Stirling (pronounced as if the first "i" wasn't there and there were multiple "r"s), is a city about 30km north-east of Glasgow, famous for its castle which was a seat of power in Scotland through much of the Middle Ages. The castle, like the one in Edinburgh, is set on a rock outcrop overlooking the town (the town, of course, came into existence after the castle). Fascinating place, with much Scottish history played out both within the castle and nearby, notably the Battle of Bannockburn where Robert the Bruce trashed an English army in 1314.
Across the valley from Stirling Castle, on another rock outcrop, Queen Victoria (surprisingly?) built a monument to William Wallace, another famous Scot who had some success against the English before being captured and executed. Wallace was the subject of the film "Braveheart", which Scots think is the biggest load of shite ever produced about their country.
Stirling Castle, looking imperious on its rock
Rural scenery (looking back from where the previous photo was taken)
The Wallace Monument
Garden and palace inside Stirling Castle
Garden, through a window in a watchtower
Cannons at the ready
Pavement at castle entrance
Watchtowernear main entrance
Statue of Robert the Bruce
