This is Scotland's heritage capital, where Wars of Independence were fought and won; where, for three centuries, monarchs ruled in regal splendour and where merchants and craftsmen plied their trade below the Castle rock.

 Nowadays you can literally touch and feel the sense of history and nationhood which is Stirling's trademark, as you meander through the Old Town, enter the spectacular cliff-top castle or sample the town's unique "living history" events programme.