by ssc | Sep 4, 2014 | Blog
Parliament walk leading to Alloa Tower
Sometimes it’s enlightening to choose just one aspect of an area, one striking feature, and explore it from that angle. This week, we’re getting a different slant on Stirlingshire by exploring it through towers: specifically, the Clackmannanshire Tower Trail.
The origins of the towers: Bordering Fife, Perth & Kinross and Stirling, Clackmannanshire has four medieval towers. Built in the 14th to 15th centuries, these handsome buildings have their origins in earlier timber defensive constructions. However, the newer, stone constructions were created in less turbulent times, built by aristocratic families who needed both to be near the Royal Court in Stirling, and to display their status. The heyday of the tower was short-lived: by the 16th century, ‘height’ was less in vogue, with the wealthy favouring the larger footprint of stately homes, the like of which we see today. Happily, relative rarity makes the medieval towers an even more appealing focus for sightseeing.
Alloa Tower: Alloa Tower was home to the Erskine family, Earls of Mar, from the late 1300s until 1800, in which year the building was destroyed by fire. Restored to its 1712 appearance by the Alloa Tower Building Preservation Trust, the building was reopened by the Queen in 1997. It has a fascinating history, an extensive collection of original portraits, and is open daily Good Friday–31st October 1pm to 5pm. See www.clacksweb.org.uk and www.nts.org.uk
Castle Campbell Tower, Dollar Glen
Castle Campbell Tower: Castle Campbell in Dollar Glen was a lowland home of the Campbell family of Argyll until 1654. Around 1466, the tower building was extended by the first Earl of Argyll to include a great hall and family accommodation, with an east range, stair turret, defensive gateway and enclosing wall added around 1600. Turbulent years followed, and the building suffered. The estate was sold in 1805, and has been partially restored by Historic Scotland. Opening times: 1st April–30 Sep daily 9.30–5.30. 1st October–31st March Saturday to Wednesdays 9.30–4.30. See www.clacksweb.org.uk and www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Clackmannan Tower, on King’s Seat Hill
Clackmannan Tower: Kings’ Seat Hill, overlooking the Forth Valley, is home to Clackmannan Tower, the likely site of a royal residence dating as far back as the 11th century. In 1359, David II granted Clackmannan to Robert the Bruce, and construction began, with additions in the 15th and late 16th centuries. Despite a fascinating history which included an unofficial ‘knighting’ of Robert Burns, the Bruce family abandoned the tower and its accompanying house in 1841. Under the guardianship of Historic Scotland extensive repairs have begun – full entry access is by special arrangement and Doors Open Days in September. See www.clacksweb.org.uk and www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Sauchie Tower, open during ‘Doors Open Days’ In September
Sauchie Tower: In 1321, King Robert Bruce granted the lands of Sauchie to the Sherriff of Clackmannan, Henri de Annand. In 1431, descendant Mary de Annand married Sir James Schaw, who soon began work on Sauchie Tower. A courtyard, great hall and ovens were later added, and defences improved in 1490. An additional house, built in 1631, became the main family residence. By 1710, the tower was used only for dancing and theatre and was in grave disrepair by the 1800s. Clackmannanshire Heritage Trust with the Friends of Sauchie Tower have undertaken to restore it, the accompanying house, and environs. Full entry access is by special arrangement and Doors Open Days in September. For information, contact Clackmannanshire Council Museum and Heritage Service (tel: 01259 216913).
For full information on all of these, how to gain entry to them, and how best to enjoy them on ‘non-entry days’ see http://www.clacksweb.org.uk/visiting/towertrail/ where you will find more info, histories, and full contact details.
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by ssc | Aug 21, 2014 | Blog
Real fires, good cake and comfort. The cosy interior of John Cowane’s Coffee House.
In Stirling’s old town, within the historic building of Cowane’s Hospital, local entrepreneur Sara MacMillan runs John Cowane’s Coffee Shop as part of her award-winning baking business Sprinkle Happiness – another one of our Stirling ‘local heroes’. We spoke to Sara to find out more about her passion for baking, and discovered a heart-warming story that’s all about happiness too.
