Geography of Stirling
Stirling, Scotland, a city on the Forth River. It is in a farming and coal mining area, about 20 miles (32 km) northeast of Glasgow and about 30 miles (48 km) northwest of Edinburgh. Stirling, dating from the 12th century, played an important part in Scottish history. Stirling Bridge was for centuries the only safe, convenient passageway to the Highlands of northern Scotland, and control of Stirling Castle (also known as Snowdoun) was the key to control of all Scotland. During the Scottish struggle for independence the castle changed hands many times. In the battle of Stirling Bridge (1297) William Wallace took the castle from Edward I of England, and in the battle of Bannockburn (1314) Edward II lost it to Robert Bruce.
Population (district): 86,212.