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A Scottish road trip for everyone: the Heart 200

by ssc | May 9, 2019 | Blog

If you love the unspoilt landscape of Scotland but are less enamoured of its circuitous single-track Highland roads, you are in for a treat! A new Perthshire tourist route aims to rival the popularity of the iconic North Coast 500, and promises to be easier on both locals and drivers too.

The Heart 200 will take in several of Scotland’s lochs

At its southernmost point, the Heart 200 takes in the City of Stirling

A new Scottish road trip

The Heart 200 is a new touring route of approximately 200 miles around Perth, Stirling, the Trossachs and Highland Perthshire – the very heart of Scotland. In addition, the route uniquely links Scotland’s two national parks, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs and the Cairngorms.

Easier on drivers

But what distinguishes the Heart 200 from the world-renowned North Coast 500 – Scotland’s Route 66 – is that it is designed around major trunk roads, with a well-established built infrastructure, and there’s scope to accommodate increased numbers of tourists year on year.

So, if you’re daunted by driving on single track roads in a hire car, are not sure about the etiquette of passing places, are nervous about driving around sheep on a precipitous B-road, or want the reassurance of more frequent rest and re-fuelling points, then Heart 200 is for you.

No compromise

But be assured there’s no compromise on spectacle. The Heart 200 takes in some of Scotland’s most historic towns and cities, including Stirling at its southernmost tip. Travellers will be immersed in the captivating and unspoilt landscapes of Scotland’s two national Parks, as well as skirting the banks of Loch Tay. And that’s just a few landmarks along the route.

So, if you’re planning a first-time road trip in Scotland with Stirling as your base – then we’ve got you sorted!

More information:

Need somewhere to stay? https://www.stirlingselfcatering.co.uk/properties/
Keep up to date with news on Heart 200 route here: http://www.heart200.scot/
Interested in the North Coast 500? https://www.northcoast500.com/

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Five reasons you should spend spring in Stirling

by ssc | Jan 15, 2019 | Blog

There’s nothing better than planning a spring break to lift the soul and give yourself something to look forward to. We think Stirling is the perfect place to spend this crisp and beautiful season – and here are five good reasons why!

Coorie in by a wood burning stove in one of our properties

Enjoy carpets of snowdrops around Stirling this spring

You can coorie in

To ‘coorie’ or to ‘coorie in’ basically means to cuddle up or snuggle in Scots, and nothing beats a coorie with a loved one at a warm fireside. Oakside Cottage, Castleview, Gladstone and Tigh Mor are just a handful of our many properties with wood burners or open fires, perfect for a spring break when the weather can still be on the chilly side. Browse these and more here: https://www.stirlingselfcatering.co.uk/properties/

If you’d like to huddle by the fire with a wee dram and friendly company, head to the Portcullis or Nicky Tams in Stirling, or the Westerton Arms in Bridge of Allan. You’ll find a warm welcome and the comforting atmosphere of hearth and home in each of them.

Carpets of snowdrops

It seems the snowdrop sums up everything we love about spring: it’s a hopeful, beautiful and determined wee bloom that reappears undaunted every year despite late snows and biting cold. You’ll spot blankets of snowdrops in Bridge of Allan, University of Stirling Campus, as well as the King’s Park in Stirling – home to several of our properties. And in addition, Scotland’s annual snowdrop festival kicks off in January, with stately homes across Scotland opening up their gardens for visitors to witness the stunning carpets of snowdrops within. Find a participating garden near you here: http://discoverscottishgardens.org/

Seasonal produce

Stirling Farmers market takes place every second Saturday, with around 25 or more friendly stallholders setting out their season’s wares in Port Street, Stirling from 10am till 4pm. You’ll find fine Scottish produce as varied as dry-aged Highland beef and lamb in season, pork and bacon, venison and wild game, high welfare rose-veal, smoked fish and shellfish from the east coast, bread in great variety, chilli jams, chutneys and preserves, Scottish cheeses and butter, free-range hen/duck eggs, organic vegetables, deli items such as olives and pesto, award-winning fudge and tablet, savoury pies, country fruit wines, flavoured gins and crafted meads. Wow – what more could you want? For details see here: http://www.stirlingfarmersmarket.co.uk/

