Stirlingshire

Scotland > Central Scotland > Stirlingshire

Of all the ancient counties of Scotland, none has achieved so much for the Nation that Stirlingshire.

The county town, the Royal Burgh of Stirling, was Scotland's capital prior to independence and as such was seen as being both politically and logistically important to whoever wished to rule over the land.

Stirling Castle was a fortress to match Edinburgh Castle but Stirling's location on the main crossing of the River Forth made it much more important if communication was to be controlled.

Because of this importance, Stirlingshire has seen many bloody battles, mainly with English forces but not exclusively. These battles have included the Battle of Stirling Bridge (1297), the first Battle of Falkirk (1298), the Battle of Bannockburn (1314), the Battle of Sauchieburn (1488), the Battle of Kilsyth (1645) and the Second Battle of Falkirk (1746).

The first three were part of the War of Independence fought by Sir William Wallace and King Robert the Bruce against huge English and foreign armies.

The final battle was during the Jacobite Rising of 1745/46, Bonnie Prince Charlie was preparing to march to London and win the crown for his father. But before he could leave Scotland, he had to secure it in his father's name. His Highland Army won this battle but eventually lost the war at Culloden near Inverness 4 months later.

In simplistic terms, Stirlingshire can be broken down into 3 sections. Firstly, the eastern section to the south of the River Forth including the industrial towns of Falkirk and Grangemouth. Secondly, the Forth Valley to the west of Stirling, low lying and very fertile agricultural land. Thirdly the Fintry Hills, Kilsyth Hills and Campsie Fells to the south west of Stirling. These low hills rise to a maximum of 1,900 feet, around which lie small towns such as Killearn, Strathblane, Lennoxtown and Kilsyth.

But the Royal Burgh holds most of the attraction with visitors - its strategic position being recognised by many a friend and foe. The streets of the Old Town all wind upwards towards the Castle which dominates the surrounding landscape. The National Wallace Monument was built in commemoration of Sir William Wallace. His compatriot, King Robert the Bruce, is remembered at the Bannockburn Heritage Centre. Bruce's parliament met at nearby Cambuskenneth Abbey.

Even the Romans came this far north and tried to settle in the central belt. They built a wall - Antonine's Wall - parts of which are still to be seen in Falkirk.