Stirlingshire County Tourist Information

The beautiful county of Stirlingshire is truly the heart of Scotland, both geographically and historically.

Set where the Highlands meet the Lowlands, this area has a rich and dramatic history. Known as Braveheart country, it saw the battles of Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn during the wars of Scottish independence where William Wallace and Robert the Bruce triumphed over the English. Later, Mary Queen of Scots was crowned at Stirling Castle. The popular hero Rob Roy MacGregor also lived his eventful life in the area, and is buried in Balquhidder.

The newly titled city of Stirling is an ancient settlement but one with a lively, bustling atmosphere. This University town has many beautiful historic buildings, most notably magnificent Stirling Castle set atop its craggy rock, and the nearby Wallace monument dominates the local skyline.

In the west of Stirlingshire towards Loch Lomand lie the Trossachs, with lovely scenery of lochs and high hills which has inspired writers and artists for generations, most notably Sir Walter Scott and William Wordsworth. The attractive villages of Callander and Aberfoyle are ideal for exploring this area. To the north heading towards the Highlands are other scenic places such as the Breadalbane hills and the lakeside villages of Lochearnhead and Killin. The importance of this outstanding landscape was recognised in 2002 with the creation of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.