104-649: Gillies Hill is located west of Stirling and the M9 , south of Cambusbarron , and north of the Bannock Burn in Central Scotland . Gillies Hill covers a 140 hectares (350 acres) crag and tail which rises from a height of 79 metres (259 ft) at the Bannock Burn Bridge near Sauchie Craig to an elevation of 162 m (531 ft) at a point which overlooks the former quarrying operation to
208-574: A Scots pine nicknamed "The Big Pine," which has a girth of over 5.5 meters which makes it the fifth largest pine of this species in Britain – and the largest south of Perthshire; and a coppiced rowan of immense lower girth. These two trees, plus 16 additional trees on Gillies Hill are currently listed as Veteran Trees with the Woodland Trust's Ancient Tree Hunt Project. Also worth visiting is a row of massive, hollow but living, Sycamores that line
312-545: A company making baby carriages was set up. These prams were exported to Canada, South America, India and South Africa. The Princes Street drill hall was completed in 1908 and the Municipal Buildings , which formed the headquarters of Stirling Burgh Council for much of the 20th century, were completed in 1918. After the blockades of the World Wars there was some increase in the use of the port including
416-587: A conference centre, hotel and Vue multiplex cinema, that will ultimately expand the city centre area, linking it to the River Forth, which has been cut off from the city centre area since the construction of the A9 bypass under the railway station in the 1960s. In the service sector, financial services as well as tourism are the biggest employers. The financial services and insurance company Scottish Amicable Life Assurance , now part of Prudential , established
520-533: A dispute. In the early 19th century an "exceedingly low" cost steamboat service used to run between Stirling and Newhaven or Granton . The coming of the railways in 1848 started the decline of the river traffic, not least because the Alloa Swing Bridge downstream restricted access for shipping. The railways did provide opportunity too with one Riverside company selling their reaping machines as far afield as Syria and Australia. Similarly, in 1861,
624-643: A host of organisms often overlooked. Mosses (also known as bryophytes ) of 48 species (including 5 varieties) in 19 families grow throughout the hill. The heavily carpeted star moss (also known as "common haircap moss") population near the Wellingtonia Grove is an especially fine example of this life form. Star moss is found in forests, peat bogs, and moorland throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Liverworts (also known as marchantyphytes ) of 22 species (including two varieties) in 15 families on
728-521: A large and base at Craigforth on the outskirts of Stirling in the 1970s. In terms of tourism, the presence of such historical monuments as Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument and other nearby attractions like Blair Drummond Safari Park has bolstered Stirling's position as a significant tourist destination in Scotland. The University of Stirling and Stirling Council are two of
832-864: A large array of plants native to Central Scotland. The hill is home to at least 38 Ancient Woodland indicator species from the AWVP – Europe/National/Scotland list and 21 from the AWVP - Scotland list, a record Scots Pine, a record Rowan, and an abundance of wildflower, lichen, fungi, moss, and grass species. Eight of the top ten Scottish plants listed on the Scottish Biodiversity List (a list of flora, fauna and habitats considered by Scottish Ministers to be of principal importance for biodiversity) as most popular among Scots can be found on Gillies Hill: common and bell heather, Scottish bluebell or harebell, Scots Pine, oak, thistle, rowan, ferns, and common spotted and Northern marsh orchids. Three of these including
936-432: A matter of debate. In 1930, J. B. Johnston's Place-Names of Scotland suggested a Brittonic origin, and the name was thought likely to be Brittonic by most commentators thereafter. However, in a comprehensive survey of the evidence in 2017, Thomas Owen Clancy showed that a Brittonic etymology is unlikely, and derived the name from Gaelic srib-linn , meaning "pool in the river". A geographical survey of Britain in
1040-587: A myriad of beetles. Currently a concrete plant is operating in Murrayshall Quarry. In 2021 Patersons Quarries Ltd. was granted permission to quarry a substantial portion of the western half of Gillies Hill. Access road construction began in 2022. Protestors continue to object to the quarrying and to try to save the grove of five giant Sequoia on the top of the hill. Stirling Stirling ( / ˈ s t ɜːr l ɪ ŋ / ; Scots : Stirlin ; Scottish Gaelic : Sruighlea [ˈs̪t̪ɾuʝlə] )
1144-669: A non-Scots identity was retained in Stirling for some time after inclusion into the land controlled by the King of Scots. The second motto is: It has been claimed that the "Bridge" seal was regarded as the Burgh seal proper, the "Castle" seal being simply a reverse, used when the seal was affixed by a lace to a charter. This agrees with a description in an official publication (which spells Bruti with only one letter t). Clearer images are available with different lettering. Sibbald conflated
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#17327916792041248-422: A non-native deciduous conifer, which allows sunlight to penetrate to the ground flora. As of 2013 over 200 species of flowering herbs, shrubs, trees (angiosperms), coniferous trees (gymnosperms); and rushes ( Juncus ) and sedges ( Carex ) have been inventoried on Gillies Hill. The first flowers to appear on Gillies Hill after the cold of winter are the snowdrops which surround the ruined Fir Park Cottage. In May
