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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


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

**Top 10 places to eat in Stirling**

Enjoy the Scottish cuisine

One of the things you can't neglect, even when you're on holiday, is eating. It takes a lot of energy to do all the tours we want to do, doesn't it? And I'm sure most of you have already been scouring the internet to find out what you can find to fill your stomach in this cold country.

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

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!


Royal_mile_blog.jpg

Edinburgh

Best Tours in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Walking Tours

**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

Guide tours and free tours in Glasgow

## 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!**

