autumn Archives - Stirling Self Catering

Five great reasons to spend autumn in Stirling

by ssc | Sep 24, 2018 | Blog

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness. Autumn in Scotland can be one of the most rewarding times to visit. Burnished leaf displays, quieter streets, temperate weather, and good value accommodation too. Here’s where to stay, and what to do, as we leave summer behind in Stirling.

Explore Edinburgh’s Old Town this autumn, a short trip from your Stirling base

Find out where to spot red squirrels this autumn

Great value accommodation

If you’re considering a city break in Stirling, why not choose from our budget accommodation portfolio at budgetacommodationstirling.co.uk? Each one of our properties is perfectly equipped for your stay, with crisp, modern interiors and ideal central locations in both Stirling and in Bridge of Allan. Offering exceptional value for money, these apartments will provide you with the ideal base to explore Stirling and its beautiful surrounds without hammering your budget in the run up to Christmas!

Gateway to Glasgow to Edinburgh

Slap bang in the heart of Scotland, Stirling is the perfect place for a city break. Not only is it the gateway to the Highlands (heck, you can be in the wilds of Glencoe in under two hours!), but its central location opens up both Glasgow and Edinburgh as easy day-trip destinations too. Direct trains run frequently from Stirling City centre to both cities, and you could be in the heart of Glasgow or Edinburgh in around 50 minutes. Plan your Edinburgh day trip here: http://edinburgh.org/ or your Glasgow adventure here: https://peoplemakeglasgow.com/

Experience Scotland ‘in the fall’

For those who love autumn colour, there’s no need to fly long-haul to New England. Stirling can provide the perfect base for ‘leaf peeping’. Take a stroll round the campus of Stirling University for some stunning autumn displays, right on your doorstep. Further afield, but just an hour from Stirling by car, or even less by train, Perthshire has earned itself the title of ‘Big Tree Country’. Here, you can find Europe’s oldest tree, the world’s highest hedge, Shakespeare’s Birnam Wood in present day, and lots more. Visit some of the stunning sites recommended for leaf peeping by Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust at https://www.pkct.org/News/top-10-autumn-walks-in-perthshire. Wow.

Scottish autumn wildlife

From spotting red squirrels to leaping salmon and the bellow of red deer stags, autumn is an exciting time in the Scottish landscape, and it’s probably the best time to see our more elusive animals as they prepare for winter. For general information on what to look for and where, see VisitScotland’s autumn wildlife e-book here: http://ebooks.visitscotland.com/scottish-wildlife-series/. For specific spots to see deer rut, salmon leap, and red squirrels, check out this link: https://www.pkct.org/News/best-autumn-walks-for. And if you want the help of an expert guide, there are many companies who can help you get the sighting you want. Check out this website for full information: http://www.wild-scotland.org.uk/

Seasonal produce

One of the best things about the autumn is the bounty it brings, and Stirling is a brilliant place to get your hands on it. Visit Stirling Farmers’ Market on the second Saturday of every month, from 10-4pm in Port Street Stirling. There, more than 25 stallholders will brave all elements to bring you the very best seasonal fare from their farms, orchards and kitchens. For more information, see: http://www.stirlingfarmersmarket.co.uk/. And if seasonal, foodie events are your thing, take a look at http://foodfestivalfinder.co.uk/scotland to ensure you don’t miss any during your Stirling city break!

Enjoy autumn colour in Perthshire: Photo by Ronald Weir

Enjoy autumn colour at Craigvinean Pine Cone Shelter: Photo by Ronald Weir

Buy seasonal produce in the heart of Stirling

Photo credits: Craigvinean Pine Cone Shelter: Photo by Ronald Weir and originally supplied by Perthshire Big Tree Country, now http://www.pkct.org/

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Light up November

by ssc | Nov 8, 2017 | Blog

The clocks have changed and the mercury’s falling – November is always the month when we realise we’re on the road to winter. But there’s plenty to celebrate in November, so throw another log on that fire and huddle up with your diary!