1352-489: A similar-looking battle-site called urbs Iudeu , which many scholars have assumed was the same as Bede's urbs Giudi , but this identification is uncertain. A stone cist , found in Coneypark Nursery in 1879, is Stirling's oldest catalogued artefact. Bones from the cist were radiocarbon dated and found to be over four millennia old, originating within the date range 2152 to 2021 BC. Nicknamed Torbrex Tam,
1456-543: A strategic military role during the 18th-century Jacobite risings . In 1715 , the Earl of Mar failed to take control of the castle. In January 1746 , the army of Bonnie Prince Charlie seized control of the town but failed to take the Castle . On their consequent retreat northwards, they blew up the church of St. Ninians where they had been storing munitions; only the tower survived and can be seen to this day. The castle and
1560-420: A tea trade with India. However, with normal shipping lanes open, the growth of the railways including The Forth Rail Bridge , left the harbour uneconomical and by the mid 20th century the port had ceased to operate. In terms of local government , the city of Stirling is a part of the wider Stirling Council area , which is based at Old Viewforth and governs on matters of local administration as set out by
1664-541: A variety of exhibitions and performances. There are many events at the Stirling Tolbooth and at The Albert Halls . Stirling has hosted the National Mòd several times: in 1909, 1961, 1971 and 1987. There are currently about 20 churches in the city. These include: Church of Scotland Roman Catholic Other churches Islam With Stirling's development as a market town and its location as
1768-589: Is a city in central Scotland , 26 miles (42 km) northeast of Glasgow and 37 miles (60 km) north-west of Edinburgh . The market town , surrounded by rich farmland, grew up connecting the royal citadel , the medieval old town with its merchants and tradesmen, the Old Bridge and the port. Located on the River Forth , Stirling is the administrative centre for the Stirling council area, and
1872-527: Is a fort on Gillies Hill built by Iron Age people over 2000 years ago. Two structures are known: what is currently called Wallstale Dun on the southern end of Touchadam Craig, and Gillies Hill fort on the northwest end of the craig. The Wallstale structure is later than the Gillies Hill fort and is related in form to brochs, these appear to coincide with the Roman period and there are around 40 or so in
1976-587: Is a layer of quartz-dolerite approximately 100 meters thick of the Late Carboniferous tholeiitic Midland Valley Sill-complex (Stirling Sill). The hill is one of a series of crag and tail formations that cross the Carse of Stirling separated by faults into distinct hills such as Abbey Craig, Kings Park, Sauchieburn and Stirling Castle rock. These crag and tail formations were created by glaciation that terminated about 10,000 years ago. The quartz-dolerite of
2080-775: Is bordered on the south by the Bannock Burn which joins the River Forth at N 56° 07.250 W 003° 52.835 which flows east to the North Sea; and on the north and northwest by several small tributaries which flow into the Forth: The Baston Burn, the Touch Burn, Johnny's Burn, and the Glenmoray-Raploch Burn which runs through Cambusbarron passing the site of Bruce's Well. To the west the Bannock Burn is contained by North Third Reservoir. The hill
2184-523: Is home to many exotic species of plant that were introduced as part of the estate's gardens and designed landscapes. To the west and south of the castle are rows of English yew trees which once formed clipped hedges enclosing stately lawns. Other trees found here include an English holly, Portugal laurels, and a magnificent copper beech. In other areas of the hill, the natural woodland has been replaced with commercial species such as Sitka and Norway Spruce, which form dense canopies limiting undergrowth; and larch,
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#17327916792042288-570: Is located in Central Scotland east of the city of Stirling and south of the town of Cambusbarron within the Bannock Burn and River Forth watersheds. A crag and tail formation, the hill rises gradually from an altitude of approximately 79 meters at the Bannock Burn Bridge at Sauchie Craig on its southern end to drop off in a series of crags (cliffs) - some natural, some the result of quarrying - at its northwest end at an approximate altitude of 160 meters. The underlying geology of Gillies Hill
2392-710: Is mentioned with that city in Stirling Council's minutes of 1560. Around John Cowane 's time there is an account which states there were about 30,000 Scots families living in Poland although that was possibly an exaggeration. Trade with the Baltic also took place such as a timber trade with Norway. After the Jacobite threat had faded but before the railways were established, the Highland cattle drovers would use
2496-631: Is one of a series of parallel " crag and tail " formations (including Abbey Craig , Stirling Castle , Kings Park, and Sauchie Craig) that march across the Carse of Stirling between the Touch Hills and the Ochil Hills . These formations were created by the movement of glaciers over the carse shaping the more resistant (usually volcanic) plugs into cliff-like crags ("craig" in Scots) with trailing wakes of softer material called "tails." Gillies Hill
2600-419: Is particularly elusive. Its tell-tale signs include large dreys in trees, scratch marks on bark, and chewed Scots pine cones. The future of red squirrels is increasingly uncertain as Eastern grey squirrels outcompete reds for food and habitat as well as carry squirrelpox virus which is lethal to reds but does not harm the greys. Red squirrels have been found throughout Gillies Hill frequenting the pine woodlands of
2704-561: Is shown on the 1511 Stirling Jug. The area is today known as Wolfcraig. Even today the wolf appears with a goshawk on the council's coat of arms along with the recently chosen motto: "Steadfast as the Rock". Once the capital of Scotland, Stirling is visually dominated by Stirling Castle . Stirling also has a medieval parish church, the Church of the Holy Rude , where, on 29 July 1567,
