Stirling Castle

This morning I toured Stirling Castle, and it proved to be a major highlight of this trip. It’s one of the best examples I’ve ever seen of geography determining history. The castle sits on a rock at the point overlooking which was at the time the only crossing of the River Forth that splits Scotland in two. Mary Queen of Scots lived here as a child. Bonnie Prince Charlie marched his army here in an attempt to retake Scotland, and his loyal followers — the Jacobites — were considered traitors to the throne and sentenced to transportation — being deported to Australia — rather than martyred by hanging. I did my senior research project in college on these “Scottish Martyrs” so it all came rushing back. The guide was amazing, as were the views. This is really a special place.Read more