We were based in between Stirling and Falkirk for 5 days - the truck went in for a service at Ford in Stirling. Phil and Purdy stayed at Ford for a couple of hours where Phil worked and Purdy got pampered by the staff! Dee went into Stirling and wandered around the historic centre and castle area.
We were impressed with the Falkirk Wheel - it's basically a canal boat lift. It's pretty ingenious and was opened relatively recently in 2002. The boat goes in from the canal basin at the bottom and joins the canal at the top - which travels through a tunnel and then joins the main canal system. Or vice versa.
On the same day we went over to see the Kelpies - they are 30 metres high and inspiration was taken from Clydesdale horses who would have worked alongside the canals. A kelpie is a shape shifting mythical spirit of Scottish lochs - but are often in the form of horses. They are great sculptures.
This very ornate monument below is the Wallace Monument, dedicated to Sir William Wallace. He was a Scottish knight, fighting for Scottish independence. He was a leader in the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297 which defeated the English army. This monument opened in 1869 and is 220 feet high. We went inside up to the top where you get a 360 degree vista - the spiral staircase is that bit on the outside on the left. There were different levels inside which have displays and info.
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| The Acton Coat of Arms - you could design your own! |
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| Great 360 degree view from the top |
We also visited the site of the Battle of Bannochburn in 1314, won by Robert the Bruce, another Scottish Knight, against the English - on their way to Independence - sounds a familiar story! We took part in a "Battle Experience" at the visitor centre and had a walk around the grounds where there is this impressive monument to Robert the Bruce.
We were then worn out of history!