Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 9 on 20/7/2003.

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Elspeth King's Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

ELSPETH KING HAS BEEN DIRECTOR OF THE STIRLING SMITH ART GALLERY AND MUSEUM SINCE 1994, AND SHARES HER LOVE OF THE REGION AND ITS RICH HISTORY

Director of the Smith Art Gallery and Museum, Elspeth King explains: 'The Smith is in the King’s Park of Stirling, the ancient hunting and pleasure ground of the Stuart monarchs. Part of the royal gardens survive in the form of a 15th-century knot garden. The Smith was founded in 1874, and contains a good Scottish art collection and the treasures of the ancient Royal Burgh of Stirling, established in 1296.”

Q: Describe the area to someone who has never visited it.

A: It is an area of awesome beauty and varied scenery, and Stirling has often been described as ‘the brooch which clasps the Highlands and Lowlands together’. Loch Lomond is top of the list to visit for many. The majesty of the Trossachs is Sir Walter Scott’s ‘Land of the Mountain and the Flood’ and his famous poem, ‘The Lady of the Lake’, is centred on Loch Katrine. Stirling and Dunblane are the area’s cities. It also has charming towns like Callander and Doune, and lovely villages like Kippen and Gargunnock.

Q:What, in your opinion, are the area’s main attractions?

A: The area is steeped in history and a wealth of historical attractions await exploration. Scotland was shaped here by the likes of William Wallace, King Robert the Bruce and Prince Charles Edward Stuart. Every facet of Scotland’s rich heritage can be explored. You can touch the Healing Stones of St. Fillan in the heritage centre in Killin, or visit the knowe in Aberfoyle where the fairies captured the Reverend Robert Kirk in 1696.

Q: Is there a.....

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By Dominic Roskrow

Section : Questions and Answers

Page number : 53