734cab4a5.jpg)
_María, a tourist guide, with a happy face and some mac and cheese. (December)_

### Summertime clothing
**From the waist down**: trekking boots or comfortable sneakers, preferably waterproof. Jeans or trousers with knee zippers, for those who do not like the heat. You may also opt for a Scottish kilt (Scottish skirt).

![Entrada al castillo de Stirling.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Entrada_al_castillo_de_Stirling_a0e154b989.jpg)
_Entrance gate to Stirling Castle_

**From the waist up**: a short or long-sleeved T-shirt, a polar coat, or a jumper. A waterproof jacket with a hood.

That should be everything, and then you will be all set to get to know not only [Stirling](https://scotlandcitytours.com/blog/reasons-to-visit-stirling), but also [Edinburgh](https://scotlandcitytours.com/blog/things-to-do-and-see-in-edinburgh) or even [Glasgow](https://scotlandcitytours.com/blog/reasons-to-visit-Glasgow), even though it is much rainier, as well as the **Scottish Highlands**, since the temperatures are similar there.

We hope that this article helps you to decide what to pack in your suitcase as **you prepare to visit Stirling**.

 And, as the renowned Scottish actor Billy Connolly once said: “**There are two seasons in Scotland: June, and winter**”.

 

Tiempo de Stirling.jpg

The weather in Stirling


During my first year, I visited many other cities, besides its **incredibly beautiful natural landscapes**. But, if I had to pick just one city, that would be, without a doubt, **Stirling**. Some of you may think that Edinburgh is prettier, but I will go beyond that. Not only does Stirling have part of the beauty of Scotland’s capital city, but the history of this country cannot be understood without Stirling. During the **Middle Ages**, it was nicknamed as “**the gateway to the Highlands**”, as anyone  who had to travel to the **Highlands** or the **Lowlands** needed to go through **Stirling**.

Thanks to its history and, of course, to its castle and monuments, it is one of **the most visited cities in all of Scotland**: around one million people drop by this small city every year, which was the most important city in Medieval Scotland. And, in this article, I would like to provide you with some reasons to visit it, if you are still sitting on the fence about it.
 
![stirling-5.jpeg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/stirling_5_0da1d8b831.jpeg)

 
## 1. Because of its history

**Stirling has a fascinating history** that goes hand in hand with Scottish history, given that **Scotland** could not be conceived if Stirling did not exist.
The region where this city can be found had been inhabited for over 3 000 years, as the first settlements appeared on different hills, and also on the spot where the city castle can be seen today.

By the 1000s, the first fort would be built on the place where its castle stands today. From this moment on, **Stirling** would begin to grow, and it would start to be used as a royal residence. King David I, who ruled during the 1100s, would invest it with the status of a royal burgh, and he established the feudal system that lingered until 2004.

Many battles have been fought on Scottish ground, but Stirling bore witness to one of the most important and famous clashes in the history of cinema: **Braveheart.**
Thanks to **the river Forth** and its fine connections with the world, **Stirling has always looked into the future**. The most regal style of architecture would begin to dominate the city streets during the 1700s, when around 10 % of its population lived in poverty, which was unusual at the time. From 4 000 people living there in the 1700s, its populace would soar to 12 000 a century later.
 
The **Industrial Revolution** arrived and, along with it, the first train station. The Scottish Central Railway was built from Perth to Greenhill, **connecting Central Scotland with the south and north of the country**, with one of its stops in Stirling, which gave rise to the tourism comeback that this city has experienced for decades, and thanks to which Scotland’s former capital city is not only remembered for the battles it has seen, but also for **its importance in Scottish history**.


## 2. For its castle

Regarded as one of **the most important castles in Scotland**, for its history and architecture, being one of the best preserved Renaissance castles in the **United Kingdom**. Nowadays, it receives over half a million visitors every year.

It was an unassailable fortress, owing to the strategic nature of its location. It was also a residence for kings and queens, such as **Mary Stuart** and her son James, who united the Scottish and English crowns.

The palace which can be found indoors was the first Renaissance palace in **the British Isles**. Its architecture takes inspiration from France, with an outer facade decorated with gargoyles and sculptures. The building represents king James V, who had it built, as he wished to be seen: as a king to match the greatest European sovereigns.

Within its interior, besides the palace, other buildings can be found, each one of them being immensely valuable: a chapel, built in the 1500s for the christening of the son of **king James VI**; the great hall, whose yellow hue returns it to its former glory; the kitchens, discovered in 1921, since they had been buried under a barrage of cannon fire, and in which it can nowadays be seen how a great banquet is cooked. The former royal abodes, now serving as the Argyll Sutherland Highlanders Museum. In my opinion, this is the best castle in Scotland.

En su interior, además del palacio, se encuentran otros edificios, a cada cual más valioso: una capilla, construida en el siglo XVI para el bautizo del hijo del **rey Jacobo VI**; el gran salón, cuyo color amarillo le devuelve su vieja gloria; las cocinas, descubiertas en 1921 ya que habían quedado sepultadas bajo una batería de cañones, y en las que hoy se puede ver cómo cocinan un gran banquete. Los antiguos aposentos reales, hoy ocupados por el museo del Regimiento de las tierras alta de Argyll y Sutherland. En mi opinión, [el mejor castillo de Escocia](https://somosescocia.com/blog/que-ver-en-el-castillo-de-stirling).


![stirling-castle-g2.jpeg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/stirling_castle_g2_daa88dab92.jpeg)
 

| Tours and trips |
|:---:|
| Book the [Stirling Historic Tour](https://somosescocia.com/tours-stirling/tour-historico-de-stirling) |
| Book the [Stirling Castle Tour](https://somosescocia.com/tours-stirling/tour-del-castillo-de-stirling) |
 
## 3. William Wallace and the monument to the hero

The **history of Scotland**, for better or worse, will be closely tied to the character that **Mel Gibson** embodies in the **film Braveheart: William Wallace.**

The figure of **Wallace** has, over the centuries, **become a legend**, and to this day tourist guides in Scotland speak of him with great passion, remembering and paying homage to the relentless fight of Scottish people in the face of English tyranny. But the battle who would turn him into a hero is that of **Stirling Bridge**. Indeed, my friend, it was in Stirling that, in 1927, **William Wallace** and 2 500 Scots, against an army of 10 000 English soldiers, won an epic battle that will be remembered until the end of humankind.

Nowadays, on the place where **William Wallace and Andrew of Moray** prepared for the battle, a tower stands, the [National Wallace Monument](https://somosescocia.com/blog/monumento-nacional-de-william-wallace), with a height of 64 meters (just over two hundred feet). Within it, the story of this hero and this battle is recounted. Additionally, from atop the monument, you will be able to enjoy some **incredible views of Scotland’s** mountainous scenery.

![torre wallace otoño.jpeg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/torre_wallace_otono_e5d9ade4cc.jpeg)

 
## 4. The Old Town and its streets

**Stirling’s old town** could be defined as a miniature version of [Edinburgh](https://somosescocia.com/blog/que-ver-en-edimburgo-en-un-dia). It is a city that preserves a part of its medieval ramparts, which few towns in the country can boast.

A city brimming with **history** in which you will be able to find anything from streets built in Georgian architecture to **medieval alleys**. King Street still retains its grandeur, with its Golden Lion hotel, which has been the most important hotel in the city ever since the 1700s, or the Athenaeum, **guarded by a sculpture of William Wallace**.

**Medieval Stirling** was built around the castle, with the houses of the most powerful people always standing in close vicinity to it. Broad Street is a cobblestone street in which a Mercat Cross can be seen, that is, a column crowned by **Scotland’s national animal: the unicorn.**

When the city started to expand beyond its walls, the powerful were worried about how they would keep the masses under control, so they deemed it necessary to build their own jailhouse. **Stirling can boast having two of them**. These jailhouses or, as they are known locally, **Tollbooth**, were humid, unhealthy, and crowded places, which also served as armories, tax collection offices, prisons, and so on. Nowadays, one of them is a center for the arts, and the other is a very entertaining tourist attraction for kids. Here, you may find the link to the website.

**Stirling’s Old Town** hides secrets and, in one of its churches, the **Holy Rude**, in 1567, the king who would unite the Scottish and English crowns was crowned. It is now a church which opens during summertime, and it is free to visit. The churchyard is regarded as one of the most beautiful cemeteries to be visited in all of Scotland.

![stirling-13.jpeg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/stirling_13_515023f045.jpeg)
 
To me, **Stirling is a magical city**, a city which is **packed with history** but, above all, a city to be discovered, an unmissable visit if you spend several days in Scotland. I hope you decide to visit it after reading these words!

stirling-1.jpg

4 Reasons to visit Stirling

## 1. King's Knot

The King's Knot is a geometric, stepped octagonal earthwork in the ancient royal gardens, where jousting tournaments, hunting and falconry used to take place.

In 2011, archaeologists from the **University of Glasgow**, in collaboration with the Stirling History Society and the Stirling Archaeological and Countryside Society, carried out a survey. Their findings showed that there exists a round feature on the site that predates the visible earthworks.

