Inner Close & King's Old Building

The upper courtyard of Stirling Castle, the Inner Close was surrounded by the main royal buildings such as the Great Hall, Palace (left), and Chapel Royal. While the buildings in this part of the castle were originally set on a diagonal axis, this was changed around 1500, when James IV oversaw a large building program that created the present-day structures. On the west side of the close, is the King's Old Building (right). Archaeological studies have shown that this building was originally the "King's House" built for James IV in 1496. At that time, it would have contained quarters for the king as well as space for entertaining. With the completion of the adjacent Palace, the building was modified heavily and saw service in a variety functions including as a barracks and a residence for the castle's governor. It is currently in use as the regimental museum for the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.