Spring and Easter escapes to beautiful Stirling

by | Jan 26, 2017 | Blog

The Christmas credit card bill is paid, the mornings are getting lighter, and the dawn chorus is back. That can only mean one thing – spring is coming! And here’s why to spend it in Stirling.

Relax this spring in Gladstone's beautiful gardens

Relax this spring in Gladstone’s beautiful gardens

Celebrate spring with champagne in the hot tub at Oakside cottage

Celebrate spring with champagne in the hot tub at Oakside cottage

A city break in Stirling

A spring break is all about taking a moment out of life to make some fresh memories and get outside a bit more. Fancy a city break? Stay at one of our properties in the heart of the city. Take a peek at Gladstone, Pear Tree House, and the Courtyard, to enjoy a luxurious break that puts you right at the heart of things. Just minutes from King’s Park and a short stroll from the Castle, you’ll witness Stirling burst into bloom again after the colder months. We have properties in beautiful Bridge of Allan too, like Haverstock, Springwood and Allanwater. They are the perfect base to explore Bridge of Allan’s gardens and the University grounds set on the historic Airthrey Estate. There are many unique little shops and great dining tucked away in this former spa town, too.

A secluded break to enjoy nature

Perhaps you’d prefer to immerse yourself in a more rural setting away from the City. Our properties like LallyBroch, Oakside Cottage, Stronend Cottage or Balfron Hayloft will give you the seclusion and landscape you crave. Whether you want to escape as a couple, a family, or group, these properties offer stunning views, easy access to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, wood burning stoves, hot tubs and idyllic settings. Outlander fans may even want to use Lallybroch as their base for an film locations tour, too. Or, for young families, these properties are ideal for visits to the Balfron Woodland Experience, Blair Drummond Safari Park, which reopens on 18 March, and Briarlands Farm, which re-opens in mid-February.

Wherever you choose to stay, make sure you don’t miss out on these fabulous Spring and Easter events in Stirlingshire:

The Snowdrop Festival

Nothing promises that spring is coming quite like snowdrops. And every year, Scotland opens up many of its most beautiful gardens, so that the everyone can enjoy the season’s snowdrop displays. The Festival runs from 18 February to 12 March. You can find participating gardens here: http://www.scotlandsgardens.org/news/snowdrops-2017

Easter Egg hunts at historic buildings

Thinking of booking your spring break at Easter time? 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! Find an Easter Egg Hunt near you: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/event/?eventId=297608b0-3502-4fde-9195-a6cc00fa3d0c

Easter Egg Steam Trains

Boness and Kinneil’s annual Easter trains run on 14 and 15 April and are becoming ever more popular. Climb aboard, enjoy the short trip, and the conductor will arrive with a chocolate egg for every child. Children wearing Easter bonnets also have the chance to win a prize. And there are Easter egg hunts in the museum too. Book soon! For tickets and schedule, see: http://www.bkrailway.co.uk/your-visit/events/

Crannog Centre Easter Extravaganza

Help the Crannog Centre kick-start their 20th anniversary year by celebrating Easter Iron Age style on beautiful Loch Tay, Perthshire. Join their Pancake Eggstravaganza on Easter Sunday, 16 April from 10.30am to 4.30pm. You will cook pancakes over an open fire, bake bread in clay ovens, and churn your own butter to spread on them. Gather round the fire to learn about ancient crafts and ways of life from skilled Iron Age guides. Or just gaze into the flames. For more information, see: http://www.crannog.co.uk/

Nothing says spring like the Snowdrop Festival

Nothing says spring like the Snowdrop Festival

The Crannog Centre, on stunning Loch Tay

The Crannog Centre, on stunning Loch Tay

Photo credits:

Crannog Centre on Loch Tay: By Dave Morris from Edinburgh, UK (Flickr.com – image description page) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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It’s Christmas! Dancing, singing, crafting, watching. You choose!

by | Dec 8, 2016 | Blog

Many of us would admit that the journey to Christmas is as festive as the day itself – if not more so. So, if you love to stack up a few events to get you and your family feeling Christmassy, then why not try one – or all – of these four traditional Christmas pastimes?

Christmas ceilidh magic at Ghillie Dhu
Ceilidh magic at Ghillie Dhu
Theatre or ballet this Christmas? What's your choice?
Theatre or ballet this year? What’s your choice?