“One day in May 2008 I was sitting at my desk at Prudential when a gift pack arrived from someone for whom I’d done a tiny favour. To say thank you they’d sent me a pack of postcards – vintage Prudential ads, quirky and fun; a bit of light in a run of dark days. I’d happened to read about Ernest Hemingway’s six word story earlier that day. I took one of the postcards, picked up a pen and wrote my own story: I’ve had enough, so I’m leaving. I handed it to my boss and 32 days later I didn’t have a job.”
A busy mum juggling a demanding career with Prudential and the needs of two very different young sons Joshua and Matthew, Sara had felt increasingly out of control of her life, her home, and her family’s wellbeing. “We needed to find happiness again and the one place that I found that was with my boys. So that was it, Sprinkle Happiness was borne out of a need to pick us up, sort us out, and do what needed to be done; it was literal.”
One of Sara’s many commissioned occasion cakes, made with care and a little chunk of happiness.
And why baking? “I’ve always baked cakes. I come from a family slightly obsessed with good food. I baked with my mum, my gran baked too, we were serious about it. It was a bond, a common interest, and while we ate cake we talked, and talk about good things, things that made us smile. Baking, sharing and taking the time to sit together was a huge part of my childhood, perhaps the best part. So I started to bake and, within a year of leaving Prudential, was working full time again, this time with hours that suited me, doing something I loved.”
Sara’s business success not only reflects, but supports, her work life balance: “What we do must work for all of us, which is why John Cowane’s Coffee House works so perfectly. We live on the other side of the graveyard, so our daily commute is a wander through the tombstones of the men and women who built this town that we love. Then we spend our day in one of Stirling’s most beautiful buildings serving tea, coffee and cakes to visitors awed by the space we work in. Matthew is home schooled, so is with me after his studies, introducing himself to visitors from all over the world and proudly telling them everything he knows about the historic old town of Stirling.”
Sara’s tablet has recently won two gold stars in the Great Taste Awards – known as ‘the Oscars of the food and drink industry’.
Plans for the future?: “We’d like to expand our tablet sales: we currently supply The Riverhouse in Stirling, Jam Jar in Bridge of Allan, and Lumia in Bridge of Allan. This year we entered our Traditional Tablet into The Great Taste Awards and were awarded two Gold Stars – an amazing boost. There were 10,000 entries of every food imaginable and we finished in the top 850, which, we reckon, is very respectable for our first entry!”
But despite her increasing success, Sara is generous with her baking secrets: “I find people so eager and happy to share ideas and thoughts, I email my recipes to anyone who asks and I’m amazed by the number of people who have emailed me back their favourite recipe as a thank you. Most of my inspiration comes from customers.”
So, if you want some excellent cake, and a little bite of happiness, it may be time to visit John Cowane’s Coffee shop, in Cowane’s Hospital, John Street, Stirling. And make sure you pick up some of that tablet too.
by ssc | Aug 13, 2014 | Blog
The Dunmore Pineapple, just outside Airth
Follies are extravagant buildings that often serve no purpose other than ornament. Some pretend to be something else, such as Chinese temples, Egyptian pyramids, or even ruins, while others were created to represent moral virtues or provide construction work for the poor during famine. Whatever the intention, these buildings are invariably quirky and intriguing photo opportunities – and what’s more, the UK is full of them. This week’s blog takes a look at some fabulous follies near Stirling.
The Dunmore Pineapple: Described as ‘the most bizarre building in Scotland’, the Dunmore Pineapple lies just 8 miles of Stirling near Airth, Falkirk, within the walled gardens of Dunmore Park, the ancestral home of the Earls of Dunmore. In 1761, the 4th Earl of Dunmore created a hothouse, incorporating a number of architectural styles, as part of the Park’s gardens. An intricate system of furnaces heated the building, and were vented by chimneys disguised as Grecian urns. The heat sustained, amongst other fruits, the growth of pineapples. A 14-foot Pineapple-shaped cupola was added as the finishing touch to the hothouse, giving the folly both its name and fame. The orchards in front of the Pineapple make a peaceful spot for a picnic on a warm day, while the high walling of the gardens shelters visitors from winds on colder ones. The approach to the Pineapple is raucous with rooks in autumn, and provides a rare opportunity to hear larks rising in summertime.
