Stirling: Difference between revisions

Stirling
Scottish Gaelic: *Sruighlea*
Scots: *Stirlin*
Stirling Scottish Gaelic: Sruighlea; Scots: Stirlin;
	Stirling City Centre
Population	33,710 (2008)
OS grid reference	NS795935
Civil parish	Stirling;
Council area	Stirling;
Lieutenancy area	Stirling and Falkirk;
Country	Scotland
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	STIRLING
Postcode district	FK7-FK9
Dialling code	01786
Police	Scotland
Fire	Scottish
Ambulance	Scottish
UK Parliament	Stirling;
Scottish Parliament	Stirling; Mid Scotland and Fife;
	List of places UK Scotland

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Stirling (Gaelic: Sruighlea pronounced [ˈs̪t̪ruʝlə] , Scots: Stirlin) is a city and former ancient burgh in Scotland, and is at the heart of the wider Stirling council area. The city is clustered around a large fortress and medieval old-town beside the River Forth. Historically it was strategically important as the "Gateway to the Highlands", with its position near the boundary between the Scottish Lowlands and Highlands, and its crossing of the Forth, the nearest to the river mouth.

Once the capital of Scotland, Stirling contains the Great Hall (restored 1999) and the Renaissance Palace (restoration completed 2011) within the Castle that rivalled any building in Europe at the time. Stirling also has its medieval parish church, The Church of the Holy Rude, where King James VI was crowned King of Scots on 29 July 1567. The Holy Rude still functions as living church with a service every Sunday.

Stirling is a centre for local government, higher education, retail, and light industry. Its population in 2008 was 33,710,^[1] for Stirling itself, the wider urban area including Bridge of Allan and Bannockburn has a population of 45,750.^[2] This makes it the smallest city in Scotland: indeed it is smaller than many of Scotland's larger towns.

One of the principal royal strongholds of the Kingdom of Scotland, Stirling was created a Royal burgh by King David I in 1130, which it remained until 1975, when the county of Stirlingshire was absorbed into Central Region. In 2002, as part of Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee, Stirling was granted city status.

History

Stirling was originally a Stone Age settlement as shown by the Randolphfield standing stones and Kings Park prehistoric carvings that can still be found south of the town.^[3]^[4] The city has been strategically significant since at least the Roman occupation of Britain, due to its naturally defensible crag and tail hill (latterly the site of Stirling Castle), and its commanding position at the foot of the Ochil Hills on the border between the Lowlands and Highlands, at the lowest crossing point of the River Forth. It remained the river's lowest crossing until the construction of the Kincardine Bridge further downstream in the 1930s. It is supposed that Stirling is the fortress of Iuddeu or Urbs Giudi where Oswiu of Northumbria was besieged by Penda of Mercia in 655, as recorded in Bede and contemporary annals.

A ford, and later bridge, of the River Forth at Stirling brought wealth and strategic influence, as did its port. The town was chartered as a royal burgh by King David in the 12th century, with charters later reaffirmed by later monarchs (the town then referred to as Strivelyn). Major battles during the Wars of Scottish Independence took place at the Stirling Bridge in 1297 and at the nearby village of Bannockburn in 1314 involving William Wallace and Robert the Bruce respectively. There were also several Sieges of Stirling Castle in the conflict, notably in 1304.

The origin of the name Stirling is uncertain, but folk etymology suggests that it originates in either a Scots or Gaelic term meaning the place of battle, struggle or strife. Other sources suggest that it originates in a Brythonic name meaning "dwelling place of Melyn".^[5] The town has two Latin mottoes, which appeared on the earliest burgh seal of which an impression of 1296 is on record:^[6]

Hic Armis Bruti Scoti Stant Hic Cruce Tuti (The Britons stand by force of arms, The Scots are by this cross preserved from harms) and

Continet Hoc in Se Nemus et Castrum Strivilinse (The Castle and Wood of Stirling town are in the compass of this seal set down.)

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 the only surviving church in the United Kingdom apart from Westminster Abbey to have held a coronation.^[7] On 29 July 1567 the infant son of Mary, Queen of Scots, was crowned James VI of Scotland here.^[7] Musket shot marks that may come from Cromwell's troops during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms are clearly visible on the tower and apse.^[7] Another important historical religious site in the area is the ruins of Cambuskenneth Abbey, the resting place of King James III of Scotland and his queen, Margaret of Denmark.^[8] During the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, the Battle of Stirling also took place in the centre of Stirling on 12 September 1648.

The tomb of James III, King of Scots at Cambuskenneth Abbey

The fortifications continued to play a strategic military role during the 18th century Jacobite Risings. In 1715, the Earl of Mar failed to take control of the castle. On 8 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.^[9]

Economically, the city's port supported overseas trade, including tea trade with India and timber trade with the Baltic. The coming of the railways in 1848 started the decline of the river trade, not least because a railway bridge downstream restricted access for shipping. By the mid 20th century the port had ceased to operate.

Famous residents have included Mary, Queen of Scots; King James VI of Scotland; Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman; documentary film pioneer John Grierson; film music composer Muir Mathieson; animation pioneer Norman McLaren; TV presenter Kirsty Young; and footballers Billy Bremner (captain of Leeds United and Scotland) and Frank Beattie (captain of Kilmarnock).

The Barnwell brothers, Frank and Harold, worked at Grampian Motors in Causewayhead, and in 1909 they designed and flew the first powered aircraft in Scotland. Frank Barnwell went on to design aircraft including the Bristol Blenheim. A small monument to the brothers' pioneering achievement has been erected at Causewayhead roundabout.^[10]

Stirling is also famous for its many hauntings, like the Green Lady of the Castle, seen by many a Soldier and "The Settle Inn" near the Castle which is one of the most haunted places in Scotland. Other haunted pubs include "The Golden Lion" and "The Albion Bar" - named after the local football team Stirling Albion.

Geography

Governance

In terms of local government, the city of Stirling is a part of the wider Stirling Council area, which governs on matters of local administration as set out by the Local Government etc (Scotland) Act 1994. Elections to the council take place every four years. The Council is currently controlled by the Scottish National Party.^[11] The Provost of Stirling is Fergus Wood.^[12]

In terms of national government, Stirling forms part of county constituency of Stirling constituency of the House of Commons, electing one Member of Parliament (MP) to the House of Commons of the parliament of the United Kingdom by first past the post system. Anne McGuire of the Labour Party is the MP for Stirling constituency of the House of Commons.^[13]

For the purposes of the Scottish Parliament, 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 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 is represented by Bruce Crawford, MSP of the Scottish National Party.^[14]

As Scotland comprises a single European Parliament Constituency, Stirling participates in electing seven MEPs using the d'Hondt method of proportional representation every four years.

Geography

Stirling is renowned as 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.^[15]^[16] 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 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, 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 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 (67m) high Wallace National Monument.^[17]

The climate of Stirling differs little from that of much of the rest of central Scotland. The warm Gulf Stream air current from the Atlantic Ocean is the predominant influence, with a prevailing southwesterly wind.

