Stirling is a beautiful city, you’ll love it! There’s plenty to see for a short stay and for those of us lucky enough to live here . Here are three sights that you can be easily seen on the way from the city centre to the University.
1. Cambuskenneth Abbey
Cambuskenneth Abbey is near
riverside, a short walk from the train station. Take two right turns
immediately from the station and you should soon reach a small footbridge over
the river Forth. The award-winning village of Cambuskenneth is on the other
side. The Abbey is an important site in Scottish history: the first Scottish
parliament after the Battle of Bannockburn was held there, and the Abbey also features
the tomb of James III. Although the Abbey is largely in ruins now, the bell
tower is still standing and is open during the summer months.
2. The auld brig
You’ll pass the auld brig on the bus
into University, but its many interesting angles deserve closer inspection. The
bridge’s four arches are built upon three man-made islands, in a beautifully
symmetric structure. In medieval times the auld brig was the only crossing into
the highlands; its strategic importance is clear from its exaggerated size
right at the centre of the above map of Scotland. The auld brig stands next to
the site of the even aulder brig from William Wallace’s defeat of the English
during the Battle of Stirling Bridge, the remains of which can supposedly be
seen during low tide.
3. Old logie kirkyard
The old logie kirkyard is just a short stroll from the
main University campus. From the management centre, cross over the loch and
head towards the golf course. The kirkyard is further ahead at the foot of a path
that takes you up local hill Dumyat. The old kirkyard is no longer in use, as a
larger church was built down the road 200 years ago. Lots of fascinating
tombstones remain in good condition at the old kirkyard. One common inscription
is a skull and crossbones, sometimes paired with an inverted heart-shape and
the words “memonto mori” – remember you must die.
While most tourists head straight for the castle, Stirling has lots of beautiful things to see, and these are three of my favourites that can be easily packaged with a day-trip to the University.
2 comments:
Good stuff Philip. Am compiling an informal page below to send to visitors/students etc., http://economicspsychologypolicy.blogspot.ie/2015/02/some-info-about-stirling.html Will add to list.
I didn't know about Logie Kirkyard. I will have to check it out.
I went to Argyll's Lodgings the other day. Worth a quick look.
So many unknown tourist lures in this town and the surrounding area. It's a shame that Stirling doesn't use the collective bargaining power of several sights to see in one day more effectively. They'd get a lot more day trippers taking a day out from Edinburgh if they knew there were so many.
Again i think this is just a part the impact of the late 20th Century on the area. Even Doune Castle (see Outlander) was left. My Mum had student friends living in it in 1968.
Also why is there no visitors information on the site of the battle of Stirling Bridge?
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