Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The current castle dates from the late 14th to the 16th century, when it was a residence
of the Stuart monarchs. The undisputed highlight of a visit is the fabulous, recently re-
stored
Royal Palace
. The idea was that it should look brand new, just as when it was con-
structed by French masons under the orders of James V in the mid-16th century with the
aim of impressing his new (also French) bride and other crowned heads of Europe. The
suite of six rooms - three for the king, three for the queen - is a sumptuous riot of colour.
Particularly notable are the fine fireplaces, the re-created painted oak discs in the ceiling
of the king's audience chamber, and the fabulous series of
tapestries
that have been
painstakingly woven over many years. Based on originals in New York's Metropolitan
Museum of Art, they depict the hunting of a unicorn - an event ripe with Christian meta-
phor - and are utterly beautiful. Don't miss the palace exterior, studded with beautiful
sculptures, or the
Stirling Heads Gallery
above the royal chambers. This has the original
oak roundels - a real rogue's gallery of royals, courtiers and classical personalities. In the
vaults beneath the palace is a kid-friendly
exhibition
on various aspects of castle life.
The other buildings surrounding the main castle courtyard are the vast
Great Hall
,
built by James IV; the
Royal Chapel
, remodelled in the early 17th century by James VI
and with the colourful original mural painting intact; and the King's Old Building. This is
now home to the
Museum of the Argyll Sutherland Highlanders
(donations appreci-
ated), which traces the history of this famous regiment from 1794, including its famous
defensive action in the Battle of Balaclava in 1854. Make sure you read the moving letters
from the World Wars.
Until the last tapestry is completed, probably in late 2013, you can watch the weavers at
work in the
Tapestry Studio
at the far end of the castle. It's fascinating to see. Other dis-
plays include the
Great Kitchens
, bringing to life the bustle and scale of the enterprise of
cooking for the king and, near the entrance, the
Castle Exhibition
, which gives good
background information on the Stuart kings and updates on current archaeological invest-
igations. The magnificent vistas from the
ramparts
are stirring.
Admission includes an audioguide, and free guided tours leave regularly from near the
entrance. Tours (£2 extra, free for HS members) also run to
Argyll's Lodging
, at the top
of Castle Wynd. Complete with turrets, this spectacular lodge is Scotland's most impress-
ive 17th-century town house. It's the former home of William Alexander, Earl of Stirling
and noted literary figure. It has been tastefully restored and gives an insight into lavish,
17th-century aristocratic life. There are four or five tours daily (you can't enter by other
means).
OLD TOWN
| Historic District
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