Areas of Stirling

Top of the Town

Top of the Town consists of Broad Street, Castle Wynd, Ballengeich Pass, Lower Castle Hill Road, and St Mary's Walk. These streets all lead up to Stirling Castle and are the favourite haunt of tourists who stop off at the Old Town Jail, Argyll's Lodgings 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 unique cobblestoned roads, and cars can be heard rattling over the cobblestones on the way down. Craft shops and tourist focused shops are evident on the way up and once at the top one is treated to a panoramic view of Stirling, without having to pay to get into the castle.

Other areas

Bannockburn
Braehead
Broomridge
Cambusbarron
Cambuskenneth
Causewayhead
Cornton
Cowie
Fallin
Kings Park
Raploch
Riverside
St. Ninians
Torbrex

Demography

The city of Stirling had a population of 33,710, in 2008,^[1] the wider urban area including Bridge of Allan and Bannockburn had a population of 45,750.^[2] The entire Stirling Council area had a population of 88,400 in 2008. The city is reputed to be the third fastest growing area of Scotland in terms of population.^[18] 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 the Scottish average of 18.6%.^[19] The highest proportion of the population, at 24.3%, was concentrated in the 16-29 age group. Stirling also had a higher proportion of non-Scottish born residents at 16.5%, compared to the Scottish average of 12.8%. The population was also slightly younger than the Scottish average of 37 - the median age for males was 34; and the median age for females was 36, to the national average of 39. The population peaks and troughs significantly when the students come and go from the city.

Economy

At the centre of a large rural agricultural hinterland that encompasses some of the flattest and most productive land in Scotland, Stirling principally functioned as a market town, symbolised by its Mercat cross, with farmers coming to sell their products and wares in the large agricultural market that was held in the town. Today, agriculture still plays a part in the economic life of Stirling, given its focus at the heart of a large rural area, but to a much lesser extent than previously.

With Stirling's development as a market town and its location as 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 the city bypass to the east of Stirling, and the development of a large Sainsbury's in the Raploch.

A major new regeneration project on the site of the former port area and the 40-acre (160,000 m²) former Ministry of Defence site, adjacent to Stirling Railway Station, is currently underway.^[20] Known as Forthside, it has the aim of developing a new waterfront district linked to the railway station via a new pedestrian bridge. The development comprises retail, residential and commercial elements, including 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.^[21] For the first time in 100 years, local people will have access to the banks of the River Forth in the city centre with landscaped public areas, footpaths, cycleways and an improved public transport network.

In the service sector, financial services as well as tourism are the biggest employers. The financial services and insurance company Prudential have a large and well-established base at Craigforth on the outskirts of Stirling. In terms of tourism, the presence of such historical monuments as Stirling Castle, the National Wallace Monument and other nearby attractions like Blair Drummond Safari Park, the key role which Stirling has played in Scottish history, as well as the scenery of the area, has bolstered Stirling's position as an important tourist destination in Scotland.

The University of Stirling and Stirling Council are two of the biggest employers in the area. Knowledge related industries, research and development as well as life sciences have clustered around the university in the Stirling University Innovation Park, close to its main campus. Other public sector agencies that are major employers in the city include Central Scotland Police, Scottish Prison Service, NHS Forth Valley and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

Stirling is home to national construction companies Ogilvie Group, chaired by Duncan Ogilvie, who is listed in the Times Rich List as being worth £35 million.

A Bank of Scotland survey in 2009 found that workers in Stirling had the highest average earnings of £716 a week.^[22]

Transport

File:170stirling.jpg

A Class 170 Turbostar in Stirling railway station

Public transport to districts within the city and to the surrounding towns, like Bridge of Allan and Alloa, is almost completely provided by buses operated principally by the First Group, although there are also railway links to Bridge of Allan, Dunblane, and, since 2008, Alloa. At the heart of Scotland's Central Belt, Stirling has direct road connections to the major cities of Glasgow, via the M80 motorway, and Edinburgh, via the M9 motorway, as well as inter-city rail links from Stirling Railway Station. Transport infrastructure in the area has been further improved with the completion of the Upper Forth Crossing and the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine rail link, and there is an on-going (2010) upgrade of the A80 Trunk road to Motorway standards. The City of Stirling is home to a large number of commuters, with 12,000 residents commuting to work in other areas, with 13,800 workers also travelling in to the city.^[23]

Sports and recreation

Stirling is home to professional league teams in football, rugby and cricket. The senior football team, Stirling Albion play in the Scottish Football League Second Division at their home ground of the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium. In July 2010, the Stirling Albion Supporters' Trust successfully took over the running of the club buying out the long serving chairman, Peter McKenzie after 14 months of campaigning. This has made Stirling Albion, the first fully owned community club in the history of British football, after previous attempts made by Manchester United, Liverpool and Rangers.^[24] Stirling County currently play in the Scottish Premiership Division One.

The athletics team Central Athletic Club based at University of Stirling. Stirling Wanderers Hockey Club have also moved to a brand new (international standard) pitch at Forthbank for season 2008/09.^[25] Next to this pitch there is also the ground of Stirling County Cricket Club, whose pavilion captured an architectural award in June 2009,^[26] three years after its opening.

Footballers Billy Bremner and Duncan Ferguson were born in Stirling, as were rugby internationals Kenny Logan, Allister Hogg and Alison McGrandles, jockey Willie Carson, and cricketer Dougie Brown.

Stirling is also a major centre of sports training and education in Scotland. The Scottish Institute of Sport is headquartered in a purpose built facility on the campus of Stirling University which opened in 2002. Also at the university in the state of the art Scottish National Swimming Academy as well as the Gannochy National Tennis centre which is seen as a tennis centre of excellence.^[27]

Furthermore, the university itself has its own dedicated Sports Studies department and was ranked amongst the best in the United Kingdom for its provision of sports facilities, with the maximum 5 star award, shared by 16 other universities in the UK.^[28] Stirling University also currently hosts the Scottish men's lacrosse champions.

Stirling and its surrounding area has a number of 9 and 18 hole golf courses, the largest of which is the Stirling Golf Course, located in the Kings Park area of the city. The Peak, a new Sports Village, was opened in April 2009 to cater for a range of sporting activities.^[29]

Education

The University of Stirling opened in 1967 on a greenfield site outside the town. Currently there are 11,544 students studying at the university, of which 8,443 are undergraduates and 3101 are postgraduates. There are 80 nationalities represented on the university campus, with 19% of students coming from overseas.^[30] It has grown into a major research centre, with a large science park - Innovation Park, located immediately adjacent to the main university campus. Innovation Park has grown since its initiation in 1993, and is now home to 40 companies engaging in various forms of research and development.^[31] In January 2008 it was announced that students from Singapore would be able to gain degrees in retail from the University of Stirling in a tie-up with the country's Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP).^[32]

Looking out over Airthrey Loch on the main campus of The University of Stirling

Stirling is also home to part of the wider Forth Valley College which was formed on 1 August 2005 from the merger of Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannan colleges.

