Old military track connects Tyndrum with Bridge of Orchy settlement, West Highland Way long distance footpath trail, Scotland

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Stirling Region

Covering Scotland's wasp-like waist, this region has always been a crucial strategic point connecting the Lowlands to the Highlands. Scotland's two most important independence battles were fought here, within sight of Stirling's hilltop castle. William Wallace's victory over the English at Stirling Bridge in 1297, followed by Robert the Bruce's triumph at Bannockburn in 1314, established Scottish nationhood, and the region remains a focus of much national pride.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom – December 20, 2019: Stirling Castle is a fortified wall sitting atop Castle Hill and is part of the Stirling Sill, a quartz-dolerite formation millions of years old. Records date it back to the early 12th century and the inner grounds are home to replicas of the famous Unicorn Tapestries. The castle offers spectacular views of Stirling from the Outer Defences.

    Stirling Castle

    Stirling

    Hold Stirling and you control Scotland. This maxim has ensured that a fortress of some kind has existed here since prehistoric times. You cannot help…

  • Old Town Jail

    Old Town Jail

    Stirling

    This impressive Victorian prison building lay derelict from the 1960s until 2015, when it was reopened as a visitor attraction. Costumed guides lead tours…

  • A medieval courtyard fortress built around 1400 by Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, the Scottish Regent. 642231280 Stirlingshire, building, fortress, stronghold, culture, scene, scenery, scenic

    Doune Castle

    Stirling Region

    Magnificent Doune Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Scotland, having remained largely unchanged since it was built for the duke…

  • View of the Wallace monument from the castle of Stirling in Scotland.

    National Wallace Monument

    Stirling

    Perched high on a crag above the floodplain of the River Forth, this Victorian monument is so Gothic it deserves circling bats and croaking ravens. In the…

  • Bannockburn Heritage Centre

    Bannockburn Heritage Centre

    Stirling

    Robert the Bruce's defeat of the English army on 24 June 1314 at Bannockburn established Scotland as a separate nation. The Bannockburn Heritage Centre…

  • Argyll's Lodging

    Argyll's Lodging

    Stirling

    This elegant building is Scotland's most impressive 17th-century town house, built for a wealthy local merchant and later acquired by the Earl of Argyll…

  • Dunblane Cathedral

    Dunblane Cathedral

    Stirling Region

    Dunblane Cathedral is a superbly elegant example of Gothic architecture – the lower parts of the bell tower date from the 11th century and the rest mainly…

  • Smith Art Gallery & Museum

    Smith Art Gallery & Museum

    Stirling

    Oswald the museum cat greets visitors to this treasure trove of local history, which tells the story of Stirling from prehistoric to modern times. The…

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