The Most Important Place in Scotland (Isn’t Edinburgh)

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Murray's blog stirlingarchaeology.substack.com/ Bruce Fummey live shows www.brucefummey.co.uk/shows.aspx Support the channel with Patreon www.patreon.com/scotlandhistorytours Bruce explains the importance of Dunfermline Abbey kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3ywh2eQh613gZY

[@suetruchan7266]

@@ScotlandHistoryTours I guess I missed the April tour info.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

@@suetruchan7266 www.wetravel.com/trips/scotland-history-tour-s-spring-adventure-scotland-folk-tours-multidestination-61175308

[@maryannedouglas]

My papa, may he rest in peace, lived his retirement in Fintry. He took me all around Stirling and taught me all about how important it is. I knew, Bruce, from the very first second, where you were talking about ❤

[@lespaddick6248]

Ditto me

[@Joe-lo1by]

You two should do more together,you both make history fun and interesting, cheers lads

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Who knows

[@Allastrology]

Holy crap, the history and significance of this location, plus what a view!! I knew none of this. So as always, I thank you Bruce. I enjoyed hearing the knowledge between you twos

[@roderickmain9697]

Eldest son lines just about 0.5km away from the bridge having recently moved to Stirling.. Wife and I walked over the bridge with granddaughter in the pushchair....and we didnt realise the significance. But now we know. Thanks Bruce and Murray.

[@hamishhamilton9287]

Murray was excellent. Have him on again. Love the enthusiasm from you both.

[@suemackenzie7491]

I could listen to you guys all day. 😊

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Yay

[@catherineb2512]

​@@ScotlandHistoryTours Murray is a gem and you always have such wonderful videos. Thanks! Would love to see you team up again! Perhaps it's time to do a video on the Wilsons of Bannockburn and tartan! Murray is leading up an effort excavate the mill sites at the Haugh in Bannockburn. It's a lovely site with loads of history. ❤

[@johnjmoore3309]

My mother grew up in the Stirling area. She drummed it into our heads that it was the historical heart of Scotland. Love visiting that area.

[@veheeo720]

Love Love Love THANK YOU an awesome production Happy Holidays and Safe Travels ! 😎💯👀🕺🌹🥨✨🪅🎨🎭💎🎩

[@ChildofGod.30]

So amazing to see Dr. Murray Cook here. ❤ This is my favourite channel on KZbin.

[@davidarchibald50]

Aye, Bruce. Behind yer in that last shot did I see a trout rise. There was a time in New Zealand when I would cast a dry fly upon such a river. I caught a few I remember, but I came to understand I was just tormenting the free. You gave me pause, as you always do, to see myself in the passage of time. Would I have fought on that bridge, and if so, which side? Would anyone have remembered me, or my friends, their wounds, and their pain? That is the lesson of history, time flows on downstream, and human lives mean as naught as the ripples of a trout's rise. Of course, if yer are rising to pourin another dram....

[@casieperry9047]

I tell ya, every time I hear Bruce say, "Let me tell you a story." I get my cocoa and blanket. Love the videos, Bruce. Keep 'em comin'! I wish I could afford the trip in April. I'm not complaining about the price, I know it'll be worth every penny. I'm saving for a trip with my sisters and god-daughter later in the year. I wish you every success.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

I hope you have a great time😘

[@raydriver7300]

Another walk through Scottish History and I thank you for inviting me to join you. So much enthusiasm 🌞

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Our pleasure!

[@garryk6853]

Stirling born and raised here. Ayrshire resident for 37 years. Always loved the toon of Stirling. Tbh, as a boy, I took it all for granted. I think most were the same. Wasn't until I left that I realised what an incredible place it is, especially for it's history and scenery.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

True

[@gaylaaustin7468]

Do you know my family the Houstons?