There are four main high schools in Stirling itself - Stirling High School, with a school roll of 964 pupils, Wallace High School with 958 pupils, St Modan's High School with 912 pupils, and Bannockburn High School in Broomridge with 752 pupils.^[33]^[34]^[35]^[36] All the city's secondary school premises have been redeveloped as a result of a Public-private partnership scheme. Stirling also has a Gaelic-medium unit situated in the city's Riverside Primary School which teaches pupils from across Stirling and Clackmannanshire through the medium of Scottish Gaelic.^[37]

Twinned cities

Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
Dunedin, Florida, United States
Óbuda, Hungary
Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada

References

^ ^a ^b "GRO Scotland Mid-2008 Population Estimates - Localities in order of size". GRO Scotland. Retrieved 14 August 2010.
^ ^a ^b "GRO Scotland Mid-2008 Population Estimates - Settlements in order of size". GRO Scotland. Retrieved 14 August 2010.
^ "Randolphfield, Stirling, Stirlingshire " The Northern Antiquarian". Megalithix.wordpress.com. 8 March 2010. Retrieved 14 July 2010.
^ "King's Park, Stirling, Stirlingshire " The Northern Antiquarian". Megalithix.wordpress.com. 25 November 2008. Retrieved 14 July 2010.
^ "Pabay (Harris), Pabaigh" (PDF). Retrieved 14 July 2010.
^ RM Urquhart, Scottish Burgh and County Heraldry, London, 1973
^ ^a ^b ^c "The Church Of The Holy Rude". Church of Scotland. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
^ "Cambuskenneth Abbey". Historic Scotland. Retrieved 5 February 2011.
^ Ross, David R. (2001). On the Trail of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Dundurn Press Ltd. p. 79. ISBN 0946487685.
^ "100th anniversary of first powered flight in Scotland". University of Glasgow. 24 July 2009. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
^ "SNP take control of Stirling Council". Stirling Council. 13 March 2008. Retrieved 28 March 2008.
^ "Council votes to remove provost". BBC News. 28 March 2008. Retrieved 28 March 2008.
^ "Anne McGuire, MP for Stirling". BBC News. 2010. Retrieved 5 February 2011.
^ "Bruce Crawford, MSP for Stirling". The Scottish Parliament. 2010. Retrieved 5 February 2011.
^ Miers, Richenda (2006). Scotland. The Globe Pequot Press. p. 271. Retrieved 30 January 2011.
^ Josephine Buchanan (2003). Scotland. APA Publications. p. 213. Retrieved 6 February 2011.
^ Gazetteer for Scotland Abbey Craig
^ Stirling Council City Profile Stirling Profile
^ "Browser Population". www.scrol.gov.uk. Retrieved 12 August 2008.
^ "Stirling Council: Council » Latest News". Stirling.gov.uk. Retrieved 14 July 2010.
^ "InStirling report on Forthside project". Instirling.com. Retrieved 14 July 2010.
^ "Aberdeenshire tops health and wealth living survey". BBC News. 19 December 2009. Retrieved 14 July 2010.
^ Stirling Council, Property and the economy Keeping an eye on your business
^ Williams, Martin (2 July 2010). "Albion fans first in Britain to own club". The Herald. Retrieved 6 February 2011.
^ "Stirling Wanderers Hockey club: The website for field hockey in Stirlingshire". Stirling Wanderers. Retrieved 26 August 2008.
^ "Judges bowled over by club". Stirling Observer. 17 June 2009. Retrieved 7 July 2009.
^ "sportscotland serves communities with Lottery funding". sportscotland. 14 August 2004. Retrieved 26 August 2008.
^ Stirling University External Visitor Information
^ "Sports Village". Stirling.gov.uk. Retrieved 14 July 2010.
^ Visitor Information - Useful facts and figures Stirling University Facts and Figures
^ Stirling University Innovation Park About us
^ "Stirling in degree deal with Singapore polytechnic". The Scotsman. 21 January 2008. Retrieved 26 August 2008.
^ "Stirling High School". Learning and Teaching Scotland. Retrieved 4 February 2011.
^ "St Modans High School". Learning and Teaching Scotland. Retrieved 4 February 2011.
^ "Wallace High School". Learning and Teaching Scotland. Retrieved 4 February 2011.
^ "Bannockburn High School". Learning and Teaching Scotland. Retrieved 4 February 2011.
^ "Riverside Primary School". Stirling and Clackmannan. Retrieved 6 February 2011.

Mair, Craig (1990). Stirling: The Royal Burgh. John Donald Publishers. ISBN 0-85976-420-6.

External links

Stirling Council Website
Stirling Castle (Historic Scotland)
Mapping the Town: the history of Stirling, presented by Julian Richards (BBC Radio 4) (RealAudio format)
University of Stirling
Photos of Stirling
Cambusbarron Village - Local website with lots of information about the village and the Stirling area
Stirling Gaelic Choir
Tolbooth, Stirling's venue for live music
Template:Wikitravel
Albion Trust Video link shows worlds oldest football, located at Smith Museum Stirling

[GRO_Scotland-1] "GRO Scotland Mid-2008 Population Estimates - Localities in order of size". GRO Scotland. Retrieved 14 August 2010.

[gro-scotland.gov.uk-2] "GRO Scotland Mid-2008 Population Estimates - Settlements in order of size". GRO Scotland. Retrieved 14 August 2010.

[3] "Randolphfield, Stirling, Stirlingshire " The Northern Antiquarian". Megalithix.wordpress.com. 8 March 2010. Retrieved 14 July 2010.

[4] "King's Park, Stirling, Stirlingshire " The Northern Antiquarian". Megalithix.wordpress.com. 25 November 2008. Retrieved 14 July 2010.

[5] "Pabay (Harris), Pabaigh" (PDF). Retrieved 14 July 2010.

[6] RM Urquhart, Scottish Burgh and County Heraldry, London, 1973

[COS-7] "The Church Of The Holy Rude". Church of Scotland. Retrieved 1 February 2011.

[8] "Cambuskenneth Abbey". Historic Scotland. Retrieved 5 February 2011.

[9] Ross, David R. (2001). On the Trail of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Dundurn Press Ltd. p. 79. ISBN 0946487685.

[10] "100th anniversary of first powered flight in Scotland". University of Glasgow. 24 July 2009. Retrieved 1 February 2011.

[11] "SNP take control of Stirling Council". Stirling Council. 13 March 2008. Retrieved 28 March 2008.

[12] "Council votes to remove provost". BBC News. 28 March 2008. Retrieved 28 March 2008.

[Anne_McGuire_MP-13] "Anne McGuire, MP for Stirling". BBC News. 2010. Retrieved 5 February 2011.

[Bruce_Crawford_MSP-14] "Bruce Crawford, MSP for Stirling". The Scottish Parliament. 2010. Retrieved 5 February 2011.

[15] Miers, Richenda (2006). Scotland. The Globe Pequot Press. p. 271. Retrieved 30 January 2011.

[16] Josephine Buchanan (2003). Scotland. APA Publications. p. 213. Retrieved 6 February 2011.

[17] Gazetteer for Scotland Abbey Craig

[18] Stirling Council City Profile Stirling Profile

[19] "Browser Population". www.scrol.gov.uk. Retrieved 12 August 2008.

