Gargunnock

Gargunnock is a small village in the Stirling council area with an active community trust, seven miles (eleven kilometres) west of Stirling, in Scotland. The census population was 912. It is situated on the south edge of the Carse of Stirling, at the foot of the Gargunnock Hills, part of the Campsie Fells. Several small burns flow down from the Gargunnock Hills The last naturally suitable crossing point on the Forth before reaching Stirling Bridge is situated just outside Gargunnock. This, coupled with the land condition and drainage around the feet of the Gargunnock hills, made Gargunnock the ideal location to build a farming settlement. During the occupation of Scotland, the English posted a battalion in the Peel tower on the outskirts of the village to protect this important ferry. It is believed that William Wallace brought his army through Gargunnock (called Gargowans at the time), setting up fort on the Kier Hill, to take control of this part of the river in advance of the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Bonnie Prince Charlie is also said to have passed through the village on his travels.