Panorama taken from the top of the Forework of Stirling Castle.The picture shows various castle buildings and a view over parts of Stirling.

Stirling Castle - Forework - Stirling visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Stirling Castle - Forework' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Stirlingshire.

The Forework forms the defenses to the entrance to the Outer Close of Stirling Castle. The were built by King James IV at the beginning of the 16th Century and formed part of a curtain wall extending across the entire castle. Originally the Forework was twice as high, with four towers topped by conical roofs and linked by parapets. On either side of the gatehouse was another tower, bringing the total to six, and forming a formidable approach to the castle from the south.

It is very likely that the Forework was obsolete as a defensive structure at the time it was built, and would not have been effective against the canon then in use. The gate was badly damaged during the siege of 1650 when the castle was captured by George Monck, 1st Duke of Albemarle. The Elphistone Tower was reduced in 1689 and the other towers of the Forework removed or reduced between 1711 and 1714.

Today, the view from the top is quite impressive, showing the hills around Stirling and both the Great Hall and Royal Palace of the castle itself.

Stirling Castle
Esplanade,
Stirling, FK8 1EJ

The route to Stirling Castle is marked along back streets ascending through the Old Town to the Esplanade in Stirling. Parking available at the end of the Esplanade. Stirling Castle is managed by Historic Scotland and entrance is ticketed.