Join the Supernova 5K to light up the Kelpies at dusk

Join in the fun of Stirling’s Christmas lights switch-on

Supernova 5K

What better way to light up the darker evenings than with a run, jog or walk round the Helix Park? There are still slots left in the Supernova 5K for this Sunday, 10 November. Round up everyone – grandparents, uncles, aunties, parents, kids, friends and dig out anything that glows or flashes. Get yourselves suitably sparkly and set off at your own pace – there are no time limits at all. And by the way, fancy dress is strongly encouraged. This event is for everyone – from runners striving for a personal best, to the toddler taking their first steps. Enjoy. For more information, and booking (hurry!), visit: https://www.supernovarun.com/kelpies/

Christmas Lights Switch On

Come and see Santa and his reindeer start the festive celebrations in Stirling City Centre on Sunday 17 November. Santa’s reindeer will be outside the Albert Halls from 1.00pm. They will then join Santa and some special friends and set off through the city centre at 2.00pm, winding their way through Corn Exchange and down King Street, Murray Place, Friars Street, Baker Street, Corn Exchange then returning to the Albert Halls for a well-earned rest until 3.15pm. Host Jennie Cook will keep everyone entertained with festive fun at the foot of King Street from 3pm. The entertainment will include performances from Stirling High School, the Tolbooth Young Performers, Funbox and local singer Alix Muir, who will keep the crowd dancing with her pop covers until the big switch on at 5.00pm. And it’s all free! For more information, visit: www.stirlingwinterfestival.com

Rapunzel: A Hair-braiding Adventure

November 22 opens the annual Macrobert Panto Extravaganza, whose tickets sell like hot-cakes, so it’s wise to choose your dates now. This year’s panto is written by, directed by and starring the fabulous Johnny McKnight in ‘Rapunzel: A Hair-braiding Adventure’. Poor Rapunzel’s been locked up in a tower her entire life with no telly, no Wi-Fi and no dry shampoo! But she has dreams – of walking barefoot around the mythical land they call Tullibody, of meeting her one true love and singing a duet, and of getting her hair cut. But one day the lonely Rapunzel has a surprising visit in her tower – Prince Rocco is armed and dangerous with a pair of scissors and a plan. The show runs 22 Nov to 31 Dec. For more information, visit: https://macrobertartscentre.org/event/rapunzel-a-hair-braiding-adventure/

St Andrew’s Day

Scotland’s patron saint was known for his thoughtfulness and concern for others – so this St. Andrew’s Day the National Wallace Monument will follow his ethos to share with others by providing all visitors FREE ADMISSION. You’ll want to be at the Monument bright and early on Saturday 30th November to celebrate St. Andrew’s Day 2019 with free admission (Saturday only), face painting and performances of ‘Scotland’s National Hero‘. The Monument and Legends Coffee House will be open from 10:00am until 4:00pm, and there are lots of great ideas for some early Christmas shopping in the Souvenir & Gift Shop. Wrap up warm and celebrate the country’s patron saint while learning more about another national treasure – Sir William Wallace. For more information, visit: https://www.nationalwallacemonument.com/ht_event/st-andrews-day/

Panto fun at the Macrobert

Free entry to many Scottish landmarks for St Andrew’s Day

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Hygge happiness: it’s time to embrace the chill

by ssc | Oct 10, 2017 | Blog

Recent research claims that the Danish are actually the happiest people on the planet, and it’s all down to ‘hygge’. Loosely pronounced ‘hoo-gah’, this term roughly translates to a cosiness of the soul, or contented mindfulness. Hygge is an appreciation of simple pleasures, embracing indulgence, cherishing yourself, and living in the moment. It’s one of the reasons the Danish thrive, even through tough winters. So, now that the mercury’s falling, why not discover hygge in Stirling?

