Let the Games Begin!

by | May 9, 2018 | Blog

Are you a visitor to Scotland? Want to liberally dowse yourself in our country’s culture, food, and attitude? There’s no better way to do it than to attend one of our many Highland Games. These fun family events are nothing short of Scotland being distilled into one playing field. Scotland squared. Scotland with its kilt on, and tongue firmly in its cheek. Come one, come all, to the fabled Scottish Highland Games.

Heavy athletes take part in traditional events

Heavy athletes take part in traditional events

Competing in a kilt is part of the challenge

Competing in a kilt is part of the challenge

Here’s just a few, in and around Stirling, or a comfortable jaunt in the car.

Airth Highland Games, 28 July, 2018

Claiming to be Scotland’s oldest, Airth Games in their current guise were founded in 1871, though their origins stretch back centuries before that. Thousands of visitors come each year for the unique and friendly atmosphere of these Games, surrounded by the picturesque setting of the River Forth and Ochil Hills. The usual recipe is here: highland dancers, solo pipers, heavy athletes and track competitors. But bystanders can get hands-on in the Smiddy Stane Challenge and the famed Tug-O-War. Keeping everyone smiling are the local pipe band, children’s entertainment, craft stalls, local foods, refreshment tents, a fairground and much more. For information and tickets: http://www.airthgames.co.uk/

Bridge of Allan Highland Games, 5 August 2018

Less than two miles from Stirling’s City Centre, Bridge of Allan hosts one of Scotland’s premier Highland Games. The annual event attracts crowds of between 8,000 and 10,000 people. The games field nestles between Stirling Castle, the Ochil Hills and the National Wallace Monument. This year, there will be Highland dancing, pipe bands, and a full programme of traditional Highland Games competitions covering athletics, cycling, heavyweights, tossing the caber, and wrestling. There will be plenty of interesting stalls to browse, as well as food stands and an adjoining fairground for the kids. Bus and car parking is free. For info and tickets, see: http://bofagames.com/

Perth Highland Games, 12 August 2018

Situated at Perth Racecourse, you’ll find all the ingredients of a great Highland games. Watch athletes compete in traditional heavyweight competitions from the sidelines and put yourself to the test by participating in one of the running events. There will be Highland dancing, solo piping competitions, and the massively popular pipe band contest, showcasing many international bands. Browse the stalls for some delicious local produce and crafts. For more information and tickets: perthhighlandgames.co.uk

Stirling Highland Games, 18 August 2018

One of the City of Stirling’s signature annual events, Stirling’s Highland Games welcomes visitors from around the world to witness traditional Highland games competitions. The games field behind Stirling Sports Village offers brilliant views over to the Wallace Monument, Cambuskenneth Abbey and Stirling Castle. There’s a full programme of traditional events that include running, cycling, Highland dancing, heavyweights, long jump and triple jump. Enjoy piping performances throughout the day, too. In addition, the Traders Village will present some fabulous Scottish fare. Wander through a delicious range of food and coffee servers, craft and whisky stalls, as well as an onsite bar. For details and tickets (discounted online) see: http://www.stirlinghighlandgames.com/

 

Solo and band piping contests are a regular feature

Solo and band piping contests are a regular feature

Highland Games are big on audience participation

Highland Games are big on audience participation

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The best Easter Egg Hunts in Stirling 2018

by | Mar 15, 2018 | Blog

Easter. Scotland is on the verge of bursting into bloom, and the days are noticeably longer. It’s time for getting outdoors, and catching up with the kids now the school term has finished. To help you plan an Easter to remember, we’ve rounded up some of the best family events throughout Stirlingshire.

Take an Easter Egg Special steam train at Boness and Kinneil Railway

Take an Easter Special steam train at Boness and Kinneil Railway

Fancy an Easter egg hunt at Culross Palace - for Outlander fans too!

Fancy an Easter egg hunt at Culross Palace – for Outlander fans too!

