For many centuries the focal point of Dunblane has been its magnificent cathedral, which dates back in part to the 12th century and is one of Scotland's few surviving medieval churches. Viewed from the outside, the Cathedral is impressive, but its true beauty lies within. A sentinel of towering pillars and archways of weathered stone stand in the nave, overlooked by colourful religious icons of stained glass. The decorative woodcarvings are an added glory and each of the floral carvings on the Scots oak pews is unique. In front of the alter lies three slabs of Tournail limestone marked as the resting place of Margaret Drummond, who was reputed to have been the secret wife of King James IV. You can read about the history of the cathedral here. In the graveyard is a memorial to William McCowan, a soldier who died in 1864 in the American Civil War. Read the story here
The kirkyard of Dunblane Cathedral has been in use for many hundreds of years. No visit to Dunblane's magnificent Cathedral would be complete without a wander round this ancient graveyard. Look out for some rather quaint epitaphs on the tombstones. Visitors come from all over the world in search of the last resting place of ancestors. Fortunately records of the lairs are kept in a register available in the Dunblane Museum across the road. In the South West corner of the graveyard can be found the ruins of the once splendid Bishop's Palace.