Stirling Castle and Wallace Monument, originally uploaded by bobsee.
What does it mean to live in a place with a castle? I was born in Stirling, Scotland, and now, after a few years living in Edinburgh, I live in Stirling again.
The town of Stirling grew up around the castle and in my opinion it’s the loveliest castle in Scotland. I do like many other castles but for different reasons. There’s something of real beauty about this castle and the fact it’s not a ruin somehow gives it continuing power over the town and countryside around it. It has lovely gardens inside the castle walls and that’s one of its most unique features.
For me, this castle, which I see every day (unless I’m away on a trip), gives a sense of history, of roots, of durability, of strength and of constancy.
I BELONG here. I feel a sense of home that somehow stretches way back to long before I was born here.
For some people a castle is scary. They think of ghosts, or of soldiers, and, sure, there have been many soldiers in Stirling Castle over the centuries and there may well be ghosts (but I don’t know anyone whose ever seen one there!) Stirling Castle isn’t scary for me. I draw strength from it, power from it, a sense of reassuring calm from it.
If you look carefully you can see Wallace Monument behind the castle. It’s a powerful symbol of this area too but it doesn’t have the same impact as the castle for me.
I realise as I write this that our experience of our lived environments is complex, affected by both personal and collective histories. For every one of us a physical structure (like Stirling Castle for me) not only influences how we feel but we interact with it, imbuing it with our own views, our own perceptions, our own stories.
What physical structures influence you?
Heroes Not Zombies 
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[…] are many of Stirling’s famous landmarks – the Wallace Monument in the feather on her head, Stirling Castle on her hat, along with the Wolf and Robert the Bruce, then around her neck the Old Stirling Bridge. […]
Wow 9 years ago i moved to clitheroe.. here i felt at peace it has a beautiful ruined castle very famous will have to download you some pictures.. from the moment i first ever saw it as a child on a day trip i knew i would live beneath it’s shadow!!!!!
you know, fallen angel, I’ve never lived anywhere that DIDN’T have a castle! I am pretty convinced that living in a town which has a castle on the hill in its midst influences my sense of self, contributes to my understanding of who I am and is a constant reminder of a deep belonging.
[…] 2008 by bobleckridge One of the most frequently viewed posts on this blog is my photograph of Stirling Castle and Wallace Monument. As you might imagine, both of these structures sitting atop hills looking over the town of […]
I visited Stirling on a whirlwind tour of the UK my twin and I powered through in 1989 and I will always remember how beautiful the castle was – a short walk from the youth hostel, if I recall correctly.
Of all the places I went in Europe (I’m Canadian and my mother is Dutch), Scotland and its castles were my favorite, from Edinburgh Castle, to Eilean Donan, to the Ayr hostel itself, to the ruins of Urquhart… We Canadians and Americans (I’m dual) and our relatively young countries mean we don’t have the kinds of lodestones of history and culture you do. Frankly, I’m envious.
When I lived in Seattle, Mount Ranier was always a delight to see (rarely) as it surged though clouds, and my hometown of Montreal has what we called “the mountain,” for which the city is named. I had not thought of it before, but both of those provided a sense of connection to the surroundings and helped me feel like I belonged. Where I live now, in the heart of New England, my garden, my flowers and the trees that surround me provide me grounding.
I do wish there were a castle around, though!
Ah yes, Organic Mama, you’re memory serves you well. The Youth Hostel isn’t far from the castle. You know I’ve always lived in places with castles…..specifically Stirling and Edinburgh, but even my four short years in Galston, Ayrshire had castles around – the wee Barr Castle in the middle of the town, and the big Loudon Castle just outside. My wife and I have been experimenting with also renting a property in France throughout the year and have had three great years in Carcassonne – with its STUNNING castle! From this year we’re moving our French base to Aix en Provence and going to actually live IN a castle! (well, a chateau actually….I know, not quite the same thing, but interesting it’s worked out that way!)
I so agree with your reflections on the importance of place on our psyche. If I’ve ever been away from Stirling, it’s actually the Ochil Hills which anchor me first as I approach “home”, then it’s the castle and Wallace’s Monument.
Stirling Castle is one place I never tire of visiting. This photograph is amazing .. it not only shows the beauty of the castle but also our wonderful Ochils … now these hills I truly love.
I visited Stirling Castle (and the Wallace Monument) on my trip to Scotland in 2003. I felt so at home in Scotland…funny, that.
Hi Ochil Art and Janet – what are your connections to Stirling and Scotland? I’m guessing you live within views of the Ochils, Ochil Art? Where are you, Janet, and what are your connections to Scotland?
Hello there .. I moved to the Edinburgh area in 1981. Fell in love with the Ochils on sight, and spend as much time as I can over there, mainly the Dollar, Castle Campbell area… Glen Devon.
I am a member of Historic Scotland so enjoy wandering around the castle and grounds. Stirling itself is such a beautiful city… it is impossible to not feel happy when you are there.
Discovered Cambuskenneth this summer… a lovely wee place.