STIRLING CASTLE

Stirling Castle has been called, “a huge brooch clasping Highlands and Lowlands together,” and it makes sense, as the castle was a key to the kingdom of Scotland for centuries. It sits on a volcanic rock, easily visible in every direction. The castle was almost too valuable, and it was actually dismantled several times so that enemy forces could not hold it. Stirling Castle was a childhood home for Mary Queen of Scots, William Wallace fought a famous battle in Stirling, Robert the Bruce had the castle’s defenses destroyed, and it is said that King Arthur’s round table might be hidden below the King’s Knot that sits below the castle.

You can purchase tickets to freely roam about on your own, or you can also take a guided tour. On our visit to Stirling Castle, I particularly enjoyed seeing the Great Kitchens, where one is able to picture daily life for the people who prepared the food for the kings and queens who commanded the castle. Another really cool piece of history lies in the Stirling Heads Gallery. This gallery displays 16th century oak medallions carved with images of royalty, Roman emperors, and characters from both the Bible and classical mythology. These medallions decorated palace ceilings until a collapse in 1777. I also really loved the Queen Anne Gardens, where there is a beech tree that is over 200 years old!

As the national animal of Scotland is the unicorn, see how many unicorns you are able to spot at Stirling Castle! Prior to 1603, the Royal Coat of Arms of Scotland used to display two unicorns (now it contains a unicorn and a lion) but you will see many unicorns in flower form, wooden form, and statue form throughout the grounds.

Stirling Castle is about an hour’s drive from Edinburgh, and a 30-45 minute drive from Glasgow, so it is very accessible. Come visit a bit of Scottish history today!

EDINBURGH MUST SEES