[20] "Stirling Council: Council » Latest News". Stirling.gov.uk. Retrieved 14 July 2010.

[21] "InStirling report on Forthside project". Instirling.com. Retrieved 14 July 2010.

[22] "Aberdeenshire tops health and wealth living survey". BBC News. 19 December 2009. Retrieved 14 July 2010.

[23] Stirling Council, Property and the economy Keeping an eye on your business

[Albion_first_to_own_club-24] Williams, Martin (2 July 2010). "Albion fans first in Britain to own club". The Herald. Retrieved 6 February 2011.

[25] "Stirling Wanderers Hockey club: The website for field hockey in Stirlingshire". Stirling Wanderers. Retrieved 26 August 2008.

[26] "Judges bowled over by club". Stirling Observer. 17 June 2009. Retrieved 7 July 2009.

[27] "sportscotland serves communities with Lottery funding". sportscotland. 14 August 2004. Retrieved 26 August 2008.

[28] Stirling University External Visitor Information

[29] "Sports Village". Stirling.gov.uk. Retrieved 14 July 2010.

[30] Visitor Information - Useful facts and figures Stirling University Facts and Figures

[31] Stirling University Innovation Park About us

[32] "Stirling in degree deal with Singapore polytechnic". The Scotsman. 21 January 2008. Retrieved 26 August 2008.

[33] "Stirling High School". Learning and Teaching Scotland. Retrieved 4 February 2011.

[34] "St Modans High School". Learning and Teaching Scotland. Retrieved 4 February 2011.

[35] "Wallace High School". Learning and Teaching Scotland. Retrieved 4 February 2011.

[36] "Bannockburn High School". Learning and Teaching Scotland. Retrieved 4 February 2011.

[37] "Riverside Primary School". Stirling and Clackmannan. Retrieved 6 February 2011.

