RAMBLINGS AND RUMBLINGS: STIRLING CASTLE

The entrance gate to Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle is the largest and most important castle in Scotland. It is built on Castle Hill, a massive rock with three steep sides, forming a perfect defensive site. Although the first records of the castle date from 1110 most of the current buildings date from between 1490 and 1600. During this time Stirling was used as the royal centre by the Stewart kings, James IV, James V and James VI.

James VI grew up at Stirling and his first son, Henry was born there in 1594. However when the crowns of England and Scotland were unified in 1603 James VI was crowned king of England and moved his royal household to London. Stirling was mainly used as a military centre. The War Office then took control of Stirling Castle from 1800 to 1964 and it was used as a barracks. The Great Hall was converted for accommodation and the Royal Palace was used as the Officers Mess. The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders still have their headquarters there but troops are no longer stationed there.

Efforts have been made to restore many of the buildings and it is open to the public. I arrived in Stirling in the pouring rain. I decided to go and visit the castle anyway, hoping for a break in the weather. The castle was impressive. I enjoyed looking at the fortifications and the view from the top made it easy to imagine how formidable it would appear to am enemy wanting to attack it.

Inside the first place to visit was the Great Hall. Although it had once been converted to army quarters it had been restored to its former glory. This is the biggest hall in Scotland. It had high timber ceilings, with the rafters and framework being built without nails but each joint cut so that it fits together. The huge windows were decorated with the greats of the main clans supporting the crown.

The Royal Chapel was built for the christening of Prince Henry, who was born in 1594. It was completed in under a year by the Master builder William Schaw. It is also painted inside by Valentine Jenkins. These paintings were covered when it was used as military barracks but again uncovered and restored in the 1930s.

Part of the royal palace has been set up as it was when occupied by the royals. The older royal buildings are a museum for the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. The castle kitchens have also been set up as they would have looked preparing meals for the royal court.