This discovery has been linked to **the legend of King Arthur**, as it is not the first time it has been said that **King Arthur**'s table could be found in [**Stirling**](https://scotlandcitytours.com/blog/things-to-see-and-do-in-stirling). Around 1375, the Scottish poet John Barbour said that 'the roundtable' was to the south of Stirling Castle; in 1478 the English chronicler William of Worcester told how 'King Arthur kept the roundtable in Stirling Castle'; and Sir David Lindsay, a 16th century Scottish writer, added to the legend in 1529 when he said that Stirling Castle was home to the royal chapel and the Round Table.

Perhaps King Arthur is less of a myth than we assumed...

![Kings Knot.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Kings_Knot_7956923267.jpg)

## 2. John Damian

John Damian was an Italian cleric who promised **King James IV** immeasurable amounts of money which he would produce by means of secret alchemical processes learned in Italy.

Damian directed the construction of alchemical furnaces at **Stirling Castle**, receiving aqua vitae (i.e. wine spirits), mercury, ammonium salt, alum, litharge, orpiment, saltpetre, silver, sugar, sulphur, tin, verdigris, vinegar and white lead for this purpose in his laboratories. These are all standard alchemical substances of the **medieval period**.

Damian never succeeded as an alchemist and to save his name he had to fall back on other ideas. In December 1507, the alchemist declared to the king that he could "fly to France" from **Stirling Castle** using a pair of artificial wings.

On the day of take-off, Damian arrived bearing huge wings. The entire court attended the event. Damian climbed the wall and jumped off like Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story movie - and the rest is history. Damian fell, plummeting down, but the good news is that he survived the fall and only broke his leg.

![Bird Man.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Bird_Man_5e7d1fc678.jpg)

## 3. Douglas Garden

Named after **William Douglas**, because King James II threw him out of a window of the old King's building and Douglas was buried here.

In 1452, **King James II** invited the Earl of Douglas to dinner at the castle in order to iron out their differences. A few years earlier two of Douglas' nephews had been murdered in **Edinburgh Castle** in a somewhat cruel manner in the presence of the king (an episode known as the Black Dinner of Edinburgh Castle). The dinner with William Douglas was to be a dinner of death, music, entertainment and the finest delicacies; the king wanted the two of them to abandon the rivalry between their houses. When the king saw that William would not listen to reason, he flew into a rage and threw William out of the window. The window can be seen from the courtyard and from inside the building.

## 4. The christening feast of the future king of Scotland

On 30 August 1594 the christening feast of Prince Henry Stuart, son of James Stuart, was held. This banquet was held in the Great Hall of the castle, where of course the best dishes of **Scottish gastronomy** would have been served; but the highlight of the event was the presentation of a wooden boat measuring 5.5 metres long by 12 metres high and floating on an artificial sea, from which fish and seafood were served. It also sported 36 cannons on its sides for firing blanks.

![Great Hall Stirling.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Great_Hall_Stirling_a008c46908.jpg)

## 5. Stirling heads

These are a series of carved wooden cartouches, decorated with the heads of queens and courtiers also known as **'Stirling Heads'**. Described as 'among the **finest examples of Scottish Renaissance wood carving** now in existence', the cartouches in the King's apartments are replicas of the Stirling Heads, which were removed after a roof collapse in 1777. Of the estimated 56 original heads, 38 survive. The original 38 are on display in the upper floor of the palace, in a gallery accessed from the inner courtyard.

![Stirling heads.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Stirling_heads_3139801422.jpg)

## 6. The hunt for the unicorn

In the tapestry room we find "**The hunt for the unicorn**". These tapestries were commissioned by Historic Scotland and were woven in the castle itself, in the area where the stables used to be. The originals used as a model date from the 16th century and can currently be found in the **Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York**. The creation of the replicas is the work of 11 years (2002 - 2013) and more than 16,000 hours of work.

The set of 7 tapestries is the story of the hunt for the unicorn's horn, which possessed magical powers of purification. The scenes are instructive with rich Christian iconography: the unicorn is an image of Christ, and the maiden represents the Virgin Mary. The climax is reached with the death and rebirth of the unicorn as a representation of the Passion and Resurrection.

![Sala tapices Unicornio.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Sala_tapices_Unicornio_940230c61b.jpg)

## 7. Wars of Independence

During the **Wars of Independence**, 1296-1357, the castle played a very important role, changing hands several times due to its strategic location. In 1296, the first year of these wars, **Edward I** took the castle without any opposition, as only one soldier was found to be in charge of opening the entrance gates. Just 8 years later, in 1304, Edward I wanted to besiege the castle, which was again in Scottish hands; the Scots surrendered before the planned siege, using 17 engines of war, took place. But as Edward had had a **siege weapon** built for the occasion, which he had christened the ‘Warwolf’, he ordered a number of Scottish soldiers to be brought inside the castle so he could test his weapon.

## 8. The world's oldest football

In 1981, a football made of pig's bladder dating back to the 16th century, was found during renovation work. It is known from records that football was already being played at that time and was becoming a popular sport, but the truth is that it was disliked as it was dangerous and led to many injuries. Today the football is housed in the **Smith Art Gallery in Stirling**.

![Primer Balon.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Primer_Balon_157b6f91fe.jpg)
_<center>Photo taken at Stirling Museum, Smith Art Gallery.</center>_

## 9. Coronation of Mary Stuart

Mary was crowned "**Queen of Scots**" on 9 September 1543 in the Chapel Royal at **Stirling Castle** when she was only 9 months old, with crown, sceptre and sword – imagine a baby with all that on her! The ceremony was officiated by Cardinal David Beaton, Archbishop of St Andrews Cathedral.

There are no remains of the chapel, but if you visit **Stirling Castle,** you can see marks on the floor in the inner courtyard which indicate where it once stood.

## 10. The castle rock

The rock on which **Stirling Castle** stands was formed over 350 million years ago after the eruption of a volcano. During the second ice age, the melting ice sculpted the rock which you can see today, making the castle an **impregnable fortress** from the north and west, as the rock is almost vertical.

The crag has been lived on for 3,000 years and has been inhabited by people from the Romans to **Queen Elizabeth II** herself, although she probably welcomed the Romans.

## 11. The Lady in Green

Lady in Blue, Lady in Pink, Lady in White. Stirling Castle is full of **female ghosts**, but the best known is the Lady in Green.

The Lady in Green is said to have been a servant of **Mary Stuart**. She was a girl from the **Scottish Highlands** and had a premonition that if her queen slept in the old fortress one day, she would not live to tell the tale.

On the night of 13 September 1561 Mary was staying at Stirling Castle. The servant decided to spend the night near her queen to protect her, but the night was very long, and the servant fell asleep in such an unlucky position that she brushed against one of the candles next to the queen's bed, and the whole thing went up in flames. Mary was able to save her own life, but the maid died in the fire, thus becoming the **ghost called Green Lady**.

![Green Lady.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Green_Lady_37faff6bc5.jpg)

## 12. Castle Ghost known as Highland Ghost

The most active ghost at **Stirling Castle** is the **Highland Ghost**. On more than one occasion staff and visitors have seen him appear, in full traditional costume. Mistaken for a tour guide on many occasions, visitors are surprised when they approach him and he simply turns and walks away, **disappearing before their very eyes**.

In 1935, this **mysterious ghost** was apparently captured by the camera of an architect who was conducting some surveys for upcoming construction work. If you encounter it, don't panic, it won't harm you.

![Highland Ghost.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Highland_Ghost_1d77e6b380.jpg)

Football, boats, unicorns, ghosts... this castle is full of life and the occasional lost soul. I hope this guide can help you on your **visit to Stirling Castle**, a magnificent fortress with a fascinating history.

stirling-castle-g7.jpeg

12 Fun Facts about Stirling Castle

Most people who have typed "**Scottish food**" into the Google search engine have probably already read about **Scotland**'s most famous dish: **[haggis](https://scotlandcitytours.com/blog/what-is-haggis)**. But for those of you who are a little less well prepared, haggis is all those parts of a sheep that you don’t really want to eat, but much less waste: heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and so on. All these scraps are ground up and mixed with onions, oats and spices, and cooked in the animal's own stomach. Fortunately, nowadays it is usually wrapped in other, more hygienic materials and comes in two forms: meat-based and vegetarian. It's a pretty heavy meal, but it's definitely one of those things you have to try. Wherever you go...

**Haggis** is usually eaten with mashed potatoes and turnip mash (you'll see it as neeps & tatties on restaurant menus) and a whisky sauce. You can also find haggis in the full **Scottish breakfast**, not to be confused with the **English breakfast**, which is only served south of Dumfries.

But it's not just haggis that Scottish people live for. Another quite typical thing around here is soup or, as we would call it, a kind of chunky mash. It's usually made of various vegetables and lentils, with quite a strong flavour and, as I said, tends to be a bit thick. It's ideal for warming the stomach during the winter months and one of the most typical soups is **Cullen Skink**, a soup made from onion, potato and haddock (a fish that can be found off the coast of Scotland).

