Two Girls From Texas in a Car: STIRLING CASTLE AND CULZEAN CASTLE

STIRLING CASTLE

Dramatically perched on the crags overlooking the plains where some of Scotland's most decisive battles took place, this castle was one of the nation's greatest strongholds and a key player in her history.

The castle is entered through the 18th century outer defences and 16th century forework.

The Chapel Royal is built on one side of the square, as is the Great Hall , which was completed during the reign of James IV. The Hall has five fireplaces, and a magnificent hammer - beam ceiling - which has been replaced.

The King's Knot, an ornamental garden which once had a pleasure canal.

Historically - the castle boasts a list of monarchs like none other in Scotland. James I had Murdoch Duke of Albany and his sons executed at the castle in 1425. James II was born here in 1430, as was James III in 1451. James II tossed Willaim, 8th Earl of Douglas out of the window in 1452. Mary, Queen of Scots, was crowned in the old chapel in 1543, and James VI was baptised here in 1566.

And, of course there is the resident ghost. The Pink Lady, the apparition of a beautiful woman has reputedly been seen at the castle, and may be the ghost of Mary, Queen of Scots. If Mary, Queen of Scots, haunted, and slept at all of the castles in Scotland that have mentioned her, she was, and still is a very busy Queen.

Showing us around the castle...

WALLACE MONUMENT

Erected in 1869, this 250 foot tower commemorates William Wallace and his valiant fight for Scotland's independence. The climb to the top takes in Wallace's two-handed broadsword, but most electrifying of all is the "Talking Head", which presents Wallace's defence before his brutal execution in 1305.

Of course we all know the history of William Wallace from the 1995 film "Braveheart" played by Mel Gibson. ....looking sexy in kilts!!

CULZEAN CASTLE

I had to make a visit to this castle. Robert Adam, who I greatly admire his architectural and interior design skill, masterfully designed this castle. It is said that his exquisite taste reached their apotheosis in this castle, which ranks as one of Britains's finest mansions.

Set in a park that does it ample justice it commands a dramatic coastal position, looking seaward from the top of an Ayrshire cliff.

Robert Adam born in Kinross-shire in 1728 was educated at Edinburgh University. His subsequent tour of Italy determined his Neo-Classical style and he went on to set up an archectural practice in London, becoming the foremost designer of his day. A true workaholic, his fanticism for detail was legendary. Adam died in 1792, the year Culzean was completed.

Culzean- The work began in 1777 and lasted almost 20 years. The Kennedy family sparing little expense in the decoration and craftmanship of their clifftop home. Culzean a masterpiece in a land full of magnificent castles was gifted to the nation and fully restored in the 1970's. its grounds became Scotland's first public country park in 1969.

Oval Staircase - nothing short of perfection. Ionic and Corinthian pillars swirl above a strawberry red carpet, lit up by an arched skylight.

Armoury - Countless weapons cover the walls in concentrated patterns. The 120 blades forming a star over the fireplace - are part of a 651 weapon collection in this room.

Saloon - The most beautiful room in the castle, with its bold colours and circle of windows overlooking the sea. Louis XVI chairs sit softly on Adam carpets.

Lord Cassillis's Rooms- Restored to their late 18th century decore - Chippendale furniture.

Adam's exquisite detail in the ceiling and mantlepieces -

Eisenhower Apartment - A gift to the US president in gratitude for his support in World War II- Not open to the public, but it can be rented as a hotel room.