Extra-special Easter days out

Easter Egg Special Trains at Boness and Kinneil Railway: The railway’s popular Easter Egg special trains run on Friday 30, Saturday 31, Sunday 1 April and Monday 2 April. The journey from Bo’ness to Manuel takes around 70 minutes, but all tickets are Day Rovers, so you can hop on and hop off as you like. All children will receive an Easter treat on board. Stay all day and explore the Museum, Model Railway and the railway site via the Visitor Trail at Bo’ness and the stations along the line. There’s a prize for the best Easter bonnet, and an Easter egg hunt in the Museum, and loads of fun activities, too. Bring a picnic and enjoy it in the comfort of the picnic railway carriages alongside the platform. Help yourself to a free booklet to follow the brass rubbing trail from Bo’ness Station to the Museum. There are eight brass rubbings to find on the way. For more information, see: https://www.bkrailway.co.uk/easter-egg-specials-2018-news/

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts with National Trust: Cadbury have teamed up with the National Trust for Scotland again this year to create Easter Egg Hunts in some of Scotland’s most historic settings. Chocolate and culture, combined! The nearest hunts to Stirling take place from Good Friday to Easter Monday. And they are at Alloa Tower in Clackmannanshure, Culross Palace, Fife, and House of the Binns in Linlithgow. Events are included in the normal admission price. Check your chosen venue’s Egg Hunt dates and other postcodes on the Cadbury website. There are lots of free downloads on the site for fun Easter activities at home, too: https://easter.cadbury.co.uk/

Easter Eggsplorer Trails with Historic Scotland: Not to be outdone, Historic Scotland are celebrating Easter too. Their Easter Eggsplorer Trails take place in iconic castles, abbeys, forts and palaces throughout Scotland. All you need to do is find the clues and complete the challenge to be a winner. Drop-in throughout the day, and the events are included in normal admission. The nearest participating venue to Stirling is Linlithgow Palace, from Good Friday to Easter Monday. You can search for other venues here: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/event/?eventId=297608b0-3502-4fde-9195-a6cc00fa3d0c

Brilliant, budget, Easter fun

Easter Egg Hunt at Muiravonside Country Park: For just £1, collect your trail map from Muiravonside’s café and follow the clues left by the Easter bunny. Find all the eggs that he has hidden around the park, complete all the challenges and collect your prize from the café. Take some time to see the animals in the farmyard too! From Saturday 31 March to Monday 2 April. Muiravonside is around a 20-minute drive from Stirling. It’s definitely worth a visit on its own merit. For more information: http://www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/whats-on/events/event.aspx?eid=6122&did=31684

Easter Hunt at the Helix: Again, for the princely sum of £1, hop on down to The Helix this April to take part in their Easter Hunt! Collect a clue sheet from the Plaza Cafe or Visitor Centre and follow the trail around the park to see if you can find the hidden treasures. Clue sheets will contain a number of puzzles, and a map to help you find the clues which are hidden around the park. Participants will receive an Easter treat, and there will be dairy-free alternatives for children with allergies. From Friday 30 March to Sunday 1 April. The Helix is around a 15-minute drive from Stirling. It’s a spectacular place, with free entry and activities for all. For more information: http://www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/whats-on/events/event.aspx?eid=6119&did=31681

See the Kelpies on your Helix Easter egg hunt

See the Kelpies on your Helix Easter egg hunt

Egg hunts, farm animals, and fresh air at Muiravonside Country Park

Egg hunts, farm animals, and fresh air at Muiravonside Country Park

Photo credits: 

  • Boness and Kinneil: By Thomas Nugent [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Culross Palace: By Palickap (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Kelpies image: Kindly supplied by the Kelpies Team.
  • Muiravonside: By Mike Smith [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

 

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New Year: New Horizons

by | Jan 10, 2018 | Blog

January: the month of clean slates and fresh starts. The month that most of make over-ambitious New Year’s resolutions, and the very same month that 90 percent* of us abandon them. This year, how about we ditch all other New Year’s resolutions, and resolve instead to travel, making life a little bigger and brighter for a while?

Forget chia seeds and detox. Broaden your horizons this January.

Forget chia seeds and detox. Broaden your horizons this January.

Glasgow co-hosts the European Championships. Take time to explore it.

Glasgow co-hosts the European Championships. Take time to explore it.

Plan your break in Scotland this January

Scotland is consistently popular amongst tourists. Not just because of its warm welcome, stunning landscapes, and historical narrative, but because there’s just so much to see and do here, especially in 2018. A new era in world sport gets underway this summer as Glasgow and Berlin host the inaugural European Championships. Glasgow and Scotland will host Aquatics, Cycling, Golf, Gymnastics, Rowing and Triathlon while Berlin hosts Athletics. You can buy Glasgow tickets here: http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/glasgow2018. Whether you get tickets or not, simply being in Glasgow throughout that time will be unforgettable, just as London was illuminated throughout the 2012 Olympic Games, and even months later. In addition, Scotland will be celebrating its ‘Year of Young People’ (http://yoyp2018.scot/), a packed, 12-month calendar of events including comedy festivals, film festivals, TED talks, design festivals, a comic con, poetry slam and much more, with events being added all the time.