2808-583: Is the first hill to be seen from Stirling Castle. The hill flanks the western side of the M9 motorway just as the iconic structures of Castle Craig and Abbey Craig flank the east. The view from the Hill Fort of Gillies Hill to the west and north includes the Touch Hills, Touch Hills Wind Farm, the Carse of Stirling, and the Southern Highlands including Ben Ledi, Ben Vorlich and Stùc a' Chroin. The view to
2912-513: Is traditionally the county town and historic county of Stirlingshire . Proverbially it is the strategically important "Gateway to the Highlands". It has been said that "Stirling, like a huge brooch clasps Highlands and Lowlands together". Similarly "he who holds Stirling, holds Scotland" is sometimes attributed to Robert the Bruce . Stirling's key position as the lowest bridging point of
3016-543: Is uncertain. Modern historical analysis most commonly proposes Coxet Hill, adjacent to St Ninians, as the location of the events Barbour describes. According to Peter Paterson, Cambusbarron historian, on the day before the Battle of Bannockburn Robert the Bruce came to Cambusbarron Chapel to take the sacrament and to drink from the Chapel Well, formerly known as Christ's Well, and currently known as Bruce's Well. Water from
3120-599: The Gateway to the Highlands and is generally regarded as occupying a strategic position at the point where the flatter, largely undulating Scottish Lowlands meet the rugged slopes of the Highlands along the Highland Boundary Fault . The starkness of this contrast is evidenced by the many hills and mountains of the lower Highlands such as Ben Vorlich and Ben Ledi which can be seen to the northwest of
3224-772: The Heart of Scotland . The Stirling seal has only the second part, in a slightly different form: Apparently the Latin is not first rate having four syllables in "cruce tuti" but the meaning seems to be that the Lowland Strathclyde Britons on the southern shore and the Highland Pictish Scots on the northern shore stand protected from each other by their common Christianity. A more modern translation suggests that rather than Briton, bruit might be better read as brute, i.e. brute Scots, implying
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3328-625: The House of Commons of the parliament of the United Kingdom by first past the post system. Chris Kane of the Labour Party has been the MP for Stirling and Strathallan since the 2024 general election , when the seat was first contested - prior to this, Stirling was part of the constituency of Stirling . Historical voting records can be found in online databases. Stirling is renowned as
3432-680: The Local Government etc (Scotland) Act 1994 . The current members of the Council were voted in 2017 for a term of office of 5 years. The May 2017 local government election resulted in the Scottish Conservative party and Scottish National Party each winning nine councillors, while the Labour Party won four seats and the Scottish Green Party won one. However, subsequently one Conservative councillor left
3536-644: The Stirling Old Bridge in 1297 and at the nearby village of Bannockburn in 1314 involving Andrew Moray and William Wallace , and Robert the Bruce respectively. After the Battle of Stirling Bridge , Moray and Wallace wrote to Hanseatic League leaders in Lübeck and Hamburg to encourage trade between Scottish and German ports. There were also several Sieges of Stirling Castle in the conflict, notably in 1304. Another important historical site in
3640-527: The Stirling Sill , a major defensive position which was at the lowest crossing point on the River Forth. Stirling stands on the Forth at the point where the river widens and becomes tidal . To the east of the city the Ochil Hills dominate the skyline with the highest peak in the range being Ben Cleuch , although Dumyat is more noticeable from Stirling. The Ochils meet the flat carse ( floodplain ) of
3744-804: The Wars of the Three Kingdoms are clearly visible on the tower and apse of the church. Economically, the city's port supported foreign trade, historically doing significant trade in the Low Countries , particularly with Bruges in Belgium and Veere in the Netherlands. In the 16th century there were so many Scots in Danzig in Prussia that they had their own church congregation and trade
3848-462: The 1860s by the Murray family along the walk from the castle to the large natural loch that was once on the upper portion of Gillies Hill, but was lost to quarrying. If left undisturbed, these giants could well live over 3000 years and attain a mass of over 1400 cubic meters potentially becoming the most massive trees in Scotland. Along with others of that era, these trees may have been grown from some of
3952-461: The Auld Brig on their way to market at Falkirk or Stenhousemuir . Three times a year, tens of thousands of cattle, sheep and ponies were moved together to the trysts in the south with some drovers going as far as Carlisle or even London's Smithfield . There is a record of a four-mile long tailback (of livestock) developing from St. Ninians to Bridge of Allan after a St. Ninians tollman had
4056-514: The Borestone where he had raised his standard, late on the second day of the battle at a crucial stage. The sma' folk descended the slopes of a hill yelling, banging pots and pans, and waiving pieces of clothing in the air at which point the English troops thinking the newcomers were reinforcements, fled. Barbour does not mention any hill by name, hence the attribution of this event to Gillies Hill
4160-588: The Grotto or "Secret Spring" of Polmaise Castle supports a number of woodland species such as wood anemones, wood sorrel and bluebells. In the area around the Grotto many towering, ‘exotic’ conifers were planted in the 1860s by the Murray family which include four Sierra Redwoods, two Coast Redwoods (which can reach over 350’ high becoming the tallest trees on Earth), Douglas-firs, and a South American Monkey-puzzle tree. Native trees inhabiting Gillies Hill including silver birch, rowan, holly, oak, ash, hazel and clinging to