Remarkable theatre and cinema

As a cultural venue, Stirling rivals cities twice its size, with The Macrobert Arts Centre, The Albert Halls, and the Tolbooth all hosting regular theatre and live acts. See, for example, Ballet West’s The Nutcracker at The Macrobert Arts Centre at the beginning of February, folk legends McGoldrick, McCusker and Doyle at the Tolbooth, or Dan Snow at the Albert Halls – both in March. Keep an eye on the Macrobert’s eclectic cinema listings, too, with films you’d just never see elsewhere, as well as live screenings from the National Theatre and more. For more details: https://macrobertartscentre.org/whatson/stirling-cinema/

Your gateway to Scotland

Most of us turn our thoughts to our next holiday in January and February in order both to get good deals and to give us something to look forward to after winter’s festivities. So, if you’re planning to spend your spring in Scotland, make Stirling your base. The historic city offers easy access to Glasgow and Edinburgh by rail, and you can reach the southern Highlands in around an hour by car, too. The City’s central location literally gives you the key to explore the very best of Scotland and still be home in time for dinner. And, of course, it’s a stunning destination in its own right! Browse our properties and check availability here. We’ll be delighted to see you!

Stirling’s historic Old Town is the perfect place to explore on foot this spring

The cobbled streets of Edinburgh are just a short train journey away

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Gin Tours Scotland: For the Love of Gin!

by ssc | Jul 12, 2018 | Blog

Gin has come a long way since it was depicted by English painter Hogarth as the hard liquor of the London poor. Today, gin is the civilised tipple for summer afternoons; the crisp mainstay of cocktail bars worldwide, and boasts a delicate palette of seasonal fruit and floral infusions. At home, Scotland’s craft gin industry is also fast gaining critical acclaim. Two men who’ve watched this renaissance with interest are Wayne Russell and Douglas Lamb. Bringing together their love of gin, their passion for Scotland and their long-standing friendship, they’ve created Gin Tours Scotland.

Taking you to the best gins, in the most beautiful locations

Sample gins at their source

“Over the last few years we’ve been watching the craft gin industry in Scotland grow rapidly,” explains Wayne, “and we knew that it wouldn’t be long before the world would want to sample these amazing gins first-hand. After visiting some of the distilleries ourselves, and tasting their gins, we decided – over a few more at the bar – that it was time the world got to see and sample Scotland’s finest, and that it was up to us to make it happen.”

“After finding out no one else was providing gin tours in Scotland, we knew we were onto something. That same night I checked to see if the domain name ‘Gin Tours Scotland’ was available. When it was, I bought it there and then, and the rest is history!”

The business partnership is a strong one, with plenty savvy behind it. “Douglas and I have over 50 years’ experience in the travel and tourism industry. Although both of us do the tours, I am the man behind the operational side of things, whereas Douglas is the voice of everything that Scotland offers. He has a story to tell every time you see him, and our clients are amazed at his knowledge – both of gin and of Scotland.”

The path to launch was fast-paced: “Our name was instant – why try to be clever when you have something that does exactly what it says on the tin? What we needed then was to come up with a brand logo. We didn’t anticipate how stressful this can be, but thanks to our friends at West End Design (http://westenddesign.co.uk/), we were able to focus on our message and come up with a logo that expresses the craft gin industry in Scotland. The website then took over – which again takes time – but is something you have to get right. We’re very happy with what we’ve achieved.”