Dancing

There are still a few precious tickets left for the Tolbooth’s increasingly popular Christmas ceilidhs on 10 December. With a family-focused ceilidh at 3pm, and then a more grown-up version starting at 8pm, this is a brilliant way for everyone to get a taste for traditional Scottish ceilidh dancing. No experience needed – the band will talk you through everything, and mistakes are part of the fun! For tickets (hurry), see: http://culturestirling.org/whats-on/

If you miss out on tickets, why not plan a Christmas day out in Edinburgh before enjoying dinner and dancing at the Ghillie Dhu in Rutland Place, Edinburgh. You can dine and dance there right up till 24 December. And if you get together a group of six or more, they will throw in some fizz too. For details: http://ghillie-dhu.co.uk/ceilidh/

Watching

Nothing is more traditional than theatre at Christmas. And what could be more festive than a production of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’? On 16-17 December, this American family classic comes to the Tolbooth, Stirling. Performed as a 1940s live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience, six actors will play not only the radio actors, but the dozens of characters they in turn portray from Frank Capra’s heart-warming movie. In its fifth year, this production is gathering a fervent following, so book tickets soon: http://culturestirling.org/events/wonderful-life-radio-play-stage-3/

Prefer a fairy-tale at Christmas? Then watch the Macrobert’s screening of The Nutcracker, live from the Royal Opera House, from 8-15 December. For tickets, see: http://macrobertartscentre.org/event/royal-opera-house-the-nutcracker-26/

Crafting

For many people, Christmas means crafting. If you fancy some grown-up crafting but want both the materials and guidance on hand, why not book a festive crafting workshop at Green Aspirations in Balfron Station? The sessions use natural, sustainable materials to create wreaths, wall-hangings, baubles, wrapping paper, cards and gift tags. To book, and to enquire about children’s drop in craft sessions, see: http://www.greenaspirationsscotland.co.uk/workshops

If you’re getting ready for Stirling’s New Year, there are a series of lantern making workshops to get you all set for the celebrations on the 31 December. The workshops take place in the Old Town Jail until 30 December. For details on the sessions, and the Hogmanay celebrations, see: http://www.stirlingwinterfestival.com/

Singing

It feels good to give your voice a rare outing at Christmastime. Why not clear your throat for a carol or two in the splendid surroundings of Stirling Castle on 11 December? Enjoy a glass of mulled wine as the Stirling contingent of the National Youth Choir of Scotland perform some classic carols and Christmas songs. Booking is essential! For tickets, visit: http://www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/whatson/events/carols-at-the-castle/

If you’re after a medley of modern Christmas classics, some brass, and some famous faces on top of your traditional carols, then head to the Albert Halls on 16 December. There, Eddi Reader, Karen Matheson, John McCusker and Phil Cunningham deliver a fun night of modern and traditional Christmas music. Bring the family and get seriously Christmassy. For more information, visit: http://culturestirling.org/events/phil-cunninghams-christmas-songbook/

If you miss out on these or simply want more, then Stirling City Choir’s annual Christmas Carol Concert takes place at the Church of the Holy Rude on 10 December from 7.30 pm. For information, see: http://www.stirlingcitychoir.org.uk/

Stirling University’s annual lunchtime Christmas Carol Concert takes place on campus on 13 December. This event, along with refreshments, is free, but you should book your place: http://www.stir.ac.uk/events/2016/december/christmasconcert/name-138652-en.html

Create your own green Christmas decorations this year
Create your own Christmas decorations this year
The Church of the Holy Rude - just one of the many venues for Christmas carols this year
The Church of the Holy Rude – just one of the many venues for Christmas carols this year

Photo credits:

  • Church of the Holy Rude, Stirling: By Robert Cutts from Bristol, England, UK (The Church of the Holy Rude, Stirling, nave) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Ghillile Dhu ceilidh image reproduced with kind permission from Ghillie Dhu: http://ghillie-dhu.co.uk/
  • Handcrafted wreath image reproduced with kind permission from Green Aspirations: http://www.greenaspirationsscotland.co.uk/

 

 

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Shindigs, forensics, and fairies: It’s September!

by | Sep 8, 2016 | Blog

September is upon us, and you have to admit, there’s a fresh chill in the air as we teeter on the brink of autumn. But be of good cheer, because September happens to be one of Stirling’s most spectacular months! Check out these events …

Men with Coconuts, playing at The Shindig this weekend.