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@@ Line 27: / Line 27: @@
 '''Stirling''' ([[Scottish Gaelic language|Gaelic]]: ''Sruighlea'' {{IPA-gd|ˈs̪t̪ruʝlə|pron}} , [[Scots language|Scots]]: ''Stirlin'') is a [[City status in the United Kingdom|city]] and former ancient [[burgh]] in [[Scotland]], and is at the heart of the wider [[Stirling (council area)|Stirling council area]]. The city is clustered around a large [[Stirling Castle|fortress]] and [[medieval]] old-town beside the [[River Forth]]. Historically it was strategically important as the "Gateway to the Highlands", with its position near the boundary between the [[Scottish Lowlands]] and [[Scottish Highlands|Highlands]], and its crossing of the Forth, the nearest to the river mouth.
-Once the Capital of Scotland, Stirling contains the Great Hall (restored 1999) and the Renaissance Palace (restoration completed 2011) within the Castle that rivalled any building in Europe at the time. Stirling also has its medieval parish church, [[Church of the Holy Rude|The Church of the Holy Rude]], where King James VI was crowned King of Scots on 29 July 1567. The Holy Rude still functions as living church with a service every Sunday.
+Once the capital of Scotland, Stirling contains the Great Hall (restored 1999) and the Renaissance Palace (restoration completed 2011) within the Castle that rivalled any building in Europe at the time. Stirling also has its medieval parish church, [[Church of the Holy Rude|The Church of the Holy Rude]], where King James VI was crowned King of Scots on 29 July 1567. The Holy Rude still functions as living church with a service every Sunday.
-Stirling is a centre for local government, higher education, retail, and light industry.  Its population in 2008 was 33,710,<ref name="GRO Scotland">{{cite web|url=http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/files2/stats/population-estimates/08mye-localities-table2.xls |title=GRO Scotland Mid-2008 Population Estimates - Localities in order of size |publisher=GRO Scotland |date= |accessdate=2010-08-14}}</ref> for Stirling itself, the wider urban area including [[Bridge of Allan]] and [[Bannockburn]] has a population of 45,750.<ref name="gro-scotland.gov.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/files2/stats/population-estimates/08mye-settlements-table2.xls |title=GRO Scotland Mid-2008 Population Estimates - Settlements in order of size |publisher=GRO Scotland |date= |accessdate=2010-08-14}}</ref> This makes it the smallest city in Scotland: indeed it is smaller than many of Scotland's [[List of towns and cities in Scotland by population|larger towns]].
+Stirling is a centre for local government, higher education, retail, and light industry.  Its population in 2008 was 33,710,<ref name="GRO Scotland">{{cite web|url=http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/files2/stats/population-estimates/08mye-localities-table2.xls |title=GRO Scotland Mid-2008 Population Estimates - Localities in order of size |publisher=GRO Scotland |date= |accessdate=14 August 2010}}</ref> for Stirling itself, the wider urban area including [[Bridge of Allan]] and [[Bannockburn]] has a population of 45,750.<ref name="gro-scotland.gov.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/files2/stats/population-estimates/08mye-settlements-table2.xls |title=GRO Scotland Mid-2008 Population Estimates - Settlements in order of size |publisher=GRO Scotland |date= |accessdate=14 August 2010}}</ref> This makes it the smallest city in Scotland: indeed it is smaller than many of Scotland's [[List of towns and cities in Scotland by population|larger towns]].
 One of the principal royal strongholds of the [[Kingdom of Scotland]], Stirling was created a [[Royal burgh]] by [[David I of Scotland|King David I]] in 1130, which it remained until 1975, when the county of [[Stirlingshire]] was absorbed into [[Central Region, Scotland|Central Region]]. In 2002, as part of [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|Queen Elizabeth II]]'s [[Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II|Golden Jubilee]], Stirling was granted [[City status in the United Kingdom|city status]].
@@ Line 35: / Line 35: @@
 == History ==
 [[Image:Stirlingcastle.jpg|thumb|left|[[Stirling Castle]] (southwest aspect)]]
-Stirling was originally a [[Stone Age]] settlement as shown by the Randolphfield standing stones and Kings Park prehistoric carvings that can still be found south of the town.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://megalithix.wordpress.com/2010/03/08/randolphfield-stirling/ |title=Randolphfield, Stirling, Stirlingshire " The Northern Antiquarian |publisher=Megalithix.wordpress.com |date=2010-03-08 |accessdate=2010-07-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://megalithix.wordpress.com/2008/11/25/kings-park-stirling-stirlingshire/ |title=King’s Park, Stirling, Stirlingshire " The Northern Antiquarian |publisher=Megalithix.wordpress.com |date=2008-11-25 |accessdate=2010-07-14}}</ref> The city has been strategically significant since at least the [[Roman Britain|Roman occupation of Britain]], due to its naturally defensible [[crag and tail]] hill (latterly the site of [[Stirling Castle]]), and its commanding position at the foot of the [[Ochil Hills]] on the border between the [[Scottish Lowlands|Lowlands]] and [[Scottish Highlands|Highlands]], at the lowest crossing point of the [[River Forth]]. It remained the river's lowest crossing until the construction of the [[Kincardine Bridge]] further downstream in the 1930s. It is supposed that Stirling is the fortress of ''Iuddeu'' or ''Urbs Giudi'' where [[Oswiu of Northumbria]] was besieged by [[Penda of Mercia]] in 655, as recorded in [[Bede]] and contemporary annals.
+Stirling was originally a [[Stone Age]] settlement as shown by the Randolphfield standing stones and Kings Park prehistoric carvings that can still be found south of the town.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://megalithix.wordpress.com/2010/03/08/randolphfield-stirling/ |title=Randolphfield, Stirling, Stirlingshire " The Northern Antiquarian |publisher=Megalithix.wordpress.com |date=8 March 2010 |accessdate=14 July 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://megalithix.wordpress.com/2008/11/25/kings-park-stirling-stirlingshire/ |title=King’s Park, Stirling, Stirlingshire " The Northern Antiquarian |publisher=Megalithix.wordpress.com |date=25 November 2008 |accessdate=14 July 2010}}</ref> The city has been strategically significant since at least the [[Roman Britain|Roman occupation of Britain]], due to its naturally defensible [[crag and tail]] hill (latterly the site of [[Stirling Castle]]), and its commanding position at the foot of the [[Ochil Hills]] on the border between the [[Scottish Lowlands|Lowlands]] and [[Scottish Highlands|Highlands]], at the lowest crossing point of the [[River Forth]]. It remained the river's lowest crossing until the construction of the [[Kincardine Bridge]] further downstream in the 1930s. It is supposed that Stirling is the fortress of ''Iuddeu'' or ''Urbs Giudi'' where [[Oswiu of Northumbria]] was besieged by [[Penda of Mercia]] in 655, as recorded in [[Bede]] and contemporary annals.
 A [[Ford (river)|ford]], and later [[Stirling Bridge|bridge]], of the River Forth at Stirling brought wealth and strategic influence, as did its port. The town was chartered as a royal burgh by [[David I of Scotland|King David]] in the 12th century, with charters later reaffirmed by later monarchs (the town then referred to as '''Strivelyn'''). Major battles during the [[Wars of Scottish Independence]] took place at the [[Battle of Stirling Bridge|Stirling Bridge]] in 1297 and at the nearby village of [[Battle of Bannockburn|Bannockburn]] in 1314 involving [[William Wallace]] and [[Robert the Bruce]] respectively. There were also several [[Sieges of Stirling Castle]] in the conflict, notably in 1304.
 [[Image:Wfm wallace monument.jpg|thumb|The [[Wallace Monument]]]]
-The origin of the name Stirling is uncertain, but folk etymology suggests that it originates in either a Scots or Gaelic term meaning the place of battle, struggle or strife. Other sources suggest that it originates in a [[Brythonic languages|Brythonic]] name meaning "dwelling place of Melyn".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/vli/language/gaelic/pdfs/placenamesP-Z.pdf |title=Pabay (Harris), Pabaigh |format=PDF |date= |accessdate=2010-07-14}}</ref>  The town has two [[Latin]] mottoes, which appeared on the earliest burgh seal of which an impression of 1296 is on record:<ref>RM Urquhart, ''Scottish Burgh and County Heraldry'', London, 1973</ref>