The last thing you can't leave without trying is the tablet, and no, I don't mean the one you used on the plane to watch Netflix or play Candy Crush, I recommend you don't sink your teeth into this one for your own good. The typical Scottish tablet is a sweet made from condensed milk, sugar and butter, usually flavoured vanilla or ginger. For me, it's definitely a must-try if you have as much of a sweet tooth as I do.

And now that we've finished our brief overview of Scottish cuisine, let's get down to what really matters to you: where can I eat in Stirling? Well, here are the 10 best places we could find to recommend:

## 1\. The Bannockburn Coffee House

Located next to the famous **Bannockburn** Esplanade (the one where William Wallace's battle was fought), here you can still taste the regional gastronomy at a very good price. It also has vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, and homemade cakes that you can feast your eyes on.

[**41 Main Street, Bannockburn, Stirling FK7 8LX**](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Bannockburn+Coffee+House/@56.089917,-3.915009,17z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x2fd82548090483da!8m2!3d56.0908214!4d-3.9147324?hl=es)

## 2\. The Bluebell Tea Room

Tea rooms are a very British thing where people go, effectively, for tea. This one, located in the centre of **Stirling**, is an ideal example of what you would expect from such a place. They offer **breakfast, brunch and lunch**, and a wide variety of teas and sweets.

## 3\. The Allan Park Pub & Restaurant

Holding the title of best restaurant in **Stirling**, this is a pub offering traditional food located in the city centre. From breakfast to dinner, it has a varied menu (with alternative options of course), **great quality** and an unbeatable atmosphere, a place that is definitely worth a visit.

[**20 Allan Park, Stirling FK8 2QG, United Kingdom**](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Allan+Park+-+Pub,+Restaurant+%26+Coffee+House+(w%2F+rooms)/@56.115987,-3.940077,13z/data=!4m8!3m7!1s0x0:0x53e0373a2173d204!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d56.1160019!4d-3.9401374?hl=es)

## 4\. Portcullis

Located near the castle, the name refers to those huge metal grates that could be raised and lowered to cut off access to the castle. **Considered the second-best pub in the city**, it offers a very local atmosphere and good food.

[**Castle Wynd, Stirling FK8 1EG, UK**](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Portcullis/@56.121986,-3.944444,16z/data=!4m8!3m7!1s0x0:0xba05e15b8386f870!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d56.1219813!4d-3.9444207?hl=es)

## 5\. No 2 Baker Street

Could this be a reference to the famous private investigator Sherlock Holmes? Maybe. What is clear is that this is a great place to eat and drink, with an extensive menu in both respects. Elementary, my dear Watson.

[**No 2 Baker Street**](https://www.google.com/maps/place/No+2+Baker+Street/@56.1189262,-3.9385338,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x60e843be760cb53b?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwib98SY-v_1AhWGLMAKHRRGA-0Q_BJ6BAgmEAU)

## 6\. The Allan Water Cafe

Great cafe and restaurant in the centre of Stirling with a good number of years and a family history behind it. It has a wide variety of food on offer, the chippy or fish & chips being one of the most popular with locals, another must try.

[**15 Henderson St, Bridge of Allan, Stirling FK9 4HN**](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Allanwater+Cafe/@56.155629,-3.949886,16z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x230d85c334db4d5c!8m2!3d56.1556289!4d-3.9498861?hl=es)

## 7\. Brae

For quality Scottish food, using fresh, local ingredients. This restaurant has won several awards for its dishes in recent years.

[**5 Baker St, Stirling FK8 1BJ**](https://www.google.com/maps/place/5+Baker+St,+Stirling+FK8+1BJ/@56.1188004,-3.9409972,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4888629527d5f11b:0x5c2022a65c9c8d87!8m2!3d56.1188004!4d-3.9388085)

## 8\. Monterey Jack's

Can boast some of the best burgers in **Scotland**!!! Located in the Old Town, next to the Athenaeum.

Especially the cheeseburger is excellent.

[**1 Corn Exchange Rd, Stirling FK8 2HX, UK**](https://www.google.com/maps?ll=56.118274,-3.938715&z=16&t=m&hl=es&gl=ES&mapclient=embed&cid=10364910612201347664)

## 9\. Nicky-Tams

One of the oldest pubs in Stirling. It offers a wide variety of beers, and you can also eat here. Located in the **Old Town**.

[**29 Baker St, Stirling FK8 1BJ, UK**](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Nicky-Tams+Bar+%26+Bothy/@56.119113,-3.939453,16z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x689fb1cd12a5d9f6!8m2!3d56.1191302!4d-3.9394278?hl=es)

## 10\. Hermanns

Very elegant place, with Scottish and Austrian cuisine using local produce. Very **close to the castle**.

[**Mar Place House, 58 Broad St, Stirling FK8 1EF, UK**](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hermanns/@56.121152,-3.943731,16z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xb8831a01a34b1635!8m2!3d56.121167!4d-3.9437219?hl=es)

Of course, these are just a few of what (in our humble opinion) are the best places to eat in the city, but if you find any other hidden gems, don't hesitate to recommend them - we always like to discover new things. And watch out for the **Haggis**, it is very filling.

| Best Tours in Other Cities |
| ---------------------------- | 
| [Tours in Edinburgh](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh) | 
| [Tours in Glasgow](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-glasgow) |


the ** HAGGIS ** is a typical Scottish dish? This preparation is served on BURNS day to the sound of bagpipes. Made with liver, heart and lungs of sheep, fat, oat flakes and mutton or beef,

7-mejores-sitio-para-comer-en-Stirling.jpeg

10 best restaurants in Stirling

## History

The **origin** of this spirit is lost in antiquity. It is known that the Celtic people of Ireland brought distilling to **Ireland** in the 5th century. The first distillers, wherever they were based, made spirits that were too strong to drink, so honey was added to sweeten them, as well as spices and other ingredients, making the first whiskies more like liqueurs.

The origin of **the word whisky** itself is also unclear. In the 17th century it was called strong water (English), usquebaugh or uisge beatha (Gaelic) or aqua vitae (Latin), the latter being popular with whisky lovers as it means **'water of life'**. Whatever the origin, the word whisky did not gain official recognition until 1755 with its entry in the dictionary.

For centuries, whisky was a local drink. In the **Highlands** it was made in small stills and in the **Lowlands** large quantities were produced, mainly for export to England. Although the English would spoil it by re-distilling it with a vegetable product to make Gin – they will do anything to avoid accepting that **Scotch whisky** is good.

Between the 18th and 19th century, **whisky** was "legalised", i.e. an attempt was made to have fiscal control over the distilleries, which led to the birth of underground distilleries. In the end, the state legalised the use of small stills, thus ushering in the modern **Scotch** **whisky** industry.

In addition, in the 19th century, the popularity of whisky grew due to the invention of **Coffey stills**, or **continuous distillation**, which made whisky smoother and less intense. But the biggest uptick in its popularity was experienced thanks to phylloxera, an aphid that destroyed grape harvests in France, which reduced wine and cognac production and left people with no choice but to drink whisky.

And in the 20th century, oak casks that had previously held **Sherry** or **Bourbon** began to be used to mature the distillate, giving these spirits aroma, colour, flavour and character, but also thanks to the use of only water, barley and yeast, this **Liquid Gold** came to life.

Although **Scotch whisky** is the most popular whisky in the world (wherever I go and whenever I travel, I always find a piece of **Scotland** in the bars of the world), it cannot be said to be the best. For several decades now, different countries around the world have been specialising in the **distillation** of this drink, but it is the Japanese who take the lead in the **[World Whisky Awards](https://www.worldwhiskiesawards.com/)**. Japanese whiskies have been sweeping the board in recent years, although Canada, New Zealand, the United States and even India are achieving great quality in their distillates. In 2019, whiskies from these cold lands did not win in any category, but let's hope they receive more in the coming years, as I wouldn't trade Scotch whisky for that of any other country.

## Whisky Regions

Whisky distilling **regions**: **Islay**, **Lowlands**, **Highlands** and **Campbeltown**. These are the generic ones, as within the Highlands we have **Speyside** and Islands. The regions just help us to label the whisky, as nowadays a typical **smoky whisky** from the Islay region can also be made in the Highlands, for example.

![Regiones del whisky.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Regiones_del_whisky_2a3b4981cc.jpg)

## Types of whisky

Within the regions, there are also different types of whisky. I will summarise very briefly what they are:

### Single Malt

This is **single malt whisky**. “Malt” refers to the process of the germination of the grain: malting. "Single" refers to the origin of the whisky, a single distillery. The grain used for this whisky is barley, no other grain can be used. This whisky can be blended with another malt, either of the same or a different age, but they must be from the same distillery. It is the **most popular whisky** in Scotland. My favourites are the smoky ones.

### Single Grain

This would be whisky from **a single grain**. This can be barley, rye, corn or wheat, or unmalted grain. It is not very well known and is usually used to make blended whisky. I have never tried it, although I have a bottle of this type, a Clan Denny 21-year-old, which I hope to open soon.

