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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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Summer holiday fun in Stirling

by ssc | Jun 15, 2017 | Blog

From Highland Games to ceilidhs, to summer storytelling, music festivals and even Jedi training – Stirling has everything you could ever want for a school holiday your family will never forget!

Traditional events at Stirling Highland Games

Whether at Bridge of Allan’s Highland Games, or Stirling’s, you’ll enjoy some local colour!

Bridge of Allan Highland Games

Visit this beautiful Victoria spa town for a unforgettably Scottish day out on Sunday 6 August. 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 even an adjoining fairground for the kids. Bus and car parking is free and there are two car parks. That’s one day out sorted! For info: http://bofagames.com/

Summer fun outdoor sessions at the Helix

The Helix Park has organised a packed programme of fun outdoor activities for the wee ones from the 7th of July until the 17th of August. There are sessions for all ages and interests, from the Under 5s Hungry Caterpillar and Incy Wincy Spider, to 5-8 years Woodland Treasure Hunts and Jedi Training, right to Mad Scientists and Den Building for those who’re 8 plus, to Fire and Food Sessions for kids over 10! For these and even more ideas, see: http://www.thehelix.co.uk/all-events/helix-summer-outdoor-fun-sessions/

Summer Ceilidhs

These have become one of Stirling’s ‘must-do’ summer events and sell out quickly, so do book now. They are suitable for all the family, locals and visitors alike, and for anyone who likes a jig, no matter whether they know the dances or not. These ceilidhs will gently introduce you to ceilidh culture, with dances led by a ‘caller’ who will talk you right through the moves. The ceilidh band features some of Scotland’s finest musicians and is a brilliant way to meet new friends and enjoy a great night out. They run on 12 July, 3 and 23 August at The Tolbooth, Stirling. For more information, visit: http://culturestirling.org/events/

Doune the Rabbit Hole

If you’re looking for a family-friendly way to introduce your kids to Festival culture, then this it. Doune the Rabbit Hole is an intimate, independent music & arts festival located amidst the glorious ancient oak trees of the Cardross Estate, near the Lake of Menteith in Stirlingshire. The Festival started life in 2010, at a site near Doune (hence the name!) and for the last seven years has been growing in popularity and celebrating the very best of Scotland’s independent/DIY arts scene alongside amazing international guests. This is a fabulous event for all the family on the weekend of 18-20 August. For tickets: http://dounetherabbithole.co.uk/

Stirling Highland Games

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 its own foodie festival, with great Scottish fayre on offer. Sample from the hog roast, craft beers, Prosecco bar, ice creams, preserves, and whisky stalls. And get hands-on with some foodie activities with the experts. http://www.stirlinghighlandgames.com/

Summer Story Trails

Need something quieter for the very little ones? Then join storyteller Daniel Serridge for a story walk around some of Stirling University’s most interesting sculptures this summer. Dress for the weather and bring your sling or all-terrain buggies. A brilliant activity for kids ages 0 to 6 years and their grown-ups. These run on 1, 8 Aug 10-10:45am. 1, 8 Aug 11-11:45am. 1, 8 Aug 12-12:45pm. 1, 8 Aug 2-2:45pm from the Macrobert Arts Centre. For tickets, see: http://macrobertartscentre.org/event/summer-story-trails-age-2—7/

There is a packed programme of events for families at the Helix this year,
and why not see the Kelpies, too

Storytelling on Stirling University Campus

Enjoy a story walk with your little ones in the beautiful Stirling University campus

Photo credits:

Stirling Highland Games images kindly supplied by Stirling Highland Games, and copyright Bryan Robertson.
Stirling University Image: By University of Stirling (University of Stirling) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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Easter Family Events 2017

by ssc | Apr 5, 2017 | Blog

Easter. Scotland has burst 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 on offer within easy reach of Stirling.

Take an Easter Egg Special at Boness and Kinneil Railway

Hunt for Easter eggs at Culross Palace

Easter Egg Special Trains at Boness and Kinneil Railway

The railway’s popular Easter Egg special trains run on Friday 14, Saturday 15, Sunday 16 and Monday 17 April 2017. There’s a prize for the best Easter bonnet and an Easter egg hunt in the Museum. Enjoy the free colouring, crayons and tasty Easter treats that the Easter Bunny has left for all boys and girls over the weekend. 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. 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. More information.

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 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 first.

Easter Eggsplorer Trails with Historic Scotland

Not to be outdone, Historic Scotland’s Easter Eggsplorer Trails take place at a number of 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 and more information here.

Easter weekend at Stirling Castle

Join the Easter family fun at Stirling Castle on Easter Saturday and Sunday. There are lots of heritage, history and archaeology themed activities for children. These are included in the normal admission price. More information.

RSPB Nature Scavenger Hunt at the Helix

On Easter Monday, work off all that chocolate with a scavenger hunt at the Helix. Meet near the adventure playground to set off on an adventure. What natural treasures can you find in the Park this spring? Check the weather and dress accordingly. And wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty! Suitable for families with children aged 4-10. Free, and no need to register. More information.