+The origin of the name Stirling is uncertain, but folk etymology suggests that it originates in either a Scots or Gaelic term meaning the place of battle, struggle or strife. Other sources suggest that it originates in a [[Brythonic languages|Brythonic]] name meaning "dwelling place of Melyn".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/vli/language/gaelic/pdfs/placenamesP-Z.pdf |title=Pabay (Harris), Pabaigh |format=PDF |date= |accessdate=14 July 2010}}</ref>  The town has two [[Latin]] mottoes, which appeared on the earliest burgh seal of which an impression of 1296 is on record:<ref>RM Urquhart, ''Scottish Burgh and County Heraldry'', London, 1973</ref>
 :''Hic Armis Bruti Scoti Stant Hic Cruce Tuti'' (''The Britons stand by force of arms, The Scots are by this cross preserved from harms'') and
@@ Line 51: / Line 51: @@
 Famous residents have included [[Mary, Queen of Scots]]; [[King James VI of Scotland]]; Sir [[Henry Campbell-Bannerman]]; documentary film pioneer [[John Grierson]]; film music composer [[Muir Mathieson]]; animation pioneer [[Norman McLaren]]; TV presenter [[Kirsty Young]]; and footballers [[Billy Bremner]] (captain of [[Leeds United A.F.C.|Leeds United]] and [[Scotland national football team|Scotland]]) and [[Frank Beattie]] (captain of [[Kilmarnock F.C.|Kilmarnock]]).
-The Barnwell brothers, [[Frank Barnwell|Frank]] and [[Harold Barnwell|Harold]], worked at Grampian Motors in Causewayhead, and in 1909 they designed and flew the first powered flight in Scotland. [[Frank Barnwell]] went on to design aircraft including the [[Bristol Blenheim]]. A small monument to the brothers' pioneering achievement has been erected at Causewayhead roundabout.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gla.ac.uk/news/archive/2009/july/headline_126215_en.html|title=100th anniversary of first powered flight in Scotland|publisher=University of Glasgow|date=24 July 2009|accessdate=1 February 2011}}</ref>
+The Barnwell brothers, [[Frank Barnwell|Frank]] and [[Harold Barnwell|Harold]], worked at Grampian Motors in Causewayhead, and in 1909 they designed and flew the first powered aircraft in Scotland. [[Frank Barnwell]] went on to design aircraft including the [[Bristol Blenheim]]. A small monument to the brothers' pioneering achievement has been erected at Causewayhead roundabout.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gla.ac.uk/news/archive/2009/july/headline_126215_en.html|title=100th anniversary of first powered flight in Scotland|publisher=University of Glasgow|date=24 July 2009|accessdate=1 February 2011}}</ref>
 Stirling is also famous for its many hauntings, like the Green Lady of the Castle, seen by many a Soldier and "The Settle Inn" near the Castle which is one of the most haunted places in Scotland. Other haunted pubs include "The Golden Lion" and "[http://www.albionbar.com The Albion Bar]" - named after the local football team Stirling Albion.
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 ==Governance==
-In terms of [[local government]], the city of Stirling is a part of the wider [[Stirling (council area)|Stirling Council area]], which governs on matters of local administration as set out by the [[Local Government etc (Scotland) Act 1994]]. Elections to the council take place every four years. The Council is currently controlled by the [[Scottish National Party]].<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Stirling Council|title =SNP take control of Stirling Council| url =http://www.stirling.gov.uk/index/council/news.htm?id=163795&m=&y= | date = 2008-03-13| accessdate = 2008-03-28 }}</ref> The [[Provost (civil)|Provost]] of Stirling is Fergus Wood.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=BBC News|title =Council votes to remove provost| url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/7318039.stm | date = 2008-03-28| accessdate = 2008-03-28 }}</ref>
+In terms of [[local government]], the city of Stirling is a part of the wider [[Stirling (council area)|Stirling Council area]], which governs on matters of local administration as set out by the [[Local Government etc (Scotland) Act 1994]]. Elections to the council take place every four years. The Council is currently controlled by the [[Scottish National Party]].<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Stirling Council|title =SNP take control of Stirling Council| url =http://www.stirling.gov.uk/index/council/news.htm?id=163795&m=&y= | date = 13 March 2008| accessdate =28 March 2008 }}</ref> The [[Provost (civil)|Provost]] of Stirling is Fergus Wood.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=BBC News|title =Council votes to remove provost| url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/7318039.stm | date = 28 March 2008| accessdate =28 March 2008 }}</ref>
-In terms of national government, Stirling forms part of [[United Kingdom constituencies|county constituency]] of [[Stirling (UK Parliament constituency)|Stirling constituency of the House of Commons]], electing one [[Member of Parliament]] (MP) to the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]] of the parliament of the United Kingdom by first past the post system. [[Anne McGuire]] of the [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]] is the MP for [[Stirling (UK Parliament constituency)|Stirling constituency of the House of Commons]].<ref name="Anne McGuire MP">{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/hi/representatives/profiles/25529.stm |title=Anne McGuire, MP for Stirling |year=2010 |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=2011-02-05}}</ref>
+In terms of national government, Stirling forms part of [[United Kingdom constituencies|county constituency]] of [[Stirling (UK Parliament constituency)|Stirling constituency of the House of Commons]], electing one [[Member of Parliament]] (MP) to the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]] of the parliament of the United Kingdom by first past the post system. [[Anne McGuire]] of the [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]] is the MP for [[Stirling (UK Parliament constituency)|Stirling constituency of the House of Commons]].<ref name="Anne McGuire MP">{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/hi/representatives/profiles/25529.stm |title=Anne McGuire, MP for Stirling |year=2010 |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=5 February 2011}}</ref>
-For the purposes of the [[Scottish Parliament]], Stirling forms part of the [[Stirling (Scottish Parliament constituency)|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 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 is represented by [[Bruce Crawford]], [[Member of the Scottish Parliament|MSP]] of the [[Scottish National Party]].<ref name="Bruce Crawford MSP">{{cite web |url=http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/msp/memberspages/bruce_crawford_jp/index.htm |title=Bruce Crawford, MSP for Stirling |year=2010 |publisher=The Scottish Parliament |accessdate=2011-02-05}}</ref>
+For the purposes of the [[Scottish Parliament]], Stirling forms part of the [[Stirling (Scottish Parliament constituency)|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 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 is represented by [[Bruce Crawford]], [[Member of the Scottish Parliament|MSP]] of the [[Scottish National Party]].<ref name="Bruce Crawford MSP">{{cite web |url=http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/msp/memberspages/bruce_crawford_jp/index.htm |title=Bruce Crawford, MSP for Stirling |year=2010 |publisher=The Scottish Parliament |accessdate=5 February 2011}}</ref>
 As Scotland comprises a single [[Scotland (European Parliament constituency)|European Parliament Constituency]], Stirling participates in electing seven [[Member of the European Parliament|MEP]]s using the [[d'Hondt]] method of [[proportional representation]] every four years.
@@ Line 112: / Line 112: @@
 {{cite web
 |url=http://www.scrol.gov.uk/scrol/browser/profile.jsp?profile=Population&mainLevel=Locality&mainText=Stirling&mainTextExplicitMatch=true&compLevel=CountryProfile&compArea=Scotland&compText=&compTextExplicitMatch=null
-|title=Browser Population|publisher=www.scrol.gov.uk|accessdate=2008-08-12
+|title=Browser Population|publisher=www.scrol.gov.uk|accessdate=12 August 2008
 |last=|first=}}</ref> The highest proportion of the population, at 24.3%, was concentrated in the 16-29 age group. Stirling also had a higher proportion of non-Scottish born residents at 16.5%, compared to the Scottish average of 12.8%. The population was also slightly younger than the Scottish average of 37 - the [[median]] age for males was 34; and the median age for females was 36, to the national average of 39.  The population peaks and troughs significantly when the students come and go from the city.
@@ Line 121: / Line 121: @@
 With Stirling's development as a market town and its location as 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 Centre|Thistles]] [[Shopping mall|shopping centre]]. However this has been augmented by out-of-town developments such as the Springkerse Retail Park on the city bypass to the east of Stirling, and the development of a large [[Sainsbury's]] in [[Raploch|the Raploch]].
