Stirling Castle

By Mark Simms on 23/09/2019

Often referred to as the key to the kingdom of Scotland because of it’s strategic location at the heart of the country, there has been a castle on this site since at least the early 12th century when its first mentioned in the written record.

The castle has endured an often turbulant past, at one point changing hands 8 times in 50 years during the Scottish Wars of Independence from English rule. During this period the famous battles of Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn were fought within sight of its walls.

In later years, especially during the reign of the Stuart dynasty in both Scotland and England during the 16th and 17th centuries, the castle was transformed into a royal household with the addition of the Great Hall, the Chapel Royal and most notably the Palace of James V.

Despite the heavy overcast and wet conditions when we visited, it’s still one of my favourite castles of all time:

© Mark Simms Photography (2019)