4264-467: The Guildry and Council. In 2014 the tradition was revived after an official abeyance of several years. There are about sixteen libraries and two mobile libraries in Stirling. The Smith Art Gallery and Museum is now free to tourists and residents alike. Shearer's 1895 Penny Guide to Stirling and Neighbourhood used to list it under "How to spend a few hours on a wet day". The Macrobert Arts Centre has
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4368-775: The Red Raspberry Slime Mold, was found in late summer 2009 at the Wallstale Dun. Gillies Hill is populated by an array of animals both resident and migrant, most of which are native, but some of which are threatening the existence of native species. The woodland is home to many of Scotland's common mammal species including red and roe deer, red fox, red and Eastern grey squirrel, weasel, stoat, brown hare, European rabbit, and badger. Several mammal species on Gillies Hill are UK BAP priority species: red squirrel, brown hare, and all bats. Badgers and their setts "are comprehensively protected.". The native red squirrel
4472-460: The River Forth before it broadens towards the Firth of Forth made it a focal point for travel north or south. When Stirling was temporarily under Anglo-Saxon sway, according to a 9th-century legend, it was attacked by Danish invaders. The sound of a wolf roused a sentry, however, who alerted his garrison, which forced a Viking retreat. This led to the wolf being adopted as a symbol of the town as
4576-476: The River Forth to the east of the distinctive geographical feature of Abbey Craig , a crag and tail hill upon which stands the 220 ft (67 m) high National Wallace Monument . Top of the Town consists of Broad Street, Castle Wynd, Ballengeich Pass, Lower Castle Hill Road, Darnley Street, Baker Street (formerly Baxters St), St John Street and St Mary's Wynd. These streets all lead up to Stirling Castle and are
4680-587: The SW of Gillies Hill beside the entrance to the current quarry; at Hollandbush Limeworks off Kersebonny Road and at Craigend Limeworks on the south bank of the Bannock Burn near Castlehill Dun. Extensive tunnels lie beneath Gillies Hill; the mine adit is located in Cambusbarron and the mine air shaft is on the hill itself. Gillies Hill displays a considerable diversity of habitats from Scots pine/heath to semi-natural woodland of ash, oak and rowan. The following are
4784-611: The Scottish Parliament (MSP) by the first past the post system of election, and the region elects seven additional members to produce a form of proportional representation. The constituency's Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) is Evelyn Tweed of the Scottish National Party (SNP). In terms of national government, the city of Stirling forms part of the county constituency of Stirling and Strathallan , electing one Member of Parliament (MP) to
4888-629: The Scottish average of 18.6%. Historical records also exist both in book form and in online databases. Walking the Marches is a custom probably started in the 12th century. The only way the town's boundaries could be protected was to walk round inspecting them annually. The walk was followed by a dinner. This was traditionally done by the Birlaw men made up from members of the Seven Trades,
4992-409: The area is the ruins of Cambuskenneth Abbey , the resting place of King James III of Scotland and his queen, Margaret of Denmark . The king died at the Battle of Sauchieburn by forces nominally led by his son and successor James IV . During the Wars of the Three Kingdoms , the Battle of Stirling also took place in the centre of Stirling on 12 September 1648. The fortifications continued to play
5096-421: The arms of whinstone which visually hide the more recent quarry operations. In addition to the Scots pines on Touchadam Craig, four others found elsewhere on the hill including the 5th, the 10th and the 11th largest Scots pines in the UK, are currently registered with the Woodland Trust's Ancient Tree Hunt project. These and the ~50 other pines display a significant pinewood in the Stirling Council region. Threats to
5200-560: The barbs of wire fences) have been documented. In the winter of 2011 a badger was photographed on the hill with a hidden wildlife camera. The largest threat to badgers on Gillies Hill - outside of potential quarrying and development - is the traffic that travels along Polmaise Road. In the summer of 2012 bats were detected throughout Gillies Hill and its perimeter using monitors on loan from Central Scotland Bat Group (Bat Conservation Trust). Many species of small birds such as robins, dunnocks, green finches, siskin, woodcocks, and tits reside in
5304-402: The church are shown on Blaeu 's map of 1654 which was derived from Pont 's earlier map. Standing near the castle, the Church of the Holy Rude is one of the town's most historically important buildings. Founded in 1129 it is the second oldest building in the city after Stirling castle. It was rebuilt in the 15th-century after Stirling suffered a catastrophic fire in 1405, and is reputed to be
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#17327916792045408-455: The city bypass to the east of Stirling. A major new regeneration project on the site of the former port area and the 40-acre (160,000 m ) former Ministry of Defence site, adjacent to Stirling Railway Station , is currently underway. Known as Forthside, it has the aim of developing a new waterfront district linked to the railway station via Forthside Bridge . The development comprises retail, residential and commercial elements, including