Men with Coconuts, hilarious high energy improv at The Shindig this weekend

Sir Moustache Bristleby and the Ed-splorers - spinning yarns to all ages at the Shindig

Sir Moustache Bristleby and the Ed-splorers – spinning yarns to all ages at the Shindig

Bloody Scotland 9-11 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. And in this fifth year of the festival they include Stuart MacBride, Caro Ramsay, Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Chris Brookmyre and many more. The authors give unforgettable talks on crime and writing, and offer panels on everything from forensics to soil science and witness identification. There’s even a Scotland-England writers football match. If you love a crime thriller, you need to be in Stirling this weekend! For a full events line-up, see: www.bloodyscotland.com/

The Shindig 9-11 September

After three brilliant years, the Stirling Fringe Festival has relaunched as The Shindig: The Best Wee Party in Scotland. Despite the strapline, there’s nothing ‘wee’ about the Shindig. From its new residence in the Old Town Jail, the Shindig will host a performance marquee, an acoustic zone yurt where you can kick back and relax with some low key acoustics, as well as an open air music stage for the signature acts. There will be everything from live music and comedy, to children’s storytelling, street performers, ceilidhs, pipe bands, beer tastings and street food too. With much of it free, the Shindig is well worth a visit simply for the buzz. For full details of all events, see: http://stirlingfringe.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 800 buildings are expected to open, generating over 200,000 visits to sites and architectural gems in locations throughout Scotland. The website is brilliant – simply choose where you are or want to go, and you’ll find your listings. The Stirling Open Doors focuses on 10-11 September, an already busy weekend in the Stirling calendar, but there is plenty to see on other dates throughout September, so do have a browse: http://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/

Woodland Experiences

If you have kids who might find Stirling’s September a bit too hectic, how about leaving the city behind and heading outdoors for a bit of natural magic? Woodland Experiences operates from a family-tended woodland in North Ballochruin Farm in Balfron Station, just on the edge of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Their ‘Fairy Experience’ event runs throughout September, with a magical fairy trail through the woodland, and light refreshments included in the £4 ticket price. While you are there you might also want to book up for their November Light Experience, and their Santa Experience for the festive season. Nothing like being prepared! For more information, see: http://www.woodlandexperiences.co.uk/

Searching for fairies in Ballochruin Woodland

Searching for fairies in Ballochruin Woodland

Enjoy the Fairy Experience throughout September

Enjoy the Fairy Experience throughout September

Photo credits:

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Local Heroes: Brucefields Family Golf Centre

by | Aug 24, 2016 | Blog

After the Olympics, many of us are feeling that we ought to get more active, whatever the weather, and whatever our level of expertise. And there’s a sports venue on the outskirts of Stirling that prides itself on making just that happen. Brucefields Family Golf Centre are this month’s Local Heroes, and we spoke to Managing Director Kirsty Burge to find out more.

Brucefields Family Golf Centre, Stirling

Beautifully kept greens at Brucefields Family Golf Centre

Enjoy views across to the Ochils as you tee off at Brucefields

Enjoy views of the Ochils as you tee off

When asked to explain a little bit about Brucefields, Kirsty’s emphasis is on inclusion. It’s something not always associated with golf: ‘We give everyone the chance to play golf, whether you’re a child, a beginner, disabled, or a professional perfecting your skills; we have it all covered at the centre! Nor do you need to be paying large membership fees. Here, you can pay and play and enjoy the game to suit your lifestyle’.

Kirsty’s father, John Souter, designed and built the golf courses and driving range at Brucefields. So the golf centre, with views across to the Wallace Monument and the Ochils, has always been familiar to her. Shortly after Tulloch Homes purchased the company in 2004, Kirsty was asked to come and run Brucefields. There’s a definite sense of homecoming in her position there. Her small and close-knit team consists of Garry Shaw (Course Manager) Debbie Crawford (Reception Manager) and Christine Frost (Admin Manager). In addition, there are many other busy people behind the scenes who – Kirsty insists – are the key to the golf centre’s success.

And what a summer it’s been for Brucefields. Opened 20 years ago, they celebrated their birthday with a Family Fun Day on 11 June. This was quickly followed by six weeks of kids’ camps. Filled to capacity, these are taken by full-time golf professional Gregor Monks. ‘It’s such a fun thing to watch kids growing up with golf in their lives,’ observes Kirsty. The centre then hosted a regional final of The Wee Wonders, where children from 5-12 years old compete to the highest standards before going on to the finals in St. Andrews. ‘It was a real privilege to host this at Brucefields before moving on to a world-class golf course.’

And has there been an ‘Olympics effect’ on footfall at the centre? ‘We always love events such as the golf featuring in the Olympics – how can Justin Rose lifting the gold medal fail to inspire people? We always compare it to how Wimbledon brings out everyone wanting to lift a tennis racket; the likes of The Open and the upcoming Ryder Cup creates the same sort of buzz right here. People want to come and try golf for the first time or dust off their clubs!’