Make Stirling your base

If you were to pick one place from which to explore the very best of Scotland throughout 2018, 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 the 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.

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 the best option for you. 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 hotel balconies that leave you terrified for your toddler. Because you’ll have room to unpack belongings 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. View our luxury properties here: https://www.stirlingselfcatering.co.uk/properties/ If you are on a budget, we have some stylish and affordable apartments that offer value and comfort: http://budgetaccommodationstirling.co.uk/

So, what’s your New Year resolution for 2018 now? Still eat more veg? 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 (http://www.stirlingfarmersmarket.co.uk/) for fresh, local fruit and veg too. Who says you can’t have everything?

Our properties are your perfect base

Our properties are your perfect base

Huddle up to the wood-burning stove at Oakside Cottage

Huddle up to the wood-burning stove at Oakside Cottage

  • To help plan your perfect break: https://www.visitscotland.com/about/themed-years/young-people/
  • *https://www.statisticbrain.com/new-years-resolution-statistics/
  • **Source: Visitstirling.com
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Light up November

by | 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 the Supernova 5K to light up the Kelpies at dusk
Join in the fun of Stirling's Christmas lights switch-on
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
Panto fun at the Macrobert
Free entry to many Scottish landmarks for St Andrew's Day
Free entry to many Scottish landmarks for St Andrew’s Day
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Local Hero: Made in the Shed

by | Oct 26, 2017 | Blog

Suzie Moore runs her home décor business, Made in the Shed, from her home in beautiful Stirling. Her range of boards are designed with love to help organise busy lives, as well as bring pleasure to the eye. A former team member here at Stirling Self Catering, we caught up with Suzie to learn more about her thriving business.

Organising life just a little more beautifully

Organising life just a little more beautifully

Suzie's boards reflect the palette and textures of the Scottish landscape

Suzie’s boards reflect the palette and textures of the Scottish landscape

Seizing the day

Suzie launched Made in the Shed after redundancy from her public-sector job presented her with an unexpected opportunity: “I have a young family and being able to work locally, with flexible hours, meant I could have the best of both worlds! I graduated from Grays School of Art in Aberdeen way back in 1994, and I’ve found it really energising to rediscover the creative me!”

Inspiration from Scotland’s landscape

Where did she get the inspiration to create her range? “I love the colours and textures abundant in Scotland. As a dog owner I am out in all weathers, and never tire of the beauty around us – even in the rain. I have family in the Outer Hebrides, where I can soak up the colours of the ever-changing landscape. I’m also a list fanatic. I have an eternal quest for bringing some semblance of organisation to our busy family life. This is where my chalkboards were born.”

Utility and beauty

Suzie’s boards bring together utility and beauty, but what do her customers love most? “I get great feedback about the boards having a magnetic section, for organising all the important pieces of paper that follow us through our busy lives, and a section for writing up messages and notes to jog our memory. This practicality, combined with stunning Harris Tweed fabrics, and hand-formed glass magnets, provides a welcome addition to any home. I make all boards by hand and pride myself on a high-quality finish.”

Hebridean tradition

Why Harris Tweed? “This fabric is steeped in history and renowned world-wide. All of it is dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides, and hand-woven in the home of the Harris Tweed weaver. It’s an ecologically sound textile, and the island communities are proud to pass their techniques down through the generations.”

Perfect partners

To complement the Harris Tweed, Suzie searched for the perfect magnet for her boards. “I’m so lucky to work with Elin Isaksson who has a studio locally in Cambusbarron. Elin is an incredibly talented glass artist who creates the glass for my magnets.  I love getting a delivery and seeing the individual characteristics in every piece of glass.”

Sharing the fun

It’s clear that there’s a part of Suzie that feels honoured to create something that families can use and enjoy. “It’s heart-warming to make boards as wedding gifts. My customers put in so much thought and consideration, deciding on which fabric suits the newly-weds’ taste, and the wording they choose to commemorate the big day. Sharing in the excitement is a privilege and my customers always give feedback when the Bride and Groom receive their gift. I had a ‘goose bump moment’ recently, when a customer wanted her family name on her board. She intended to pass it on to her children for when they grow up, have their own families, and begin to appreciate how hectic life can be. It was lovely to know the customer considered her board something that should stand the test of time!”

Hand-formed glass by Elin Isaksson make Suzie's magnets something special

Hand-formed glass by Elin Isaksson make Suzie’s magnets something special

Made in the Shed choose fabrics to suit both you and your home

Suzie loves choosing fabrics that suit both you and your home

More information:

Photo credits: All photos kindly supplied by Suzie Moore. All photos reamin copyright of Suzie Moore.

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