Stirling Castle seen from a distance. Like Edinburgh it sits on its high volcanic rock, visible for many miles in every direction. Many a battle has been fought in the castles immediate vicinity, two of which were turning points in Scottish history; Battle of Stirling Bridge and Battle of Bannockburn.
This is the most famous king in Scottish history, no not that Braveheart dude, but Robert the Bruce. Now for a bit of history, in the early years of the 14th century Edward I of England had control over Scotland. As many of us know from the film Braveheart, a fellow named William Wallace rebelled againts the English nobles and defeated the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. However Scotland still did not have her independence nor a king to rule her. This is where Robert the Bruce comes in. He was a rightful heir to the throne and decided to get his back. An English nobel was holding Stirling Castle and Bruce gave him an timeline in which to leave the castle or he would attack. Of course this triggered the English army into moving into Scotland to meet Bruce in battle. In 1314 the English marched an army of 40,000 troops to meet Bruce and his army of only 13,000. Now this is one of the greatest moments in Scottish history, as Bruce and his men annihilated the English in what is known as the battle of Bannockburn. Scotland had her independence and her king at last.
Neil and his mommy entering the Castle gates.
The castle up close. Here we have the palace where the royal family lived, and the Great Hall where the royals partied. The building has gone through, and is still going through, major restoration.
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