A chilly start and blue skies with our neighbourly cows breathing steam over the Skoda. Joan (owner of the cottage) is vegetarian and tells the cows, 'You're safe with me'.
A visit to Stirling Castle was the plan for today. It's a dramatic sight on the skyline, just down the road, from our cottage. It is built on a volcanic outcrop, with stunning views over the area to the Ochil Hills in the distance. Robert the Bruce keeps a watchful eye on the visitors.
The 'King's House', constructed for James IV in 1496, is still in use. We were disappointed that the Palace, built by James V to house himself and his French queen, Mary of Guise,was undergoing a major renovation. Their daughter Mary (Queen of Scots) was born there shortly before his death in 1542. Mary lived there after she returned from France in 1561. It is being restored to as close to original as they can.
Stirling Castle is very impressive from a distance, and looks North towards the William Wallace memorial.
Here are views inside the kitchens, re-created to the 1500s.
A walk along the walls gives spectacular views.
After the castle tour, we had a guided tour through the Argyle House, which has been restored as accurately as possible to the 1500s. The house was once owned by William Alexander, featured here in the fireplace. Ha, Doug, I have a big house, too!
Finally, the autumn colours on the Ochil Hills.
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