[@garryk6853]

​@gaylaaustin7468 sorry, I don't

[@janetmackinnon3411]

You always give us good information--and smiles. Thank you.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

You are so welcome

[@smoky2stroke]

Enjoyed that, you two make a great double act!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

😎

[@lespaddick6248]

I once heard Stirling described as the Brooch of Scotland This Video prove why

[@Wee_Langside]

Great video Bruce. When coming north from Derby to family in Dunning and Braco the sight of Stirling Castle meant I was nearly home. The best castle in Britain.

[@johnpuntenney4596]

I was there in February! I love Stirling, and I had a feeling that would be what you were going to talk about the moment I saw the bridge! Thanks for doing this Bruce, and thanks for bringing Murray for this one.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

😜

[@frankgellenthin3733]

Fantastic video, Bruce! You and Murray have explained something that felt missing from my undertanding of Scotland's history. Stirling is the nexus of so many people, politics, and warfare. All roads don't necessarily lead ro Rome. 😉

[@rsfaeges5298]

That is incredible! What a fantastic Story! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks so much!

[@davidarchibald50]

He always tells a great yarn, our Bruce.💗

[@nialloneill5097]

And great synergy...

[@KizzieWiz]

It’s history not a story! 🙄

[@nialloneill5097]

@@KizzieWiz Bruce makes it sound like a story...

[@JohndEdmond-oy9lj]

Happy Hogmanay and Happy New Year to all the great Scottish People who have done so much in this world.

[@R2Zmedia]

Great video Bruce, look forward to seeing more from you two again!

[@pjmoseley243]

dont forget Jim wattand his inventions

[@alexschonski3637]

Bruce another gem thanks .

[@johnpauloprey5864]

Fascinating - a lot went on there. Very informative. Well done.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Many thanks!

[@craigevans6156]

100% Bruce & Murray!

[@rossmcgregor8489]

This is fabulous! I live in Cambuskenneth and I describe our wee village as the most important place in Scotland no-one has ever heard of. Our history stretches from the Bronze Age (a sword was found in Cambuskenneth in 1832) to the Glasgow Boys (artists) of the late 19th century.

[@LCU1981]

Regards from Polish History Club in Scotland !!!!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Welcome

[@jamieryman]

Excellent one, ty! Love the on location convention 😬

[@KizzieWiz]

Really, really interesting show from you, Bruce!!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thank you kindly!

[@bobsteele9581]

Another excellent video Bruce. I've visited Stiring a number of times and knew of it's historical significance, but not quite is this detail. Absolutely fascinating 👍

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Many thanks!

[@DuncanMcintyre-jk3qb]

Nice story nicely told well done the brucey-fella thank you for this one (again) ❤

[@KizzieWiz]

It’s history, not a story!

[@DuncanMcintyre-jk3qb]

@ oh c’mon all history is a story -usually told by the winners or reinterpreted by students of said field of study (in this case those round Stirling)

[@DuncanMcintyre-jk3qb]

For everyone’s information I wasn’t implying that Bruce was not misinforming anyone-merely that in response to “let me tell you a story “ my reply was “nicely done sir” purely a thank you to the storyteller

[@NorthernBandit1]

Thanks Bruce...wonderful story!

[@KizzieWiz]

It’s not just a story, but history!

[@NorthernBandit1]

@@KizzieWiz I am of Scottish Hertitage, I do not take this lightly. As Bruce says...

[@dasbruce5337]

Always love watching your content. Born in Stirling, lived in Alva and Bannockburn before moving to Aberdeen at 10 year old so I always love the Stirlingshire videos you do. All the best from 1 Bruce to another haha

[@kentait66]

Another brilliant presentation, Bruce!😎👏👏 (I had NO IDEA of this!)

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Every day is a school day

[@pikeyMcBarkin]

Another brilliant video Bruce! Great to see you.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thank you kindly. Here ever Saturday

[@ruthmclennan1914]

Very enjoyable. Finished too soon for me. Thanks

[@alicefreist318]

It looks like one can practically taste the blood, dust, and gunpowder of history in the very AIR around Stirling. Thank you!