What’s the next challenge? “Although we are fairly unique in terms of the gin tour itself, it is still something most people don’t know is possible. Everyone knows about whisky tours but not so much about gin tours. So, to add to our networking and social media portfolio, we will soon be launching our tours on booking platforms such as Viator, The Entertainer, Get Guided and Visit Scotland.”

Though everyone loves a cheeky G&T, it’s clear that Wayne and Dougie’s bespoke tours deliver far more than a whistle-stop sampling opportunity: “Our individually created tours are not only about the 66 amazing gins our country produces, but about showcasing the beautiful and historic landscape of Scotland that is their home.”

Getting into the heart of the distillation process

Your guides: Douglas Lamb and Wayne Russell – cheers!

Want to book a tour? http://www.gintoursscotland.co.uk/
Want to get in touch with Wayne or Dougie to talk more? http://www.gintoursscotland.co.uk/contact/

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School’s out for summer! (Nearly!)

by ssc | Jun 25, 2018 | Blog

In the school holidays, it’s all too easy for the kids to park themselves in front of the tv and slouch their way through summer. But with just a little prep (and a thrown-together picnic), the school holidays can be a brilliant time for learning, exploring and making memories. Here are just a few suggestions to get you thinking!

Explore some of Scotland secret gardens

Take life more slowly at Linlithgow Canal Basin

Charity Garden Openings

The Scotland’s Gardens scheme raises money for charity through encouraging, promoting and supporting garden openings all over the country. For just a small donation, you can gain access to some of Scotland’s most beautiful secret gardens, and you may find a cream tea there, too. There are dates throughout July and August. To find a garden open near you, type in your postcode on their website: https://scotlandsgardens.org/

Summer Programme at the Engine Shed

Head to the Engine Shed throughout the summer holidays for fun, free workshops that will introduce you and your family to traditional building skills and materials. Choose from Brilliant Buildings, to Inventor’s Workshops, to a James Watt Engineering Challenge, 3D printing, to creating your own powered machines. Even if you don’t book onto one of the Summer Programme events, this is a fabulous place, and well worth the visit. You’ll be able to find out lots about the important work of Historic Environment Scotland, too. For more information, visit: https://www.engineshed.scot/whats-on/event/

Linlithgow Canal Basin

If you like spending time on the water, 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 specified dates, while the town cruises run daily throughout the summer from 1 July. 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 18 August and bring a picnic. For detail on ticket prices, cruises, special events and facilities, see: http://www.lucs.org.uk/boat-trips

Stirling Highland Games

On Saturday 17 August, Stirling Sports Village will host one of the region’s signature annual events. Stirling’s Highland Games welcomes visitors from around the world to witness traditional Highland games competitions in the heart of the City. The games field offers brilliant views over to the Wallace Monument, Cambuskenneth Abbey and Stirling Castle. A full programme of traditional events includes running, cycling, Highland dancing, heavyweights, long jump and triple jump. In addition, there will be an Arts & Crafts Market, an Activities Challenge area, Heritage Tours, and a Food & Drink Festival with street food vendors, producers and craft beer, gin and whisky bars, as well as entertainment from the Creative Arts Festival with live performances from 12:30 until 17:00. Buy your tickets online: http://www.stirlinghighlandgames.com/

Anniversary Events at the Wallace Monument

The National Wallace Monument opened its doors to visitors on Saturday 11th September 1869, and 2019 marks the building’s 150th anniversary. The anniversary year will be commemorated with an expanded programme of events, including free activities every day in July and August such as Warrior Training on Thursdays, Family Fridays, and actor performances on Saturdays and Sundays. And remember to ask staff abut converting your admission ticket into an annual pass, which means you can come back to enjoy each of the Monument’s Anniversary events! For more information, visit: https://www.nationalwallacemonument.com/ht_event/

Stirling Highland Games is a perfect day out for everyone

The Wallace Monument has a packed Summer Programme this year

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The Engine Shed: Bringing Scotland’s Built Heritage to Life

by ssc | May 14, 2018 | Blog

A former goods transfer shed in the heart of Stirling has been transformed into Scotland’s first dedicated building conservation centre. An intensive programme of restoration began in 2013, creating an inspirational resource both for learning and for tourism.