Ossian’s Hall, in Dunkeld, Perthshire
Ossian’s Hall: Visitors to Perthshire shouldn’t miss a visit to Ossian’s Hall, a captivating folly just outside of Dunkeld, and just one hour from Stirling. Ossian’s Hall was built in 1758 over the Black Linn waterfall, a dramatic spate on the River Braan. Originally intended to ‘shock, surprise and amaze’, the Hall initially incorporated a system of mirrors to surround visitors with 360 degree images of the foaming waters, an effect enhanced by the cupola shape which also amplifies the noise of the Falls. Notable visitors to the folly included Wordsworth, Queen Victoria, Mendelssohn and Turner, though after its heyday, the folly fell into prolonged disrepair. Brilliantly refurbished in 2007, Ossian’s Hall has reclaimed the intrigue of its past, with sliding doors, mirrored artwork, and a secret entrance. Ossian’s Hall is a day trip in itself. Enjoy lunch in Dunkeld, and don’t hurry the beautiful walk up to the Hall through the tall Douglas Firs of Hermitage Wood.
The National Monument, Edinburgh, overlooks the capital from Calton Hill
The National Monument, Edinburgh: A more controversial inclusion in the ‘folly list’ is the National Monument in Edinburgh. This unfinished construction on Edinburgh’s Calton Hill dominates the skyline of the city and was originally intended as a memorial to the Scottish soldiers and sailors who died fighting in the Napoleonic Wars. Modelled upon the Parthenon in Athens, work began on the building in 1826 and was abandoned just three years later due to lack of funds. A handful of nicknames were coined for the failed venture, amongst them ‘Edinburgh’s Disgrace’ and ‘Edinburgh’s Folly’. Despite its unfortunate beginnings, the building affords unrivalled and photogenic views over Edinburgh, as well as a novel way to get your bearings before enjoying a day trip in the capital. Hop on a train from Stirling and alight 30 minutes later at Waverley, before taking a walk or a taxi up to Calton Hill.
For directions and public transport to all of these attractions, these websites are useful:
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by ssc | Jul 31, 2014 | Blog
Bracklinn Falls, Callander, a well-known waterfall which now has a new footbridge over it (not pictured)
There is something captivating about waterfalls, especially when in full spate after hard rains. Dramatic and romantic, there are some stunning waterfalls to be seen in Stirlingshire. As the weather breaks up at the end of summer, waterfalls, in contrast, are reaching their spectacular best. By autumn, you’ll be able to watch salmon leap too, as they make their way upstream to spawn. Here are some of the closest falls to Stirling, and worth a visit whatever the weather.
Bracklinn Falls, Callander: (15 miles from Stirling). Located in the woods just above the beautiful town of Callander (worth a visit in its own right), Bracklinn Falls is a spectacular stepped waterfall best viewed from the vantage point just above the cascade. Queen Victoria is said to have visited here, and it’s not hard to see why. For the easiest walk, park your car in the Falls car park about halfway up Bracklinn Road, then follow the footpath up to the falls and the new bridge. For details on this short walk, and a longer, four-mile loop, see here: http://www.incallander.co.uk/bracklinnfalls/bracklinnfalls.htm
The Falls of Leny, Kilmahog
Falls of Leny, Kilmahog: (17 Miles from Stirling). If you are visiting Callander to see the Bracklinn Falls, be sure to take in the Falls of Leny too, near the village of Kilmahog, just north-west of Callander in the Trossachs National Park. This is a great falls to see if any of your party have mobility problems – there is a car park at the falls, and cyclists can even get right up to the falls too. This is a narrow-gorged waterfall, so is particularly dramatic after heavy rain. For its location see: http://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/falls-of-leny-p662861#location. The more adventurous can walk there from Callander itself, a distance of around five miles: http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/outdoors/walk-of-the-week-callander-to-falls-of-leny-1-3182009
Loup of Fintry, near Fintry: (17 miles from Stirling). Close to Stirling, the Loup of Fintry waterfall is on the River Endrick and lies just two miles from Fintry village. At 94ft high, this spectacular waterfall is best seen after rain or snow, as the Endrick River also feeds the Carron Reservoir. You can find the waterfall signposted two miles East of Fintry on the B818 Denny Road. For location see: http://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/loup-of-fintry-p669471#location
The Endrick Water, on which can be found the Loup of Fintry and Pots of Gartness waterfalls
