Stirlings' gems include Argyll's Lodgings - the most complete surviving example of a Scottish 17th century town house; the Old Town Jail, built in the 1800s in an era of prison reform to replace the notorious Tolbooth gaol - now a cutting edge arts centre; the Smith Art Gallery with many social history treasures.

Day trip delights include idyllic Inchmahome island with its Priory - retreat of Mary Queen of Scots, the Wallace Monument, Dollar's "Castle Gloom", Doune Castle, the Trossachs for hill-walking, and local distilleries for sampling a taste of Scotland.

Stirling Castle and Scotland's first National Park, great shopping, art centres and cinemas, walking, picnics, sailing, golfing, fishing, it's no wonder that Stirling attracts more than million tourists each year.