Sunday, 27th August 2006

From high on a volcanic outcrop, the castle guarded the lowest crossing point of the River Forth for centuries. Today it remains a great symbol of Scottish independence and national pride.

Stirling Castle is a complex monument of diverse buildings and spaces added over the centuries.
The three main enclosures within the castle are the:

• outer defences, on the main line of approach
• main enclosure, at the summit of the rock, bounded in the south by the Forework and encircled by a defensive wall
• Nether Bailey, to the north

At the castle’s heart is the Inner Close, a square formed of the principal buildings for royal occupation.
These buildings are the:

• King’s Old Building – built for James IV in 1496
• Great Hall – added by James IV around 1503
• Royal Palace – built for James V around 1540
• Chapel Royal – commissioned by James VI in 1594

Around the Outer Close are the Great Kitchens (early 1500s) and later army buildings.