5512-405: The city. On the other hand, the Carse of Stirling , stretching to the west and east of the city, is one of the flattest and most agriculturally productive expanses of land in the whole of Scotland. The land surrounding Stirling has been most affected by glacial erosion and deposition . The city itself has grown up around its castle which stands atop an ancient quartz-dolerite sill , known as
5616-399: The cooling effects of the North Sea and the Firth of Clyde . The settlement of Stirling had a population of 48,440 in 2012. According to the 2001 census, 52.7% of the population was female compared to 47.2% male. Stirling had both a smaller proportion of under 16s, at 16.7% compared to the Scottish average of 19.2%, and a smaller proportion of those of pensionable age: 17.8% – compared to
5720-427: The earliest mapped confirmation of trees on the site dates back to the 1580s Pont map. From ancient times to the present Gillies Hill has been inhabited, enhanced and used by multiple generations. The earliest known structures on Gillies Hill were built by Iron Age people over 2000 years ago. Two structures are known, what is currently called Wallstale Dun on the southern end of Touchadam Craig and Gillies Hill fort on
5824-405: The east includes Stirling Castle, Abbey Craig and the Wallace Monument; and the Ochils. The view to the south looks out over the Bannockburn Heritage Centre with its statue of Robert the Bruce and the Rotunda Memorial. The grounds of Gillies Hill have been used by walkers, joggers, birdwatchers, bicyclists and botanists for decades. Geocachers from all over the world come to find geocaches hidden on
5928-455: The eastern half of Gillies Hill was brought into community ownership in August 2019 to enhance its use for walking, exploring, mountain biking, horse riding, orienteering and generally exploring to appreciate the nature and wildlife of the area. Since then, a Community Forest Manager has been hired to manage logging, clear invasive species, and re-establish natural woodland and heritage orchards. Additionally, many volunteers have worked on restoring
6032-421: The eighth-century Ecclesiastical History of the English People by Bede also mentions a place called urbs Giudi ("the town of Giudi "). Although its location is not certain, a 2023 study found that "Stirling is the location of urbs Giudi favoured by most scholars", and itself supported this identification. This name is thought etymologically to be Celtic. The ninth-century Historia Brittonum mentions
6136-429: The favourite haunt of tourists who stop off at the Old Town Jail, Mar's Wark , Argyll's Lodging and the castle. Ballengeich Pass leads to the graveyard at Ballengeich and the Castle Wynd winds past the old graveyard. The Top of the Town from Broad Street upwards is renowned for its cobblestoned roads, and cars can be heard rattling over the cobblestones on the way down. Craft shops and tourist-focused shops are evident on
6240-436: The first Sequoiadendron seeds brought to Scotland by John D. Matthew in 1853 and given to his noted horticulturist father Patrick Matthew of Gourdiehill near Errol in Perth Shire who then gave many of the seedlings away to friends and family as living gifts. Unfortunately, the five redwoods on the top of Gillies Hill are within the quarry zone. Efforts are currently being made to try to save the grove. The woodland that surrounds
6344-403: The focus of transport and communications in the region, it has developed a substantial retail sector serving a wide range of surrounding communities as well as the city itself. Primarily centred on the city centre, there are a large number of chain stores, as well as the Thistles shopping centre . However this has been augmented by out-of-town developments such as the Springkerse Retail Park on
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#17327916792046448-431: The forest floor along Old Drove Road is carpeted with English bluebells. These bluebells, Hyacinthoides non-scripta , are commonly confused with the Scottish bluebell or harebell, Campanula rotundifolia , which blooms throughout the summer, is lighter blue in color and is usually found in the higher reaches of Gillies Hill. In addition to the more noticeable flowering plants and tall trees that cover Gillies Hill, are
6552-534: The grounds of the ruined Polmaise Castle garden, tennis courts, curling ponds, installing benches, picnic tables and paths; as well as giving guided walks around the hill. The weather of Gillies Hill is predominantly influenced by air currents from the Atlantic Ocean with a prevailing south-westerly wind. Winters are wet and windy. The area has an annual average rainfall amount of 1,060 mm (42 in) and an annual average mean temperature of 8.8–9.3 °C (47.8–48.7 °F). (1971 to 2000: Met Office, UK) The site
6656-591: The habitat divisions of the hill as classified in a Phase 1 habitat survey conducted in 2010: Broadleaved semi-natural woodland, Broadleaved plantation woodland, Coniferous plantation woodland, Mixed semi-natural woodland, Dense continuous scrub, Scattered scrub, Recently felled coniferous woodland, Semi-natural neutral grassland, Marshy grassland, Continuous Bracken, Standing water, Running water, and Rock exposure & waste/quarry. Dominant species found on Gillies Hill include sycamore, birch, broom, common ash, beech, larch, bracken, spruce, oak and willow. Gillies Hill hosts
6760-435: The habitat of several dozen ancient Scots pines. One of these pines that has since fallen to the expansion of the Murrayshall Quarry, was known as the Bonnety Tree and is said to have been the tree upon which the Gillies hung their bonnets before their descent onto the battlefield. In 2016 a new "Bonnety Tree" was planted on the southern end of the hill with the cooperation of the Ogilvie Group. The ruined Polmaise Castle set in
6864-507: The heather, harebell, and Scots pine are predominantly found on the hill's heath out-crops which are threatened by quarry expansion, as is the only known population of blaeberry on the hill. Much of Gillies Hill has been classified as a Semi-natural Ancient Woodland by Woodland Trust aerial Inventories. This means that its understory of plant species has been more or less continuous for hundreds of years. Plants such as wood sorrel, common dog violets, and English bluebells most likely existed on
