Historic attraction in Stirling
and the Forth Valley
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Historic places to visit in and around Stirling.
Stirling was always at the centre of Scottish history and
events. The saying was 'To hold Stirling was to hold Scotland.'
You will find a battlefields, beheading stones, King's gardens
and much more.
  Battle of Sheriffmuir. Early on the morning of 13th November
1715, the Jacobite army under the Earl of Mar, formed up on the
low moors opposing the government army commanded by the Duke of
Argyll. The battle was not decisive, both sides laying claim to
the victory. The only monument on the battlefield ,stands beside
the road,Commemorating the McCraes who suffered particularly
heavy casualties. Follow the path behind the McCraes monument,
then the stone wall for several hundred yards and then follow
the path which forks to the left. There you will find an iron
grille covering a small clump of boulders known as the Gathering
Stone. This is where tradition claims the Duke of Argyll stood.
The large heather covered mounds in front of the gathering stone
are the mass graves of the Jacobites killed at the battle.
Follow signs for Sheriffmuir from Dunblane; the monument is
beside the road.
 The Pineapple, built in 1761, stands 14m (45ft) high with the
realistic effect of leaves and fruit produced by the cantilever
masonry. Four stone vases disguise the chimneys. Greenhouses
extended east and west from the central portico, originally
heated by furnaces. The garden was planted in a typically
Scottish manner with fruit trees. Set in 16 acres of garden,
woodlands with a pond and a car park. Open - grounds all year
daily, 9.30 to sunset. The National Trust for Scotland.
Signposted off A905, approx 7 miles from Stirling. Tel: 01324
831137
 The Beheading Stone. It was here in 1425 King James I took
revenge: he had the Duke of Albany and his two sons beheaded for
their 18 years of abuse of power during the time of their
governorship of Scotland while the King was captive in England.
Access along the back walk around the castle to savour the
spectacular views from this site. (Map Grid Ref: B1)
 Lady’s Rock is said to have been a favourite vantage point for
watching events in the fields below. Today there is a direction
dial pointing out all the points of interest, with superb views
to Ben Lomond, the Trossachs and Stirling Castle. Situated
behind the Church of the Holy Rude and Cowane’s Hospital. (Map
Grid Ref: A1)
 Cowane's Hospital. John Cowane (1570 - 1633) is widely
acknowledged as Stirling's most eminent benefactor. On his death
bed he explained his wishes to his brother Alexander, part of
which was to provide accommodation for twelve 'decayed' guild
brethren, to be called "Cowane's Hospital" for all time. In the
tower, there is a statue of John Cowane which is accepted as a
good likeness. (Map Grid Ref: B2)
 The
King's Knot. Sometime in the 1490's, during King James IV's
reign a garden was built were the King's Knot is today. It was
planted with flowers, vegetables, fruit trees and even vines,
(although the vines do not appear to have prospered.) 19C
restoration may have changed its appearance. You may access this
area today and wander over the site of these ancient gardens.
(Map Grid Ref: A2)
Stirling City Wall. Stirling's town wall is the best surviving
town wall in Scotland. Constructed in 1547 to defend the people
of Stirling from their old enemy the English when King Henry
VIII attacked in response to the refusal to betroth the infant
Mary Queen of Scots to his son the Prince of Wales. The stone
wall was only constructed on the southern perimeter of the town;
the northern perimeter householders were required to maintain
their garden walls to a good height. Walk along the length of
the wall along the back walk. (Map Grid Ref: B & C 2 & 3)
Rob Roy MacGregor of Clan Gregor, perhaps the most notorious
clan in Scotland. In times past, it was legal to kill MacGregors
on sight, on account of their lawlessness. Rob Roy was born the
third son of a MacGregor chief and raised in the Trossachs to
the west of Stirling. He was brought to prominence by the
writings of Sir Walter Scott, many years after his death. That
he was a remarkable character, there is no doubt. Today there is
a film of his exploits and many books written about him. This
statue is in Stirling between Albert Halls and Corn Exchange Rd.
(Map Grid Ref: C3)
 Stirling Harbour was once one of Scotland's principal ports
being listed in 1525 along with Aberdeen, St Andrews, Edinburgh,
Perth and Dundee. The port's importance declined due to the
shallow rocky outcrops in the river Forth preventing larger
vessels passing through. Small freight ships continued to use
the harbour until the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939.
Shore Road. (Map Grid Ref: D2)
Bridge of Allan / Castles and churches / Dunblane / Historic attraction / Visitor attractions | 
