After a string of Hidden Treasures of Edinburgh city, it’s not unwise to have a change of scenery. Especially when considering how much there is to see and do in Scotland, and especially before the winter descends on us, making any form of exploration, well, not impossible but definitely much harder.
Ancient burgh of Stirlingshire, Stirling was granted status of city during Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002. As a border city Stirling serves as the gateway between the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands, evidenced by the peeking Ben Vorlich and Ben Ledi to the northwest of the city. Stirlingshire has a formidable array of legends and sights to take in, not least the legends of William Wallace (probably made most famous with the Mel Gibson film – you know the one – Braveheart) and city has honoured this rich history not least with the Wallace monument, but also with the numerous pubs, restaurants, inns and other that bear the Wallace name.
The hills that surround Stirling, the river that runs through the winding roads are all what make Stirling unique place to visit. The Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297 was one of the battles of that took place during the Wars of Scottish Independence, and proved to be a shattering defeat for the English. Iconised by the poet Blind Harry, the William Wallace legend was born some two hundred years after the events of the Battle. Whereas there is proof for William Wallace the landowner having been a key figure in the Wars Scottish of Independence and that Wallace was hung, drawn and quartered. The tales written by Blind Harry were to entertain the court of James IV, and undoubtedly were a blend of fact and fiction. The Wallace monument is where you can discover the true story of Wallace, as it is known it today. And while you’re at it, spend a day at the Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most important castles, both historically and architecturally in Scotland and the Castle where Robert the Bruce was crowned kin of Scots on 1306. Bruce reigned from Stirling Castle until his death in 1329, after having led his people against War of Independence against England.
As pedestrian friendly city centre is ideal for a day stroll on your way to one or other of the 
canonical establishments of Scotland’s rather tumultuous past. The Church of the Holy Rude, second oldest building in Stirling after the Castle, was established 1129. Stirling Castle, the Church of Holy Rude and the general surrounding area were all settings for much of Scotland’s history, especially the tempestuous times of 15th, 16th and 17th century when Scotland saw a great success of Queens and Kings. Stirling Castle was also where King James I was educated, and where he authorised the translation of the Bible.
Being a popular stopping place for those on their way either to the Highlands or the Lowlands, Stirling is definitely not a city to be missed. Just walking through the Old Town you can experience Scottish architecture at its most traditional – crow-stepped gables, carved mottoes on the facades, many-paned windows and turret stairs. Explore the closes and vennels between the buildings for unexpected views of the city. Make sure you look out for the purple plaques, which tell the story of individual buildings.
My personal reasons for enjoying Stirling are much more mundane than the gory history of battles or even William Wallace. For a student, Stirling offers one of the best Publishing Masters courses in UK, as well as being the host to Bloody Scotland – Scottish International Crime Writing Festival, which sees a string of events with the best of English, Scottish and international crime literature. A true testament to the fact of crime literature being the most popular genre in Scotland among readers. And what is more, having a massive history in being part of setting for many a-film, fact that is for a film buff like myself makes the 50 minute train ride from Edinburgh worth it.