October: time to embrace the season the Danish way

When you've done something worthy, coming home to this is even better

See Doug Scott at the Albert Halls, Stirling, and check out the menu at Henderson’s Bistro, too

Stretch your mind

There’s nothing more in keeping with hygge than listening to an inspiring talk in a beautiful theatre – it’s all about coming in from the cold night to the warmth, the plush seats, the massage of your intellect, and that glass of wine at interval. Here are a couple of ideas to inspire you:

Tamed, with Professor Alice Roberts is at the The Macrobert, Stirling on 17 October. How do you tame wildness? Join Alice Roberts as she delves into archaeology, history and genetics to reveal the amazing stories of the species that became our allies. From dogs, cattle and horses to wheat, potatoes and apples, find out how taming all these species has left its mark on them – and us. For more information, visit: http://macrobertartscentre.org/event/tame-with-alice-roberts-/

Doug Scott: Crawling Down the Ogre is presented at the Albert Halls on 26 October. Doug Scott’s greatest adventure is undoubtedly his first ascent, accident and then escape from The Ogre, the most difficult of the world’s high mountains. In 1977 Doug Scott and Chris Bonington made the first ascent. While abseiling off the summit, Doug slipped on ice, breaking both legs just above the ankles, before suffering broken ribs and pneumonia. It took eight days to reach Base Camp – made possible only by the selfless support of Clive Rowland and Mo Anthoine. For more information, visit: http://culturestirling.org/events/doug-scott-crawling-ogre/

Outdoors

Wrap up warm, see your breath on the air, and pack up your family to embrace hygge outdoors too. And get the slow-cooker on for your return home.

The Woodland Light Experience is a brilliant family-friendly event in central Scotland, just a short drive from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth. ‘Reflections’ is an all new light and sound show for 2017. Set in a private woodland near Balfron, on the edge of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, the trees and dark autumn skies are the natural backdrop to a magical theatre of light and colour. Explore the woodland paths at night, illuminated with stunning lighting effects and installations. For more information, visit: http://www.woodlandexperiences.co.uk/light-experience/

Bo’ness and Kinneil Steam Gala on 21-22 October promises a nostalgic weekend of steam and spectacle. There will be a variety of steam locomotives at this family-friendly heritage railway and museum. Get yourself a hot chocolate and a hunk of cake in their café afterwards too! For more information, visit: http://www.bkrailway.co.uk/your-visit/events/

Food

Wonder what to put in that slow-cooker? Hygge eats hearty, so stock up for autumn from these local suppliers.

Stirling Farmers Market has an autumnal twist this Saturday, from 10-4, in Port Street Stirling. There will be pumpkins for Halloween, organic squashes and vegetable spaghetti, seasonal game and wild venison, new locally hand-made cheeses, plus all the regular 25 or so stalls. Take time to chat to your stall-holder too, and make your grocery shop a day out rather than a chore. It’s the ‘hygge way’! For more information, visit: http://www.stirlingfarmersmarket.co.uk/

Falleninch Farm has some of the best beef for miles around, perfect for colder nights, slow-cooking and comfort food. Pop in to see them at their farm butcher’s shop under the shadow of the Castle – the parking is free. If you’re pushed for time, there’s free local delivery for orders over £50 too. https://www.falleninchfarm.co.uk/about-us/

Music

And lastly, hygge means taking time out of your schedule just for you, so how about some music for an autumn evening with a friend you’ve not seen in a while?

Joe Longthorne is at the Albert Halls, Stirling on 19 October, joined on stage by his live band and special guests. Joe’s performance is bog on nostalgia, with a musical rollercoaster of songs and impressions including Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, and more. Enough song, chat and laughter to light up any dark night. For more information, visit: http://culturestirling.org/events/joe-longthorne/

China Crisis are at The Tolbooth, Stirling on 20 October to showcase songs from their new album ‘Autumn in the Neighbourhood’. It’s their first album of new material in 20 years. Eddie Lundon and Gary Daly are the founder members of the band which started in Kirkby, Merseyside back in 1979. Known for their string of hit singles, including African & White, Working with Fire and Steel, Black Man Ray and Wishful Thinking, the band will be performing these classics and more, alongside tracks from the new album. For more information, visit: http://culturestirling.org/events/china-crisis-autumn-neighbourhood/

Magical illuminations at the Balfron Woodland Light Experience

Falleninch’s distinctive herd under the shadow of Stirling Castle

Photo credits:

Albert Halls exterior: Kenneth Allen [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.
Falleninch Farm: Kindly supplied and reproduced with permission of Falleninch Farm.
Woodland Light Experience: Image courtesy of Woodland Experiences Ltd.

