Images of wolves can be found all around Stirling, the symbol relating to a legend that supposedly took place over 1000 years ago. As the gateway to the north of Scotland, Stirling has always been of great strategic importance. Long ago the town was caught between competing forces of Picts, Northumbrians and Vikings.
One night, under cover of darkness a group of Vikings attempted to sneak up on the sleeping inhabitants. The invaders almost succeeded in capturing Stirling for themselves, while slaughtering the townsfolk in their beds. However, they hadn’t taken into account a large pack of wolves that roamed this part of countryside. No matter how stealthy the Vikings were, it was no match for a wolf’s heightened senses.
Just as they were approaching the silent village, a wolf began to howl. Then another picked up the call and another after that. Soon the air was full of howling wolves and the people of Stirling were awake, scrambling to defend themselves from whatever had disturbed the animals. All they discovered were a band of frightened warriors, running off into the distance.
The wolves had foiled the Vikings plan and saved the locals from a nasty surprise. From then on, the animals would be a proud symbol of Stirling.
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