At Stirling Castle we can now offer a tailored range of special tours for groups which will allow you to discover more of the history surrounding this magnificent monument linked with William Wallace and Robert the Bruce and the Stewart monarchs.

At Stiring Castle our knowledgeable guides will bring to life the stories of the Castle while you explore the Great Hall built by James IV, the Chapel Royal and the medieval kitchens.

In addition to the Castle you can include a visit to Argyll’s Lodging, a 17th century town house situated in the shadow of the Castle. Argyll’s Lodging was owned by a succession of colourful characters and is now furnished as it would have been when the 9th Earl of Argyll was in residence.

Argyll’s Lodging has a private meeting room which can be hired if required.

Historic Scotland has just embarked on an ambitious project to return the Royal Lodgings in James V Palace at Stirling Castle to their Renaissance magnificence. Due to be complete by Easter 2011, visitors will not only be able to see how the king’s and queen’s halls and chambers may have looked in the mid-16th century, they will be welcomed and shown round by costumed interpreters richly dressed in authentic costumes of the era.

In addition a Renaissance Gallery on the first floor of the Palace will house the Stirling Heads. These intriguing hand-carved oak medallions once adorned the ceilings of the palace, depicting kings, queens, courtiers, imps and other mythological creatures. The gallery will also tell the stories of the sculptures found on the exterior of the Palace which depict everything from mythical beasts to a portrait of the king himself.

A series of 7 tapestries are being hand woven to eventually hang in the Palace. Four of these tapestries are currently on display in the Chapel Royal and visitors have a chance to watch the progress of the weavers work on the fifth at the Castle.

While this work is ongoing we can offer groups the chance to find out more about the background to the Project and all the various elements involved.

(Approximately 45 minutes)

Enjoy a guided tour of the highlights of Stirling Castle and discover more about the Castle’s role throughout Scottish history.

(Approximately 1 hour)

This will give you an opportunity to learn more about how the house developed over time and the lifestyles of the characters who lived there.

(Approximately 1 hour)

This presentation will give more background on the £12m project to recreate the Royal Lodgings in King James V Palace including detail on the reproduction of the Stirling Heads.

(Approximately 1 hour)

One of our expert weavers will explain the process involved in creating a series of tapestries using traditional skills and you can see the 4 already completed in Chapel Royal.

As part of your visit we can offer a range of catering options from tea/coffee, sandwiches and afternoon tea in the Castle’s Unicorn Café to a full 3 course lunch or dinner in the High Dining Room in Argyll’s Lodging.

For enquiries and to book any of our tours please contact the booking office on +44 (0)1786 431306/431321 or email hs.stirlingcastle@scotland.gsi.gov.uk