Scottish Castles

Local information

Stirling Castle, Stirlingshire

Location: Esplanade, Stirling FK8 1EJ (map and directions)

Stirling Castle sits atop Castle Hill overlooking the city of Stirling, and is one of the largest and most historically and architecturally significant castles in Scotland. When exactly the castle was built is unconfirmed, though residence on the property begins to appear in historical records in the early 12th century.

Stirling Castle © Finlay

History of Stirling Castle

The castle that stands on the hill today was built around 1370, followed by consequent periods of construction until 1750 due to numerous occupants of the castle. While a few 14th century structures remain intact, the majority of the castle’s main buildings date from the 15th and 16th centuries and the outer defences date from the early 18th century. The decorations, including carvings along the castle walls and in the garden, are also diverse due to the influence of various owners.

In terms of architecture, James IV’s Great Hall is of particular significance as the largest medieval banqueting hall ever built in Scotland, as well as the castle’s ‘Great Kitchens’ which brings to life how the lavish banquets during James IV’s day were prepared. The Chapel Royal is also a key architectural feature built especially for Prince Henry’s baptism and redecorated form Charles I’s coronation visit in 1633. James V’s Palace is an intricately decorated Renaissance space which will open to the public in spring of 2011 to display how kings and queens at that time would have lived.

Stirling Castle is surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs, a key strategic location in guarding the furthest downstream crossing of the River Forth. This grand castle has received visits from several Scottish kings and queens, including Mary Queen of Scots, in 1543. Stirling Castle has also seen at least eight sieges against it. Several of these occurred during the Wars of Scottish Independence, the last of which came in 1746 when Bonnie Prince Charlie tried to overtake the castle but was defeated.

The history of Stirling and its recognizable castle was brought to the world stage thanks to international blockbuster film Braveheart, starring Mel Gibson as William Wallace. Stirling Castle overlooked the battlefields of Stirling Bridge where Wallace defeated the English in 1297, and Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce also defeated the English in 1314. Battle re-recreations take place at the castle in the summer months.

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions and is managed by Historic Scotland.

Map and directions

Other castles in Stirlingshire