Summer holiday fun in Stirling

by | 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!

Stirling Highland Games
Traditional events at Stirling Highland Games
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/

Summer fun at the Helix

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
BACK TO BLOG

Drawings in Ink: Stirling Views from a Visiting Sketcher

by | May 25, 2017 | Blog

Recently, we came across two beautiful ink sketches of Stirling on a website named ‘Urban Sketchers’.They were drawn by Fred Lynch, an artist who lives in the suburb of Winchester, Massachusetts, around ten miles from downtown Boston. His drawings of these two iconic Stirling landmarks seemed to capture the essence of Stirling – its architecture, history, and unique stories, giving us a fascinating insight into how visitors see our city.

Ink drawing of Cowane's Hospital, Stirling
Ink drawing of Cowane’s Hospital, Stirling. Fred found that the sculpture of Sir John Cowane looked to him like William Shakespeare gazing up to the heavens
Ink drawing, Stirling Boys' Club
Ink drawing, Stirling Boys’ Club. Above the windows and doors are mottoes written in stone for all to see: “Play the Game,” “Keep Smiling,” and “Quarreling is Taboo.”

Fred and his wife came to Stirling in March 2017, primarily to visit their son who was studying at the University. It was their “first and hopefully not last trip to Scotland”. Fortunate with the weather, Fred drew on the streets of the city. It’s how he prefers to work.

Drawings that capture discovery

“All of my drawings are the result of my roaming the streets seeking serendipity. I’m trying to share the experience of discovery and the experience of place. A big part of sketching is timing. Inspiration has much to do with being at the right place – at the right time. Turning a corner can cause your heart to skip a beat, from the view.”

But it’s not only the view that is important: “As I sit and draw for hours on the streets, I soak up every inch of the scene, along with its sounds, smells and local characters. Translating that rich experience through my drawings is my goal. I hope to share impressions as well as appearances.”

A walkable city

What were Fred’s thoughts about Stirling? “I liked Stirling – particularly its scale. It’s a walkable city. We spent two days wandering and feel that we got know the place quickly. My favourite spots were the cemetery behind the Church of the Holy Rude – combined history and wonderful views in many directions. I loved the train station’s architectural details. And the National Wallace Monument was a terrific site. We stayed in nearby Bridge of Allan and I drew there too, as well as in Dunblane. My wife and I followed the centuries-old Darn Road from Bridge of Allan to Dunblane, which was beautiful in a rugged, muddy way.”

Sampling the local fare

Fred describes being “struck by the charm (and ales) of The Allanwater Brewhouse”. He recalls good times at The Portcullis and The Darnley Coffee House in Stirling, as well as The Riverside Kitchen and Coffee House in Dunblane – where they also sampled pies from David Bennet & Son. But dare we ask what their favourite food experience was? “In America, haggis is a punch line, meaning something you should certainly not eat. Yet, I ate almost every variation of it I could find over the course of a week. I enjoyed it all. That said, fish and chips was my favourite dish.”

Contrasting cities

Fred was struck by the contrasting characters of Edinburgh and Glasgow, visited during the couple’s week-long stay: “When we walked around Glasgow – hunting down Mackintosh creations – it rained quite a bit, so I didn’t draw. However, I liked the city’s sense of creativity: it reminded me of industrial cities in New England, although on a bigger scale. The Pot Still and The Willow Tea Rooms were perfect shelters from the storm. We happened upon sunnier weather in Edinburgh. We found the city striking. After a day with the crowds in the Old Town, I retreated to the quieter areas near Stockbridge. There, I drew along my favourite street of the trip: Gloucester Lane”.

Bridge of Allan, in coloured pencil
Bridge of Allan, in coloured pencil
An Edinburgh alley-way, in ink
An Edinburgh alley-way, in ink
More information:

Fred divides his time between his home studio in Winchester, and the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, Rhode Island. There, he is Professor of Illustration. He has been drawing since childhood. It is only in the past decade, prompted by a teaching opportunity in Italy, that he has begun to leave the studio behind to draw in situ. To ‘engage in the real world of experience’. Fred spends each July drawing in central Italy. He is known for his drawings from that region.

Find Fred and follow him here:

BACK TO BLOG

Stirling: Alive with Scotland

by | Apr 19, 2017 | Blog

A new campaign promoting business and tourism was recently launched in Stirling’s Tolbooth. The aim is to make the City a thriving, world-class destination that’s “Alive with Scotland”. Big changes are coming, and there’s lots to look forward to!

Spanned by Stirling Old Bridge, the River Forth will regain its importance to the City
The River and Stirling’s City Centre will become a newly integrated space
The Albert Halls will become a Digital Campus for key events and conferences
The Albert Halls will become a Digital Campus for key events and conferences

The launch was celebrated with a short (and beautiful!) film, projected onto the Castle rock and onto the Wallace Monument. Familiar places appear, from Stirling Castle and the Battle of Bannockburn to Deanston Distillery and music at Nicky Tams. Sports, technology, and community learning are spotlighted. It’s only three uplifting minutes long, and well worth the watch – see it here: https://youtu.be/_21sy0ABhcw

What’s the campaign all about?

With the strapline ‘Alive with Scotland’, the campaign promotes Stirling as it completes its City Deal, which secures funding and investment in Stirlingshire tourism, leisure, and business. The deal will create jobs, support local projects, and ensure the City’s continued prosperity.  It’s all part of the plan to get Stirling – already a thriving city – onto the world stage as a destination, not only for tourists, but for its communities, and for international business too. There are plans for significant investment in housing and transport. There are plans for the development of a new Stirling Sports Village. And there’s a new multi-partnership cultural strategy for the area, as well as a refreshed rural economic strategy.

