Welcome to Stirling
Stirling, the county town of Stirlingshire, is the ancient capital of Scotland situated at the very heart of the nation. Stirling derived its name from the Scottish Gaelic, "Sruighlea" and is perhaps the most historic city in Scotland.
The famous patriot, Sir William Wallace and King Robert the Bruce, who led the famous Battle of Bannockburn, were commemorated here in Sterling.
Stirling is also Scotland's youngest city gaining the status in the summer of 2002. Before that, it was only known as a Royal Burgh. Stirling is a beautiful place where travelers can explore and experience hundreds of years of rich Scottish history. Stirling is also now a modern tourism, administrative and manufacturing centre.
Geography
Stirling is situated between the firths of Clyde and Forth. To the north of Sterling are the Trossachs and the beginning of the Highlands and to the south are the central Lowlands and the Forth estuary. To the west the maritime influence of the Atlantic and to the east the continental influence of Europe.
Sterling has a population of 45,115. Ethnic minorities make up less than 1% of the population and are mainly from Pakistani and Chinese backgrounds
History
Sterling had been a witness to gory murders, long sieges and bloody battles with major battles in Scotland's long conflict with England taking place at the Stirling Bridge and at the nearby village of Bannockburn.
The 13th and 14th centuries saw a lot of battles fought here in the name of Scottish struggle for independence, due to its strategic location which is right in the heart of central Scotland.
The first castle was built on top of the 250 ft. crag in the 11th century by Alexander I. William Wallace led his famous victory in the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297 and the victorious Battle of Bannockburn was led by King Robert the Bruce English in 1314.
Sterling castle witnessed the crowning of Mary Queen of Scots in 1543.
For most of the 18th century Stirling was a fairly small market town with a population of around 4,000, which was still a minor inland port.
No damage was inflicted on Sterling in the Jacobite risings of 1715 and 1745. In the 19th century Stirling remained a market town and had not become an industrial centre. However with the advent of the railway system in 1848, the town began to grow more rapidly
The University of Stirling opened in a 1967 Greenfield site outside the town which has now grown into a major research centre, housing students from nearly 80 countries.
Then in 2002, Sterling was given the status of a city as part of Queen Elizabeth's Golden Jubilee.
Transportation
The easiest way to get to Sterling is by train from Glasgow Queen St. or a bus from Buchanan Bus Station. Stirling Train Station is set right in the middle of the city, where all the major sights are only a few minutes away.
From Edinburgh you can get to Stirling by bus, which runs every hour, departing from the bus station at St Andrew Square. From Waverley Station in Edinburgh a train a train also leaves every half an hour. From Glasgow, buses also run hourly and take about 45 minutes.
Trains depart more often, with a slight gain in travel time over the bus. Sterling is also easily reachable by car from both Glasgow and Edinburgh
Main Attractions
Bannockburn Heritage Centre - The Centre features an exhibition on the period of the Battle of Bannockburn, and an audio-visual presentation. Offers a great insight into the history of Robert the Bruce and William Wallace
Callendar House - 600 years of Scotland's history from medieval times to the twentieth century. Features the magnificent painted ceiling of the Cromwell Stair and the impressive Morning Room and Drawing Room.
Regimental Museum, The Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders - displays of military artifacts from all the major events in the Regiment's history. Also displays a magnificent collection of silver medals and paintings.
Kilmahog Woolen Mill - a 250 year old mill from Scotland's textile and industrial heritage, complete with original water wheel.
National Wallace Monument - spectacular 220' high National Wallace Monument. Features a recreation of Wallace's trial in Westminster Hall.
Stirling Castle - Features the Great Hall and the Gatehouse of James IV, the marvelous Palace of James V, the Chapel Royal of James VI and the artillery fortifications of the 16th to 18th centuries, it's one of the grandest of all Scottish castles.
Smith Art Gallery And Museum - the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum is the focus for Scottish history collections, fine art and archaeology.
SS Sir Walter Scott - a passenger service on the sheltered waters of Loch Katrine and is the last screw-driven steamship in service on Scotland's inland waters.
Glengoulandie Deer Park - Besides a fine herd of deer, features highland cattle, geese both wild and tame, mallard and Muscovy ducks, rare breeds of sheep and goats.
Church of the Holy Rude - The original parish Kirk of Stirling, used for the coronation in 1567 of James VI, it features Largest pipe organ in Scotland, built by Rushworth & Dreaper 1940.
Popular Festivals and Events:
Dance Your Socks Off - A four-day traditional dance festival presenting performances and workshops covering a range of Scottish traditional dance styles, launched in 2004.
Le Weekend - started in 1998 as Scotland's first experimental music festival featuring electronica, improvised and left field jazz, avant rock etc.
Stirling Agricultural Show - held in June, it's one of the biggest agricultural shows in Scotland.
The Blend Festival - Held in March, the festival displays performance traditions of Scotland and includes workshops, free music sessions and master classes.
Stirling Highland Games - Features Pipe Band Competition, Solo Piping Competition, Drum Major Competition, Highland Dancing Competition, Scottish Backhold Wrestling Competition, Scottish National Tug of War Championship, Children's Funfair and Hot Food Stalls.
Stirling's Hogmanay - Started in 1998, the festival features traditional Scottish music, celebrity compere, fireworks & countdown on Stirling Castle Esplanade.
Fčis 'sa Mheadhan - Children aged 8-16 years receive two days tuition in a range of instruments including pipes, fiddle and cląrsach, bodhran/ hand percussion, whistle and accordion as well as Gaelic and Scots song
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