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Plan the best of times in Stirling: Autumn

by ssc | Aug 23, 2017 | Blog

Here’s where to stay, and what to do, as we leave summer behind in Stirling. Time to kick up some leaves, explore historic sites, and throw the first log on the fire!

Lallybroch, on the Kersebonny Carse, sleeps 10

Balfron Hayloft would make a great autumn getaway

Sleeping up to 10, Balfron Hayloft would make a great autumn family getaway

Where to stay

As we leave summer behind, why not consider one of our more rural properties so that you can make the most of the turning leaves and new birdsong? Lallybroch (named after the fictional estate in Outlander) is an impressive 5-bedroom steading conversion. Set on the Kersebonny Carse just outside Stirling, Lallybroch is within easy reach of all amenities and historic sites. Yet it has a tranquil setting, with striking views to the Castle. In addition, we have Balfron Hayloft, a magnificent traditional stone-built farm steading conversion. It offers ideal family-sized holiday accommodation. Set in the rolling countryside of Stirlingshire with picturesque views of Ben Lomond and the Ochil Hills, Balfron Hayloft is an ideal base for touring the Scottish heartlands. And what’s more, both of these properties have stoves you can warm your toes at in the evenings. To book these and any of our properties, see: https://www.stirlingselfcatering.co.uk/properties/

Kick up some leaves

For those who love autumn colour, there’s no need to get on board an expensive flight to New England. Take a walk round Stirling University Campus in late September/early October for amazing foliage displays. Just an hour from Stirling by car or even less by train, Perthshire has earned itself the title of ‘Big Tree Country’. Here, you can find Europe’s oldest tree, the world’s highest hedge, Shakespeare’s Birnam Wood in present day, and lots more. Visit some of the stunning sites recommended for leaf peeping by Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust at https://www.pkct.org/Pages/Category/perthshire-big-tree-country

Bloody Scotland 8-10 September

Far from being a ‘just Stirling’ event, Bloody Scotland is fast becoming a national literary treasure. Scotland’s International Crime Writing Festival draws crime writers from all over the world to Stirling every September. In this sixth year of the festival they welcome back popular favourites Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Denise Mina and last year’s McIlvanney Prize winner Chris Brookmyre. You also have the chance to catch Simon Kernick, Lynda La Plante, Peter May, Mark Billingham, and many more. The authors give unforgettable talks on crime and writing. They offer panels on everything from forensics to soil science and witness identification. If you love a crime thriller, you need to be in Stirling this weekend! For a full events line-up, see: www.bloodyscotland.com/

Doors Open Days

Doors Open Days is an annual event throughout Scotland each September. It does exactly what it says on the tin. It opens doors to the most fascinating buildings, sites and landscapes we have, whether large or small, grand or quirky. And it’s free. More than a thousand venues throughout Scotland will open this year. The website is brilliant – simply choose where you are or want to go, and you’ll find your listings. Stirling is opening at least 25 buildings to visitors for free, with plenty more in Falkirk and Clackmannanshire too. Have a browse and plan your itinerary: http://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/

The Enchanted Forest

To celebrate autumn, how about leaving the city behind and heading outdoors for a bit of natural magic? The Enchanted Forest is renowned for being Scotland’s premier sound and light experience and attracted over 70,000 visitors in 2016. With dazzling visuals and innovative design set against an original music score, explore Faskally Wood near Pitlochry in an unforgettable way. Scots Gaelic for ‘Edge of the Water’, this year’s show name Oir an Uisge has taken its inspiration from the magnificent Loch Dunmore that’s at the heart of Faskally Wood. For tickets (and don’t delay), see: http://www.enchantedforest.org.uk/

