Stirling bridge
STIRLING
Stirling is renowned as the Gateway to the Highlands and is generally regarded as occupying a strategic position at the point where the flatter largely undulating Scottish Lowlands meet the rugged slopes of the Highlands along the Highland Boundary Fault. The starkness of this contrast is evidenced by the many hills and mountains of the lower Highlands such as Ben Vorlich and Ben Ledi which can be seen to the northwest of the city. On the other hand, the Carse of Stirling, stretching to the west and east of the city, is one of the flattest and most agriculturally productive expanses of land in the whole of Scotland.
Bairdstravel has visited Stirling many times [above are from 1998]
The land surrounding Stirling has been most affected by glacial erosion and deposition. The city itself has grown up around its castle which stands atop an ancient Quartz-dolerite Sill, a major defensive position, which was, in turn at the lowest crossing point on the River Forth. Stirling stands on the Forth at the point where the river widens and becomes tidal.
To the east of the city the Ochil Hills dominate the skyline with the highest peaks in the range being Dumyat and Ben Cleuch. The Ochils meet the flat floodplain or Carse of the River Forth to the east of the distinctive geographical feature - Abbey Craig, a crag and tail hill upon which stands the 220ft (67m) high Wallace National Monument.
Stirling Castle
Ever since Mel Gibson strode across the screen as William Wallace in Braveheart, Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument have been attracting an increasing number of tourists from all over the world. But aside from epic battle scenes and stunning views, the city is also a vibrant centre for culture and activity, and is home to one of Scotland's newest bridges.
Getting around
The best way to see the city is on foot, as many of the hidden gems are too easy to miss in a car. The old town, near the castle, is especially hilly but there are regular buses for those who find the trek hard-going.
Tourist trail
The two main obvious attractions are Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument. The first would be worth a visit for the breathtaking views alone – but it delivers much more, with rich history, a magnificent statue of Robert the Bruce and plenty else besides to please the whole family. The Wallace Monument, just outside Stirling, is one of the best vantage points from which to view the city. The old town is fascinating to wander around, with amazing architecture and historical sites such as the Old Jail to visit.
If castles and monuments aren't your thing, the city offers much in the way of culture. The Tolbooth is the main venue for live music and the arts, with a wide variety of performances, gigs and classes taking place on a regular basis, while the Albert Hall caters for indoor concerts, conferences, opera, craft fairs, antiques fairs, ballet and drama.
To entertain children, head to Blair Drummond Safari Park or Bannockburn's interactive visitor centre. See www.stirling.co.uk for further information on all of the local attractions.
Bairdstravel celebrated his 40th birthday in Stirling Staying at the Holiday inn
DougieBaird gave the Express By Holiday Inn Stirling an overall rating of 
Stayed their for a special birthday needed a cheap and cheerful place to sleep 2 adults and 2 kids for a couple of nights. We got a good Ideal which included a continental breakfast.
Hotel is a bit out of Stirling.
Photo below are from September 2010
The Church of the Holy Rude is the second oldest building in Stirling, Scotland, after the Castle. The church was founded in 1129 during the reign of David I (1124 - 1153) as the parish church of Stirling.
Nothing of the original structure now remains due to a fire. Construction on the new nave was underway by 1414, and based on the heraldry the vault of the nave was completed between 1440 and 1480. Work on the chancel did not commence until 1507 and completed around 1530 which was when the west tower was also extended to its current height.
King James VI was crowned King of Scots on 29 July 1567; John Knox performed the ceremony. This makes the Church of the Holy Rude and Westminster Abbey the only churches in Britain still in use to this day that have been the sites of coronations.
Wallace monument from the Stirling bridge
The National Wallace Monument (generally known as the Wallace Monument) is a tower standing on the summit of Abbey Craig, a hilltop near Stirling in Scotland. It commemorates Sir William Wallace, the 13th century Scottish hero.
The tower was constructed following a fundraising campaign which accompanied a resurgence of Scottish national identity in the 19th century. In addition to public subscription, it was partially funded by contributions from a number of foreign donors, including Italian national leader Giuseppe Garibaldi. Completed in 1869 to the designs of architect John Thomas Rochead at a cost of £18,000, the monument is a 67-metre (220 ft) sandstone tower, built in the Victorian Gothic style. It stands on the Abbey Craig, a volcanic crag above Cambuskenneth Abbey, from which Wallace was said to have watched the gathering of the army of English king Edward I, just before the Battle of Stirling Bridge.
View from the castle
The monument is open to the general public. Visitors climb the 246 step spiral staircase to the viewing gallery inside the monument's crown, which provides expansive views of the Ochil Hills and the Forth Valley.
A number of artefacts believed to belong to Wallace are on display inside the monument, including the Wallace Sword, and a 1.68-metre (5 ft, 6 in) long claymore.