by ssc | Feb 13, 2014 | Blog
The approach to the Wallace Monument, Abbey Craig, Stirling
The National Wallace Monument is a striking tower breaking the skyline at the summit of Abbey Craig, a volcanic crag just outside the city of Stirling. Visible for miles around, the tower marks the spot where Sir William Wallace, the 13th century Scottish patriot, is said to have taken cover the night before he faced King Edward 1 at the Battle of Stirling Bridge.
The construction: Perhaps one of the best early examples of ‘crowd-funding’, the monument was financed by both public subscription and foreign donations, at a moment when Scottish patriotism was particularly fervent. The foundation stone was laid in 1861, drawing crowds of around 100,000 people and an artillery salute from Stirling Castle. Eight years later, an unmarried Stirling blacksmith named James Bean volunteered to lay the capstone in place atop the 220-feet tall Gothic tower – sparing the wife of foreman mason Duncan McInnes from watching her husband carry out the perilous task. The project was over time and over budget, so it was not without controversy that the Monument opened its doors to the public in 1869. Despite contentious beginnings, the Monument has, over the past 145 years, become both a national landmark, and a visual focus for the Stirling community.
Artist's impression: the refurbished Hall of Arms, inside the Monument
The tourist attraction: The Monument not only tells the Story of Wallace (and houses his remarkable broadsword), but celebrates the lives of several of Scotland’s most pivotal historic figures. Robert the Bruce, Robert Burns, Adam Smith and Sir Walter Scott are among those featured in the aptly named ‘Hall of Heroes’. Above the galleries the climb of 246 steps to the crown of the Wallace monument offers one of the most breath-taking views to be had in Scotland without climbing gear. Visitors can see as far as Ben Lomond and the Trossachs to the west, enjoy birds’-eye views of the city of Stirling and the Ochil Hills, and see right across to the Pentland Hills in the East. It’s no surprise that the Wallace Monument attracts around 110,000 visitors from across the globe every year, but even historical landmarks must move with the times, and 2014 is a big year for both Stirling and the Monument.
A new vision for the Hall of Heroes, with the Wallace Sword at its heart
2014 improvements: In readiness for Stirling’s central place in Scotland’s Year of Homecoming 2014, the Monument is to undergo several major renovations before re-opening in April. The Visitor reception at the foot of Abbey Craig will be significantly upgraded. On completion, the next focus will be the three galleries housed within the monument itself. Ken Thomson, Marketing Manager for Stirling District Tourism, says that the refurbishment ‘is a vitally important project – and it has been carefully planned to ensure that the new features will make the experience of visiting the Monument even more meaningful.’ Perhaps the most emotive refurbishment will be to the display of the monument’s most precious artifact – Sir William Wallace’s broadsword. Stone blocks, originally quarried from the Abbey Craig 150 years ago for the Monument itself, will be used to create a unique plinth for the Wallace Sword, to be housed as a centrepiece in the Hall of Heroes. It’s a fitting focus to the renovations, which uses the very best materials from the past to take the Monument into the future. Ken explains: ‘We know that for the visitors who come to the Monument the story of William Wallace is incredibly significant, and we want to tell that story in a new and captivating way, showing how the leader of the Scottish forces came to be recognised as a National Hero during the Victorian era, some 500 years later.’
For information on the refurbishment, re-opening dates and news updates, visit: www.nationalwallacemonument.com/
All photos supplied by The National Wallace Monument. Artist’s impressions by Campbell & Co, also supplied by the National Wallace Monument.
by ssc | Jan 30, 2014 | Blog
A Stirling Whisky Club member samples one of the 200 whiskies at the Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival
Whisky: you cannot think of it without thinking of Scotland. Whisky is part of our culture, part of our national identity, and emblematic of many of the things we hold dear – tradition, simplicity, and quality. The tasting notes of connoisseurs even seem to echo the nature of Scotland’s rugged countryside. Malts are often described in terms of ‘heather’, ‘woodsmoke’, ‘peat’, ‘sea-salt’ and ‘oak’. It’s no coincidence that whiskies are often described in this vocabulary of our landscape, because whisky – perhaps Scotland’s best-loved export – is inextricably connected to our country’s terrain and crystal-clear waters. Closely linked to tourism and the romantic attraction of Scotland at large, the whisky industry continues to gather momentum, with single malts becoming ever more popular worldwide. And the future never looked brighter – with Scotland’s Year of Homecoming celebrating all things Scottish and attracting tourists from around the globe, 2014 brings fresh new focus to this most historic of industries.
