9 Iconic Buildings to Explore in Stirling

Argyll's Lodging is the most complete surviving example of a seventeenth century town house in Scotland. It can be found in the upper part of Stirling, just below Stirling Castle's Esplanade. The house sits behind a screen wall and comprises a collection of buildings built in two phases and in three ranges around an enclosed courtyard.

Doune Castle is one of the most complete Medieval castles that you will find in Scotland. It is a labyrinth of rooms connected by spiral staircases and narrow doorways. The castle courtyard and cellar, including display, is accessible via a steep, cobbled tunnel. Assisted access is possible for the determined, but is difficult. Visitors can touch a number of stone features, such as the well in the courtyard.

Edinample Castle is a late 16th century castle on the southern shores of Loch Earn near Lochearnhead. The castle takes the form of a Z-plan tower house, originally built by 'Black' Duncan Campbell. The castle was extended in both the 18th and early 20th centuries, but fell into a state of dereliction by the early 1970s. It has now been refurbished for use as a private family home.

Finlarig Castle is an early seventeenth century Tower House built by Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy. Built in 1629 by 'Black' Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy, the castle is an L-plan tower-house, formerly protected by an outer enclosure or barmekin, which is now in a dangerously ruinous condition. It was one of many strongholds built in Argyll and Perthshire by the Campbells of Breadalbane. The castle was visited by Rob Roy MacGregor in 1713.

One of Scotland’s most important medieval churches, dating from 1456. The church was founded in 1129 during the reign of David I, but the earliest part of the present church dates from the 15th century. As such it is the second oldest building in Stirling after Stirling Castle, parts of which date from the later 14th century. The chancel and tower were added in the 16th century.

Moirlanich Longhouse is an outstanding example of a 19th-century cruck frame cottage and byre, set in beautiful Glen Lochay countryside near Killin, and retaining many original features. It is owned by the National Trust for Scotland and is open to visitors, from May to September, Sundays and Wednesdays, 2.00 - 5.00 p.m.

Mugdock Castle is located in Mugdock Country Park, just west of the village of Mugdock. Built in the 14th century by the Graham family, more recent modifications and expansions created a residence with a sizeable footprint, including a chapel, large domestic ranges and walled gardens. The castle is within the registration county of Stirlingshire, although it is only 2 kilometres north of Milngavie, East Dunbartonshire, on the northern outskirts of Greater Glasgow.

Stirling Old Town Jail was built in 1847 when the old Tolbooth Jail became too overcrowded and was rated as the worst prison in Britain. Although living conditions undoubtedly improved with the new jail, the strict regime of solitude, labour, coarse food and discomfort would still have been a deterrent. The building was still in use as a military prison until 1935.

The Engine Shed is Scotland’s dedicated building conservation centre, based in Stirling, open to the public for fun, free family events and to conservation professionals. It serves as a central hub for the general public and building & conservation professionals. It enables us to encourage understanding of traditional building materials and skills among the public and professionals and raise standards in conservation for traditional buildings.