Day Trip to Stirling

After letting one drink turn into closing down the pub, we miraculously were able to roll out of bed on Sunday and got to the bus station by 9.50 to take the train from Dundee to Stirling. And Sunday was a beautiful day! Here in Scotland in February, we seem to get one beautiful day sandwich in between a week ugly weather. So you have to be on your toes for when the sun comes out. 

Aubree on the train to Dundee

Stirling is known for Stirling Castle, which dates back to the 11th Century but most of the buildings that stand today were constructed between 1490 and 1600. It was a key site and underwent numerous sieges during the Scottish Wars of Independence. It was a Renaissance palace for the Stewart kings and Mary, Queen of Scots kept residence there throughout her life. 

The outer defenses of Stirling Castle and a statue of Robert the Bruce

A view of the gardens that were built in the 16th Century that lie outside the castle walls

The Royal Palace on the left stands next to the Great Hall, which was the first example of royal Renaissance architecture in Scotland. 

Below the Castle, which sits atop the highest hill in Stirling is the Church of the Holy Rude and it's large cemetery. The Church is where James VI of Scotland was crowned the King of Scots in 1567, he later succeeded Elizabeth I of England to unite England and Scotland as James VI and I. 

The Church of the Holy Rude

It was wonderful to see the Castle. I had only seen the outside of it when I was in Scotland in 2010. Most of the buildings and outer statures stand as they stood during the reigns of the Scottish Kings, although a little weather beaten. But the insides of the castle and grounds have and are currently undergoing a massive restoration process. The castle was used as barracks and recruitment by the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders from 1800 until 1964.

Naturally we could not resist spending as much time as we could out in the sun.

Jack, Elena and I being goofy on the Nether Bailey