Feed the Lambs at Briarlands Farm

Easter just isn’t Easter without seeing an adorable lamb or three in the fields. Even better, you can feed them yourself at Briarlands Farm, just outside Stirling. Until 30 April you can hand-feed the farm’s newest arrivals at 12 noon and 4pm daily. Sessions are included in the normal admission price. Remember, there’s lots of outdoor fun to be had at Briarlands, so pack a picnic and make a day of it. More information.

Easter in the kitchen at Callander House

At 11am each day (Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday), join the cook at Callander House to sample Easter treats from the Georgian Kitchen. The cook will be roasting a leg of lamb on the roaring fire on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, with samples offered throughout the weekend. Find out how the Georgians celebrated Easter by using traditional methods to colour their eggs, and get the chance to taste delicious Easter simnel cake and hot cross buns. More information.

Feed the lambs at Briarlands Farm

Whatever you choose to do – Happy Easter!

Photo credits:

Culross Palace: By Palickap (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Boness and Kinneil Railway: Thomas Nugent [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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Our top five family days out from Stirling

by ssc | Feb 9, 2017 | Blog

The days are long, and the landscape is beautiful. Round up the kids, and head outside with our top five family days out near Stirling.

Family fun at Briarlands Farm

Boarding at Boness and Kinneil Railway - top five

A brilliant family day out amongst dedicated volunteers at Boness and Kinneil Railway

Briarlands Farm

This popular farm park lies just 8 miles or a scenic 15 minutes’ drive from Stirling, tucked into a tree-lined farm road near the village of Doune. You’ll find endless outdoors play here, with jumping pillows, go-Karts, toddler trikes, zip wire, sand pits, tractor rides and more. Feed the farm animals, and join one of the regular handling sessions to meet smaller furries. There’s a craft zone and a toddler play area when you need cover from showers, as well as a family-friendly tearoom with tonnes of home baking. Pick your own strawberries too, when the season comes around. For more information, see: http://briarlandsfarm.co.uk/

Blair Drummond Safari Park

This well-known safari park just outside Doune needs little introduction. Just a few minutes from Briarlands Farm, it’s around a 15-minute drive from Stirling City Centre. You’ll find everything from elephants, zebras and lions to penguins and sea-lions in this conservation-focused park. And there’s plenty thrown in to your ticket price too, including a range of demonstrations, boat safaris, pedal boats, Astroglide and ‘Meet the keepers’ sessions. Then there is a raft of paid attractions to consider too. The footprint is large, so it’s an idea to plan your visit in advance. For information, see: https://www.blairdrummond.com/

Boness and Kinneil Railway

This family-friendly heritage railway and museum is run by tireless volunteers who smile whatever the weather. They run steam trains throughout the year, with a host of special events ranging from Afternoon Teas on the Train, to Days out with Thomas, to Easter Egg Specials, and much more. Located in Boness, just 19 miles or a 29-minute drive from Stirling, Boness and Kinneil Railway is a brilliant day out for the family, even when the weather’s inclement. There’s a tearoom too, with a nostalgic atmosphere and proper gingham tablecloths. For more information, see: http://www.bkrailway.co.uk/

The Kelpies

To see them is to love them. These captivating sculptures tower some 30 metres above the M9, just 14 miles or 27 minutes’ drive from Stirling. And they are the stunning centrepiece of the Helix Park, a local greenspace for all that lies on the banks of the Forth Clyde Canal. Comprising 27 km of pathways, a lagoon, a splash zone, an unrivalled play area, bike hire, boat hire, cafes, visitor centre and public art spaces, the Helix has become one of Scotland’s most acclaimed visitor attractions. And yet it’s still free. There are regular events too. For more information, see: http://www.thehelix.co.uk/

Brucefields Family Golf Centre

If you fancy a family game of golf in inclusive, friendly surroundings, then Brucefields Family Golf Centre is for you. This 9-hole golf course lies just outside Bannockburn, only 3 miles outside Stirling. It offers a huge range of facilities and support services for all members of the family, whether they’re learners, experienced players or just there for the day out. There are some pretty good views to be enjoyed on the way round, too. There’s golf tuition, a driving range and a bistro bar too. Pay, play, have fun. More details here: http://www.brucefields.co.uk/

The Kelpies – figureheads for the fabulous Helix Park

Brucefields Family Golf Centre – golf, fun, and great views

Photo credits:

Briarlands Farm: Photos taken by Blue Stag Media, and reproduced with kind permission of Briarlands Farm
The Kelpies: Photo taken by, and reproduced with kind permission of, The Kelpies Team
Brucefields Family Golf Centre: Photo kindly supplied by Brucefields Family Golf Centre
Boness and Kinneil Railway: By Elliott Simpson, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8322907

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