[@gerrycoogan6544]

Brilliant episode, Bruce. Cheers!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks

[@medhat4B]

This video verified something I have known since I was knee high to my granny. She lived at Riverside and often we crossed the bridge to Cambuskenneth. I remember her telling me 60+ years ago that there used to be boat across the river. I don't know when that bridge was built. My last trip home was 12 or so years ago and I took my two nephews to the bridge. There was a farm - Rennie's I think - where my granny went to get eggs and who knows what else. On occasion we went to the Abbey and I loved wandering the grounds learning little snippets of history. I was intrigued that the graves of King James III and Queen Margaret are there, and have always remembered that. As well, I also crossed many times the old Stirling Bridge - not to be confused with the one known for the Battle of Stirling bridge further along the river. Keep up the great work. BTW, have you done a video about Doune and the castle there?

[@Iain3383]

Top tier content, Bruce.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Brilliant

[@ryvyl]

In our modern day, how many of us stop and think about the history that lies under our feet? I tend to wonder when/why (and sometimes how) an old/ancient bridge or building was made and what/who it has borne witness to over the years. Not to mention the land itself. Thank you, Bruce, for shedding light on such questions and entertaining us in the process. Cheers!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Aye there's truth in that

[@azrmoon]

Thanks!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Big thanks

[@tessinman]

This was wonderful. I love watching and rewatching your Scottish history videos!

[@radge6579]

Awesome video 👏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks 👍

[@kellinomnom]

Love this video!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

So glad!

[@andrewduke1489]

Fantastic.

[@gavmc104]

Born and bred Stirling man that walks his dog in the beautiful Gillies hill every day where you get a great view of all these historical spots. A wee video like this reminds you of how important the town of Stirling has been to Scotland. Great video!

[@dalehiatt9395]

(*Edited previous comment)Great story, Bruce! Had no Idea so many historical things had happened at that one place!! With you being a Perthshire man, could you tell us a story about the infamous Ruthvens and all the intrigues and machinations which led to the Ruthven Raid and Gowrie Conspiracy? Seems it's a bit more of my ancestral dirty laundry! Thanks for sharing your great knowledge of Scotland and its history!

[@pamelamorrison4086]

Defo wouldn't have kint Thanks, Bruce 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🦄 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@peterlaycock917]

Thanks

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thank YOU sir

[@fionamcphail2797]

Born and raised on Ballengeich Rd !

[@TheTimelord62]

Thanks again Bruce brilliant to know. I have walked all over the forth area and never really knew how much of a crossroads it was. With even the Scottish navy being based on the forth near the current wee county bridge crossing. The rich history is something we really need to teach the young. Its getting lost in a see of internet meaningless clips.

[@HowardRiach]

Brilliant explanation, Slainte.

[@BryanSutherland-oo1bn]

These documentarys are awsome

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Brilliant

[@helenswan705]

Wow, someone even more enthusiastic than Bruce!

[@susanschroeder3006]

Well done!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks

[@susanschroeder3006]

I have ancestors from Gargunnock. I hope to visit next year. I'm loving these insights about the area. ​@ScotlandHistoryTours

[@errolsbiscuit]

brilliant thankyou

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

You're very welcome

[@AnnaAnna-uc2ff]

Thank you very much.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

You are welcome!

[@mikeherren5604]

Bruce Thx you so much for what you do. Fantastic and fascinating I love Scotland history so much and hope to take a tour with you someday. From the states but hale from the border reivers Herons of Kirkcudbrightshire before the clearings. Thx thx thx

[@callumw9067]

You mentioned the Maetae a few times, fascinating by them since i go up Dumyat hill at least once a week. Dumyat has such an amazing view south over Stirling.

[@HerbaceousSW]

fascinating and fun! thanks!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Our pleasure!

