Stirling Castle
I’m currently a member of Historic Scotland and my membership gives me free entry to Stirling Castle. The last time I visited was in between lockdowns during the pandemic, with masks and social distancing still in place, so I was overdue another visit. I’ve often mentioned in this blog about following in the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots, and Stirling Castle is another place on route. As an infant she was crowned in the chapel and the castle is considered her childhood home.
I arrived just as the castle was due to open, to beat the crowds, but a bus party was already queuing, though they were being held up. I skipped past them and spoke to the staff on the gate. Due to the storm the night before, extra checks were being carried out to ensure it was safe to enter. This would mean a delay of thirty minutes. They suggested maybe going back into town for a coffee. I thanked them and said I would just hang on and take some photographs. I turned and walked back down to my left to a good spot overlooking the Wallace Monument and the Ochil Hills. The weather was still dreich, with a strong, blustery wind. It was the sort of weather that required not only a tammy pulled tight on my head but my jacket hood up as well. It was fierce. However, the view is magnificent and well worth taking the time for a few extra photos. I turned around to find the bus party had clearly overheard my conversation and had followed me, waiting for me to finish up before taking my spot for their own photographs. Fair enough. I know all the best locations.
I nodded politely and cut across the esplanade to the other side, which overlooks an old graveyard. This is well worth a visit if in the area. After taking some more pictures I turned around to find the bus party had again followed me and were waiting for me to move on so they could take occupy my spot. I couldn’t help but smile.
Once in the castle I moved quickly as I was confident of getting to the Great Hall first and sure enough I was able to experience the place on my own. Same went for the chapel. I’m used to crowds at such places, so it’s nice to have no one around on occasion and be able to take the atmosphere in without the chatter and distraction of others. Make sure to visit the royal chambers which provide a feel for how the royals lived.
The military museum was refurbished a few years back, the result being an almost overwhelming display of wartime artefacts. There is a huge amount to take in and worth spending some time. The exhibition is highly informative, but also quite a sobering experience.
The display in the kitchens is well done and the information boards about the food and cooking practices have been well put together. I also enjoyed watching a short film about the forensic analysis of some skeletons discovered inside the castle walls, showing signs of severe trauma. It is believed they date from early 1300’s and were likely killed during the Scottish Wars of Independence. There are articles online about this find and the theories surrounding them.
On leaving I decided to visit the gift shop. However, it was packed with yet another bus party. I couldn’t move around so had to leave it for another day. Curiously enough, of about forty people, no one was talking, and only two folk appeared to be looking at what was on sale. I understand it was raining, but this is Scotland. Before I left, I had walked along the castle ramparts, the wind and rain in my face, taking in the magnificent view of the countryside, being able to appreciate just why this location was chosen and marvel just how far you can see into the distance. I do feel that you don’t travel thousands of miles to Scotland to shelter from the rain in one of the most significant locations in Scottish history. Sadly, that’s what this bus tour was doing. If I had been their guide, I would have had them braving the elements and experiencing what it is like to stand guard, even if only for a few minutes. It’s a way of bringing history alive.
The Fiction Factory 