6968-441: The hill and in its immediate vicinity. Paths on the hill range from relatively easy rambles to more strenuous hikes. In the Winter paths can get slippery and muddy. Among the most popular walks are the Quarry Walk, the Lake Walk, the Tree Tour and the Public Trail that leads west through Murray's Wood to the Bannock Burn. In addition to these trails, are sheer rock faces popular among skilled rock climbers who can access route guides on
7072-533: The hill are found in abundance at the entrance to the central mine. Seven species of fern have been positively identified on Gillies Hill; however more remain to be catalogued along with dozens of species of fungi, lichen, and algae which have been photographically recorded. Perhaps the most intriguing and perplexing organisms found on Gillies Hill are the slime moulds, whose plasmodia (masses of protoplasm) slowly moves along wood substrates engulfing particles of food in an amoeba-like manner; an example of this organism,
7176-467: The hill at the time of Robert the Bruce, and perhaps as far back as Iron Age Scotland. Areas of the hill which have been re-planted or coppiced (pruned to supply long thin sprouts) or harvested for timber, may still have relatively undisturbed underlying vegetation containing species which take years to become established residents of the forest. Gillies Hill is home to many fine specimens of both broadleaf and coniferous trees, but two in particular stand out:
7280-513: The hill, highly resistance to erosion, is a ready source of "whin-stone" for road beds and sea walls; concrete aggregate and kerbstones. Several whinstone mines have operated on Gillies Hill over the years. Beneath the hill's quartz-dolerite layer is a layer of Murrayshall Limestone. There is evidence that the limekilns in the area have been in production from about 1790 into the 20th Century, producing lime to be used in building mortars, iron production and agriculture. The limestone, calcium carbonate,
7384-481: The infant James VI was anointed King of Scots by Adam Bothwell , the Bishop of Orkney , with the service concluding after a sermon by John Knox . The poet King was educated by George Buchanan and grew up in Stirling. He was later also crowned King of England and Ireland on 25 July 1603, bringing closer the countries of the United Kingdom. Modern Stirling is a centre for local government, higher education, tourism, retail, and industry. The mid-2012 census estimate for
7488-568: The interior and the craigs. The recent appearance of pine martens, who prefer grey squirrels as prey, on Gillies Hill may enhance the red squirrel population. The badger is one of the most widespread and iconic animals in Britain. Most people recognise badgers by their black- and white striped head, but because they are nocturnal mammals, they are rarely seen. They do, however, roam onto Gillies Hill and signs of badger activity (heavily worn badger paths with distinctive 5-toed footprints, claw marks on trees, dung pits and coarse, wiry badger hair caught on
7592-495: The internet. Downhill bicycle racers and stunt cyclists have established demanding circuits and jump parks also described on the internet. A car park is located at the end of Old Drove Road in Cambusbarron where the Cambusbarron Community Council's series of three informational brochures and maps are available: Flora and Fauna, The History, and Things to Do (Recreation). There is also room to park to
7696-607: The man, whose bones were discovered by workmen, died while still in his twenties. Other Bronze Age finds near the city come from the area around Cambusbarron . It had been thought that the Randolphfield standing stones were more than 3000 years old but recent radiocarbon dating suggests they may date from the time of Bruce. The earliest known structures in Stirling are now destroyed but comprised two Neolithic Cursus in Bannockburn. The earliest known surviving structure
7800-595: The middle of Gillies Hill was built for £30,000 by Col. John Murray, 23rd Laird of Touchadam and Polmaise, upon his return from the Crimean War. Murray commissioned David Burn to design the Scots Baronial mansion in 1865. The building was demolished in 1966 long after the death of the Murray's only son and heir in The Great War. The original Murray house was known as Touchadam Castle which was located to
7904-587: The most colorful of their stories involves loyalty to the Jacobite cause; the ladies would discreetly end each meal with either a verbal toast "To Him over the water," or by a delicate movement of the glass over the pitcher of water on the table if more discretion were required. The last of the Jacobite Ladies died in 1829, at which point Murrays Hall became a farmhouse lasting until it was destroyed in its entirety by 20th Century quarry operations. The Old Drove Road whose old name of The Commondry leads to what
8008-415: The north of Scotland wild boar have recently been re-introduced in controlled environments and are successfully rooting out the bracken allowing a new generation of woodland to become established.) The flora of Gillies Hill is intricately entwined with its history. The Murray family who built Polmaise Castle in 1865, created landscaped gardens incorporating many of the exotic coniferous trees that still grace
8112-482: The northwest end of the craig. From both the dun and the fort the countryside may be seen for miles providing line-of-sight connections to other duns and forts (Touch Muir's Castlehill Duns, the Baston Burn Duns, Wester Craigend Dun, etc.). In 1984 a trial trench was opened at Gillies Hill fort across the defences in the south sector. Three stone faced ramparts were explored - material for the construction of
