Stirling Castle

We are Historic Scotland members and I am determined to make the most of our membership this year, so we visited the fascinating Stirling Castle today. Last time we were here was in summer 2011, on the opening weekend after the restorations. That day it was mobbed, with jesters doing cartwheels on the cobbles, costumed artists walking the corridors, Scottish deer hounds in the courtyards and musicians serenading the throngs of visitors. The costumed artists are still there, but today we could browse the palace rooms with ease as it was very quiet; this was probably due to the weather, which was dreich to say the least. In the lower corridor there are some brilliant interactive exhibits, great for the children. At the end of the corridor was this gate and sign, welcoming visitors to explore the ramparts, but the wind was blowing with such force that it was locked. Probably just as well, or we might have lost our youngest over the side!