Stirling district sits in central Scotland around the city of Stirling, covering a mix of urban centre, market towns and rural highlands. The city occupies a crossing of the River Forth where Stirling Bridge stands, and the castle crowns Castle Hill above the old town. Abbey Craig is topped by the National Wallace Monument, and the King's Knot earthwork lies within the castle grounds. Towns such as Bridge of Allan and Dunblane lie nearby, while Callander sits at the eastern edge of the Trossachs.
The council area stretches from lowland farmland and the Ochil foothills to the lochs and hills of the Trossachs, with Loch Katrine and Ben A'an among the western uplands. The University of Stirling campus sits beside Airthrey Loch and contributes research and public events. Transport links follow historical routes: rail and road converge at Stirling, while the river and surrounding passes shaped settlement patterns and military history. Local economy combines agriculture, services, conservation and visitor attractions centred on castle, monuments and trails.
