Originally a Stone Age settlement, Stirling has been strategically significant since at least the Roman occupation of Britain, due to its naturally defensible crag and tail hill (latterly the site of Stirling Castle), and its commanding position at the foot of the Ochil Hills on the border between the Lowlands and Highlands, at the lowest crossing point of the River Forth. Major battles during the Wars of Scottish Independence took place at the Stirling Bridge in 1297 and at the nearby village of Bannockburn in 1314 involving Scottish freedom fighters William Wallace and Robert the Bruce respectively. Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most important castles, both historically and architecturally, in Scotland. The castle sits atop Castle Hill, a volcanic crag. It is surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs, giving it a strong defensive position. Stirling Castle commands views of seven battlefields, including Bannockburn, in a panorama across Scotland that encompasses Ben Lomond, the Trossachs and the Ochil Hills.

Perth is located around 50 miles north of Edinburgh and enjoys a beautiful position on the banks of Scotland's longest river - the Tay (at 119 miles). With a rich and influential history that stretches back over 8000 years, Perth has served as its country's capital and has always been one of the most important political, judicial and commercial centres in Scotland. Perth is also a key transport hub for journeys by road and rail throughout Scotland. Today, Perth is a bustling town of around 50,000 inhabitants. It offers a range of entertainment, shops, cafes and restaurants.