Activities for all ages are available at the Engine Shed

The Engine Shed is creating a new generation of building conservation

A strategic location

The Engine Shed sits on the banks of the River Forth. Interestingly, there is little detail about the history of the building, because it was a strategic – and pretty secret – base for the army in the run up to and during both World Wars. Now, it’s a thriving hub for both the public, and for the construction and conservation professionals who come here to enhance their skills.

Conservation in action

The building’s own restoration and extension has been a very public statement of its aims. Traditional materials have been used in a contemporary way, staying as close to the original character as possible. Stone salvaged from the former Seaforth bridge, recycled wrought iron, and simple cord and pulley ventilation systems have all come together in the renovation, inspired by railway architecture. In addition, two new sheds have been constructed alongside the original, sympathetically designed to complement their older peer, rather than compete with it. Dr Lyn Wilson, manager of the Engine Shed’s Digital Documentation Team said, “For me, favourite aspects of the Engine Shed design are the open-plan layout which really helps with our aim to create a melting pot for ideas and conversations here, combined with the use of sustainable and recycled materials in the new wings”.

What the public can expect

It’s a beautiful space that opens from 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday, and is free to visit. Here, you’ll find the stories of Scotland’s built heritage brought to life – for children and adults alike. Interactive exhibits, a 4K, 3D theatre, augmented reality experiences and hands-on activities appeal to all ages. Workshops and seminars take that one stage further, looking at subjects as diverse as ‘Making Mosaics’, to ‘Climate Change and the Historic Environment’. In addition, the Engine Shed offers a busy programme of creative holiday activities for children. These not only offer a very different day out, but embed some traditional construction skills, and an early understanding of conservation, too. Keep up to date here: https://www.engineshed.scot/whats-on/

Learning at the Engine Shed

In addition to all the fun, and free!, workshops, the Engine Shed is also a platform for those wanting to develop their knowledge of traditional buildings. The programme offers a number of seminars and an annual Summer School that are perfect for enthusiasts and professionals. Summer School is a five-day introduction to the principles of traditional architecture and the conservation and maintenance of historic buildings.

For those searching for a more formal learning route, the Postgraduate Course in Technical Building Conservation is a great option. The course offers flexibility on approach, as it can be done on a full- or part-time basis and is the perfect route to start a career in the building conservation sector.

The Outreach Team offers sessions for schools, which have been carefully developed by the in-house experts and tie in with the Curriculum for Excellence. They even offer a travel subsidy to Stirling! Vanesa Gonzalez, Content Manager for the Engine Shed, describes just how important this is to the team: “At the Engine Shed, we are proud to be engaging with a wide range of audiences. From school children to professionals, from families to community groups, we are enthusing thousands of people with Scotland’s built heritage.”

For more information about learning at the Engine Shed: https://www.engineshed.scot/learning/

A new generation

“People are coming from all over Scotland to get involved and use the Engine Shed as a focal point for exploring their built heritage,” explains Lyn. “We are really excited that we are inspiring a new generation to get involved with traditional skills and materials, conservation science and digital documentation and innovation, as well as shining a spotlight on Stirling as a centre of excellence in these areas. The most rewarding aspect of working at the Engine Shed is knowing we are playing an active role in conserving our historic environment for future generations.”

So, when you’re planning family days out over this coming summer, skip the softplay for a day. Instead, check in on what the Engine Shed can teach your children about their country’s built history, and give them the skills to be a part of its bright future.

Open plan design allows space for large-scale projects and events

A modern facility built with traditional techniques and recycled elements

Photo credits:

Our thanks to the staff of the Engine Shed, and the Historic Environment Scotland Photo Unit for the following images used in this piece:

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