-A major new [[Urban renewal|regeneration project]] on the site of the former port area and the {{convert|40|acre|m2|adj=on}} former Ministry of Defence site, adjacent to [[Stirling railway station, Scotland|Stirling Railway Station]], is currently underway.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stirling.gov.uk/index/council/news.htm?id=33314 |title=Stirling Council: Council » Latest News |publisher=Stirling.gov.uk |date= |accessdate=2010-07-14}}</ref> Known as Forthside, it has the aim of developing a new waterfront district linked to the railway station via a new pedestrian bridge. The development comprises retail, residential and commercial elements, including a conference centre, hotel and [[Vue (cinema)|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 road (Great Britain)|A9 bypass]] under the railway station in the 1960s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.instirling.com/initve/intve.htm |title=InStirling report on Forthside project |publisher=Instirling.com |date= |accessdate=2010-07-14}}</ref> For the first time in 100 years, local people will have access to the banks of the River Forth in the city centre with landscaped public areas, footpaths, cycleways and an improved public transport network.
+A major new [[Urban renewal|regeneration project]] on the site of the former port area and the {{convert|40|acre|m2|adj=on}} former Ministry of Defence site, adjacent to [[Stirling railway station, Scotland|Stirling Railway Station]], is currently underway.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stirling.gov.uk/index/council/news.htm?id=33314 |title=Stirling Council: Council » Latest News |publisher=Stirling.gov.uk |date= |accessdate=14 July 2010}}</ref> Known as Forthside, it has the aim of developing a new waterfront district linked to the railway station via a new pedestrian bridge. The development comprises retail, residential and commercial elements, including a conference centre, hotel and [[Vue (cinema)|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 road (Great Britain)|A9 bypass]] under the railway station in the 1960s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.instirling.com/initve/intve.htm |title=InStirling report on Forthside project |publisher=Instirling.com |date= |accessdate=14 July 2010}}</ref> For the first time in 100 years, local people will have access to the banks of the River Forth in the city centre with landscaped public areas, footpaths, cycleways and an improved public transport network.
-In terms of the service sector, [[financial services]] as well as [[tourism]] are the biggest employers. The financial services and insurance company [[Prudential plc|Prudential]] have a large and well-established base at Craigforth on the outskirts of Stirling. In terms of tourism, the presence of such historical monuments as [[Stirling Castle]], the [[National Wallace Monument]] and other nearby attractions like [[Blair Drummond Safari Park]], the key role which Stirling has played in [[History of Scotland|Scottish history]], as well as the scenery of the area, has bolstered Stirling's position as an important tourist destination in Scotland.
+In the service sector, [[financial services]] as well as [[tourism]] are the biggest employers. The financial services and insurance company [[Prudential plc|Prudential]] have a large and well-established base at Craigforth on the outskirts of Stirling. In terms of tourism, the presence of such historical monuments as [[Stirling Castle]], the [[National Wallace Monument]] and other nearby attractions like [[Blair Drummond Safari Park]], the key role which Stirling has played in [[History of Scotland|Scottish history]], as well as the scenery of the area, has bolstered Stirling's position as an important tourist destination in Scotland.
 The [[University of Stirling]] and [[Stirling Council]] are two of the biggest employers in the area. Knowledge related industries, [[research and development]] as well as [[life sciences]] have clustered around the university in the Stirling University Innovation Park, close to its main campus. Other public sector agencies that are major employers in the city include [[Central Scotland Police]], [[Cornton Vale (HM Prison)|Scottish Prison Service]], [[NHS Forth Valley]] and the [[Scottish Environment Protection Agency]].
@@ Line 129: / Line 129: @@
 Stirling is home to national construction companies Ogilvie Group, chaired by Duncan Ogilvie, who is listed in the Times Rich List as being worth £35 million.
-A [[Bank of Scotland]] survey in 2009 found that workers in Stirling had the highest average earnings of £716 a week.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/8421193.stm |title=Aberdeenshire tops health and wealth living survey |publisher=BBC News |date=2009-12-19 |accessdate=2010-07-14}}</ref>
+A [[Bank of Scotland]] survey in 2009 found that workers in Stirling had the highest average earnings of £716 a week.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/8421193.stm |title=Aberdeenshire tops health and wealth living survey |publisher=BBC News |date=19 December 2009 |accessdate=14 July 2010}}</ref>
 ===Transport===
-[[Image:170stirling.jpg|thumb|left|A [[British Rail Class 170|Class 170 Turbostar]] sits in [[Stirling railway station]]]]
+[[Image:170stirling.jpg|thumb|left|A [[British Rail Class 170|Class 170 Turbostar]] in [[Stirling railway station]]]]
 Public transport to districts within the city and to the surrounding towns, like [[Bridge of Allan]] and [[Alloa]], is almost completely provided by buses operated principally by the [[FirstGroup plc|First Group]], although there are also railway links to [[Bridge of Allan railway station|Bridge of Allan]], [[Dunblane railway station|Dunblane]], and, since 2008, [[Alloa]]. At the heart of Scotland's [[Central Belt]], Stirling has direct road connections to the major cities of [[Glasgow]], via the [[M80 motorway]], and [[Edinburgh]], via the [[M9 motorway (Scotland)|M9 motorway]], as well as [[inter-city rail]] links from [[Stirling railway station, Scotland|Stirling Railway Station]]. Transport infrastructure in the area has been further improved with the completion of the [[Upper Forth Crossing]] and the [[Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine rail link]], and there is an on-going (2010) upgrade of the [[A80 road|A80]] [[Trunk road]] to [[Motorway]] standards. The City of Stirling is home to a large number of [[Commuting|commuters]], with 12,000 residents commuting to work in other areas, with 13,800 workers also travelling in to the city.<ref>''Stirling Council, Property and the economy'' [http://www.stirling.gov.uk/index/business/property/economy.htm Keeping an eye on your business]</ref>
@@ Line 140: / Line 140: @@
 [[Image:Wfm scottish institute of sport.jpg|thumb|The headquarters of the [[Scottish Institute of Sport]] in Stirling.]]
-Stirling is home to professional league teams in football, rugby and cricket. The senior football team, [[Stirling Albion]] play in the [[Scottish Football League Second Division]] at their home ground of the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium. In July 2010, the Stirling Albion Supporters' Trust successfully took over the running of the club buying out the long serving chairman, Peter McKenzie after 14 months of campaigning. This has made [[Stirling Albion]], the first fully owned community club in the history of British football, after previous attempts made by [[Manchester United]], [[Liverpool]] and [[Rangers]].<ref name="Albion first to own club">{{cite web |last=Williams |first=Martin |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/albion-fans-first-in-britain-to-own-club-1.1038737 |title=Albion fans first in Britain to own club |publisher=The Herald |date=2010-07-02 |accessdate=2011-02-06}}</ref> [[Stirling County]] currently play in the [[Scottish Premiership Division One]].
+Stirling is home to professional league teams in football, rugby and cricket. The senior football team, [[Stirling Albion]] play in the [[Scottish Football League Second Division]] at their home ground of the Doubletree Dunblane Stadium. In July 2010, the Stirling Albion Supporters' Trust successfully took over the running of the club buying out the long serving chairman, Peter McKenzie after 14 months of campaigning. This has made Stirling Albion, the first fully owned community club in the history of British football, after previous attempts made by [[Manchester United]], [[Liverpool]] and [[Rangers]].<ref name="Albion first to own club">{{cite web |last=Williams |first=Martin |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/albion-fans-first-in-britain-to-own-club-1.1038737 |title=Albion fans first in Britain to own club |publisher=The Herald |date=2 July 2010 |accessdate=6 February 2011}}</ref> [[Stirling County]] currently play in the [[Scottish Premiership Division One]].
