“He Who Holds Stirling, Holds Scotland”

Surrounded on three sides by the steep cliffs of Castle Hill, Stirling Castle soars majestically above the town of Stirling and the River Forth.  Its strategic position, guarding what was once the only crossing over the River Forth into the Highlands, made it a hotspot for political and military conflict for centuries.  But for the modern traveler there are other reasons to visit Stirling Castle.

Stirling Castle is one of the largest surviving castles in Scotland.  Contained within its walls are some of the finest examples of Medieval and Renaissance architecture around.  Massive reconstruction and restoration efforts have brought many parts of the castle back to their former glory, including the Palace, the Great Hall, and the Chapel Royal.  Yet, beyond the fascinating “furnishings,” there are plenty of other things to see.  Look around.  You never know what you might find tucked away in a corner, down a stairs, or through an archway. 

 

The Great Hall contains the largest medieval banqueting hall ever built in Scotland.  Occasionally, important historical events are reenacted in the hall giving visitors an exciting glimpse of life during the height of the castle’s power.

The Palace, built in the mid-1500s by James V, has undergone extensive restoration and is now nearly entirely restored to its former beauty with lavish Renaissance facades, furnishings, and hand-woven tapestries.

Between the Great Hall and the Chapel Royal is a narrow walkway that leads to a quiet garden called the Douglas Garden.  It got its name from William, earl of Douglas, who was murdered by his own king, James II, and had his body was thrown here by the king’s frightened courtiers.

When you're done exploring these places, take a look at the great kitchens still bustling with activity, the outer defenses which afford an amazing view of Stirling and the Wallace Monument, and the Argyll Regimental museum. 

Stirling is not just a castle where you go down the list of things to see.  To me, Stirling is one of the purest examples of what any boy or girl imagines when they hear their first stories of knights and castles.  Take time to explore this enchanting castle and, like me, you may find something new that’s not on your map.

For more information and pictures, check out these great sites:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stirling_Castle

http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/stirling/stirlingcastle/

http://www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/

 

      The bustling Great Kitchen                         The ghost of the Douglas?

                                                                       No just the actor taking a stroll,

                                                                   but it was perfectly spooky in the fog.

Please do not use these pictures without permission.

Callander and the Romantic Trossachs

A little over an hour north of both Glasgow and Edinburgh lies Callander, the picturesque “Gateway to the Trossachs.”  All though this Scottish town is geared for tourists and at times can be busy, it is not “big city.”

The small shops and quaint restaurants of Callander are an excellent way to rub shoulders with the locals or, if you’re not comfortable with that, to simply browse and people watch.  For those who enjoy being tourists, there are larger hotel/restaurants and classy shops with pricey trinkets and souvenirs.  However, if you want a real taste of both traveling styles, visit the Rob Roy and Trossachs Visitor Center in Ancaster Square and the famous, and often crowded, Old Fudge Shop next door.

If you are the sort who likes to do more than simply wander the streets, there are a wide range of trails to hike and the Callander Crags to explore.  Weather permitting, find a spot where you can look out to the western horizon and enjoy the spectacular view.  And if you’re lucky enough to be perched above Callander’s buildings and trees at either sunrise or sunset on a clear day, look west once more towards the Trossachs.  There you may catch a glimpse of the wild beauty that has drawn and will draw me back to this lovely Scottish town.

But if Callander is the gateway to the Trossachs, then the Trossachs are the gateway to the legendary Highlands.  Those living on the west coast of North America might compare these Scottish Mountains to the jagged peaks of the Rockies and see only foothills, but such a word does not do the Trossachs justice. 

Stretching from the southern borders of Glen Coe in the north and Loch Lomond in the south, this mix of rolling hills, jagged peaks, and quiet lochs holds an enchanting combination of mystery and beauty.  Here the seasons shine forth in all their glory.  In the spring, the purple, pink, and white of wild heather blanket glen and peak alike and, in autumn, the hardy trees burst forth in radiant colors.  Here too the moods of the Trossachs are as changeable as the weather.  One moment the slopes are glowing in the radiance of a clear, sunny day and then there is a breath of wind and thick clouds glower down from summits shrouded in grey mists and driving rain. 

Within these wild hills are nestled two of my favorite stopping spots in Scotland, Balquhidder and Loch Lubnaig.  Loch Lubnaig, lying just a few miles northwest of Callander, is a photographer’s dream.  The lights and colors are always changing, making each shot fresh and new.  If you have time, it’s a perfect spot for a lakeside picnic where the gentle sounds of wind and water just might lull you into a dreamy sleep.

Beyond Loch Lubnaig rests Balquhidder, a quiet little community just off the main road.  Though peaceful now, this village has seen its share of conflict including the arrival of the MacGregor clan in the late 1500s.  Here also the MacGregor’s most infamous son, Rob Roy MacGregor, found his final resting place in the old churchyard with his wife and two of his sons.  Over his grave stands a defiant marker, “MacGregor Despite Them,” making this a must-see for all MacGregors at heart.

The Trossachs have much to offer anyone who wants to take the time to explore.  Besides Callander and Balquhidder, there is also the Lake of Menteith with its island priory, the village of Killin, and many more places just waiting to be discovered.  Yet even if you are unable to wander, there is always something to see as you drive the twisting hill roads.  I have barely scratched the surface of the beautiful and romantic Trossachs, so I encourage you to look into these sights and visit them for yourself.

A heartfelt thank you to the website Trossachs and Callander

(www.incallander.co.uk) for use of their picture of Ancaster Square.

Check them out for some very useful information about the area.

Please do not use any of these pictures without permission.