National Wallace Monument, Stirling (must see)

The National Wallace Monument, a striking 67-meter tower, sits atop the Abbey Craig hill overlooking Stirling. Built to honor Sir William Wallace, a national hero from the 13th and 14th centuries, the monument has become a symbol of Scottish pride and history. Visitors can explore the tower for an admission fee, but they must ascend 246 steps to reach the observation platform, which offers panoramic views of the Ochil Hills and the Forth Valley.

Constructed during a resurgence of Scottish national identity in the 19th century, the monument was funded through public subscription and international contributions, including one from Italian leader Giuseppe Garibaldi. The foundation stone was laid in 1861, and the monument was completed in 1869, designed in Victorian Gothic style by architect John Thomas Rochead.

Inside the tower, visitors can explore three exhibition rooms, with one displaying Wallace's 1.63-meter longsword, and the Hall of Heroes, featuring busts of Scotland's great figures, such as Robert the Bruce, Adam Smith, and Sir Walter Scott. In 2017, heroines Mary Slessor and Maggie Keswick Jencks were added to this prestigious hall. While a must-see for history lovers, it is important to note that the tower is not accessible to disabled visitors.