Pots of Gartness, Killearn: (22 miles from Stirling). To the west of Killearn you will find Pots of Gartness, a series of stepped rocky waterfall pools whose natural ladder makes for spectacular salmon-watching in October and November. On the Endrick water like the Loup of Fintry, these falls once powered a mill, still visible in ruins alongside the former mill-worker dwellings. To reach the Falls by car, take the A81 Glasgow-Aberfoyle road, signposted for The Wishing Well. There is roadside parking just before the bridge. For location, see: http://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/pots-of-gartness-p669461#location
These are just a handful of the many stunning waterfalls to see in Scotland, handpicked because they are closest to Stirling. For information on falls further afield, this comprehensive list is well worth checking out, especially if you plan to watch the salmon leaping in autumn. http://www.visitscotland.com/about/nature-geography/waterfalls/loch-lomond-trossachs-forth-valley/
For tips on salmon-watching: http://www.bbc.co.uk/naturescalendar/autumn/freshwater/activities/
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by ssc | Jul 23, 2014 | Blog
The Loving Food Truck, bringing gourmet street food to Scotland
From time to time in our blogs, we’ll be looking at some ‘Local Heroes’: exceptional local businesses that are worth a visit during your stay in Stirling. First up is the ‘Loving Food Truck‘: if you’re in Stirling over the holidays and are looking for a brand-new food experience, it’s time to hit the streets and sample the unique and eclectic menus of the Loving Food Truck, which you’ll find at Station Road, Stirling, Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 2pm.
Loving Food was founded by Sandra Milne and Stewart Pleace, pioneers of the gourmet street food scene in Scotland. They state simply that “the goal of Loving Food is to offer super-tasty new food served with personality and banter” – and believe me, they are not short on good food or good chat. Both Stewart and Sandra have chucked in big careers with FTSE 100 companies to make a go of revolutionising Scottish street food, so they are understandably passionate about the success of their enterprise. The third personality in the venture is Hervé, their 1972 Citreon H Van, who the business partners love “like a long-lost French brother we once knew but were never introduced to until now”. The distinctive van with bespoke interior has already made his film debut in the Proclaimers’ movie “Sunshine on Leith”. And by the way, the term “he” is used with authority, because, as the (brilliant) Loving Food blog clearly states – Hervé does have an exhaust.
World-inspired food attracts customers of all nationalities
So that’s the founders, what about the food? Stewart and Sandra create world-inspired street food with a wide menu that changes daily. Some eye-catching staple themes are in there: handmade flatbreads with fantastic fillings; soups from local ingredients and some wild card flavours; tacos and sliders (small brioche buns) with unique fillings as well as “rebooted” favourites; even an unbeatable selection of both meat and veggie stews for inclement Scottish days. Still hungry? The Loving Food Truck bakes its own cakes daily, with familiar treats jockeying for position alongside Brazilian brigadeiros and Italian bombolinis. So what’s their secret to keeping the menu so fresh and diverse? “We want to bring something different to Scotland and Stirling. We researched in depth on food provision in Stirling and this clearly highlighted visitors’ desire for something more: we’ve tried and tested dishes from around the world. We also wanted to work exclusively with local producers and suppliers and also ramp up the green credentials of our business by using compostable packaging and keeping down the carbon footprint of our suppliers. We truly believe you can make something different and tasty using simple ingredients and, so far, our customers seem to like it. It might not be for everyone but we have our fingers and most other body parts crossed, hoping that there is an audience for what we’re trying to do”.
Hervé, The Loving Food Company’s anchorman
And the crossed fingers are working. The Loving Food Company has a packed diary that’s already catered weddings, “feastivals”, and high-profile events like Bannockburn Live. From their blog, however, it’s apparent that what they’re most proud of is working against all odds to secure their pitch at the newly re-developed site opposite Stirling Railway Station. Gaining permission to trade there was an 18-month long campaign for Stewart and Sandra, but a worthwhile one – and the pair are delighted. But why Stirling? “We’ve always thought Stirling could be more than what it is and is almost a micro Edinburgh with its castle and history. We’d love for Stirling to be at the forefront of street food and it is – as it’s the first city in Scotland to have a city centre food truck – so is leading the way ahead of its much larger city sisters and brothers”. So, if you plan to be in Stirling around lunchtime, make your breakfast a light one, and head to the Loving Food Truck for some exceptional fare, some great banter, and the chance to meet the very handsome Hervé too.
For more info, or to book the truck for your event: http://www.loving-food.com/
