Stirling has been a leading player in Scotland’s turbulent history for over 700 years. Its castle overlooks the battlefields where Scotland’s Wars of Independence were fought and won and its Old Town features beautifully preserved medieval and Renaissance churches and mansions clustered around its cobbled streets. The sense of history is enhanced by the town’s unique “living history” events programme centred around the city’s Old Town Jail where visitors can experience first-hand life in a Victorian prison. The Tolbooth opposite has been transformed, using traditional features, into an arts and music venue and provides a focal point for street theatre and living history performances. Close by is the Stirling Visitor Centre, for a fascinating insight into 1,000 years’ of Stirling’s history. To the north of the town is the National Wallace Monument, commemorating Scotland’s great hero, William Wallace, “Braveheart”.
Stirling has a thriving arts and culture scene with venues such as the MacRobert Art Centre based at Stirling University to compliment its historic attractions, as well as an excellent choice of shopping and restaurants in its pedestrianised streets.
The city is also perfect base to tour around the Scotland’s first National Park, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs which forms part of the most spectacular Scottish scenery.