![Clan Denny 21.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Clan_Denny_21_be727538a2.jpg)

### Blends

This is **blended whisky**. It is obtained by blending different whiskies, it must have at least one Single Grain and one Single Malt, but it can have many more. It is usually a very popular whisky. They are the most typical, as whiskies such as **[Ballantines](https://amzn.to/3ycUbZG)** or **[Johnnie Walker](https://amzn.to/3gIQ4Jd)** are of this type.

#### Blended Grain

This is one of the **rarest whiskies on the market**. To produce this type of whisky, you have to combine two or more Single Grains. I can say from my personal experience that the most famous Blended Grain whisky. [Compass Box Hedonism](https://amzn.to/3WoGLnN), does not disappoint, and is very good value for money.

#### Blended Malt

Another **rare** whisky. These whiskies are produced by blending two or more Single Malts from different distilleries. The most popular is **[Monkey Shoulder](https://amzn.to/3ycUbZG)**, but there are also lesser-known whiskies such as Glencoe MacDonald's 8-year-old with Cask Strength 58%. You can find them, as well as all other Blended Grains, at a good price.

![Glencoe MacDonald - 8 year old Whisky.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Glencoe_Mac_Donald_8_year_old_Whisky_fc16b59c64.jpg)

I would like to clarify one thing: **BOURBON IS NOT WHISKY**. What a pleasure it is to get that off my chest. Distillation was brought to the United States in the 18th century by Scottish and Irish settlers. Although the **origin of Bourbon** is not well documented, it is known that it began to be distilled in the same century that distillation arrived.

Experts have always included this drink in different types of whiskies, because the process to distil this spirit is the same as any other whisky, but (of course there is a but) the grain used has to be at least 51% corn, sometimes up to 70% or 80%, the rest being made up of different cereals. **Bourbon** also has no minimum ageing period, so products that have been matured as short as three months can be sold as Bourbon (any Bourbon aged less than 4 years has to be indicated on the label). In addition, this beverage has to be produced in the **United States**.

This is only a general overview of this drink, as there can be many variants of it. The most famous ones are **[Jim Beam](https://amzn.to/34W4yCy)**, **[Wild Turkey](https://amzn.to/3gL7JA0)** or **[Jack Daniels](https://amzn.to/3LrPiya)**.

If you want to immerse yourself more in the wonderful **world of whisky**, I recommend the book “**[Illustrated Atlas of Whisky](https://www.amazon.es/gp/product/846771607X?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=carlospaz-21&linkId=52610289cfc25c9d163a7749d9c2a590&language=es_ES&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)**”, by Michael Jackson (not the singer). It costs about 15€ and contains a lot of information to help you understand this drink and its origins.

Now comes the best part; it's time to decide what to order in the pub! And with more than 3,000 varieties, whisky is probably the most complicated drink to choose. Anywhere you go you can ask for "a dram of whisky, please", to which the bartender will reply "Which one, pal? So here are a few recommendations to make your choice easier:

## Lowlands

**[Glenkinchie 12](https://amzn.to/34W4yCy)**. Sweet and smooth, the whisky of Edinburgh.

**[Auchentoshan Heartwood](https://www.amazon.es/Auchentoshan-Whisky-Three-Wood-700/dp/B001LLUPIY?__mk_es_ES=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=PSAM256Z5419&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Lx0eozZtS5R2Y4ykIhpwt0FAODszH5uI0CsfjpOZhdxvwDDg4wZAzJvqJ8PmNNtRN2njyQUhTHaa_lbjeCbawCdsQ3VX-M7knd4FfgvPzFCZDa9YBKq4v5VctT4llylgBwyumwLpgxJ47hySJhjWmSdI35LmLYV9wqf1FG08hYUSJLyS4dYT9sYZZBS57d-IH7Gl0aUjk9VpVdDUy7PLVcalG-_IhtTyH4LT80B27iQsL4qNVlbqWgooOgSu8i0UmHNqiv0q5NhrRzikG172lcco9R2yJL7nQ8CyyjGy2UA.0V6NlJGwogyRCc6QdrSl8MK6Kx0g4gMFQA_n4-T0_UE&dib_tag=se&keywords=Auchentoshan+Heartwood+whisky&qid=1714676433&sprefix=auchentoshan+heartwood+whisky%2Caps%2C102&sr=8-2&linkCode=ll1&tag=carlospaz-21&linkId=3afbbcd028c478c078a76f95c5a7e15c&language=es_ES&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)**. Matured in bourbon and sherry casks.

## Highlands

**[Glengoyne 12](https://www.amazon.es/GLENGOYNE-24152-Glengoyne-12-A%C3%B1os/dp/B00IXL9MGG?__mk_es_ES=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=2A95RVKRKAPXP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.k0rQ_I9tUvkI4-VJcv1dXo4txcS5FlV49NbtvySow5YFUjFVwiouWyaUkV4jtCIJB8F44KVlwbzqAlsRgAobGmNeHY3JO8yi8XZPJ7hD_hy9mEnkzvmN78_mBGTxM1aBdTkPI3fWMvLiIEwD_T4RPL4LOf1xQi3Q7ar_a-udDTT87ZUK68Xgj2ChV6vts5lF6Mk0QtqBUt8kC5MGXXTC8hhY7a2_GcT3F3PGSqGdQi_hNxspF2UZaABM112YO3v6Eb0DdF6H8x_8M9MhP9Ok-kXtajPC5wl87CVoG5vPb_s.JutCa_bFzhUkiLUXzswpFXaHM5rScVifDdRAiwQOw34&dib_tag=se&keywords=Glengoyne+12&qid=1714676525&s=grocery&sprefix=glengoyne+12%2Cgrocery%2C129&sr=1-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=carlospaz-21&linkId=698916cf2eeccdfb48f3e273f1f80cd1&language=es_ES&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)**. Whisky that is very good value for money.

**[Ardmore](https://www.amazon.es/Ardmore-Legacy-70-L/dp/B00OGMTNT2?__mk_es_ES=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=39GGVYXTXOS93&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dBaX_Ik3tBqbsA-JC2gUbtKRrg2DSdVc8Jl1dmsFiBxUXTwa9UPTxlY7RJjULj18P3roiZoUY3g2aXF8iT9BmFcDBgZ93wKYVoSG3qvpHYy8OXPL4YBuF4P5PLJEBXtQ1h2OIPwhxJCYqTII-MrHtw.vlkXo8hLoC2JSu5N5aU5lkI5tk5GARFyQrtb5cPsRrY&dib_tag=se&keywords=Ardmore&qid=1714676551&s=grocery&sprefix=ardmore%2Cgrocery%2C87&sr=1-2&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=carlospaz-21&linkId=772f0fd25fcf8f8550286c3838b60e2a&language=es_ES&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)**. From the region of Aberdeenshire comes this whisky, and it does not disappoint.

**[Highland Park 12](https://www.amazon.es/Highland-Park-Whisky-escoc%C3%A9s-paquete/dp/B01BP5O0JU?__mk_es_ES=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=1GI4MOUJII5CE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.K2osXIy5pEni53CFzbsKk58BcK5fw3QcfvLZO-mVBUnMNfnrp0ireh2vHH0LBs7JS2DggiaEwl44Qrt9d5jEUsTpdpsrQ7KMs1SufhEkagzXgOSJG3kZfK7go4mDJ0BVA6S4Tuk9Ht4kEHbCTF_MSd7vF6hddLAbnJzOJKZ_EBQjsP5LR2C_O5-zPEiJwE0yWhITd_1QVsTvbBOQoTN2yltBj_JIJuD4bKnPfeXPOZhGMQm2Ob0lEwHI8-2owr7Oo0v5biEW5DXtQyOtSSsirIHD1QS7LIe7HBboxvFpfTs.Y01qxH-wOZofuzODgBEqGmuU8IzsOd0X1ColSTkdbno&dib_tag=se&keywords=Highland+Park+12&qid=1714676595&s=grocery&sprefix=highland+park+12%2Cgrocery%2C88&sr=1-3&linkCode=ll1&tag=carlospaz-21&linkId=e18014ccb397d262032d990d79fa6f51&language=es_ES&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)**. From the remote Orkney Islands, a favourite of the Scottish people.

**[Old Pulteney 12](https://www.amazon.es/Ardmore-Legacy-70-L/dp/B00OGMTNT2?__mk_es_ES=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=39GGVYXTXOS93&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dBaX_Ik3tBqbsA-JC2gUbtKRrg2DSdVc8Jl1dmsFiBxUXTwa9UPTxlY7RJjULj18P3roiZoUY3g2aXF8iT9BmFcDBgZ93wKYVoSG3qvpHYy8OXPL4YBuF4P5PLJEBXtQ1h2OIPwhxJCYqTII-MrHtw.vlkXo8hLoC2JSu5N5aU5lkI5tk5GARFyQrtb5cPsRrY&dib_tag=se&keywords=Ardmore&qid=1714676551&s=grocery&sprefix=ardmore%2Cgrocery%2C87&sr=1-2&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=carlospaz-21&linkId=772f0fd25fcf8f8550286c3838b60e2a&language=es_ES&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)**. Possibly one of the finest whiskies in the Highlands.