Autumn colour at Loch Faskally

Craigvinean pine cone shelter by Ronald Weir

Craigvinean Pine Cone Shelter. Photo by Ronald Weir

Photo credits:

Craigvinean Pine Cone Shelter: Photo by Ronald Weir and originally supplied by Perthshire Big Tree Country, now http://www.pkct.org/
Faskally Wood: Photo copyright Perthshire Picture Agency and originally supplied by Perthshire Big Tree Country, now http://www.pkct.org/

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Supermoon 2016: fall in love with dark skies

by ssc | Nov 14, 2016 | Blog

Something special is going to happen tonight. Look up, and you will witness the biggest and best ‘Supermoon’ in around 70 years.

This is the second supermoon of 2016

The moon will appear unusually bright and ‘low-hanging’

The supermoon

It’s not just astronomers who are interested in the skies any more – we’ve become a nation of people who like to look up. And tonight, we’re going to be rewarded with something spectacular. This will be our closest full moon of the year – nearer to Earth than it has been since 1948. To be exact, the gap between the Earth and the moon will close to its shortest point (the perigee), a distance of 221,525 miles. As a result, tonight’s supermoon will appear some 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than a normal full moon. So, if it’s a cloud-free night, you’ll be hard pushed to miss it!

Where to see it

If you want to see Luna at her very best, you’ll need to wait until at least 5pm before looking south. If you can, head out of town to get away from light pollution. Our favourite place for stargazing is Sheriffmuir, Dunblane, which provides easily accessible height and good darkness. You can park your car at the Sheriffmuir Inn (why not have a bite to eat too?) then leave the car behind to find a vantage point on foot. Abbey Craig, Dumyat, and Stirling Castle ramparts will all afford great views, though the latter will have some light from the City.

What will it be like?

Not only will the moon appear large, bright, and beautiful – it will also appear very low in the sky. This effect is largely an optical illusion – because the moon is close to the horizon, it becomes ‘measurable’ to the eye against familiar landmarks in the foreground like rooftops, chimneys and trees. This exaggerates the appearance of the moon as ‘low-hanging’ and makes for a striking display. With binoculars and clear skies, the moon’s craters and seas will be visible. Those lucky enough to have telescopes will see the moon surface in remarkable detail.

Taking photos

Because of its ‘low-hanging’ position, tonight’s moon will offer unprecedented photo opportunities. Anything that breaks the skyline will provide a striking silhouette against the illuminated moonscape. The Wallace Monument is a clear choice, but you’ll need to be some distance away and north of the monument to create the shot you want. Stirling Castle, The Kelpies at Helix Park, and statues like Robert the Bruce near The Battle of Bannockburn visitor centre will all provide compelling outlines for photos against the supermoon.

When will it happen again?

This is the second supermoon of 2016. We had a lesser one in October, and there is another yet to come on December 14. However, tonight’s will be the best of the bunch – until 25 November 2034, that is.

Love dark skies?

If you are planning a late autumn or winter break in Stirling, how about planning some stargazing too?

You can pick up a star map for next to nothing
You can check for any forecast aurora sightings: http://aurorawatch.lancs.ac.uk/
Find out about seeing the Northern Lights in Scotland: http://www.visitscotland.com/about/nature-geography/northern-lights
Check for events like meteor showers on this stargazing calendar: https://britastro.org/observing
And for information on Dark Skies in Scotland: http://www.darkskydiscovery.org.uk/int_dark_sky_places.html

Landmarks like the Wallace Monument will provide striking silhouettes

Stirling Castle ramparts offer a good vantage point, though not free of light pollution

Photo credits:

The Wallace Monument (just outside Stirling, Scotland), taken from Burrough Meadow in the loop of the River Forth (Lat 56.1257 Lon -3.909). By John Preece (Taken by John Preece) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC-BY-SA-2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5-2.0-1.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Stirling Castle in Stirling, Scotland. Taken at night, showing the extensive illumination of the castle. Taken December 28th 2003 by user: Finlay McWalter. Copyright © 2003, 2004, 2005 Finlay McWalter {{GFDL}} {{cc-by-sa-2.0}}

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