-The [[athletics (sport)|athletics]] team Central Athletic Club based at [[University of Stirling]]. Stirling Wanderers Hockey Club have also moved to a brand new (international standard) pitch at Forthbank for season 2008/09.<ref>{{cite web| accessdate = 2008-08-26|publisher=Stirling Wanderers|title=Stirling Wanderers Hockey club: The website for field hockey in Stirlingshire |url = http://www.stirlingwanderershockey.co.uk/ }}</ref> Next to this pitch there is also the ground of Stirling County Cricket Club, whose pavilion captured an architectural award in June 2009,<ref>{{cite web| accessdate = 2009-07-07|publisher=Stirling Observer|title=Judges bowled over by club |url = http://www.stirlingobserver.co.uk/stirling-news/local-news-stirling/news-stirling/2009/06/17/judges-bowled-over-by-club-51226-23890831/ |date=2009-06-17}}</ref> three years after its opening.
+The [[athletics (sport)|athletics]] team Central Athletic Club based at [[University of Stirling]]. Stirling Wanderers Hockey Club have also moved to a brand new (international standard) pitch at Forthbank for season 2008/09.<ref>{{cite web| accessdate =26 August 2008|publisher=Stirling Wanderers|title=Stirling Wanderers Hockey club: The website for field hockey in Stirlingshire |url = http://www.stirlingwanderershockey.co.uk/ }}</ref> Next to this pitch there is also the ground of Stirling County Cricket Club, whose pavilion captured an architectural award in June 2009,<ref>{{cite web| accessdate =7 July 2009|publisher=Stirling Observer|title=Judges bowled over by club |url = http://www.stirlingobserver.co.uk/stirling-news/local-news-stirling/news-stirling/2009/06/17/judges-bowled-over-by-club-51226-23890831/ |date=17 June 2009}}</ref> three years after its opening.
 Footballers [[Billy Bremner]] and [[Duncan Ferguson (footballer)|Duncan Ferguson]] were born in Stirling, as were rugby internationals [[Kenny Logan]], [[Allister Hogg]] and Alison McGrandles, [[jockey]] [[Willie Carson]], and [[cricket]]er [[Dougie Brown]].
-Stirling is also a major centre of sports training and education in Scotland. The [[Scottish Institute of Sport]] is headquartered in a purpose built facility on the campus of [[Stirling University]] which opened in 2002. Also at the university in the state of the art Scottish National Swimming Academy as well as the [[Gannochy]] National Tennis centre which is seen as a tennis centre of excellence.<ref>{{cite web| accessdate = 2008-08-26|publisher=sportscotland|title=sportscotland serves communities with Lottery funding |url = http://www.sportscotland.org.uk/ChannelNavigation/News/TopicNavigation/Press+Releases/Archive/2004/sportscotland+serves+communities+with+Lottery+funding.htm |date=2004-08-14 }}</ref>
+Stirling is also a major centre of sports training and education in Scotland. The [[Scottish Institute of Sport]] is headquartered in a purpose built facility on the campus of [[Stirling University]] which opened in 2002. Also at the university in the state of the art Scottish National Swimming Academy as well as the [[Gannochy]] National Tennis centre which is seen as a tennis centre of excellence.<ref>{{cite web| accessdate =26 August 2008|publisher=sportscotland|title=sportscotland serves communities with Lottery funding |url = http://www.sportscotland.org.uk/ChannelNavigation/News/TopicNavigation/Press+Releases/Archive/2004/sportscotland+serves+communities+with+Lottery+funding.htm |date=14 August 2004 }}</ref>
 Furthermore, the university itself has its own dedicated Sports Studies department and was ranked amongst the best in the United Kingdom for its provision of sports facilities, with the maximum 5 star award, shared by 16 other universities in the UK.<ref>''Stirling University'' [http://www.external.stir.ac.uk/visitor_info/facts/index.php External Visitor Information]</ref> Stirling University also currently hosts the Scottish men's lacrosse champions.
-Stirling and its surrounding area has a number of 9 and 18 hole [[golf course]]s, the largest of which is the Stirling Golf Course, located in the Kings Park area of the city. The Peak, a new Sports Village, was opened in April 2009 to cater for a range of sporting activities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stirling.gov.uk/thepeak |title=Sports Village |publisher=Stirling.gov.uk |date= |accessdate=2010-07-14}}</ref>
+Stirling and its surrounding area has a number of 9 and 18 hole [[golf course]]s, the largest of which is the Stirling Golf Course, located in the Kings Park area of the city. The Peak, a new Sports Village, was opened in April 2009 to cater for a range of sporting activities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stirling.gov.uk/thepeak |title=Sports Village |publisher=Stirling.gov.uk |date= |accessdate=14 July 2010}}</ref>
 ==Education==
-The [[University of Stirling]] opened in 1967 on a  greenfield site outside the town. Currently there are 11,544 students studying at the university, of which 8,443 are [[undergraduate]]s and 3101 are [[postgraduate]]s. There are 80 nationalities represented on the university campus, with 19% of students coming from overseas.<ref>''Visitor Information - Useful facts and figures'' [http://www.stir.ac.uk/about/our-profile/facts-and-figures Stirling University Facts and Figures]</ref> It has grown into a major research centre, with a large [[science park]] - Innovation Park, located immediately adjacent to the main university campus. Innovation Park has grown since its initiation in 1993, and is now home to 40 companies engaging in various forms of [[research and development]].<ref>''Stirling University Innovation Park'' [http://www.suip.co.uk/AboutSUIP.aspx About us]</ref> In January 2008 it was announced that students from [[Singapore]] would be able to gain degrees in retail from the [[University of Stirling]] in a tie-up with the country's [[Nanyang Polytechnic]] (NYP).<ref>{{cite web| accessdate = 2008-08-26|publisher=The Scotsman |title=Stirling in degree deal with Singapore polytechnic |url = http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Stirling-in-degree-deal-with.3692118.jp |date=2008-01-21 }}</ref>
+The [[University of Stirling]] opened in 1967 on a  greenfield site outside the town. Currently there are 11,544 students studying at the university, of which 8,443 are [[undergraduate]]s and 3101 are [[postgraduate]]s. There are 80 nationalities represented on the university campus, with 19% of students coming from overseas.<ref>''Visitor Information - Useful facts and figures'' [http://www.stir.ac.uk/about/our-profile/facts-and-figures Stirling University Facts and Figures]</ref> It has grown into a major research centre, with a large [[science park]] - Innovation Park, located immediately adjacent to the main university campus. Innovation Park has grown since its initiation in 1993, and is now home to 40 companies engaging in various forms of [[research and development]].<ref>''Stirling University Innovation Park'' [http://www.suip.co.uk/AboutSUIP.aspx About us]</ref> In January 2008 it was announced that students from [[Singapore]] would be able to gain degrees in retail from the [[University of Stirling]] in a tie-up with the country's [[Nanyang Polytechnic]] (NYP).<ref>{{cite web| accessdate =26 August 2008|publisher=The Scotsman |title=Stirling in degree deal with Singapore polytechnic |url = http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Stirling-in-degree-deal-with.3692118.jp |date=21 January 2008 }}</ref>
 [[Image:Fmstirlinguni.jpg|thumb|left|Looking out over Airthrey Loch on the main campus of The University of Stirling]]
 Stirling is also home to part of the wider [[Forth Valley College]] which was formed on 1 August 2005 from the merger of [[Falkirk]], Stirling and [[Clackmannan]] colleges.
@@ Line 161: / Line 161: @@
 ==Twinned cities==
-*{{flagicon|France}} [[Villeneuve d'Ascq]], France
+*[[Villeneuve d'Ascq]], France
-*{{flagicon|United States}} [[Dunedin, Florida]], United States
+*[[Dunedin, Florida]], United States
-*{{flagicon|Hungary}} [[Óbuda]], Hungary
+*[[Óbuda]], Hungary
-*{{flagicon|Canada}} [[Summerside, Prince Edward Island]], Canada
+*[[Summerside, Prince Edward Island]], Canada
 ==See also==
@@ Line 194: / Line 194: @@
 {{UK cities}}
-{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2010}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2011}}
 {{Stirling Towns & Villages}}

v t e Settlements in Stirling (council area)
Cities	Stirling
Towns	Bannockburn Bridge of Allan Callander Doune Dunblane
Villages	Aberfoyle Ashfield Balfron Balmaha Balquhidder Blanefield Blairlogie Buchlyvie Cambusbarron Cambuskenneth Cowie Crianlarich Croftamie Deanston Drymen Fallin Fintry Gargunnock Gartmore Killearn Killin Kinlochard Kippen Milton of Buchanan Lochearnhead Plean Port of Menteith Strathblane Strathyre Thornhill Throsk Tyndrum
Hamlets	Ardchullarie More Ardeonaig Arnprior Auchlyne Balfron Station Boquhan Buchanan Smithy Carbeth Dumgoyne Gartness Inverarnan Kilmahog Kinbuck Milton Mugdock Stronachlachar
Areas of Stirling	Broomridge Cornton Raploch St. Ninians Torbrex
Other settlements	Ardchyle Auchtubh Blair Drummond Brig o' Turk Dalmary Dalrigh Inversnaid Rowardennan Ruskie