Stirling

Stirling, a county of Scotland occupying an area of about 466 square miles between the Firths of Forth and Clyde, with Perth and the Forth N., Loch Lomond W., Dumbarton and Lanark S., Clackmannan and Linlithgow E. Mountainous in the N.W. where Ben Lomond attains a height of over 3,000 feet, it has rich alluvial valleys, the "carse" along the Forth being specially fertile. There are barren moors and bogs in parts. The Carron, the Bannockburn, the Endrick, and the Kelvin are the chief rivers; and, besides part of Loch Lomond, Lochs Coulter and Elrigg are within the limits of the county. Coal and iron abound, and are worked on a large scale at Carron and Falkirk. The building stone of Campsie is in much demand. Woollen goods, calico prints, and chemicals are among the chief manufactures. The capital, Stirling, stands on the rocky shore of the Forth, 31 miles N.W. of Edinburgh, dominated by the stately castle which dates from the 12th century, and contains the parliament hall of James III., the palace of James V., the royal chapel, and many interesting buildings, having served frequently as a residence for the Scotch kings before the Union. Grey Friars' Church is another remarkable 13th century monument, and Cambuskenneth Abbey on the other side of the river ranks among the most beautiful ruins in the North. The town has played a great part in Scotch history, and has stood many sieges. Monk took it in 1651, and it successfully resisted the Highlanders in 1745. Woollen goods, such as carpets, tartans, and shawls, now form the staple industries, the former cotton trade having died out. It returns one member to Parliament.