Photo by David Morrison

Stirling Castle is located in the center of Stirling, off A872.

After visiting Stirling Castle, you will certainly come away with a glimpse into what life was like at a castle during medieval times. This castle is one of the finest restoration projects in all of Scotland.

Stirling Cast as a Strategic Possession

Stirling Castle occupies probably the most strategic, and therefore the most powerful, position in Scotland. Because it links North and South, Highlands and Lowlands, many have called it the "Key to Scotland" and asserted that "whoever holds Stirling and its bridges splits Scotland in two." At various times in its long history, Stirling Castle has changed owners more than any other castle in Scotland. It has been a refuge for kings, a prison for political prisoners, a storehouse for weapons, and a museum. Although records indicate that a castle occupied the Stirling site before the 11th century, the Lindsay-Stirling connections occurred several centuries later.

The 1400's

1452—An indirect connection occurred in the middle of the 15th century. King James II, believing that William the Eighth Earl of Douglas was plotting against him, invited the noble to Stirling and provided a letter of safe-conduct. After a dinner with Lord Douglas, King James invited him to explain the "League of Douglas," into which Lord Douglas had entered with the Earl of Crawford. When William refused to disband the League, King James, who greatly feared this most powerful alliance, seized his dagger and stabbed Lord Douglas. His courtiers then killed Lord Douglas and threw the body from a window. When King James later was declared guiltless by Parliament, the Ninth Earl of Douglas (brother of the Eighth Earl) attacked both city and castle.

The 1500's

1567—Shortly after Queen Mary's abdication, her thirteen-month-old son was crowned King James VI at Stirling. King James and country were ruled by the Earl of Mar, who was named Regent.

1572—Mar died and the Earl of Morton succeeded him. Morton made many powerful enemies during his Regency, and other nobles bitterly resented his power over King James.

1578—The Earl of Atholl and Argyll collected any army to march to Stirling and "free" the King. The King ordered them to disband, however, and a subsequent reconciliation feast at Stirling was meant to show that the grievance was ended.

1579—Esme Stewart became a courtier in King James' company at Stirling, and steadily gained power and influence over the young monarch. King James made him not only a confidante, but also Earl of Lennox.

1582—Morton having been betrayed by Lennox and another of King James's favorites, James Stewart was condemned to death for his part in Darnley's murder.

1585—An alliance of rebellious lords attacked the castle, bringing an end to James Stewart's influence over King James. The King, the Earl of Montrose, and the Earl of Crawford shut themselves in Stirling Castle and remained there until receipt of a guarantee that no harm would come to them if they surrendered. Upon their subsequent surrender, King James restored the castle to the Earl of Mar.

The 1900's

Stirling Castle underwent extensive renovation during the 1990's. The Royal Chapel, the site where Mary Queen of Scot's son was crowned King James VI, was renovated to its medieval splendor. In addition, the Great Hall was restored. The entire building was restored to its original state, including the outside walls being painted with a limestone wash. Stirling Caste is a not-to-be-missed stop for anyone traveling to Scotland.

Written by:
Sara Thurmond, FSA Scot.
Jill Ray

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