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Built upon the volcanic rock and packed with both medieval and Gothic buildings, Stirling is a proud icon of all that Scotland stands for. It’s surrounded by beautiful lakes, imposing castles and historic battlefields. The quaint Old Town is full of cobbled streets and photogenic treasures, while Stirling Castle is the most visited fortress in Scotland after Edinburgh Castle. Stirling is ideally located for visitors to Scotland, less than an hour north of both Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Stirling Castle has an impregnable position on top of an extinct volcano and is the centrepiece of the city. On a clear day, the views are astonishing, taking in the rural lakes and parks of Stirlingshire. Winding around the castle’s stone ramparts is the Old Town, most of which is free of vehicle traffic. Many antique stores and traditional pubs can be found amongst the stone houses, which are an intriguing mix of Victorian, Gothic and medieval design. Stirling City markets itself as the “Gateway to the Highlands”, and a huge number of half and full-day trips are possible. These can take in the Gothic statue of William Wallace, hiking trails around Loch Lomond and Queen Elizabeth National Park, various whisky distilleries and Doune Castle.

Further down the hill from the Old Town, the modern part of Stirling City isn’t quite as pleasing to the eye. However, it is the site of the city’s main transport hubs. Trains and buses to Edinburgh and Glasgow leave from Stirling Train Station, taking less than an hour. Upon arrival, Stirling Castle looms large over the city and guides visitors on the sharp uphill walk towards the Old Town.

Stirling has traditionally been seen as the border between the Scottish Lowlands and Highlands. It attracted many invading armies, and local legend tells of a howling wolf that would alert residents of imminent threats.