Stirling

Once the capital of Scotland, Stirling is loaded with medieval and Renaissance history. During the Wars for Scottish Independence, it was the site of several key battles when the Scots were led by William Wallace (Braveheart) fighting off an English invasion. “He who holds Stirling holds Scotland” was said by Robert the Bruce, highlighting the cities strategic importance lying on the River Forth at the point which connects the Scottish Highlands with the Lowlands. The Church of the Holy Rude which I visited today was where the Scottish kings were crowned, including James VI, the son of Mary Queen of Scots who succeeded Elizabeth I and began the House of Stuart as James I, uniting the crowns of Scotland and England. Clans, kilts, bagpipes — it’s all here.En savoir plus