MSP Bruce Crawford, a great supporter of the festival, with Stirling Whisky Shop Manager Fiona Sinclair
The Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival
It’s a passion for Scotland, for whisky, and for Stirling that has motivated Stirling-based partnership Cameron McCann and Iain McMenemy to establish the Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival. This annual event is fast becoming one of the most important dates in the whisky calendar, and takes place in the same month as World Whisky Day, which organises events worldwide. The Spirit of Stirling Festival brings together 32 distilleries and bottlers, offers around 200 different whiskies for sampling, and gives visitors a unique opportunity to ‘talk whisky’ with the very people who create their favourite dram. Cameron, who owns the Stirling Whisky shop, loves every minute: ‘It all started as a bit of a dream. Now we’re watching the event grow year on year, helping promote whisky and numerous Scottish businesses. We’re putting Stirling on the whisky and event map.’ And what is the special attraction of whisky that has made it such a global drink? ‘When you have a whisky in your hand you have a story in a glass that brings people and conversation together.’ It’s a view that’s echoed throughout the festival, by visitors and exhibitors alike.
Over thirty distilleries get the chance to talk directly with consumers
Talking whisky
Glenfarclas distributor Peter Donnelly has been involved with the Festival from its beginnings three years ago: ‘Events like this allows distilleries to find out first-hand what consumers are looking for and what the trends are; say, for example, whether they’re favouring an Islay or Speyside flavour, or choosing older over younger whiskies. All this feeds back into long-term brand development. But perhaps most importantly, we have the time to talk to people and educate them about the brand. They remember us long after the event – that’s a key way to do business in the UK.’
Giving something back
And this year, the festival is extra special. To mark the 700th anniversary of the battle of Bannockburn as part of Stirling 2014, Stirling Whisky Shop has joined up with Glenfarclas Distillery from Speyside to create a commemorative bottle to celebrate the event. The significant cask numbers of 13 and 14, distilled in 2007, have been married to produce 700 bottles and 700 miniatures of unique whisky, with the first and last numbered bottles presented in crystal decanters. One will be auctioned at the Spirit of Stirling Festival dinner on the 9th of May, with proceeds going to Scribblers Picnic – a local Stirling Cancer charity, while the remaining bottle will be presented to Scribblers for them to use as they see fit. It’s a heart-warming finish to the festival, in the spirit of whisky itself.
Tickets for the Spirit of Stirling Whisky festival are almost sold out already. Check here for next year’s dates and book early! www.spiritofstirlingwhiskyfestival.co.uk/
Tickets and information for the Scribblers Picnic can be found on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/scribblerspicnic
by ssc | Jan 23, 2014 | Blog
The most famous portrait of Burns, painted by Alexander Nasmyth
Robert Burns was born on 25 January 1759, in Alloway, South Ayrshire, the eldest of the seven children of William and Agnes Burnes [as originally spelled], who were poor tenant farmers. Taught mainly by his father, Burns received formal education in Latin, French, grammar and mathematics only when the tough manual labour of harvests would allow. Yet, despite this inauspicious upbringing, Burns was to become Scotland’s most celebrated poet, lyricist and writer in the Scots dialect. So what is it about him that so captured our imagination?
Precocious talent and an eye for the girls
By the age of 15, Burns was already revealing some of his most famous character traits: his talent for poetry and song, and his fondness for ‘the ladies’. While trying to eke out a living in farming alongside a little study, Burns would write about any girl that captivated him, whether fellow farm labourer or student. By the age of 24, he had written several poems and songs, and had begun creating a Commonplace Book. Throughout his life, Burns’s writing was unfailingly driven by his passions: for Scotland, story, politics, and not least by his many love affairs.
Linguistic ability
Tam O' Shanter, one of Burns's most famous epic poems
Burns’s writing career took off with a bang on publication of his Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect (or the Kilmarnock Volume) in 1786. It attracted immediate critical acclaim and marked the beginning of his success in publication. In the years to follow Burns distinguished himself not only as an able writer in Scots, but in Standard English, and in an accessible, lighter Scots dialect. His writing was attractive worldwide, not only for this broad linguistic ability, but the diversity of his subject matter too. Burns was as at home with the romance of ‘A Red, Red Rose’ to the fantasy of ‘Tam O’Shanter’ to the outspoken politics of his ‘Election Ballads’. Further, Burns was not only the creator of many melodies that we now think of as traditional songs such as ‘Auld Lang Syne’, but worked hard to collect, preserve, and sometimes adapt many of the older folk songs of Scotland. Without his work, it’s likely that many of these would have been lost.
A tragic, early death
Burns was an outspoken poet, especially when writing in Standard English. His open support of the French Revolution and reform for the working classes alienated his friends, the Crown and his literary critics. Despite his fame and improved prospects, this alienation took its toll on Burns: both his health and morale faltered early in life. Critics blamed ‘intemperance’ for his worsening heart condition and others spread rumours that the poet’s failing constitution was caused by venereal disease. On the morning of 21 July 1796 Burns died in Dumfries, at the age of just 37, after a simple dental extraction.
