Stirling

While my family was here visiting, we took a day trip up to explore Stirling. Stirling is about 50 minutes north of Edinburgh. It is a small city of about 40,000 on the divide between the Scottish lowlands and the Scottish highlands. The city boasts of numerous historical attractions including an ancient church, castle, monument to William Wallace and a historic jail. We figured it was worth the trip to check it out!

Picturesque Stirling

We started off our trip with a visit to the 'Stirling Old Town Jail'. The jail operated during the Victorian era and they offered tours of the old cells and information on the jail conditions during that time period. Kyle & I have become regular old jail visitors- we visited one in Dublin and Philadelphia as well.

Warden outside the Old Town Jail

Stirling is also home to 'Stirling Castle'. The castle was occupied by royalty such as Mary Queen of Scots and King James VI of Scotland. In part of the castle you can sit on a throne and pretend you are King (or Queen). Who could resist such an indulgence?

Kyle & Me as royalty

Stirling Castle

The Church of Holy Rood was founded in 1129 in Stirling. It is the only operating church in the UK, aside from Westminster Abbey, that held a coronation ceremony. King James VI was crowned King of Scotland here, by John Knox himself, on 29 July 1567.

The Church of Holy Rood

The overall experience was moving. Stirling has been the epicenter for many battles, seen English and Scottish kingdoms rise and fall. The sense of history in this picturesque Scottish town is powerful. Needless to say we had a great day exploring and highly recommend a visit if you ever within proximity.

-Stacie & Kyle