**[BenRomach 10](https://www.amazon.es/Highland-Park-Whisky-escoc%C3%A9s-paquete/dp/B01BP5O0JU?__mk_es_ES=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=1GI4MOUJII5CE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.K2osXIy5pEni53CFzbsKk58BcK5fw3QcfvLZO-mVBUnMNfnrp0ireh2vHH0LBs7JS2DggiaEwl44Qrt9d5jEUsTpdpsrQ7KMs1SufhEkagzXgOSJG3kZfK7go4mDJ0BVA6S4Tuk9Ht4kEHbCTF_MSd7vF6hddLAbnJzOJKZ_EBQjsP5LR2C_O5-zPEiJwE0yWhITd_1QVsTvbBOQoTN2yltBj_JIJuD4bKnPfeXPOZhGMQm2Ob0lEwHI8-2owr7Oo0v5biEW5DXtQyOtSSsirIHD1QS7LIe7HBboxvFpfTs.Y01qxH-wOZofuzODgBEqGmuU8IzsOd0X1ColSTkdbno&dib_tag=se&keywords=Highland+Park+12&qid=1714676595&s=grocery&sprefix=highland+park+12%2Cgrocery%2C88&sr=1-3&linkCode=ll1&tag=carlospaz-21&linkId=e18014ccb397d262032d990d79fa6f51&language=es_ES&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)**. One of the best whiskies of recent years at an affordable price.

## Campbeltown

**Springbank 10**. A quality whisky, and somewhat rare to find.

## Islay

**[Laphroaig 10](https://www.amazon.es/Laphroaig-Whisky-Islay-Single-Malt/dp/B001GLG7C2?__mk_es_ES=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=30T7DCCTIHRYB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Z6viJphi2Doat9X4mUu-S2WA-IZWgvSGNh6omv2ui4fDhzN0gzQKq1MSJ2Mx0K-BITb_o4q8hJMeb9HmRe8hA5NycGcMrW27Bhnz6RTQKypMOWitvq2pPlOeKpYruS9fW3pMsgxTPkhavGbXDyATwo3KXkyHV2koIcjmY9IzoDfGQINyrGCZmJT9ziF-Yp0_OuPIh0UeofdQJgusvGZqxsHQvn1-lMj_-7FJM8R5uNCv4z5qfYBZuCTG79B9WeE7qxZGi1e4O8V4TNoW_qVs0HYUNfYYHl9MTU12jXiYaEI.sgDCqHOOoCug84e3Y0qmzCqQFlq4UuHlbjfJgHv25iM&dib_tag=se&keywords=Laphroaig+10&qid=1714676687&s=grocery&sprefix=laphroaig+10%2Cgrocery%2C101&sr=1-4&linkCode=ll1&tag=carlospaz-21&linkId=054810932e507eab24e27a5bfd51706b&language=es_ES&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)**. Once described as "a hospital on fire". Smoky whisky. If you like it, you'll fall in love with it. For the brave.

**[Kilchoman](https://www.amazon.es/Laphroaig-Whisky-Islay-Single-Malt/dp/B001GLG7C2?__mk_es_ES=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=30T7DCCTIHRYB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Z6viJphi2Doat9X4mUu-S2WA-IZWgvSGNh6omv2ui4fDhzN0gzQKq1MSJ2Mx0K-BITb_o4q8hJMeb9HmRe8hA5NycGcMrW27Bhnz6RTQKypMOWitvq2pPlOeKpYruS9fW3pMsgxTPkhavGbXDyATwo3KXkyHV2koIcjmY9IzoDfGQINyrGCZmJT9ziF-Yp0_OuPIh0UeofdQJgusvGZqxsHQvn1-lMj_-7FJM8R5uNCv4z5qfYBZuCTG79B9WeE7qxZGi1e4O8V4TNoW_qVs0HYUNfYYHl9MTU12jXiYaEI.sgDCqHOOoCug84e3Y0qmzCqQFlq4UuHlbjfJgHv25iM&dib_tag=se&keywords=Laphroaig+10&qid=1714676687&s=grocery&sprefix=laphroaig+10%2Cgrocery%2C101&sr=1-4&linkCode=ll1&tag=carlospaz-21&linkId=054810932e507eab24e27a5bfd51706b&language=es_ES&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)**. I always have a bottle at home. Islay's only independent distillery.

**[Caol Ila 12](https://www.amazon.es/Whisky-Kilchoman-Machir-Bay-70/dp/B07HTPVZKK?__mk_es_ES=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=EXX5ZNKV66CY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IR6YhqpTOlwnS4J4Mfr0zEiQuWgbMqbIxcEBydxGN1LR70Wdsh6J6Xd7YeduMSHNaYMzvlMnyHN8qoftnW6M_HwSo9SJ5PFomuN-1od2PCg.AHFTS6BGpGC3TKYkfztyyY0OYF5uUecCWCdTrCMrf_Q&dib_tag=se&keywords=Kilchoman&qid=1714676708&s=grocery&sprefix=kilchoman%2Cgrocery%2C92&sr=1-2&linkCode=ll1&tag=carlospaz-21&linkId=6f1f07fa28553c72339cc411cff5ac38&language=es_ES&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)**. This was the beginning of my relationship with smoky whiskies and has been my favourite ever since.

## Blended

**Great King Street Artist's Edition**. One of my favourites, a quality gift for someone who likes whisky. Easy to drink, and with a scandalously cheap price. For UK residents, here is a link where you can find whisky at a good price.

**To buy** If you have check-in luggage, I recommend **[Royal Mile Whiskies](https://www.royalmilewhiskies.com/)** (379 High Street Edinburgh EH1 1PW, opposite St. Giles Church, [maps](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Royal+Mile+Whiskies/@55.9497157,-3.193923,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c79aad37fbcb:0x25b6f3ddbcfc4f8e!8m2!3d55.9497157!4d-3.1917343)). Best prices in Edinburgh. If you can't take it with you, the Duty free at the airport also offers a wide range of whiskies.

![Royal Mile Whisky.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Royal_Mile_Whisky_05656ec782.jpg)

Another shop I recommend is **[Cadenhead's Whisky Shop](https://www.cadenhead.scot/)** (172 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DF [maps](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cadenhead's+Whisky+Shop/@55.9511587,-3.1825471,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4887c7887b21b6c9:0xc231ba8da2628e06!8m2!3d55.9511587!4d-3.1803584)), "**Scotland's oldest independent bottler**" is over a century old and experienced in selling "the water of life". They buy casks from distilleries which they bottle themselves, so you will find unique whiskies at a very reasonable price.

![Cadenheads.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Cadenheads_123a8af381.jpg)

I think that with this small article (and I say small because **the world of whisky** is much more extensive) you are now ready to survive in the pubs of **Edinburgh, Stirling** or any other city in Scotland. Cheers! or as they would say in **Scotland** "Slainte mhath" (slan-ye-var).


whisky.jpeg

Whisky, Liquid Gold

Valentine’s Day is marked **every February 14**, an originally **Catholic festivity** that commemorates the good deeds performed by this saint in 3rd-century Rome, thus replacing pagan Lupercalia. Even though many of the legends and traditions surrounding Saint Valentine, as well as his relation with romantic love, were created much later, it’s still a thoroughly charming date for couples wishing to indulge in a romantic getaway.  
**Valentine’s Day in Edinburgh is ideal to celebrate this date!**

## Why Edinburgh for Valentine’s?

To celebrate **Valentine’s Day in Edinburgh is one of the most romantic ideas** you can surprise your partner with for a variety of reasons: the Old Town’s ancient and mysterious vibe, the picture-perfect wintry light in the city, the abounding restaurants and charming pubs in the centre and **the ideal cultural activities for couples**, among many other things.
**Few romantic plans in Edinburgh** beat a wintry walk through the Royal Mile, Grassmarket Square or the Water of Leith, finishing with a pint in a warm, cosy pub and a **candlelit dinner** in a New Town restaurant.

## Romantic accommodation in Edinburgh

Edinburgh features plenty of **ideal romantic lodges for a Valentine’s getaway**. Some of the best ones include the following:

### The Witchery by the Castle  -> [Book now](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/the-witchery-by-the-castle.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA)

If money is not a problem, this gothic and luxurious hotel placed in the Royal Mile, right beside the castle, is your best chance. There are only nine suites, so book in advance!

[![The-Witchery-by-the-Castle-habitacion.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/The_Witchery_by_the_Castle_habitacion_e66d3371e4.jpg)](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/the-witchery-by-the-castle.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA)


### The Balmoral Hotel -> [Book Here](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/the-balmoral-edinburgh.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA)

An all-time classic of romantic lodging in Edinburgh, you can’t go wrong with this!

[![Balmoral.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Balmoral_e48844fdea.jpg)](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/the-balmoral-edinburgh.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA)

### Prestonfield House  -> [See more](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/prestonfield-house.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA)

Placed beside Arthur’s Seat, this 1600s hotel has the most amazingly romantic and dazzling atmosphere in this selection. Peacocks, dreamy views, and candlelit dinners, what else could you wish for?

