Known as the Gateway to the Highlands, Stirling sits just south of the Scottish Highlands, situated around a large fortress and has a wonderful old town feel. It is an ancient fortress city with a long and colorful history. William Wallace (aka Braveheart), Scotland's national hero, famously defeated the English here at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. It’s the country’s capital for government, higher education and retail, making it an ideal place to study abroad.
Although Scotland is not famous for hot, tropical climate, its breathtaking landscapes will truly amaze you. Enjoy day trips to the surrounding regions; check out the famous Loch Ness in the Scotish Highlands as well as many other thrilling destinations. Stirling is home to the famous Stirling Castle, which is said to be haunted, and it a popular destination for tourists to explore.
With a population of 35,000, Stirling offers all you could want in a city—theater, pubs, restaurants, clubs—in a small, safe environment. And it’s easily accessible from the campus by regular bus service. Should you want to get away on the weekend, there is hourly train service to Edinburgh (45 minutes one way) and Glasgow (30 minutes one way), and from either of those major cities you can find inexpensive flights to other European destinations.