Stirling Castle, Castle Esplanade, Stirling FK8 1EJ
From its lofty position, Stirling Castle has witnessed 500 years of Scottish history. Over that time, power struggles have been fought in its halls and chambers and battles of a bloodier kind have been waged right up to the rock on which the castle stands.
Given its place at the heart of Scotland’s story, it is hard to believe that this volcanic outcrop is also home to a garden, but it is and on a sunny terrace, just below the walls, lies the Queen Anne Garden, a place of peace and tranquillity amongst the turbulent tides of history.
For a time, the grassy lawn was used as a bowling green and it may even have been played upon by King James VI, who grew up at the castle following the death of his mother, Mary Queen of Scots.
Close to this is a herb garden which is filled with plants that would once have been used to treat the ailments of the castle’s residents. There is a rose garden too, where, at this time of the year, the last of the red and yellow blooms, chosen to represent the Stuart dynasty’s heraldic colours, are still clinging on, while in the heather garden some of the winter-flowerers are beginning to glow.
From the garden there are spectacular views west, across the Carse of Stirling to the peak of Ben Lomond in the distance, while, to the east, the sweeping curves of the Forth flow eventually towards the Forth’s iconic bridges.
Further up the rock is the Douglas Garden, a small, green space with old trees and a stone sundial, surrounded by low, clipped box balls; meanwhile, directly beneath the castle lies the imprint of another historic space.
The King’s Knot garden was laid out in formal style at the start of the 16th century for James V and his wife, Mary of Guise who was French. At one time the mounds and banks would have been adorned by trees and plants but these have long disappeared and the grassy outlines are now all that remains of this once intricate garden.
For many years swirling rumours have connected the Knot Garden with the legend of King Arthur and in some quarters the belief persists that the round table lies buried beneath the raised earthworks.
Follow the Forth east from Stirling Castle and it passes close to the village of Airth and to one of the most unusual gardens in Scotland. The Pineapple is a walled garden, once used for growing fruit and vegetables, and remarkable for the giant stone pineapple that forms part of the range of garden buildings.
It was built in the 18th century for John Murray, the 4th Earl of Dunmore, on his return from serving as the last colonial governor of Virginia and for many years the garden provided produce to his household and estate.
Today the garden is open to the public and the cottages, topped by the pineapple, are holiday lets. Climbers grow around the walls and an orchard provides blossom in spring and fruit in autumn.
A former curling pond is surrounded by flag irises and other wetland plants, while the woods outside the walls are home to owls and woodpeckers.
Stirling castle is open daily, 9.30am - 5pm.
Entry to the Queen Anne Garden and the King’s Knot is free.
Tel: 01786 450000
In association with Discover Scottish Gardens www.discoverscottishgardens.org.uk
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