[![Prestonfield-House.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Prestonfield_House_da94e16d46.jpg)](https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/prestonfield-house.en.html?aid=1433459&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA)


## Foodie experiences for lovers

Although you can enjoy the best romantic supper in Edinburgh in any of the previously mentioned lodges and their corresponding restaurants, here are a few alternative options to **surprise your partner for Valentine’s** with a **brilliant foodie experience**:

- **The Kitchin**: this excellent, **Michelin-star restaurant** only uses exclusive local products and features several menu choices depending on your budget. It is considered as **one of the five best restaurants across the United Kingdom**!

![the-kitchin.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/the_kitchin_d1f9596e58.jpg)

- **Fishers in the City**: this is **one of the most famous seafood restaurants in Edinburgh**, and for good reason. You can pick between their venues in the New Town, Leith or even The Shore, their avantgarde cuisine eatery. It’s a safe choice!

![fisher-in-the-city.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/fisher_in_the_city_228b0a7151.jpg)

- **Origano Café & Pizzeria**: should you prefer a less costly experience with a humble and intimate charm, there’s no going wrong with this pizzeria in Leith. Candlelit pizza and wine, the best romantic supper!

![Origano-cafe-and-pizza.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Origano_cafe_and_pizza_402718e888.jpg)

- ** Hot Toddy's**: Hot Toddy’s cascading plants and enchanting lights provide **the perfect setting for a romantic evening** creating a dreamy midnight garden atmosphere. Located in **Edinburgh’s romantic Old Town**, it’s the perfect space for an intimate **candlelit dinner**.

![Hot Toddys v2.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Hot_Toddys_v2_d9d724ab99.jpg)

## Romantic walks through Edinburgh

One of the** best romantic plans to do in Edinburgh** for Valentine’s is to **stroll some of its historic streets and avenues, or also its parks and green areas.**

If you are a history and architecture buff, nothing beats a lengthy walk through the best of the Old Town, Medieval Edinburgh’s beating heart: take your partner on a trip across its streets, discover its closes, take a break in its cute cafés, buy some gifts in its shops, or visit the castle. **Watching the sun set upon the old town** from the window of a quaint, traditional pub is an ideal way to wrap up your day.

![edimburgo-4.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/edimburgo_4_4410dccf10.jpg)

The same applies to the elegant **New Town**, where you can **stroll Princes St. and its jaw-dropping gardens**, or walk down to adorable **Dean Village**, a village frozen in time in the midst of the city, from which you can enter the lovely waterway of Water of Leith. A dusk at the monumental **Calton Hill is the perfect finishing touch to your Valentine’s Day in Edinburgh**!

![calton-hill-san-valentin-scotland.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/calton_hill_san_valentin_scotland_51343f2dcc.jpg)

If it’s your first time in the city, there’s nothing better than joining a [free tour to explore both areas and master all of their secrets](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-edinburgh/edinburgh-free-tour). 

## Cultural activities for couples

As for couple experiences in Edinburgh, one of the best cultural choices is to **visit some museums or art galleries**. Most of them have **free admission**, and there’s plenty of them catering for all tastes. Don’t leave them as a last-ditch option for a rainy day, you will love perusing them!

**You mustn’t miss a visit to the National Museum of Scotland**, which deserves a whole day on its own just to wander its premises, packed with natural and historical trivia. If your partner is an art buff, you have got to take them to emblematic landmarks such as the National Gallery or the Portrait Museum.

Finally, it is paramount to book your tickets to some of the **Candlelights Concerts** taking place at **St. Giles’ or St. Mary’s cathedrals**. I can’t think of anything more romantic to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Edinburgh! **On February 14, two of these concerts will be held: **Moonlight Sonata, featuring classical music at St. Giles’, and a Tribute to Queen for rockers at St. Mary’s. **

![candlelight-edinburgh-concert.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/candlelight_edinburgh_concert_b1a6362234.jpg)

## Romantic getaways near Edinburgh

If you have a couple of extra days, you may wish to complete your Edinburgh Valentine’s with a memorable getaway around its surroundings. We suggest you choose a nearby place in order to fully enjoy your experience without transport being a problem.

You can pick destinations as incredible as **Stirling**, teeming with history and charm throughout its **beautiful castle and old town**. Or [Glasgow](https://scotlandcitytours.com/tours-glasgow), featuring **refined museum** and **elegant architecture**. **Dunfermline**, with its mind-blowing abbey and church, and **the romantic Pittencrieff Park**. Or also **South Queensferry**, a lovely seafaring town **with a view on the Forth Bridge**. 

You can reach any of these places on your own, by train or, should you pick Stirling or Glasgow, also with our [walking tours](https://scotlandcitytours.com/)! 

## Tips to prepare your perfect Valentine’s in Edinburgh


My first tip to plan a proper Valentine’s in Edinburgh is to **book** your flight, accommodation, restaurants, tours, and activities **as early as possible**. Even though February is off-season, this city, with its lovely wintry atmosphere, is perfect for a romantic trip and you will find a laidback feeling, but it is not off the beaten path.
So, wait no longer, **pick a beautiful lodging, a couple of nice restaurants, and some tours, walks and concerts, and give your partner the surprise of their lifetime with a magical Valentine’s in Edinburgh! **



calton-hill-san-valentin-scotland.jpg

Valentine’s Day in Edinburgh: a guide to an unforgettable romantic celebration

Robert Burns, also known as **Rabbie Burns or The Ayrshire Bard**, is probably the most famous and influential poet in all Scottish history. Scottish culture, as well as some of its traditions, are tinged with the spirit and works of this brilliant author. **Pioneer of Romanticism**, **defender of the Scots language** and an advocate of Liberalism and even early-stage Socialism, Robert Burns is a fundamental character to understand Scotland.

![Robert Burns 3 retrato de Alexander_Nasmyth.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Robert_Burns_3_retrato_de_Alexander_Nasmyth_6559c6d26a.jpg)

## Robert Burns’ early life: birth and education
Robert Burns **was born in the village of Alloway**, in the outskirts of Ayr, southwest Scotland, **on January 25th, 1759**. He was the eldest of seven siblings in a family of farmers, hence his childhood was beset with hardships and strenuous work, which would eventually take a toll on his fragile health. Educated by his own father and a young local teacher, his talent seemed to be doomed to never flourish when, in 1779, at the age of twenty, **he founded Tarbolton’s Bachelor’s Club** alongside his brother Gilbert, **a place of meeting, debate and leisure**.

A few years later, encouraged by his friends, Roberts Burns took his first steps in his career as a poet while he kept working in his family farm and engaged in sultry affairs with several local ladies. Finally, in 1788, he married Jean Armour, the “Belle of Mauchline”, with whom **he had nine children** (which didn’t stop him from having **three more with other women**).

After a convoluted, tragically brief life filled with strain, hardships, struggling, romance, poetry and politics, **Robert Burns passed away on July 21st, 1796** at the age of thirty-seven, most likely owing to an aggravated rheumatic cardiopathy.

![Robert Burns 2 cottage Alloway.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Robert_Burns_2_cottage_Alloway_737f88b6ba.jpg)

## Robert Burns’ main works
Robert Burns graced Scottish poetry with works as relevant as the romantic “Ae fond kiss”, devoted to his beloved Clarinda, or “A red, red rose”, inspired by folk rhyme that he heard a townswoman sing; the delightful ode **“To a mouse”**; the fantastic and folklore-packed poem **“Tam O’Shanter”**; and, of course, the song which made him literally worldwide famous, **“Auld Lang Syne”**, an ode to nostalgia and friendship which is usually sang as a group during New Year’s Eve, arms intertwined.

**To a Mouse - BY ROBERT BURNS**
_On Turning her up in her Nest, with the Plough, November 1785._

Wee, sleeket, cowran, tim’rous beastie,
O, what a panic’s in thy breastie!
Thou need na start awa sae hasty,
          Wi’ bickerin brattle!
I wad be laith to rin an’ chase thee
          Wi’ murd’ring pattle!

I’m truly sorry Man’s dominion
Has broken Nature’s social union,
An’ justifies that ill opinion,
          Which makes thee startle,
At me, thy poor, earth-born companion,
          An’ fellow-mortal!

I doubt na, whyles, but thou may thieve;
What then? poor beastie, thou maun live!
A daimen-icker in a thrave
          ’S a sma’ request:
I’ll get a blessin wi’ the lave,
          An’ never miss ’t!

Thy wee-bit housie, too, in ruin!
It’s silly wa’s the win’s are strewin!
An’ naething, now, to big a new ane,
          O’ foggage green!
An’ bleak December’s winds ensuin,
          Baith snell an’ keen!

Thou saw the fields laid bare an’ waste,
An’ weary Winter comin fast,
An’ cozie here, beneath the blast,
          Thou thought to dwell,
Till crash! the cruel coulter past
          Out thro’ thy cell.

