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Christmas dates to book right now!

by ssc | Oct 24, 2019 | Blog

Many of the Christmas events around Stirling are so good, and so very popular, that they sell out fast. So why not take just ten minutes right now to book a few events in advance, then sit back and relax! After all, it’s only October!

Dance the night away at Stirling’s Christmas and Hogmanay ceilidhs

Macrobert’s panto extravaganza is bolder and brighter than ever

Rapunzel: A Hair-braiding Adventure

The annual Macrobert Panto Extravaganza sells tickets 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 love 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/

Santa Steam Trains

The fabulous Santa Steam Train at Boness & Kinneil Railway (30 Nov to 22 Dec) is a magical day out for everyone in the family. And tickets sell out very fast, so do book now! Board the steam train, don your antlers, and enjoy the entertainment on board from musicians, carollers and magicians before a visit from Santa himself. Presents for the children and mince pies galore. What could be better? For more information, visit: https://www.bkrailway.co.uk/your-visit/santa-trains/

Family Christmas Ceilidhs

The Tolbooth Christmas ceilidhs on 14 December are such a popular date in Stirling’s Christmas calendar, that they draw visitors from all around and sell out quickly. But what better way to spend the lead up to Christmas than celebrating the festive season with friends and family in traditional Scottish style? Don’t worry if you’ve never been to a ceilidh before, a caller will talk you through the dances and ensure a fun time for all. The afternoon ceilidh is particularly good for families with children, while the evening ceilidh is perfect for those who want to dance the night away. For more information, visit: https://stirlingevents.org/tolbooth-event/family-christmas-ceilidh/ and https://stirlingevents.org/tolbooth-event/evening-christmas-ceilidh/

Carols at the Castle

Get festive at Stirling Castle on 15 December with a spot of mulled wine and the National Youth Choir of Scotland, as the Castle prepares to Deck the Halls with an evening of Christmas Carols in the Great Hall. A traditional, atmospheric, and memorable night for the lead up to Christmas. And there’s a discount for Historic Scotland members. But don’t delay buying tickets! For more information, visit: https://www.stirlingcastle.scot/whatson/events/carols-at-the-castle/

Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook

Couldn’t get tickets for Carols at the Castle? Then join Phil Cunningham and friends at the Albert Halls instead, for his annual festive bonanza on 15 December. An undisputed highlight of the Albert Halls’ programme last year, Phil, John McCusker, Ian Carr, Kevin McGuire and the songbook brass band perform a heady mix of favourite classics and contemporary carols and tunes. For more information, visit: https://stirlingevents.org/albert-halls-event/phil-cunninghams-christmas-songbook/

A Christmas Carol

It’s just not Christmas without this one! On 20-22 December, Stirling Castle is proud to present a magical adaptation of Charles Dickens’s classic ‘A Christmas Carol’, brought to you by Chapterhouse Theatre Company in the Castle’s Great Hall. Cosy up with your mince pie and mulled wine as Scrooge’s frozen heart begins to melt and he finally embraces the festive spirit. 10% discount for Historic Scotland members, too. For more information, visit: https://www.stirlingcastle.scot/whatson/events/a-christmas-carol/

Hogmanay Ceilidh

Stirling’s signature Hogmanay event is the Hogmanay Ceilidh at the Albert Hall, Stirling on 31 December. So, book early to avoid disappointment. With dinner and dancing led by Ian McCallum and his band, entertainment and a full bar, there really is no better place to see in the New Year. Co-hosts Anita MacKenzie and John Wilkinson, with dancers from The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, will provide a warm welcome to make sure that you bring in 2020 with a smile. For more information, visit: https://stirlingevents.org/albert-halls-event/hogmanay-ceilidh/

Will you meet Santa on a steam train?