8216-461: The old road to the former site of Murrayshall west of the quarry. The Scots pines found along the western cliff (Touchadam Craig) of Gillies Hill are relicts of an ancient pinewood supported by presence of the fungal species Russula integra var. integra. This ten hectare section of the hill extends from the old quarries in the north to Wallstale Dun in the south and includes the North and South Pincers,
8320-517: The only surviving church in the United Kingdom apart from Westminster Abbey to have held a coronation. On 29 July 1567 the infant son of Mary, Queen of Scots , was anointed James VI of Scotland in the church. James' bride, Anne of Denmark was crowned in the church at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh. The Holy Rude congregation still meet and some 19th century parish records survive. Musket shot marks that may come from Cromwell 's troops during
8424-558: The party to sit as an Independent. The Provost of Stirling is Cllr Christine Simpson. For the purposes of the Scottish Parliament , the city of Stirling forms part of the Stirling constituency of the Scottish Parliament constituency. The Stirling Scottish Parliament (or Holyrood ) constituency created in 1999 is one of nine within the Mid Scotland and Fife electoral region. Each constituency elects one Member of
8528-446: The pinewood include vandalism, invasive plants (Rhododendron and Acaena) and the prospect of renewed quarrying activity. Currently the number of dead pine snags increases relative to proximity to the former quarry core. Native species are currently under threat by invasive species such as Acaena ovalifolia , two-spined Acaena (sometimes called pirri-pirri burr), a small herb whose velcro-like seeds stick to whatever passes spreading
8632-411: The plant far and wide. In the past five years, pirri-pirri burr has spread rapidly over most of Gillies Hill out-competing such natives as dog violet, wood avens, wild strawberry and wood sorrel. One of the concerns regarding resumed quarrying of the hill is the potential for this species to be spread throughout Scotland with whinstone extracted and exported from the quarry. Rhododendron ponticum which
8736-553: The population of the city is 36,440; the wider Stirling council area has a population of about 93,750. One of the principal royal strongholds of the Kingdom of Scotland , Stirling was created a royal burgh by King David I in 1130. In 2002, as part of Queen Elizabeth 's Golden Jubilee , Stirling was granted city status . Stirling's name appears as Strivelin(g) in early sources, later becoming Stirveling and finally Stirling . Its meaning, and even its language of origin, are
8840-548: The rampart had been obtained by surface quarrying of the surrounding area. Within the fort was a layer of occupation debris containing pottery, including the upper half of a decorated vessel with more cultural material recovered from within the ramparts. This material, along with radiometric dates, suggests activity from the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age and the Iron Age – the presumption being that
8944-477: The ramparts derive from the later, Iron Age activity. The nature of the earlier Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age activity on the hill remains uncertain. The name "Gillies Hill" may come from the tale of Robert the Bruce's camp-followers, who before the second day of the battle were ordered to wait in the safety of forest cover within sight the battle. According to John Barbour , an early Scottish poet writing in 1375, these "sma’ folk" were called down by The Bruce from
9048-719: The recent sighting over Gillies Hill may indicate that the kite population is spreading to the south. Palmate newts inhabit little Loch Kruse (named after the Texas botanist, Dale Kruse, who studied its sedges and rushes) at the top of Gillies Hill and common toads have been found in the vicinity of Polmaise Castle and its walled garden 88 invertebrate species have been documented on Gillies Hill so far; molluscs, arachnids, annelids and insects which include bumblebees, wasps, ants and sawflies, damselflies, dragonflies, caddisflies, grasshoppers, stoneflies, backswimmers, butterflies, moths, house flies, ants, knapweed bugs, water striders, aphids, and
9152-456: The royal burgh with goods. Stirling remained the river's lowest reliable crossing point (that is, without a weather-dependent ferry or seasonal ford ) until the construction of the Alloa Swing Bridge between Throsk and Alloa in 1885. The city has two Latin mottoes, which appeared on the earliest burgh seal of which an impression of 1296 is on record. The first alludes to the story as recorded by Boece who relates that in 855 Scotland
9256-436: The southwest of the hill at the small Bannock Burn crossing at N 56° 05.614 W 003° 58.643 and at the south end of the hill in the wide opening of the access road at N 56° 05.842 W 003° 57.762. Gillies Hill may also be accessed by a wide trail entrance in the Gillies Hill neighborhood of Cambusbarron at N 56° 06.398 W 003° 58.077. After many years of work and negotiations by Cambusbarron Community Development Trust, 64 hectares on
9360-513: The stone cross was a tripoint for the three kingdom's borders or marches ; the cross functioning both as a dividing territorial marker, and as a uniting witness stone like in the Bible story in Joshua 22. " Angles and Scots here demarked, By this cross kept apart. Brits and Scots armed stand near, By this cross stand safe here." This would make the cross on the centre of the first stone bridge
9464-500: The tide of the battle which granted Scotland nearly 400 years of independence. The majority of Gillies Hill has been classified as a Semi-natural Ancient Woodland by The Woodland Trust using aerial surveys and by a follow-up Phase 1 habitat survey conducted in 2010. To date 21 Scotland & 38 United Kingdom ancient woodland indicator species have been documented on the hill demonstrating that the woodland's understory and sections of its tree cover have been cloaked in woodland for centuries;
