Scotland's birthplace, experiencing its own rebirth
Stirling suffers quite a few comparisons to Edinburgh, because of its quaint cobblestone streets and majestic castle overlooking the town. But Stirling has tricks up its sleeve to cast off big brother Edinburgh's shadow. Part of Stirling's magic and uniqueness lies in its history. This is where "Braveheart" comes to life, where William Wallace defeated the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, and where Robert the Bruce prevailed at the Battle of Bannockburn, giving Scots their first taste of independence. It is said that "he who holds Stirling, holds Scotland;" indeed, this is the true heart of Scotland, and its strategic location near both the Highlands and Lowlands makes it likely that you'll pass through here eventually. But Stirling is also having its own rebirth - it was given city status by Queen Elizabeth II in 2002, and as a major university town, its cosmopolitan bars, galleries, and performance spaces are increasingly becoming the focus.
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