Stirling Tourist Information

bThe Battle of Bannockurn Heritage Centre

Preserving a huge expanse of green just south of Stirling here at Bannockburn is important for visualising what was essentially two days of bloody carnage, huge noise and stench of bodies here at the Battle of Bannockburn, the decisive battle between Scots and English on 23 and 24 June 1314.

Widely thought of as the greatest battle on Scottish soil, the Battle of Bannockburn (known to the English in the past as the Battle of the Pools) is a testament both to the skilled command strategy of Robert the Bruce and bravery of a Scots force less than half the size of their English opponents. Bruce would avoid pitched battles if he could, but Bannockburn was an important turning point and both Bruce and Edward II knew it. Despite the English victory at Falkirk in 1298, the Scots under Robert the Bruce had been regaining ground, pulling back most of the kingdom. Stirling remained the most important site, to initiate the Battle of Bannockburn, Edward II used the relief of Stirling castle as bait to draw the Scots into the decisive battle. Bruce took the challenge.

The main of the battle took place on 24th June, where several crisis moments were avoided by Bruce's quick thinking to charge English archers and by sending in his strong reserve division under Angus Og at the right moment. Edward II finally retreated to Stirling Castle and the English army wavered, finally fleeing in all directions including towards the castle after the king. Surrender by the English came the following day. The Bannockburn exhibition at the heritage centre explores the aftermath of the battle and important events such as the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320 and later peace with England in 1328. It took some years before the English officially recognised the Scottish Independence won that day on the Battlefield. The memorial cairn erected in 1957 and the statue of Robert the Bruce on the Bannockburn site provides a centrepiece to the battle site. A major debate still continues as to actually where the Bannockburn fighting was located. The two main contenders are the Dryfield and the Carse. Aerial photographs of Bannockburn and Stirling assist the visitor in getting to grips with the wider battlefield.

The Battle of Bannockburn Heritage Centre offers a comprehensive series of exhibits, not just on the battle itself, but also the lead up to it and the context of the Scottish Wars of Independence including William Wallace's prior achievements at Stirling and his later defeat at Falkirk. Replica weapons and armour are on display. A highlight is the panorama painting of the Battle by Jim Proudfood which is also on the cover of the guidebook (well worth purchasing for a full history on Bannockburn). Striking is the reconstruction of Bruce's face by Richard Neave, done from what are firmly believed to be the bones of Robert the Bruce uncovered at Dunfermline Abbey. The Battle of Bannockburn Battlefield & Heritage Centre, Glasgow Road, Stirling, Central Scotland, FK7 0LJ. Tel. 0844 4932139. Heritage Centre open March, April to October daily. The Grounds are open all year round daily. (see the Bannockburn Heritage Centre weblink right for more details).

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Stirling Castle & Argyll's Lodging, Stirling

Alongside Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle couldn't have been more strategically placed. High up above Stirling, the panoramic views from Stirling Castle stretch for miles incorporating near sites like the Wallace Monument, Stirling town and the peaks beyond.

On a clear day famous battle sites such as Bannockburn and Stirling Bridge the location of William Wallace's famous victory over the English in 1297.

An important castle within Scottish history, Stirling contains many a story of political scandal, killings, imprisonment and the mark of many a king. Architectural tweeks include those added by James IV, V and VI such as the Great Hall, Chapel Royal and the Gatehouse. Also within the castle are medieval kitchens and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum. Head to the Queen Anne case mates for an exhibition on the Stewart monarchy. The palace lodgings archaeological site at Stirling Castle is also open to visitors. Just before you reach the heights of Stirling Castle you'll arrive at Argyll's Lodging, a 17th century town house, obviously the home of a nobleman serving the royal court. For more details on both Stirling Castle and Argyll's Lodging see the Historic Scotland weblink right.

A cafe is on-site at Stirling Castle and some parking is available. Stirling Castle, Stirling. Tel. 01786 45 00 00. Argyll's Lodging, Stirling. Tel. 01786 431319.

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The Wallace Monument Stirling

The distinctive Wallace Monument (best viewed from Stirling Castle) in Stirling dates from the early 1800s. There was some argument initially about where to put it, with considerable disagreement between Glasgow and Edinburgh representatives. However all eventually opted for Stirling as the site for the National Wallace Monument. Fitting as it was here at Stirling Bridge that Wallace defeated the English in 1297!

Gothic in style and seated high on Abbey Craig, the monument is visible from miles around and overlooks the Stirling Bridge battle site.

For a detailed history on the Battle of Stirling Bridge, and more history surrounding Stirling visit the Stirling Council website linked to the right.

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