[@marcnairn9446]

I stay beside the monument amazing view

[@Sanctuary.Garden.D24]

Bruce, tá do chainéal chomh faisnéiseach, faoi Albain. Tá cónaí ar mo dheirfiúr, bealach suas ó thuaidh ó Albain, ag tnúth le cuairt a thabhairt orm féin go luath. Go raibh maith agat. 💯🙏

[@nicholahenry539]

Hello Zahi thank you for this amazing video

[@joannitaxvi3386]

I want to climb up these stairs too! The tower is closed to public and you cannot book it in!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

I know, but we're special😎

[@KenMcAusland]

Do not be surprised if you encounter me the April 2025 tour Mr Bruce. Excellent history coverage and I hope to be there Sir. V/r KMc

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Brilliant

[@GodTierComments]

6:55 Pulled into that side road a couple of months ago, annoyed to find this place completely shut. Looks a LOT more stable than quite a few other HES places I visited. HES needs to lift its game. The worst was waiting for a train to pass at the level crossing just to find this place closed. Good thing I knew ahead of time and it didn't affect the rest of the day's schedule in Stirling. By the way, your subtitles are spelling it 'Sterling'.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Aye they're no my subtitles. I'll bet there are a few other strange spellings in there. I'm sure if we just upped our monthly HES subscription they'd be able to keep it open... not sure about the level crossing though

[@peterkelly1665]

thought the cross roads was Jamacia and Argyle Street in Glasgow . Well that's what my Taxi driver exhibited when the Lights went out and much traditional tooting on car horns was performed !

[@marijntaal1531]

Lovely video.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

You are kind

[@melaniegreaves3571]

Hi Bruce, I love your videos! My Late Mum Heather Home lived in Blackford for 12 years in 1943 , I would love to hear about the history of Blackford, my mum lived on a dairy farm there, I can’t seem to find it! Also would love to know more about The Home/ Hume family, as this is my family You are very good at teaching history in a fun way!! ❤

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Aye, there's not that much to Blackford, but here's one I did kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4DEhYmejqmbg80

[@melaniegreaves3571]

@ thank you so much, My Beautiful late mum went to the Blackford school, I believe its a very old building, did you go to that school? I’ve learnt so much from your videos about our wonderful Scotland x

[@melaniegreaves3571]

@ my Great grandfather died on the railway at Blackford, he fought in the Boar war and couldn’t cope with life after that .

[@twiddlerat9920]

I'm proud of myself for saying stirling when this video started

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Well done you

[@ryanferguson1976]

Me to 😂 but though I thought it was trick question 😂

[@Boric78]

Great Video. The cynic in me wanting to comment "London", but I am not a c**t. Hope you enjoyed your pint, fella.

[@evelynwilson1566]

Thanks Bruce. I come from and still live in Alloa, just down the road. The whole area is rife with history. I' m planning to do one of Murray ' s evening classes at Forth Valley college next year. Did he tell you about his excavations on Dumyat?

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Aye, but I said I wished climbing that hill

[@AnjiDuff]

Did you know they are building a horse track on Bannochburn? No joke. The Americans bought Stirling council and are building a horse track and casino on the most historic ancient grave site in Scotland. The national anthem is based on a casino site for tourists to shit on. First they took Culloden! Now it's Bannochburn.

[@jaymo2607]

Americans? Dunno where that's came from. It's a Trotting/ harness racing track that is already there & they want permission for a carpark half a mile from the visitor centre and supposed 'battlesite'. Did you know the real battle site is closer to the carse anyhow?

[@haraldtheyounger5504]

16:03 Run Bruce, the cops are on your tail. Must have been that pie you launched at the enemy in Dens Park.

[@krisgreenwood5173]

I spent 5 days in Stirling in late June 2009. I have been wanting to get back, but there are too many irons in the fire. My 3x great grandfather is buried in the cemetery next to the castle. He was a former Ft Major of the castle property. William Henry Peddie.

[@Charlie_Bug-h3k]

I like this better than when he was with counting crows.

