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Stirling

Unitary authority in central Scotland, created in 1996 from Stirling district, Central region.

Area

2,196 sq km/848 sq mi

Towns

Dunblane, Stirling (administrative headquarters), Aberfoyle

Physical

mountainous to the north, including the forested Trossachs, and the open moorland north and west of Breadalbane, within the flood plain of the River Forth to the south around Sterling. The area contains many famous Scottish lochs (Tay, Katrine, Lomond) and Scotland's only lake (Lake of Menteith). Peaks include Ben More (1,174 m/3,852 ft) and Ben Venue (727 m/2,385 ft)

Features

Bannockburn Heritage Centre; Stirling Castle (most visited paid attraction in Scotland outside Edinburgh)

Industries

tourism, light engineering

Agriculture

forestry and stock rearing in the uplands, while in the lowlands some of the richest agricultural lands in Scotland may be found, including the Carse of Gowrie

Population

(2001) 86,200

History

William Wallace won battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297; English defeated at Bannockburn by Robert the Bruce in 1314; battle at Sheriffmuir in 1715 between Jacobites and Hanoverians

Economy Large-scale afforestation has occurred in Breadalbane and the Trossachs, and the attraction of the natural scenery of loch, mountain, and river, has led to the development of a considerable tourist industry concentrated on Aberfoyle and Callander. The Stirling area benefits from the presence of the university and from tourism.

Architecture There are many fine examples of early religious establishments, including Dunblane Cathedral (13th century with a 12th-century tower), Cambuskenneth Abbey (12th century), and the Church of the Holy Rude in Stirling town (15th century). Stirling Castle, whose main buildings date from the 15th and 16th centuries, and Doune Castle, dating from the 14th century, are good examples of castle-building of that period.

Environment There are 68 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, four National Nature Reserves, one Special Protection Area, three National Scenic Areas, one regional park, and one country park.

Administrative history Prior to 1975, the area was part of the counties of Perthshire and Stirlingshire.

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