OLD TOWN JAIL

Built in 1846, this Victorian jail replaced the Tolbooth Prison under the pressure of an more enlightened society. This did not mean that life was easy, but compared to the Tolbooth it was heaven. You can tour the jail either by taking a guided tour with the resident actor who will 'introduce' you to many of the historic figures associated with the jail or you can take an audio tape self guided tour.

Looking down from the Jail tower you can see the King's Knot, formerly the site of gardens built for the visit of Charles 1st, and in the distance you can see Ben Lomond. Looking in the other direction over Stirling Town, you can see Stirling Bridge, the Wallace Monument, and the Ochils.

HOLYROOD CHURCH

The Church of the Holy Rude has stood as Stirling's principal church for more than 500 years. King James VI was crowned here in 1567. The Church features magnificent stained glass windows, and one of Scotland's few surviving mediaeval open timber roofs. The nave and tower date, in part, from 1456-70. Within the church each craft guild formerly maintained an altar to its patron saint while wealthy burgesses built their own chapels.

The vaulted Chapel of St Andrew survives intact to this day. A 17th century dispute in the church congregation led to a dividing wall being built within the church which was removed only during restoration in 1936.

MAR'S WARK

The ruins at the top of Broad Street are the remains of the Earl of Mar's palace. In the early 1570's the Earl was one of the wealthiest and most powerful men, hence the dominate position of his dwelling.

ARGYLLS'LODGING

Currently under going complete renovation and furnishing in the style of its period this is a wonderful site to visit. This 17th century building, which grew by stages over a period of some 40 years is a wonderful example of a Renaissance mansion.

The earlier construction was in fact carried out by William Alexander, but was later owned by the 9th Earl of Argyll who extensively extended the building.

STIRLING CASTLE

Whilst Stirling itself lay at such an important strategic point, being located at the first bridged crossing point of the Forth, the volcanic outcropping provided an excellent site for fortification and the earliest known works date back to the 11th century.

The site was particularly militarily important during the 13th and 14th century Wars of Independence and later became a favourite residence of many Stuart monarchs.

Much of the castle seen today, including the Royal Palace (mid 16th century), Chapel Royal,( early 16th century), and the Great Hall is renaissance architecture, with strong French influence.

Many significant episodes in Scottish history took place here including the crowning of Mary, Queen of Scots in 1543.

The beautiful hammer beam roof was removed by one of the resident army garrisons, but is currently being restored.

STIRLING BRIDGE

This handsome late 15th century bridge was for almost four centuries the lowest bridging point over the River Forth, until Stirling New Bridge opened in 1831. The Old Bridge seen today succeeded earlier structures nearby, induding the wooden construction which was at the centre of the brilliant victory by Sir William Wallace over the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297.

WALLACE MONUMENT

Scotland's greatest freedom tighter, Sir William Wallace (1267-1305), is recalled in the National Wallace Monument. This 220ft (67m) tower sits on top of the Abbey Craig and is a landmark for miles around.

It was built by public subscriptions in a fit of patriotic fervour between 1859-69. There are 246 steps to the top, by way of a projecting circular stairway. This leads to one of the finest views in Scotland, from a platform below the monument's crown of tiered stone.

Within the Monument,in three halls or chambers, you can also meet' Wallace himself, in a battle tent, see his mighty two-handed sword and visit the Victorian Hall of Heroes.

The visitor car park is at the foot of the Abbey Craig, from where a pedestrian-only roadway leads to the entrance to the Monument. However, from Easter to September the Monument Climber shuttle bus is available to transport visitors to the base of the Monument.

There are also pleasant woodland walks to enjoy on the Abbey Craig, the rocky outcrop on which the Monument stands. Abbey Craig, Causewayhead, Stirling. Telephone:(01786) 472140. Open daily March to September and weekends only during February and November. Closed January and December.

CAMBUSKENNETH ABBEY

This was the site of an Augustinian settlement which was founded by King David I in 1147, within a loop of the winding River Forth. The Abbey was closely involved with the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Bruce's parliament met here in 1326 and was the first to include representatives of Scotland's burgh, and King James III and his Queen are buried in the grounds. Much of the building stone was carried away after the Reformation, but the Bell Tower or Campanile (originally of 1300) survives in restored condition.

BANNOCKBURN HERITAGE CENTRE

Commemorating King Robert the Bruce's victory over the English at the Battle of Bannockburn on June 24, 1314 this Centre is well worth a visit.At the battle 40,000 troops lead by Robert Bruce, King of Scotland, intercepted a force of 60,000 English forces who were on their way to relieve the garrison at Stirling Castle.

In the ensuing battle the English lost 10,00 men and the victory is believed by many to have led to the eventual independence of Scotland. There are excellent displays and an audio-visual presentation. A short walk from the centre's building is the flag pole and Rotunda marking the battle site, and nearby a rather magnificent statue of the King on horseback.