Beheading Stone, Stirling
A grim medieval execution block on Mote Hill, where traitors once lost their heads, now protected by a metal cage with sweeping views over Stirling and the Forth.
A Stone of Blood and Power
High on Mote Hill, overlooking the River Forth and the site of the Battle of Stirling Bridge, stands a rough block of stone that once served as a medieval execution block. Known as the Beheading Stone, this unassuming slab is said to have been used in the 15th century for the beheading of those condemned for treason, particularly enemies of the crown. Local tradition holds that it was the final resting place for the heads of powerful nobles, including Murdoch, Duke of Albany, and his family, executed in 1425 on the orders of King James I after a bitter power struggle. The stone’s dark reputation is reinforced by visible axe marks and holes where a wooden block was once secured, evidence of its grim function.From Pictish Fort to Execution Ground
Mote Hill itself has layers of history stretching back to the first millennium AD, when it was the site of a vitrified Pictish fort destroyed by fire. Over the centuries, the hill became a place of royal justice, associated with the nearby Stirling Castle and the town’s medieval administration. The hill was also known as Heiding Hill or Heading Hill, a name that clearly reflects its role in capital punishment. Retributive justice later shifted to the Mercat Cross and Tolbooth in the town, but the Beheading Stone remained as a physical reminder of an era when power was enforced with the axe. In the 19th century, the stone was moved to its current position on the hilltop and encased in a protective iron cage, a gesture of preservation that also underscores its significance as a historical artifact.What You See Today
Today, the Beheading Stone sits on a white concrete pillar, enclosed in a sturdy metal cage, with a plaque noting that it is protected by the public at the insistence of the Stirling National History & Archaeological Society in 1887. An information board nearby explains its history and the executions believed to have taken place here, while a couple of old cannons add to the military atmosphere of the site. The stone’s surface still shows the scars of repeated axe blows, inviting quiet reflection on the lives that ended here. The setting is open and windswept, with panoramic views across the Forth Valley, the Wallace Monument, and the surrounding hills, making it as much a viewpoint as a historical monument.Visiting the Site
The Beheading Stone is a short walk from Stirling Castle, reachable via the Back Walk footpath or from Crofthead Road, and is accessible at any time of day. It’s best visited in daylight and in reasonable weather, as the paths can be uneven and slippery when wet. The area is popular with walkers and history buffs, but can attract informal gatherings in the evenings, so caution is advised after dark. There are no formal facilities at the stone itself, but toilets, cafes, and visitor information are available in the nearby town and at Stirling Castle. The site is free to visit and makes a compelling, if sobering, addition to a day exploring Stirling’s rich medieval and military heritage.Local tips
- Visit in daylight and in dry weather; the paths to Mote Hill can be slippery and uneven, and the area is best avoided at night.
- Combine your visit with Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument for a full day of history; the stone is a short walk from the castle’s Back Walk.
- Look closely at the stone’s surface for axe marks and the holes where the wooden block was secured; these details bring the site’s grim history vividly to life.
- Bring a jacket and sturdy shoes; the hilltop is exposed and can be windy, even on otherwise pleasant days.
A brief summary to Beheading Stone.
- Stirling, Stirling, GB
Getting There
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On foot from Stirling Castle
From Stirling Castle, follow the Back Walk footpath downhill and then up Mote Hill; the walk takes about 15–20 minutes on paved and gravel paths, with some slopes and steps. The route is well signed but can be slippery when wet.
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On foot from Stirling town centre
From the town centre, head towards Crofthead Road and follow the footpath up to Mote Hill; the walk takes roughly 20–25 minutes on a mix of pavement and paths, suitable for regular footwear in dry conditions.
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By local bus
Several local bus routes serve Stirling town centre; from there, the walk to Mote Hill is about 20–25 minutes on foot. There is no direct bus stop at the stone, so a short walk is required.
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By car
Drive to Stirling town centre and park in one of the public car parks; from there, follow signs to Stirling Castle and the Back Walk, then continue to Mote Hill. There is no dedicated parking at the stone itself, and the access paths are not suitable for vehicles.
