Retirement Properties Spotlight in Stirling

Stirling is at the lowest crossing point of the River Forth on the border between the Lowlands and the Highlands Stirling is the gateway to the Highlands and the scene of many famous battles including Bannockburn. It is an ancient town and was a Royal Scottish stronghold until 1603 when James V1 became King of England on Queen Elizabeth's death.

The town is dominated by its castle standing on a naturally defensive rock controlling the routes across the plains below. Its name probably comes from 'Place of battles, struggle or strife'. The existing castle was built in the 15th century becoming one of the most sumptuous in Scotland during James V's reign. Nearby is the church of Holy Rude where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned in 1543.

For many years Stirling was a prosperous centre being close to productive agriculural land and benefiting from its good communications. Today there are a good range of shops and department stores and many places of interest including Stirling Castle, Cambuskenneth Abbey, the National Wallace Museum and the Wallace Monument at Abbey Craig to the north of the city. To the south the Antonine Wall runs south of the Kilsyth Hills though little remains to be seen.