Sterling Castle played an integral role in defining Scotland's history, serving as the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots.

By Anita Draycott

Stirling Castle is a truly iconic landmark towering over Stirling and surrounding countryside and has played an integral role in defining Scotland's history, serving as the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots. Within its walls lies one of Britain's finest surviving renaissance palaces, which has recently undergone a lavish refurbishment to restore it to how it would have been in the mid-16th century during the Scottish Renaissance. It also boasts one of the grandest medieval banqueting halls in Europe and spectacular views from its ramparts.