The Old Town - 'top of the town' in stirling

Stirlings' Old Town

The Castle
The Old Grammar School
Argyll's Lodging
Mar's Wark
Holy Rude Church
John Cowane's Hospital
John Cowane's House
Auchenbowie's House
Broad Street
The Tolbooth
Norie's House
Darnley's House
Robert Spittal's House
The Town Wall
The Smith Art Gallery

Stirling Castle and town are medieval in origin. Alexander I dedicated a chapel here in the early 1100s. King David I gave the town royal burgh status in 1124. A merchant Guild was founded to administer the market and trading privileges granted by the king.

The heart of the ancient town still survives today and gives Stirling its distinctive and historic appearance. 'The Top of the Town', as it is known locally, used to be the hub of trade, public and social life. It now contains and attractive mixture of old and new housing, historic buildings and leisure facilities.

The old town trail starts at the Castle Esplanade car park, comes down into the old town streets, and through the old town defences to the Smith Art Gallery and Museum. At a leisurely pace the walk lasts approximately an hour and a half.