I went to Stirling as a day trip from Glasgow. It's just a short (cheap) train ride from either Glasgow or Edinbrugh. It's very small and quaint town. Stirling Castle is there, as well as national William Wallace memorial. I felt like Stirling castle was a lot less touristy than Edinburgh castle. I stayed in the hostel which is very close to the castle....although you gotta hike uphill to get to it. I also went to Edinburgh, which is a nice city, too. The castle there was awesome and if you are going soon, I think they have a bagpipe festival in August (not sure though).