What are the projects?

There are six key projects under way:

The Harbour

This will bring together the River and Stirling’s City centre to create a new integrated space. The Harbour will include a National Tartan Centre and a shared Civic Space. There will be an external performance and events space in a bespoke City Harbour Square. And the Engine Shed will become a centre for conservation skills and heritage excellence.

Digital District 

The aim is to place Stirling at the forefront of digital innovation and enterprise nationally and internationally. A Digital Hub in the existing Municipal Buildings will provide a space where businesses and students can come together to create and innovate. The Albert Halls will provide a Digital Campus. This will become a leading UK centre for conferences, seminars and programmes, all about technical innovation.

Grow-on Space

This will address the shortage of space in the City for growing businesses. It will provide a bespoke space for established businesses to develop and progress.

City Park

The City Park will address a long-overlooked area of Stirling at the foot of the Castle and Back Walk. The Park will create a space that will attract and retain residents. And it will also create flow from this area of Stirling into the city centre and historic areas for residents and tourists alike. This will be amongst the most distinctive parks in Scotland with a significant setting below Stirling Castle.

The River

This project aims to put the River Forth back into play as a major driver of Stirling’s economic, cultural and social prosperity. This project will include the development of a river taxi network, and better pedestrian and cycle paths. The river’s peninsulas and riverbanks will be developed to incorporate a barrage, controlling water water levels and water quality.

Mercat Cross

The regeneration of Mercat Cross, at the ‘top of the town’, will revitalise this strategically important area of the city. Initiatives include a City Market, increased permanent and temporary commercial space, and a Cultural Quarter.

An ambitious plan?

Yes, it’s an ambitious plan, but it’s already becoming reality. Codebase, one of Europe’s fastest growing tech hubs, has already moved into Stirling’s Digital district. The new Tartan Centre is coming soon. There’s investment in brand-new student residences in the city centre, and Stirling will hold its first ever marathon in May this year.

These are exciting times for Stirling. We can all be part of its transformation, by supporting and using these new assets as they appear in our beautiful city. Lots to look forward to!

 

 

The City Park will have a significant setting below Stirling Castle
The City Park will have a significant setting below Stirling Castle
Improved riverside footpaths, cycle paths and even river taxis are planned for the Forth
Improved riverside footpaths, cycle paths and even river taxis are planned for the Forth

More information: 

 

Photo credits:

  • Stirling Castle and Surrounds: By Janfrie1988 (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Stirling Bridge: By Janfrie1988 (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Kenneth Allen [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
  • River Forth: Alan Campbell [CC BY-SA 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], from Wikimedia Commons
BACK TO BLOG

Easter Family Events 2017

by | 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

Take an Easter Egg Special at Boness and Kinneil Railway

Hunt for Easter eggs at Culross Palace

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

Feed the lambs at Briarlands Farm

Whatever you choose to do - Happy Easter!

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
BACK TO BLOG

A Stirling Gardens Trail: Spring 2017

by | Mar 8, 2017 | Blog

Spring is upon us, and Easter approaches. It’s time for the garden: if not your own – then somebody else’s will do! Fancy a spring garden break in Stirling, anyone?

Gargunnock House Gardens
Gargunnock House Gardens
Kilbryde Castle Folly and House
Kilbryde Castle Folly and House

Choose from Stirling Self Catering’s Garden properties

From Stronend Cottage’s panoramic views to the tranquil seclusion of Gladstone’s enclosed garden in the heart of Stirling’s King’s Park, most of our properties offer you private green space to relax, barbecue, or just let the kids explore. Our gardens are well-tended, furnished, and beautiful. And you don’t even have to weed. Find your perfect holiday garden amongst our properties here: https://www.stirlingselfcatering.co.uk/properties/

Got your base? Then create your own Stirlingshire garden trail

Many of Stirlingshire’s most beautiful gardens are open by appointment from 1 April (some are earlier). This is facilitated by the 86-year-old charitable foundation Scotland’s Gardens. They raise funds for deserving causes nationwide by asking a small entry fee to a wealth of private gardens. Why not create your own trail, visiting these secluded, hidden gems? Here’s just a handful closest to us…

Gargunnock House (open 13 March-September) lies just five miles from Stirling. Its mature walled garden boasts more than 40 varieties of daffodil blooming from April. In addition, there’s a house garden, woodland walks and arboretum. Take a picnic and enjoy it on the benches provided within its three-acre walled area. £4.00 entry. Children free. Details.

Kilbryde Castle covers an impressive 12 acres, just three miles from Dunblane and Doune. The gardens are divided into formal, woodland and wild. They come into their own in spring with a display of bulbs. In autumn you’ll find clematis and acer bursting into colour. Entry £4 by arrangement from 1 April, children free. For details.

Milseybank, just a quarter of a mile from Bridge of Allan, offers outstanding views from a beautifully tended terraced ascent. The adjoining woodland is a colourful canvas of bluebells, rhododendrons, magnolias, camellias, as well as meconopsis. Entry £4 by arrangement from 1 April to 31 May. Children free. For details.

Thorntree, on a smaller scale, is a jewel-like country garden bedded to encircle its central courtyard. The short paths to the Apple Walk, Saltire Garden and Meconopsis bed also offer bonus views from Ben Lomond to Ben Ledi.  Plants are for sale throughout the year. Entry £4 by arrangement from 1 April to October. Children free. For details.

Milseybank Gardens
Milseybank Gardens
Thorntree Gardens
Thorntree Gardens

For more information on gardens open throughout the year or by arrangement:

BACK TO BLOG