Basilisks

Basilisk – “an imaginary reptile said to be able to kill by poison or simply by looking at someone.”

A phoenix tear is the only known cure for the devastating effect of the basilisk’s venom.

basilisk, (genus Basiliscus), any of four species of forest lizards of tropical North and South America belonging to the family Iguanidae. The name is applied because of a resemblance to the legendary monster called Basilisk.

On top of the gateposts opposite 3 Bridgehaugh are a pair of Basilisks. These were commissioned by the Burgh of Stirling of the sculptress Gillian Forbes in 1990s as part of an environmental enhancement project for the Bridgehaugh Conservation Area. More of the Sculptor’s work can be seen throughout Stirling in the carved writings on pavings recording the history of Stirling.

The coping stones of the pillars are adorned with inscribed names of native Flora. See more about these here.