Get into the Christmas spirit with carols at the castle

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Halloween fun in Stirling

by ssc | Oct 10, 2019 | Blog

Whether you’re someone who’d love the thrill of a ghost walk and a pint in a haunted bar, or you’re a parent of little ones who’d much prefer simply carving a pumpkin, there’s plenty to do in Stirling over Halloween!

Stirling is the perfect place to enjoy Halloween

Kids are Potty about Pumpkins at Dobbies this October

Halloween activities at Dobbies

Families will love the ‘Halloween Spooktacular’ at Dobbies, Stirling. Kids can get stuck into terrifying treats from their family Afternoon Tea before getting creative with creepy craft activities and ghoulish games. Each event will hold a fancy-dress competition, so make sure your little ones wear their most Spooktacular fancy dress costume to be in with a chance of winning a prize. To book tickets (hurry!) see: https://www.dobbies.com/

Also, look out for free ‘Little Seedlings’ workshops at Dobbies during the October break, when kids can go ‘Potty About Pumpkins’. Suitable for kids from 4 to 10 years, each workshop lasts an hour and will include guided activities and learning, games, and hands-on fun. Although this is free, booking is essential. And take a look at the November events, too! For more information, see: https://hub.dobbies.com/events/upcoming-events/little-seedlings-october-holiday-club-were-potty-about-pumpkins!/

Explore haunted Stirling

Stirling Ghost Walks promise ‘fear, fun and frights for all the family’ for those who want to explore the haunted nooks and crannies of Stirling itself. Costumed actors bring comedy, drama and storytelling together to breathe life into Stirling’s ancient Old Town and its grisly past. Meet the City’s many ghosts, from Blind Alick Lyon to the Black Lady, spirits in what was once described as ‘the most densely populated supernatural square mile in all of Scotland’. The ghost walks will appeal to all ages, and take in many of Stirling’s most historic sites, from John Cowane’s Hospital to the Beheading Stone, Argyll’s Lodging and Stirling Castle. For details and tickets, see: http://www.stirlingghostwalk.com/

Stirling Walks offer daytime tours of Stirling, with all the fun, drama and history, but a lot less of the ‘fear and ‘frights’! Gor a brilliant guided tour of Stirling Old Town by day (with not a ghost in sight!), book a tour with Stirling Walks at https://stirlingwalkingtours.com/

Have a pint with a ghost

Nicky-Tam’s Bar and Bothy is not only the second-oldest pub in Stirling, it claims to be the most haunted. Renovations in 1999 were fraught with reports of apparitions and unsettling events after a photograph of what looked like a clergyman was discovered, walled into the fabric of the building. Clairvoyants visited the site three times over 1999 and 2000, and claimed that there were a number of spirits present in the building; some benign, and one more aggressive presence, perhaps the clergyman in the photo. While the events have not been fully explained, Nicky-Tams still attracts both ghost-hunters and those simply looking for home-cooked food, good beer, and great live events. If you’re thirsty on your way up to Stirling Castle – stop by for a drink – you might just spot a ghost too. For more information, see: http://www.nickytams.com/

Have a Halloween pint in Nicky Tam’s

Let Stirling Ghost Walks guide you this Halloween

Let Stirling Walking Tours guide you through Stirling

Photo credits:

Stirling Castle by Night by Finlay McWalter via Wikimedia Commons: This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
Nicky-Tams Bar and Bothy via Trip Advisor
Photo of Stirling Walking Tours Guide, courtesy of Stirling Walking Tours: https://stirlingwalkingtours.com/

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Stirling Movie Map: build your own film location holiday!

by ssc | Sep 26, 2019 | Blog

Have you ever dreamed of organising a location trip to Scotland to visit the places where your favourite film or TV show was filmed? Or are you a local who wonders which movies or shows have been made near you and would like to take a selfie at the very spot where Chris Pine once stood? Well now you can!

Stuart Oliver, Stirling Council’s Senior Manager, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism; Cllr Evelyn Tweed; Audrey Jones, Head of New Business at Historic Environment Scotland (HES); Shona Menzies from HES at Doune Castle.

