Stirling and Doune Castles

Historic Scotland membership is great value for money, but to make it even better why not visit 2 sites in one day?

First stop was Stirling Castle, a place I have been several times in the past.

Robert the Bruce statue outside Stirling Castle

Forework and circular towers

Colours of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in the regimental museum

One of the Stirling Heads which adorned the ceiling of the King's Inner Hall in the palace.

Stirling Castle commands a vantage point over the surrounding land

Eight miles to the north-west of Stirling lies Doune Castle, home of Robert of Albany, Regent of Scotland from 1388 till 1420.

The castle has taken on a new role in more recent times, recognisable to many as one of the location used in the making of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, along with other films and television dramas.

Doune Castle

Great Hall with central fire basket

The Lord's Hall, with timber panelling and minstrel's gallery above

Saltire flying from the top of the castle

View of the kitchen from inside the large fireplace

Courtyard and well

Edinburgh Castle

Mention Edinburgh and the first thing you think of is the Castle.

Standing high in the middle of the city, Edinburgh Castle has dominated the skyline for centuries. The castle played a major role in the wars of Independence and has been a military base since the 17th century.

Edinburgh Castle is Scotland's leading tourist destination and is part of Edinburgh World Heritage Site.

A view of the castle from Princes Street Gardens

Edinburgh Castle esplanade

Saint Margaret's Chapel is the oldest surviving part of the castle

Foog's Gate

Statue of soldier and his horse

Scottish National War Memorial

The One o'clock Gun has been sounding out since 1861

Statue of an officer on horseback

The Esplanade is turned into an arena for the Military Tattoo

Day Trip

I have a very enjoyable change of scenery today, visiting a place I have not been for several years.

I had forgotten what a busy and vibrant place it was, especially at this time of year.

Just off the bus and I could see a ferris wheel and feel the buzz going around

Market stalls were set up and entertainers kept their audiences entertained.

The castle is visited by thousands from around the world every day.

The view from the castle extends over the town to the sea beyond.

I have not mentioned where I am, but I'm sure most people will recognise it.

Spynie Palace, Elgin

Spynie Palace was the home of the Bishops of Moray for about 500 years.

The palace dates back to the 12th century and the building is now a ruin looked after by Historic Scotland.

David's Tower

Loch Spynie in the distance

Stirling Castle

A great excuse for a trip to Stirling, not that one is needed, but here are the first photos from my brand new Canon 500D, my first ever digital SLR.

While in town we paid a visit to the castle. The building has been completely transformed since my last visit, probable some time in the 1970's. Historic Scotland has presented many rooms as they would probably have looked during the reign of King James V in the 16th century.

Stirling Castle forework

Arches

Canons guarding the castle to the south and west

Inside the palace

Fine tapestries and rugs decorate the chambers

Queen Mary's inner chamber

The Great Hall

Dumbarton

Almost got shot and stampeded by an army of Covenanters today. Went along to see a re-enactment of the 1640 seige of Dumbarton Castle. Not quite a full army there, but definitely enough musketeers to create a frightening racket.

The visitors enjoyed the entertainment and I'm sure they also learned a few facts from Scottish history.

Musketeers marching to the battleground

On parade

Pikeman showing a typical stance

Clouds of smoke from the gunpowder surround the soldiers

A lone Mosketeer firing from the gun battery

A large flame leaping from the barrel of a musket

Musketeers firing straigh towards us

Bothwell Castle re-enactment display

Historic Scotland looks after over seventy buildings and sites throughout Scotland. including Bothwell Castle in Lanarkshire. The courtyard played host to a display by re-enactment group, Carrick 800. They brought along their tents, weapons and armour. Between battle scenes they displayed some of their traditional crafts.

Tents set up in the castle's courtyard

Armour on display along with some pikes

Pikemen gathering for battle

Children getting in on the action

Scottish army entering the battlefield

Swordsmen displaying their skill

Both armies face up to one another

A successful outcome - the English are defeated

A mock charge towards the spectators