Behold the enemy! (Stirling Castle)

Member Name: machar

Product:	Stirling Castle
Date:	13/12/00 (37 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: lots to see and do

Disadvantages: bit windy and cold in winter - wrap up warm!

Stirling Castle is situated on a volcanic outcrop providing the most amazing viewpoint (very good for watching your enemies approach!). It overlooks the entire Forth valley - an excellent position to see your enemies approaching!

The castle was mainly built in the 15th and 16th centuries when it was a permanent Royal residence for the Kings and Queens of Scotland. It consists of the Palace, the Great Hall, the Chapel Royal and the Regimental museum. There has recently been a flurry of restoration work including the rebuilding of the Great Hall has been rebuilt. This has caused some consternation, as it's a bit bright to say the least!! However, the architects say they have remained faithful to the original building techniques. The result is a very bright cream hall that is visible on the castle ramparts for miles! We are assured however, that this will eventually fade and blend in with the rest of the castle - just not in our life time.

The restoration work was carried out over the past few years and involved carpenters, stone masons, embroiderers and textile specialists. The result is amazing! The Great hall has been restored to its previous grandeur which was a difficult task on an ancient building which was used as army barracks and store rooms. If you haven't been to visit Stirling Castle for a couple of years it would be well worth going back to see the changes.

We spent almost the entire day there as there is so much to see and do. The Castle tea-room is a welcome respite as the wind can be rather cold as the castle is exposed. The tearoom is situated in original castle buildings and blends in with its surroundings. It serves everything from full meals to tea and coffee. It was reasonably priced and is quite large so you should be able to get a seat (except possibly in high tourist season!).

From the castle ramparts you get a wonderful view over the entire Forth valley and even beyond on a clear day.
It is a lovely accessible place with lots of nooks and crannies to explore and lots of exhibitions. Well worth a visit!

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