Church of the Holy Rude, Stirling (must see)

Founded in 1129, the Church of the Holy Rude is a medieval parish church featuring striking architecture and lovely stained glass windows. A fire destroyed the original wooden structure in 1405, and construction on a new church building began a few years later.

It is the second oldest building in Stirling and is known as one of the most important medieval churches in Scotland. Located on a high hill and not far from Stirling Castle, the west tower of the Church of the Holy Rude is a prominent feature of the Stirling skyline.

This magnificent church is still in use today, holding Sunday worship services and special events. The historic churchyard includes the Old Town Cemetery, a must-see graveyard of historical importance with many noteworthy graves and monuments.

One bit of trivia is that King James VI was crowned in this church in 1567 while still an infant. This event occurred after his mother, Mary, Queen of Scots, was imprisoned and forced to abdicate her throne. The Church of the Holy Rude is one of only three churches still active in Great Britain that have held a coronation.