Stirling is probably the most historically important location in Scotland. The site where much change occurred in Scotland especially so when she gained independence in 1314 after the most famous victory of all time, The Battle of Bannockburn where the vastly outnumbered Scots led by Robert The Bruce defeated the English. The Battlefield, Stirling Castle and the Wallace National Monument are its most notable landmarks. Stirling Castle is also the only castle in Scotland never to have fallen to English control and its church, The Church of the Holy Rude is the only church in Scotland that is still in use today that was also a site of coronation.
Situated in the middle of Scotland on the lower reaches of the River Forth, which was the main river crossing by foot to Northern Scotland for much of the country’s history. The city of Stirling is one of the smallest in all of Scotland, and was only recently granted city status in 2002 as part fo the Queen’s golden jubilee
For a city so steeped in history, it goes without saying that there is much to visit and see around Stirling’s compact city centre. From the Albert Hall to the numerous galleries such as the Changing room Contemporary Art Gallery, Fotheringham Gallery and the MacRobert Arts Centre. Sport is Stirling is also well catered for with well established clubs such as Stirling Albion FC (known locally as “the Binos”) and Alloa Athletic for their local derby games as well Stirling County Rugby Football Club (ex Scotland player, Kenny Logan played there in the successful 80’s).
Shopping in Stirling is confined to in and around the city’s Thistle Mall, where UK national chain and department stores vie for trade with locally based retailers offering a variety of locally produced merchandise. There are many traditional Scottish tea rooms to be found in Stirling as well as some pretty fine restaurants offering a choice of local menus as well as the best of continental, Indian or Chinese restaurants. Stirling is home to many examples of what is a typical Scottish pub that will usually have on show a very wide selection of the finest malt whiskies to warm the heart of visitors and Stirling folk alike.

For those who want to explore the countryside of Central Scotland the options are many. Villages such as Bridge of Allan, Dollar, Balfron, Dunblane, home of Andy Murray (tennis player), and its famous Hydro, and Doune are examples of typical Scottish towns. For the adventurous driver it is possible to take the long and winding yet highly scenic road from Stirling that will eventually take you to the southernmost tip of Loch Lomond thereafter to lovely Drymen and Inverarnan where the magical Drover’s Inn is located. Further driving will take you on the road to the isles, Fort William, Oban, Mull and beyond
Stirling is very close to the two strongest cultural cities in Scotland - Glasgow and Edinburgh. Two and a half miles north of Stirling is the former spa town of Bridge of Allan. On the banks of Allan Water and five miles north of Stirling is Dunblane, an important ecclesiastical centre since the 7th century. Eight miles northwest of Stirling is the village of Doune, the location for the filming of “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”. The latest movie connection to Stirling is the Oscar winning film “Braveheart”, based on the life of Scotland’s freedom fighter, William Wallace.

For information on car hire or car rentals in Stirling visit EveryCarHire at Car Hire Stirling.

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