That wee-bit heap o’ leaves an’ stibble
Has cost thee monie a weary nibble!
Now thou’s turn’d out, for a’ thy trouble,
          But house or hald,
To thole the Winter’s sleety dribble,
          An’ cranreuch cauld!

But Mousie, thou art no thy-lane,
In proving foresight may be vain:
The best laid schemes o’ Mice an’ Men
          Gang aft agley,
An’ lea’e us nought but grief an’ pain,
          For promis’d joy!

Still, thou art blest, compar’d wi’ me!
The present only toucheth thee:
But Och! I backward cast my e’e,
          On prospects drear!
An’ forward tho’ I canna see,
          I guess an’ fear!


## Robert Burns and Scottish culture
Thanks to his straightforward prose, honest and direct, **heir to the Makar tradition heralded by bards and troubadours in Renaissance Scotland**, Robert Burns’ lyrical works soon became highly appreciated both by his closest environment and also by a humbler audience. In addition to this, **his liberal political ideas** and the fact that **he favored the use of Scots in his works**, a traditional Scottish language which was sternly frowned upon by the elites back then, Rabbie eventually **became the most beloved poet by the folk**, being almost revered.


## Celebrating “Burns Night” and its meaning

Precisely due to the fact that both the humble folk and his friends enormously valued his works as well as himself, **when Robert Burns passed away his loved ones started meeting every January 25th, the poet’s birthday, to cherish his memory with a very special dinner brimming with Scottish traditions.**
Nowadays, this **“Burns Night” or “Burns Supper”** is still celebrated yearly on this very same date, and, in fact, it is not only one of Scotland’s most cherished and traditional festivities, but it is also celebrated wherever Scots have emigrated, bringing Scottish culture together across the world.
Burns Night consists of a dinner in which guests, welcomed by a bagpiper and special speech, have a first course of soup, and a main course of [haggis](https://scotlandcitytours.com/blog/what-is-haggis), which is presented in the dining room with the highest honors, **reciting the poem by Robert Burns “Address to a Haggis”**. The meal goes on with loads of whisky, bagpipe tunes, Scottish poetry, songs, toasts to the bard and the comical “Toast to the Lassies”, followed by its correspondent “Reply from the Lassies”, a rhetoric gender fight on a humorous note. At last, the heartfelt “Auld Lang Syne” is sung.

![Robert Burns 5 Supper.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Robert_Burns_5_Supper_ec77e9cc5a.jpg)

## Places related to Burns in Scotland

The traveler wishing to visit sites in Scotland related to Robert Burns should undoubtedly head to Alloway, the Ayrshire village that witnessed the poet’s early years. Both his birthplace and also a wonderful museum entirely devoted to him can be explored, besides a lengthy walk encompassing some of the places described in “Tam O’ Shanter”, in Alloway’s old church and the Rozelle House pictorial gallery, all of which are renowned landmarks of tourism in Scotland.
Not far away from there, in Tarbolton, the notable **Bachelor’s Club** founded by a young Robert Burns can also be visited and, further south, in Dumfries, there is also **The Globe Inn**, frequently trodden by the Scottish poet, where travelers can eat and embark on themed tours.
Should your trip be limited to the city of Edinburgh, fret not! Drop by the marvelous **Writers’ Museum** and indulge in endless trivia about Robert Burns, Walter Scott and Stevenson, to whom the venue is entirely devoted. If you wish to complete your experience, you can take a _free tour throughout the Old Town_!

![the-globe-inn-robert-burns-.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/the_globe_inn_robert_burns_475515ae63.jpg)

## Robert Burns’ present-day legacy
Robert Burns’ legacy reaches far beyond his uncontested literary value, and it exceeds Scotland’s borders. His defense of the Scots language and folk traditions, his innovative political orientation and even his extraordinary charisma have made him today as beloved as he was in life, **which can be attested by the countless statues in his honor dotting the world**. Thanks to his works and the legacy that his loved ones preserved and spread,** events such as Burns Night or songs like “Auld Lang Syne”** bring the descendants of Scottish emigrants far and wide together to this day, connecting them again to the nation from which they all once departed.
His legacy is so influential that you don’t even have to be Scottish to be touched while singing “Auld Lang Syne” as the new year approaches!

![Robert Burns 4 estuatua en Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Robert_Burns_4_estuatua_en_Milwaukee_Wisconsin_USA_f1335437ad.jpg)

## How to explore the world of Robert Burns
To know more, you can read some of the best poems by Robert Burns here: scotland. org/events/burns-night/the-poetry-of-robert-burns 
And delve deeper into his life and works here: poetryfoundation. org/poets/robert-burns 
Or you can also check out this veritable encyclopedia of Robert Burns: robertburns. org


Robert Burns 1.jpg

Robert Burns: Scotland’s legendary poet and his cultural impact

This guide is filled with the best things to do during your **visit to Stirling**. Although, if you want to have its history explained to you in depth, you might be interested in a day tour, where they will tell you all this and much more.

## 1. [Stirling Castle](https://www.stirlingcastle.scot/)

Address: [Castle Esplanade, Stirling FK8 1EJ](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Stirling+Castle/@56.1237904,-3.947428,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x7c5004fb1541fb67!8m2!3d56.1237904!4d-3.947428)

**This Renaissance castle** is, without a doubt, a fortress to rival **Edinburgh Castle**. Historic Scotland spent more than 30 years and £21 million restoring it back to its former glory. This castle can boast of not only having kings and queens living within its walls, but it also bore witness to the first “Birdman”, who attempted to fly from its walls. Legend also says that King Arthur and his knights held their Round Table here at **Stirling Castle**. In my opinion, this is the **best castle in Scotland**.

|Ticket Type	|Price |	
|---|---|
|Adult	|£18.50| 
|Concession 65+|£15.00|
|Child (7-15yrs)|	£11.00|
|Child (4-0yrs)|Free|

>Prices are updated every year in April. 

|Opening Times|	|
|---|---|
|9:30 am - 6 pm	|  1 Apr - 30 Sept| 
|9:30 am - 5 pm | 1 Oct - 31 Mar|

![Castillo de Stirling.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Castillo_de_Stirling_18d42144b1.jpg)

## 2. [Church of the Holy Rude](http://holyrude.org/)

Address: [St John Street, Stirling FK8 1ED](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Holy+Rude/@56.1208452,-3.9445504,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x884480ba038ab6a9!8m2!3d56.1208452!4d-3.9445504)

This is the **second oldest building in the city**, after the Castle, dating from the 15th century. Built in the Scottish Gothic style, the medieval ceiling inside is the best preserved in Scotland. Furthermore, **Holy Rude** saw the coronation of Mary Queen of Scots’ son, James VI of **Scotland**, who later unified the Scottish and English crowns. Please note that it is closed during the winter months, and opens again from May to September. Admission is free.

|Ticket Type	|Price |	
|---|---|
|Adults	|£5| 
|Students and Concession 60+|£4|
|Child (under 12yrs)|	Free|

|Opening|Time|
|---|---|
|Monday - Saturday|10:00am a 6pm (Last entry 5:30pm)|

>Open from Spring 2026

 
## 3. [Old Town Cemetery](https://www.oldtowncemetery.co.uk/)

Address: [Stirling FK8 1EG](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Old+Town+Cemetery/@56.1217601,-3.9461862,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x47941b7cfb1bf49f!8m2!3d56.1217601!4d-3.9461862)

This is thought to be the oldest cemetery in the city since, dating back to the 12th century. In the mid-19th century, the cemetery had to be expanded because the section adjacent to the **Church of the Holy Rude** had become so overcrowded. They ended up using the gardens of the Earl of Mar’s house and the area known as the Valley, which had formerly been used for jousting tournaments, horse fairs, markets and executions during **Mary Queen of Scots’ reign**. The cemetery still has great Protestant symbolism today.

 ![Cementery old town Stirling.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Cementery_old_town_Stirling_2166240ddf.jpg)
 
 ## 4. [Mar's Wark or the Earl of Mar’s House](https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/mars-wark/)

Address: [Stirling FK8 1EG](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mar's+Wark/@56.1211368,-3.9441809,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xf455716174a6977e!8m2!3d56.1211368!4d-3.9441809)

This is a **Renaissance mansion** with two floors, from the 16th century. The stones used for its construction came from the ruins of **Cambuskenneth Abbey**. Currently, despite being in ruins, it is considered a historical building of national importance protected by the Scottish government.

On the facade, look out for adornments including statuettes, heraldic panels, and faux gargoyles carved to resemble cannons. A statue of a woman in a winding sheet is said to be Joan of Arc, possibly symbolising Joan suffering for her beliefs.

