| Scotland | |
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The HIGH life Scotland is famous for its dynamic cities, stunning countryside and thriving cultural scene. Justine Vaisutis provides a guide to one of the most vibrant regions in the UK |
| Stirling | |
Medieval aesthetics create an
other-worldly atmosphere in the
historic city of StirlingIt was in Stirling that William Wallace, immortalised in the film Braveheart, defeated the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. Centuries later, Stirling is still the subject of invasion, but the students who flock here add a great deal to the cosmopolitan culture that bubbles within the city limits. Days out No stay in Stirling would be complete without entering the hallowed halls of Stirling Castle where gardens, cannon ports and secret nooks surround the foreboding buildings. Sitting below, the Old Town is like a living piece of history peppered with centuries-old buildings and Scotland’s oldest surviving town wall. The old mingles with the new at the Old Victorian Shopping Arcade, where shops inhabit a grand structure built in 1881. Eating out Cheap eats are scattered throughout central Stirling. All-day breakfasts dished up at the Barnton Bar & Bistro are always popular, but for a diversion from the full Scottish starter,munch into inventive fare at Cambio. Hot, homemade treats are pure comfort and come in a variety of tastes at stylish Cisco’s or the Coffee Pot. If you need to raise the temperature dig into the all-you-can-eat buffet at the East India Company. Nights out Stirling shows its real cosmopolitan colours after dark, when pubs and bars are filled with the chatter of students. They mix with the locals under the low ceilings inside The Crooked Arm or soak up the history in the Settle Inn, built over 300 years ago. But it’s not all ales and pool, a stylish clientele sips cocktails at Pivos before clubbing into the small hours at The Yard or Enigma. Cultural life Stirling has embarked on a rejuvenation of its arts and cultural scene in recent years, and small museums and galleries are beginning to emerge. Founded in 1874, the Smith Art Gallery and Museum holds works by some of Scotland’s most renowned artists as well as local archaeological artefacts. Arts and crafts with a contemporary spin in the form of jewellery, canvasses and pottery occupy the Fotheringham Gallery. Inside Stirling University is the recently revamped MacRoberts Arts Centre, where contemporary films are screened inside the filmhouse. |
