July 2024 -- Stirling Castle is one of the places I visited instead of the Highlands, due to Covid. Stirling is about 17 miles from Falkirk. Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most historically and architecturally important castles in Scotland. Since I was recovering from Covid and the walk from the train station to the castle was long and uphill, I elected to take a taxi. I took a train to get back to Falkirk. The train station was about a 20 minute walk to my hotel.
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle is an impressive edifice. It sets high up on a volcanic outcrop, so had obvious strategic advantages. Most of the castle dates from the 15th and 16th centuries. Several Scottish Queens and Kings were crowned at Stirling Castle, including Mary Queen of Scotts in 1542. There have been at least eight sieges of the castle, with the last being in 1754 when Bonnie Prince Charlie unsuccessfully tried to take the castle.
The unicorn is Scotland's national animal.
Tapestry
Furnishings
Replica head
Stirling Castle was a key location in the story of William Wallace's rebellion and served as a backdrop for the movie Braveheart. You could see the William Wallace Monument from the castle. The 220-foot tower commemorates Sir William Wallace, the 13th- and 14th-century Scottish hero. If I would have had more time, I would like to have visited the monument. It would have been a 2.2 mile walk from the castle. Near the castle, there was a monument to Robert the Bruce, another Scottish hero.
The William Wallace Monument in the distance.
Another view from the castle
Robert the Bruce statue at Stirling Castle
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