STIRLING CASTLE

WHERE IS IT?•Stirling Castle, located in Stirling, is one of the largest and most important castles, both historically and architecturally, in Scotland.

EARLY HISTORY

Castle Hill, on which Stirling Castle is built, forms part of the Stirling

Sill, a formation of quartz-dolerite around 350 million years old,

WARS OF INDEPENDENCE•Stirling remained a centre of royal administration until the death of Alexander III in 1286. His passing triggered a succession crisis, with Edward I of England invited to arbitrate between competing claimants. Edward came north in 1291, demanding that Stirling, along with the other royal castles, be put under his control during the arbitration. Edward gave judgement in favour of John Balliol, hoping he would be a "puppet" ruler, but John refused to obey Edward's demands. In 1296, Edward invaded Scotland, beginning the Wars of Scottish Independence, which would last for the next 60 years.

FLAG

GHOSTS•The green lady of Stirling Castle is said to be the ghost of one of Mary, Queen of Scots servants. Mary herself has been said to be the identity of the ghost of a pink lady.