Of all the ancient counties of Scotland, none has achieved so much for the Nation that Stirlingshire. The county town, the Royal Burgh of Stirling, was Scotland's capital prior to independence and as such was seen as being both politically and logistically important to whoever wished to rule over the land. Stirling Castle was a fortress to match Edinburgh Castle but Stirling's location on the main crossing of the River Forth made it much more important if communication was to be controlled. Because of this importance, Stirlingshire has seen many bloody battles, mainly with English forces but not exclusively. These battles have included the Battle of Stirling Bridge (1297), the first Battle of Falkirk (1298), the Battle of Bannockburn (1314), the Battle of Sauchieburn (1488), the Battle of Kilsyth (1645) and the Second Battle of Falkirk (1746). The first three were part of the War of Independence fought by Sir William Wallace and King Robert the Bruce against huge ... < more >