‘If you are wondering where the most Scottish place on earth might be, this is the answer’

Stirling, Scotland

“Stirling, like a huge brooch, clasps Highlands and Lowlands together,” wrote author Alexander McCall Smith. At 900 years old, Stirling was once the country’s capital and April 2024 will usher in a year-long celebration of its foundation as a royal burgh by King David I in 1124. If you are wondering where the most Scottish place on earth might be, Stirling is the answer.

The city was the backdrop to the coronations of James V, Mary Queen of Scots and James VI, which helped define the nation and shape histories. Bannockburn, the home of the tartan industry, is all about Robert the Bruce.

If you prefer to gaze at the hillsides, head to the majestic National Wallace Monument on Abbey Craig, or the medieval Stirling Castle, waiting for you in the sun-faded Highland light.

There are thrilling new ways to discover the city and its surroundings, too. The terrific Treehouses at Lanrick – five sustainable cabins west of the city – has added a sauna in a woodland populated by deer. Not far away, the new Treehouses at Leckie is an ode to wildness. From these, you can visit the new cookery school in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park run by ex-Ready Steady Cook alumnus Nick Nairn. It is all understated, of course, but what a place for wonderment.

How to do it

Rabbie’s (0131 226 3133; rabbies.com) offers tours to Stirling from £50pp; departs Edinburgh. The Treehouses at Lanrick (lanricktreehouses.co.uk) start at £260 per night. The Treehouses at Leckie cost from £290 per night (leckietreehouses.co.uk). A half day at the Nick Nairn Cookery School costs from £89pp (nairns.co.uk).

Mike MacEacheran is an Edinburghbased travel writer who visits Stirling regularly. On his last trip, he ended up dressed in chainmail and going into battle against the army of King Edward II (albeit virtually).