One of the country’s most historically important sites, Stirling Castle (tickets from £10) was the favoured residence of Stewart kings and queens, who came in times of peace to hold court and enjoy hunting and grand celebrations. Where to stay: The Scotsman Hotel (01) has doubles from £305 per night Stirling Castle It was here that Mary Queen of Scots gave birth in 1566 to her son and future king, James VI, who became King James I of England, and visitors can see both her bedchamber and the birth room, called simply Queen Mary’s room.Ī spectacular highlight is the three-week-long annual military tattoo in August, when marching bands from all over the world fill night skies with the stirring skirl of pipes and drums and an array of traditional instruments (.uk).īeyond the castle walls, meander through the atmospheric old town, which has preserved much of its medieval street plan, and stroll along the Royal Mile that runs down from the castle to Holyrood Palace. Don’t miss the Stone of Destiny, an ancient symbol of Scotland’s monarchy used for centuries for the inauguration of kings. Besieged 23 times – making it the most besieged place in Europe – it fell only twice: to Covenanters and to Cromwell’s army.ĭating from the 15th century, its treasures include the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, consisting of the crown, sceptre and sword of state. Perched on a craggy extinct volcano high above Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh Castle (tickets from £15.50) dominates the skyline like a Disney fantasy.Ī mighty symbol of Scottish freedom, it has been virtually impregnable in centuries of warfare. Let’s start with the undisputed laird and master of all. So pack your bags, choose your route, and start exploring – just beware of ghostly pipers. For a taste of the most dramatic options on offer, we suggest including as many of the following 10 as possible – a rundown that includes clan strongholds and baronial redoubts from Edinburgh to Braemar, each one suffused with dramas all its own.
0 kommentar(er)