Celebrating his life – the Burns Supper
To honour the life and work of our flawed, talented, and fascinating poet, Scotland celebrates Burns Night on 25th January every year. This traditional meal begins with the reading of Burns’s ‘Selkirk Grace’, after which the haggis is carried ceremoniously into the room, usually preceded by a lone piper. Burns’s ‘Address to a Haggis’ is then read and the haggis cut open. After the meal, a Burns poem may be performed, followed by an account of Burns’s life and a toast to his ‘Immortal Memory’. A male speaker will then make the ‘Toast to the Lassies’, a light-hearted observation on the attractions and foibles of women. A female speaker will then respond in kind with a ‘Reply to the Toast’, poking mild fun at men, at Burns, and ending on a positive note. The Burns Supper ends with everyone joining hands to sing Burns’s ‘Auld Lang Syne’ before parting – perhaps his best-known work that is known and sung the world over.
Why not hold your own Burns Supper in honour of the Bard? For more information, see: www.bbc.co.uk/arts/robertburns/burns_night_running_order.shtml
by ssc | Jan 9, 2014 | Blog
The Hermitage Falls, River Braan, Perthshire, less than 90 minutes from Stirling. Photo copyright: Visit Scotland/Scottish Viewpoint
January: it’s the month of clean slates and fresh starts. It’s the month that most of make at least a few over-ambitious New Year’s resolutions, and the very same month that 92 percent* of us abandon them. So, what are we doing wrong every year? Seems to me that instead of promising ourselves good things that could have a positive impact on our lives, we seem determined to deny ourselves those (usually little) things that make us happy day to day, like new tastes, new experiences, and leisure. How about, for one year, we ditch all other New Year’s resolutions, and resolve instead to travel, making life a little bigger and brighter for a while?
Make it Scotland and make it 2014
Scotland has been voted the third best country in the UK to visit in 2014. Not only because it has a magnificent and historic landscape, but because there are just so many brilliant things going on in this year. The Commonwealth Games take place in Glasgow in July and August with some tickets still available. Whether you get tickets or not, simply being in Glasgow throughout that time will be unforgettable, just as London seemed alight with excitement throughout the 2012 Olympic Games, and even months later. The Ryder Cup follows swiftly after, bringing golfers and visitors from around the globe to the stunning Gleneagles estate in Perthshire. Alongside these, Scotland will be celebrating its ‘Year of Homecoming’, a packed, 12-month calendar of events with Stirling at its heart. More than 160 events will take place in Stirling alone, including the 700th anniversary re-enactment of the Battle of Bannockburn, the Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival and the Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival – to name just a few.
Make Stirling your base
The Firth of Forth from Inchcolm Island, 90 minutes from Stirling. Photo: Erica Linder
If you were to pick one place from which to explore the very best of Scotland throughout 2014, you’d be hard-pressed to better Stirling. Because of its central location, Stirling is less than one hour’s drive time from more than half of the population of Scotland**, and only 45 minutes’ drive from either Glasgow or Edinburgh airports. You can head north to Inverness in just 2 hours and 45 minutes, east to Aberdeen in 2 hours and five minutes, or west to Oban – gateway to the Western Isles – in 2 hours and 10. Five minutes’ walk from Stirling city centre, Stirling rail station offers direct routes to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee, and Inverness too, not to mention the coach services. Suddenly, most of Scotland is accessible, and you can still be home for dinner.
The Courtyard, a Stirling Self Catering property with enclosed garden
Go self-catering
So where would home be? Hotels can be an expensive choice, especially if you want to get up early and hit the road sightseeing, possibly missing fixed breakfast and dinner times. For the freedom you need to explore Scotland at your own pace, then self-catering could be your best option. Families can spread out, eat when (and what) they want, pack picnics, and, if you’re staying with Stirling Self Catering, make use of cots, high chairs, and toys – for free. A safe, enclosed garden is a welcome space after a day’s sightseeing, and preferable to towering hotel balconies that leave you terrified for toddlers. With room to unpack instead of living out of a suitcase, self-catering gives you the chance to feel, and live, like a local: the very best way to immerse yourself in a new place. So what’s your New Year resolution for 2014 now? Eat more fruit? Or plan the holiday of a lifetime? Why not come to Stirling for an unforgettable self-catering break, and while you’re at it, try the Farmers Market for fresh, local fruit too. Who says you can’t have everything?
*Source: www.statisticbrain.com
**Source: www.visitstirling.org
by ssc | Dec 23, 2013 | Blog
We love Christmas in Scotland, and it’s a brilliant and beautiful time of year. But why should you spend it with us? Here’s just a few good reasons why.
