“He who holds Stirling, holds Scotland”
The city of Stirling’s strategic position in the heart of Scotland has contributed enormously to its prominence in the history of Scotland over the centuries. Located at the lowest bridging point of the River Forth, Stirling was major focal point for armies heading either north or south. Major battles of the Wars of Independence took place here, with William Wallace leading the Scots to victory over the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297 and King Robert Bruce repeating this feat in 1314 at nearby Bannockburn. The 19th century monument dedicated to Wallace towers over the city from Abbey Crag, and is open to the public with fantastic views over the surrounding countryside from the top. Over in the eastern side of the city you will find the Bannockburn Battlefield site and visitor centre, which uses the latest technology to recreate the events of the battle itself, and you can even have a go at commanding the opposing armies.
But surely the jewel in Stirling’s crown is the superb Stirling Castle which dominates the city from its vantage point, high on the castle rock. A royal castle for centuries, here you can visit the imposing Great Hall built by King James IV in the early 1500s, as well as the Royal Palace built by his son James V as a sumptuous, regal home for his new French bride, Marie de Guise.
A visit to historic Stirling is not to be missed on any Scotland tour itinerary.
*If you’re travelling in the Highlands just now please be advised to avoid the Glenmore / Loch Morlich area due to wildfire 🥲**UPDATE - 14:15 on 16 July
Emergency services and partners continue to tackle a large-scale fire near Ryvoan Bothy. The emergency response is being coordinated at a national level involving the Scottish Government, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland, RSPB Scotland, Forestry and Land Scotland, the Park Authority and multiple other partners.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have shared that the fire is currently affecting an area of approximately six squared kilometres. We are asking the public to follow the following guidance:
- Please do not travel to the area or attempt to access Glenmore Forest Park, Loch Morlich or the surrounding area while firefighting operations are ongoing. A strict cordon remains in place and road closures continue to support the emergency response.
- Those impacted by evacuations will have been contacted and we would ask everyone to cooperate fully with Police Scotland and other relevant authorities for their safety.
- Residents in Aviemore and surrounding areas are asked to close windows and doors to prevent smoke entering.
-Anyone with known respiratory conditions nearby is encouraged to contact 111 if they experience any difficulties. Contact 999 in an emergency.
Thermal drone footage captured by Park Authority staff last night has helped inform fire fighting efforts and highlight the scale of the fire, but the extent of the damage and the cause is not yet known.
Overnight emergency services, gamekeepers, NGO and estate staff were on the scene working tirelessly to control the fire. We are deeply grateful for their efforts, and those of the businesses and local community providing support to those affected.
We will provide further updates when we have them.
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Happy 250th birthday to the USA! 🇺🇸🏴
Did you know Edinburgh Castle is home to one of the earliest depictions of the Star Spangled Banner outside of North America?
Deep inside the vaults of the castle, back in about 1780, Americans captured during the Revolutionary War were incarcerated in the castle prisons. One prisoner scratched out a faint image of a ship flying the Stars and Stripes on his wooden cell door. A quiet act of defiance by a sailor far from home, you can still see this if you visit the vaults today!
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