[@rodgeyd6728]

Bruce and Murray should do more video's together, this was really informative and entertaining. Greetings from Northumberland ❤🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@gailsears2913]

Interesting! You do know how to tell a story!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

One does try

[@johnstuartkeller5244]

12:55. ... and a plan so cunning, you could brush your teeth with it!

[@andrewwedlock2926]

Another brilliant video, is there any books you would recommend on scottish history?

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Jings that's way too big a subject for one book I'd say

[@andygers33]

I haven’t lived in Scotland for a lifetime, but hold dear with pride, my place of birth Stirling. With my great grandfather Lord Provost JP McAllister, grandmother once matron at Stirling Royal, Great uncle Andrew McAllister ‘Empire Builder’ in Old Calibar. Is there a more significant place in history for us Scot’s?

[@tamhunter5025]

You are not far from Dunipace. It would be great if you covered its history

[@garythesweep]

My home town ❤

[@suetruchan7266]

How do I get more information on your April tour?

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Email [e-mail]

[@robertkinkaid4732]

Great energy between ypuse

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thank you 😁

[@Lucius1958]

I must confess, I paused and scrolled back to where Murray first mentioned 'Col. John *Blackadder* ', just to make sure my ears hadn't deceived me... ;-)

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

😂

[@ClarenceCochran-ne7du]

It's all important.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Of course

[@DylanTheMattressMan]

The battle site at Largs

[@DylanTheMattressMan]

My opinion I will watch the video now :)

[@gaylaaustin7468]

My several times great grandfather Ludovic George Houston married Anne Stirling--please cosnder doing a story on this--thanks

[@johnadan2725]

The stone of the clans, the gathering place. Lately, the training grounds for the special forces.

[@murraywebster1228]

DIDNT know I had a blog…😂, oh it’s another Murray…

[@gordondunbar2017]

Colonel John Blackadder (1664-1729) was born in Glencairn, Dumfriesshire, Scotland. He was the fifth son of Reverend John Blackadder, a prominent Covenanting minister, and Janet Haining. His early life was deeply influenced by his father’s Presbyterian convictions, which shaped his own strong religious and moral principles. John Blackadder studied at the University of Edinburgh before joining the newly formed Cameronian Regiment in 1689, established by Covenanters for the defense of Presbyterianism in Scotland. Blackadder quickly rose through the ranks due to his military prowess and connections. He fought in significant battles such as Dunkeld, where the regiment played a critical role in quelling Highland uprisings, and later served in the campaigns of the Duke of Marlborough in Europe. By 1709, he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel and commanded his regiment until he retired to Stirling, where he became active in ecclesiastical matters. In 1715, during the Jacobite rising, he was appointed to command a regiment raised by the city of Glasgow to defend against Highland forces. His leadership at Stirling Bridge contributed to the government's efforts against the Jacobites. For his services, he was named Deputy Governor of Stirling Castle in 1717, a post he held until his death in 1729. He was buried in Stirling, where a memorial tablet commemorates his legacy. Blackadder was also involved in the ill-fated Darien Scheme, reflecting his broader interests in Scotland’s economic and political future

[@davidrobertson2056]

Always knew Stirling was the most important part of the country great video,but do you know where Jimmy 111 died?

[@Hrossey]

Big man, colour doth matter. So long as yer colours Red, White and Blue! ❤😂 Ghana no no dae that? How no? #JustGonnaeNo ????!! Love ye, Shagger ✅

[@cato1684]

David I built a lot of Abbeys

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

He did

[@cato1684]

@ I have two nearby, Jedburgh and Melrose.

[@gaylaaustin7468]

My great-great-great (6 times great) grandfather Houstoun married a Stirling They lived at Johnston castle

[@nialloneill5097]

And why should he not have such a wonderful castle...for truly, your relative sounds really great

[@01karmacop]

I used to love our history ,l am so sad our culture and way of life is gone now

[@johndumarney1630]

The off license, most important part of Scottish history