Chimp Island

There's a small island in the Forth & Clyde Canal near Stirling where a group of chimpanzees once lived. That's Chimp Island - and yes, it's exactly as odd as it sounds. The chimps arrived in the 1970s as part of what was meant to be a sanctuary experiment, though the whole thing feels more like a piece of Scottish oddball history than a conventional tourist spot. These days you won't find the animals there - they've long since moved on - but the island itself remains, a quirky footnote in Stirling's story. Locals still point it out, and it's genuinely peculiar to stand on the towpath and think about what once happened in such an unlikely location. The walk along the canal is pleasant enough, particularly if you're staying at Witches Craig Caravan & Camping Park just a few miles away, where you can base yourself for exploring the Stirling area properly. It's not a destination in itself - don't expect facilities or visitor infrastructure - but as a conversation-starter during a canal stroll, it's brilliant. Best visited on a clear day when you can actually spot the island properly from the path. Worth the detour if you're already in the area, though it'll take you ten minutes, maximum. History buffs and anyone fond of Scotland's stranger attractions will find it amusing. Kids might ask why there are no chimps, which is fair.