But not only does Brucefields cater for those who want to try out or revisit the sport, the centre has its regulars too, many of whom have been season ticket holders for many years, and those who use the range and teaching facilities to perfect their skills ever further. There is definitely a place for both ‘fun golf’ and ‘serious golf’ here. It’s a balance that other places can find difficult to achieve. And within its relaxed atmosphere, Brucefields is nurturing its fair share of champions in the making. ‘We are incredibly proud of many of our young golfers: Ewen Ferguson, coached by Gregor Monks, is the Scottish Amateur Golfer of the Year 2015, while Ben Wilson – at the age of 7 – has picked up many trophies in local junior tournaments.’

‘We are extremely grateful for everyone that supports Brucefields,’ says Kirsty, ‘and we just hope that we can continue to provide a well-rounded place where the whole family can come and enjoy golf.’

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Messing about on the water – in and around Stirling

by | Jul 6, 2016 | Blog

There’s nothing that says summertime quite like messing about on the water. We’ve handpicked some brilliant ways for you to do just that, with the absolute minimum of travel from your Stirling base.

Paddling the waters of the Forth with Unicorn Paddle

Paddling beneath Stirling’s city centre bridges with Unicorn Paddle

A novel way to see Scotland's most beautiful waterways

A novel way to see Scotland’s most beautiful waterways

Fishing: If your idea of being on the water is sitting in a boat watching for a bite, then Swanswater Fishery may just be for you. It’s just 15 minutes from the centre of Stirling. This fishery boasts three ponds, of which the biggest is a full ten-acre expanse. You can fly fish from one of the three well-maintained fishing platforms, or hire one of the fishery’s three boats. Rainbow, Brown, Blue, Tiger and Golden trout are all stocked daily, to supplement the natural population of brown trout. For more information, see: http://www.swanswater-fishery.co.uk/

Stand Up Paddling: It seems that one of the best ways to see Scotland’s waters is by ‘stand up paddling’. And you don’t even know how to do it to have a crack. Unicorn Paddling offer lessons and nature expeditions throughout Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, the Fife Coast and many more locations throughout Scotland. And what makes their offer even more attractive is that they will pick you up free of charge from several locations throughout Stirling and the Stirling area, in order to get to your location of choice. Unicorn Paddling provide wetsuits, gloves, and literally everything you will need to keep cosy as you explore Scotland’s waters in this brilliant new way. Trips depend on wind speeds of less than 8 miles per hour. Check out their website here to create your own SUP adventure! www.unicornpaddle.co.uk

The Helix watersports: Home to the now world-famous Kelpies, The Helix in Falkirk offers water sports for all the family. It’s just 17 minutes’ drive from Stirling too. You will find everything from pedalos to canoeing and kayaking on the Helix plaza’s man-made ‘lagoon’. It’s a very safe environment for those less experienced on the water, with life guards on the shore at all times. During school holidays, explore the instructor-led water-sports events. For younger family members, there’s also the splash zone, with random water jets and waterfalls to play in on warmer summer days. For full information on these and more activities at the Helix, see: http://www.thehelix.co.uk/

Linlithgow Canal Centre: If you like spending time on the water purely for its own sake, then Linlithgow Canal Centre is for you. The Canal Centre (just 22 miles or 29 mins from Stirling) is operated entirely by volunteers and their love of the boats and the water brings a little magic to your trip. The Centre runs three core trips – a half-hour town cruise, a three-hour Avon Aqueduct Cruise, and a Falkirk Wheel Cruise. The Aqueduct cruises take place at weekends, The Falkirk Wheel cruises on the last Sunday of June, July and August, while the town cruises run daily from 4 July to 12 August. Tickets are very good value, staff have a wealth of local knowledge, and you can enjoy some gorgeous home baking before or after in the Canal Centre Tearoom (with a wood fire in winter). The Canal centre is a hidden gem in the heart of Linlithgow, and worthwhile supporting too. Don’t miss their Canal Fun Day on 14 August and bring a picnic. For detail on ticket prices, cruises, special events and facilities, see: http://www.lucs.org.uk/

Plenty of water fun at the Helix

Plenty of water fun at the Helix

Messing about on the water at Linlithgow Canal Basin

Messing about on the water at Linlithgow Canal Basin

Photo credits: 

  • Linlithgow Canal Centre: Thomas Nugent [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Stand up Paddling Photos: Images kindly supplied by Unicorn Paddling, http://unicornpaddle.co.uk/, Copyright Unicorn Paddling.
  • Kelpies Photo: Kindly supplied by the Kelpies Team, Copyright the Helix 2016.

 

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