![Mars Wark.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Mars_Wark_1fc0df0057.jpg)

 ## 5. [Argyll's Lodging or the Earl of Argyll's House](https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/argyll-s-lodging/)
 
Address: [Castle Hill, Stirling FK8 1EG](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Argyll's+Lodging/@56.1222133,-3.9441165,17z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0xf455716174a6977e!2sMar's+Wark!8m2!3d56.1211368!4d-3.9441809!3m4!1s0x488862939b4d3905:0xbe32ea3b5c86f9f9!8m2!3d56.1216054!4d-3.9439295)

This is the best preserved Renaissance style house in **Scotland**, although not much is known about its construction or the architect, except that it was built in the mid-16th century for a wealthy Stirling burgess and merchant. The house became a military hospital from the 18th century until the mid-20th century, and since 1996 it has been preserved by **Historic Scotland**. However, at the time of writing, it is closed until further notice for general maintenance.

![Argyll’s Lodging.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Argyll_s_Lodging_792b7aac72.jpg)

 
## 6. [Old Tollbooth](https://stirlingevents.org/tolbooth-event/)

Address: [Jail Wynd, Stirling FK8 1DE](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Tolbooth/@56.1209843,-3.9431885,18z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0xf455716174a6977e!2sMar's+Wark!8m2!3d56.1211368!4d-3.9441809!3m4!1s0x48886294815ae6af:0xf179999234590552!8m2!3d56.1205894!4d-3.9429277)

When the city began to expand beyond its walls, people were concerned with how to keep the masses under control, so it became necessary to build their own prison. The oldest part of the building dates from 1703 and the roof, of Dutch design, is one of the oldest and best preserved in **Scotland**. In the mid-19th century it was considered one of the worst prisons in Britain. Today the prison has been converted into an arts centre, where concerts and weekly events are held.

![Toolboth.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Toolboth_9c6ccc9c91.jpg)

## 7. [Stirling Old Jail](https://oldtownjail.co.uk/)

Address: [St John St, Stirling FK8 1EA](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Stirling+Old+Town+Jail/@53.695154,-6.9950819,6z/data=!4m8!1m2!2m1!1sold+jail+!3m4!1s0x488862949db62be7:0xd8ae45cfb1198a7c!8m2!3d56.1204295!4d-3.9433844)

The city’s second prison was built in 1847, due to the overcrowding and poor conditions prisoners were kept in in the Tolbooth. It was opened as a county jail, and built with a “respiratory system”. Although it seemed luxurious compared to the **Tolbooth**, life was very hard inside the jail. Eventually, the prison ceased to be used, lying forgotten and neglected until the 1990s, when their middle floors were renovated for use as offices. Some of the other cells became a tourist attraction, which opened its doors in 1996.

| 	Ticket Type|	Price|
|---|---|
| 	Adults|	£14|
| 	Students/concessions| £12.00|
| 	Children 5–16yrs|	£8|

|Opening	|Times	|
|---|---|
|Daily|	10am - 6pm|


 ![old jail Stirling.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/old_jail_Stirling_b4796f113c.jpg)

## 8. Mediaeval Stirling Wall

The remains of the mediaeval wall are 300 metres long and divided into five sections. Four of them date from the mid-16th century (1547), while the remaining section was built from the 17th to the 19th century.

![Muralla medieval de Stirling.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Muralla_medieval_de_Stirling_4a7e63e900.jpg)
 
## 9. [William Wallace Monument](https://www.yourstirling.com/see-do/the-wallace-monument/)

Address: [Abbey Craig, Hillfoots Road, Stirling FK9 5LF](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+National+Wallace+Monument/@56.1387732,-3.9178895,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xc02c4df1ac8dddd!8m2!3d56.1387732!4d-3.9178895)

A 67 metre high tower, located 50 minutes from the centre of Stirling on foot. It is built on top of a hill called Abbey Craig, which was where **William Wallace** planned the **Battle of Stirling Bridge** in 1307. Inside this **Victorian Gothic monument** you can find different exhibitions about the life of the hero, as well as other notable figures from **Scottish history**. From the top you can admire a landscape where battles were fought and won, which are also some of the best views Scotland has to offer. For more information about the monument, take a look at this article too.

![Monumento de William Wallace.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Monumento_de_William_Wallace_47acf44de6.jpg)

 ## 10. [Cambuskenneth Abbey](https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/cambuskenneth-abbey/)

Address: [Ladysneuk Road, Cambuskenneth, Stirling FK9 5NG](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cambuskenneth+Abbey/@56.1232545,-3.9177549,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xbc51f987f85af024!8m2!3d56.1232545!4d-3.9177549)

Founded in 1140 by **King David I**, the abbey is a 20 minute walk from the train station. Today only the main tower and its cemetery remain, where the Scottish King James III, and his wife, Margaret of Denmark, are buried. It is said that the monks of **Cambuskenneth** secretly buried a part of William Wallace's body here too: to find him, pass the tower on your left, then go east along the wall. A little further on, just to your right (south of the wall) is a small stone, about 18 by 6 inches, embedded in the ground perpendicular to the wall. At the southern end, barely noticeable and badly eroded, the initials "WW" can still just be seen in old script.

![abadía de Cambuskenneth.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/abadia_de_Cambuskenneth_807fd2448c.jpg)

## 11. Stirling Bridge


Address: [140 Causewayhead Rd, Stirling FK9 5HJ](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Stirling+Bridge/@56.1289914,-3.9382075,17z/data=!4m8!1m2!2m1!1sstirling+bridge!3m4!1s0x488862a32c9aece1:0x8aba0e7dd042275!8m2!3d56.1277196!4d-3.9362678)

Without a doubt, the most famous bridge in Scottish history is the one that once stood here in the 1290s. It was here that **Sir Andrew de Moray and Sir William Wallace** defeated Edward I’s army on the 11th of September, 1297, during the **Wars of Independence**. The current bridge was built between 1400 and 1500, a simple stone bridge, but which still makes me tingle with emotion every time I cross it, remembering the battle and the 2,500 brave men who fought against the English troops. It’s also one of the most photogenic corners in Stirling! Here you can learn more about what happened in the battle.

![puente stirling.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/puente_stirling_5fc673301a.jpg)

 ## 12. [The Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre](https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/bannockburn)

Address: [Glasgow Road, Whins Of Milton, Stirling, FK7 0LJ](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Battle+of+Bannockburn+Visitor+Centre/@56.0932153,-3.9357192,17z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x4888631f5cc088bf:0xe001ce646a7be51c!2sGlasgow+Rd,+Whins+of+Milton,+Stirling+FK7+0LJ!3b1!8m2!3d56.0932123!4d-3.9335305!3m4!1s0x488862ea57d7eb67:0xc5e1b9ed277cb2b!8m2!3d56.092557!4d-3.935082)

Not only did **William Wallace defeat the English at Stirling**, but Robert the Bruce, later crowned Robert I, also won the **Battle of Bannockburn** near here in 1314. Although this battle was not the end of the **Wars of Independence**, it was certainly the beginning of the end. The visitor centre is about 20 minutes away from Stirling by bus, and here you can see the battle recreated in 3D scenes.

|Ticket Tyte|	Price|
|---|---|
|Adult	|£9.00	 	|
|Concession 60+|	£7.50|
|Family|	£25.00|
|One adult family|	£17.00|
|Young Scot|	£1.00|

|Opening |Time |
 |---|---|
 |	All year, daily | 10:00 am - 5:00 pm|

## 13. [Museo Smith art gallery](https://www.smithartgalleryandmuseum.co.uk/)

Address: [40 Albert Place, Stirling FK8 2RQ](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Stirling+Smith+Art+Gallery+%26+Museum/@56.1189477,-3.9463296,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x9798f73f59a03b6c!8m2!3d56.1189477!4d-3.9463296)

The main museum of the city, it was founded in 1874 as a contemporary art gallery and library. It is made up of 3 exhibition rooms where you can learn about the **history of Stirling**, from the first men to the present day. One of the most unique things you can find here is the oldest football in the world, dating from the reign of Mary Queen of Scots (16th century)! There is also a contemporary art exhibition in another gallery. Admission is free, and it’s open every day from 10am to 5pm.

![Smith Art Gallery.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Smith_Art_Gallery_94a4e6348d.jpg)

 
## 14. Highland Cows

If you want to see the iconic hairy cows you are in luck! At the foot of **Stirling Castle**, next to King's Knot park, you will find a herd of them grazing. Although you cannot see them up close, a few of these **Highland Cows** allow themselves to be photographed.


## 15. [Shopping in Stirling](https://www.thistlesstirling.com/)

Address: [Goosecroft Rd, Stirling FK8 2EA](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Thistles+Shopping+Centre/@56.1177196,-3.9354394,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x109d73e92a657928!8m2!3d56.1177196!4d-3.9354394)

Although **Stirling** has a population of less than 35,000 people, the city has one of the best shopping centres in the country. The Thistles Shopping Centre has 87 stores inside, and will certainly delight visiting shopaholics!

Between the WHSmith store and the Post Office, you can access (for free!) an old defensive bastion of the mediaeval wall that once served as a prison.

![Thistle Shopping.jpg](https://somosescocia.lon1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/strapi/Thistle_Shopping_958ce649c7.jpg)
 
**If you have made it here to the end of this guide, then I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing about my favourite city in Scotland! I hope you have a wonderful visit, and if you have any questions, please do leave a comment below!**