Forecasters predict a white Christmas in parts of Scotland
Snow: If Christmas just isn’t Christmas for you without snow, then head to Scotland for better odds of a white Christmas. Compared to London’s six percent chance of snow on December 25th, Scotland offers much better odds, with Glasgow at 35 percent, Aberdeen at 53 percent, and Lerwick boasting a festive 75 percent chance of snowfall!* You can’t deny that a white landscape on Christmas morning does lend an air of magic, and it also makes the prospect of a day indoors, a wood fire and some good food even more appealing. Breaking weather reports as we post say that we are going to get just that – a white Christmas 2013!
Dark nights: Christmas falls just after the shortest day, which means fewer daylight hours and long dark nights over the festive period in Scotland. Christmas lights are sparkling by 4pm in Scotland’s streets, the lamps of Christmas market stalls seem to shine a little brighter, and warm firesides are yet more beguiling. Somehow, the darker nights give us permission to relax a bit more too; it’s okay to be in jammies by 6pm if you want to, and who really minds if you gain a little festive weight – unlike our friends down under, you won’t be barbecuing in beach gear.
Markets: Scotland is gaining deserved recognition for its thriving markets, just like regular local Farmers’ Markets found in towns and cities like Linlithgow and Stirling. In recent years, we’ve become sensitive to where our produce comes from, is reared or prepared. Because of this, more and more consumers are choosing to shop locally, buying direct from trusted local farmers and producers – and when better to do so than Christmas, when we want the very best and tastiest fare for our tables?
At the other end of the spectrum are the large-scale European markets hosted in Edinburgh and Glasgow around Christmas time. These festive markets attract both locals and tourists alike, who also come for the seasonal attractions like skating, big wheels, beer halls and stunning Christmas lights. US broadcasting giant CNN has even named Edinburgh as one of the best cities worldwide to visit over winter. (And to avoid capital city accommodation prices, stay in Stirling; it’s only 50 minutes on the train from Edinburgh).
Stirling's Hogmanay takes place against a historic backdrop
Hogmanay: Say ‘Hogmanay’ and you’ll think Scotland, even though the jury is out on the word’s roots (which could be Norse, French or Goidelic [Manx]). But, regardless of etymology, one thing is true – no one does Hogmanay like the Scots. New Year’s Eve is as big a celebration as Christmas itself in many households, and every Scottish city is alight with fireworks at the toll of 12 to welcome in the New Year. Stirling’s award-winning Hogmanay celebrations will headline with Deacon Blue this year, set against the backdrop of one of the most pivotal castles in Scottish history. It’s the perfect start to 2014, in which Scotland will not only host the Commonwealth Games, but the Ryder Cup, and Homecoming Scotland too.
Traditions: Christmas and New Year in Scotland still have persistent traditional elements. Though the Yule log is now more familiar to us as a cake, the Yule log does have a place in Scottish history. While other countries chose other woods, birch or rowan was traditionally burnt in Scotland’s hearths until the early 20th century, a little at a time for the 12 days of Christmas. Come Hogmanay, the first person across your door after ‘the bells’ at midnight is a ‘first-footer’. Even now, a first-footer will still make an effort to bring a small gift or ‘handsel’. Traditionally an appropriate handsel would be coal, shortbread, whisky, or black bun, but any small gift is now acceptable!
Food: What’s Christmas without good food and drink? And Scotland has plenty of it. At Christmas we choose our best – and often most traditional – food and drink to celebrate the season. Scottish salmon, especially when smoked, is fast becoming a mainstay starter for Christmas dinner (and not just in Scotland), with Scottish venison giving turkey a run for its money for main course. And the Scots like nothing better than carbs, which we do so well. You’ll find many a household serve up a traditional Clootie Dumpling made from scratch on Christmas day as an alternative to Christmas Pudding, while Hogmanay just wouldn’t be the same without Black Bun either. To bring in the bells at Hogmanay, many Scots now serve a portion of haggis with a dram of whisky on the side or poured over. For those with a sweet tooth, you’re in good company; few Scottish houses will see out the festive period without a bite of shortbread or two. This simple, delicious biscuit so strongly associated with Scotland has been with us since the 12th century, with some sources saying Mary Queen of Scots had a hand in tweaking the recipe to that we know today. And last, but not least, you can’t leave Scotland without sampling a single malt (whisky), of which we have many. All have subtle differences in flavour, aroma, and colour. Scotland has been producing single malt for centuries, always using just two ingredients: our clear Scottish water and malted barley. Only whisky that is distilled in Scotland, in oak casks, and matured for at least three years, can make a claim to the name of ‘single malt’. The best, simplest, and most natural ingredients. And time.
So if you really want to get a true feel for, and flavour of, Christmas – come spend Christmas and Hogmanay with us. But mind: wrap up, and come hungry.
*Statistics provided by the National Meteorological Library.
