Historic Scotland: Official Souvenir Guide
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The volcanic crag that dominates Stirling was probably fortified from ancient times, but the importance of Stirling Castle as a royal residence peaked in the 16th century. Around 1500, James IV added new buildings including the vast Great Hall. The elegant Chapel Royal was built by James VI in 1594. But the heart of Stirling Castle is the spectacular Palace, commissioned by James V in the 1530s. Its exuberant design drew on the fashions of the European Renaissance to express James's power and sophistication. Following a major programme of research, Historic Scotland has re-presented the Palace interiors as they might have looked when James V's grand scheme was completed.
This book also includes a guide to Argyll's Lodging and Mar's Wark, grand residences occupied by major nobles near castle.
Dominating the city from its volcanic rock, Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe. This natural stronghold has been occupied for thousands of years, shifting its shape as it was adapted for new uses and against new threats.
The castle has long been a royal residence and a focus for national pride – a place of strength where kings and queens could enjoy relative safety in turbulent times, and national treasures could be securely stored.
It has been at the heart of Scotland’s major events, fought over, held and recaptured time after time. In fact, it is the most besieged place in Great Britain, and remained in military use well into the past century.
Over the years Edinburgh Castle has attracted countless visitors with an interest in Scotland’s dramatic history. This book invites visitors to explore the castle and learn about its extraordinary history and discover some of its fascinating secrets.
From its vantage point overlooking Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle dominated the region for centuries. The probable site of a Pictish hill-fort, it may have been the scene for St Columba's reported encounter with a Pictish chief in the 6th century.
Around 1230, the Durward family was granted the lordship of Urquhart, and soon built the first castle. Over the next three centuries it was repeatedly remodelled, soon becoming a royal residence. But its strategic position meant it was frequently under attack. Both Edward I of England and Robert the Bruce ravaged it during the Wars of Independence; the MacDonald Islesmen were frequent raiders in the 1400s and 1500s; and the Jacobites laid siege during the Rising of 1689-90.
It stands today as a gaunt but handsome ruin in the heart of the Highlands.