9568-438: The two mottos into a single rhyme; he gave no indication that he was aware of Boece's work. Stirling was first declared a royal burgh by King David in the 12th century, with later charters reaffirmed by subsequent monarchs. A ferry, and later bridge, on the River Forth at Stirling brought wealth and strategic influence, as did its tidal port at Riverside. Major battles during the Wars of Scottish Independence took place at
9672-479: The way up and once at the top, panoramic views are available across Stirling and beyond. All areas Historical place names for Stirling town in 1858–61 were compiled by O.S. map makers. Like most of the United Kingdom , Stirling has an oceanic climate ( Köppen Cfb ) with mild summers and cool, wet winters. Stirling has some of the warmest summers in all of Scotland, being relatively far away from
9776-419: The well was sprinkled on the field of Bannockburn before the battle. A granite block donated by Stirling Stone with a plaque inscribed by Scotia Granite, was placed at the site of Bruce's Well to commemorate its role in the battle for the 700th anniversary in 2014. In 2022 a new footbridge was built from the footpath to the site. The cliff edges of the northwest side of Gillies Hill, known as Touchadam Craig, are
9880-433: The west and Stirling Castle to the east. The hill lies north of the Bannock Burn , northeast of Sauchie Craig (an area designated SSSI, Site of Special Scientific Interest), east of the Touch Hills and Murrayswood, south of Cambusbarron, and west of Stirling and the M9 . Gillies Hill is the hill from which Robert the Bruce ’s camp followers, or Gillies, descended onto the field of the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 turning
9984-526: The west of Gillies Hill near Gartur. Only its ruins remain today. In 1673 Murrays Hall located beneath the western craig of Gillies Hill was built as a gift from the Laird to his son. It was eventually occupied by Jacobite Ladies of Murrayshall. These three maiden ladies who lived their entire lives in Murrays Hall were regionally known for their hospitality and kindness to those of all walks of life. Perhaps
10088-538: The western cliffs, gnarled Scots Pine which form an essential part of this woodland ecosystem, their cones providing an excellent source of pine nuts for native Red Squirrels and Crossbills. Also found on the hill are species which were introduced by humans and have since become naturalized. These include "archaeophytes" (pre-1500) such as the Flanders Poppy and Spearmint; and "neophytes" (post-1500) such as European Beech, Sycamore, and Red Elderberry. Polmaise Castle
10192-442: The wider area. South of the city, the King's Park prehistoric carvings can still be found. Its other notable geographic feature is its proximity to the lowest site of subjugation of the River Forth. Control of the bridge brought military advantage in times of unrest and excise duty, or pontage dues, in peacetime. Unsurprisingly excise men were installed in a covered booth in the centre of the bridge to collect tax from any entering
10296-499: The woodland. Like much of 19th Century British aristocracy, the Murrays were enamored with planting landscape gardens filled with newly discovered plants from around the world. Often these outdoor plant collections included tall conifers imported from North America. A fine example of this is the grove of Sierra Redwoods (or Wellingtonia), Sequoiadendron giganteum , growing at the apex of Gillies Hill. These five Redwoods were planted in
10400-416: The woodlands of Gillies Hill. Large corvids, the crows and the ravens, also inhabit the hill along with raptors such as the peregrine falcon which has been spotted on the western quarry cliffs. In the late summer of 2010 a red kite was spotted flying over the hill. After an absence of 130 years, red kites have recently been re-introduced to Scotland at Argaty near Doune where the population is slowly increasing;
10504-657: Was invaded by two Northumbrian princes, Osbrecht and Ella . They united their forces with the Cumbrian Britons in order to defeat the Scots. Having secured Stirling castle, they built the first stone bridge over the Forth. On the top they reportedly raised a crucifix with the inscription: "Anglos, a Scotis separat, crux ista remotis; Arma hic stant Bruti; stant Scoti hac sub cruce tuti." Bellenden translated this loosely as "I am free marche , as passengers may ken, To Scottis, to Britonis, and to Inglismen." It may be
10608-407: Was once Cambusbarron's Free Green, located near the current gate to the quarry. In the past it was here that villagers and drovers gathered to tether their stock. Up until 1953 it was also used for celebration bonfires for special events. Gillies Hill has views in all directions being an AGLV, Area of Great Landscape Value, an area "identified as being of scenic importance." From the west Gillies Hill
10712-462: Was planted on the hill in the 19th century as a decorative shrub has spread uncontrollably, sometimes to many times the height of a person, effectively blocking sunlight from reaching the woodland species that carpet the forest floor, and creating a dark sterile understory devoid of life. Bracken, Pteridium aquilinum , has colonized several of the hill's open areas so thickly with its rhizomatous roots that few other species can compete for survival. (In
10816-495: Was roasted with coal in the Murrayshall, Craigend, and Cambusbarron kilns (respectively: at the south end of Gillies Hill, eastward up the Bannock Burn and north of Cambusbarron) to produce calcium oxide (quicklime), followed by the production of calcium hydroxide in slaking pits - and was then spread on agricultural fields. The remains of the kilns can be found at three locations around Gillies Hill: at Murrayshall Limeworks on
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