Diana Gabaldon and Ronald D Moore at the NY premier of Outlander

Author Diana Gabaldon and Ronald D. Moore at the New York premiere of Outlander

Stirling Council has recently launched the Stirling Film Location Map – a handy route planner for visitors and locals alike, with suggested itineraries and brilliant facts about the top Stirling locations that have hit our screens.

The Outlander effect

Amongst these are Doune Castle, which appears as Castle Leoch in the TV series Outlander and is also the original Winterfell in the pilot episode of Game of Thrones. Its appearance in these series has resulted in a huge surge of visits to the castle. Coined ‘The Outlander Effect’ – the castle has seen an amazing 226.5% increase in footfall since the Outlander series began.

A sought-after location

Other film locations you’ll find in the leaflet include Stirling Castle, Deanston Distillery, Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park, Loch Katrine, The Trossachs, Loch Venachar, East Loch Lomond and Mugdock Country Park. They have played roles in films such as Outlaw King (2018), The Eagle (2011), Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), Ivanhoe (1952), Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007) The Angel’s Share (2012), Rob Roy (1953), and Mary Queen of Scots (2018).

Selfie time

Stirling Councillor Alison Laurie said: “While film fans are already flocking to locations across Stirling, this new map will make it easier for them to see more of our magnificent landmarks, picturesque towns and villages and beautiful countryside.

“Whether you want to take a selfie in the place where Chris Pine went into battle as Robert the Bruce in Outlaw King, see the home of the Stark family in Game of Thrones or relive where King Arthur and his band of merry knights were taunted by French soldiers in Monty Python and the Holy Grail – now you’ll know exactly where to go and how to fit it all in!”

Get your map

The film location map can be downloaded from the Stirling Council website and is available on the Explore Stirling App. It can also be picked up at tourist sites across Stirling, including those featured on the guide.

Photo credits:

Outlander Premiere: By Christine Ring [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0) or CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.
Stirling Council/Doune Castle: Photography by Whyler Photos of Stirling www.whylerphotos.com – 01786 474340

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Christmas is better with us!

by ssc | Sep 12, 2019 | Blog

Think it’s too late to get away from it all this Christmas? Well, you can think again. We have a small but cheeky little handful of properties left available: Allanstream, Allanvale, Harviestoun House, Ochil View and South Doll Farm Cottage. Act now and escape – and here’s a few good reasons why!

Picture yourself here this Christmas

Enjoy a dram by the fire in one of Stirling’s welcoming bars

We’ll take care of the Christmas decorations, and throw in some goodies too

In each and every one of our properties, we’ll take care of the Christmas decorations for you. No more last-minute untangling tree lights on Christmas Eve, or stressing over popped bulbs. We’ve got it all sorted in time for your arrival, so you don’t have to. And what’s more, we’ll throw in a festive hamper for you to enjoy while you’re arranging the pressies under the tree. In it, you’ll find goodies like mince pies, stollen bites, Christmas cake, a bottle of fizz to pop whenever you fancy, and some other wee treats too. Staying at Hogmanay? Enjoy some Dundee Cake on us to bring in the bells! That said, if you want to bring your own decorations, feel free – we’ll have the tree up ready and waiting for you. Just let us know.

Christmas delivered to your door

Forget the supermarket crush and get your Christmas meats delivered to the door of your holiday property. Falleninch Farm, a prestigious farm and butcher’s shop with its own herd of beef cattle, nestles under the shadow of Stirling Castle. You can order online, by phone or Facebook, and Falleninch will deliver – free if your order is over £50 and you are within a 30 mile radius. And there’s click and collect too. Pop in to see them at their farm butcher’s shop, where the parking is free and the butchers will be delighted to give you some cooking tips, too. For more details, and to look out for their festive offers, check: https://www.falleninchfarm.co.uk/

For one-stop shopping for seasonal goodies, fruit and veg, salads, bakery, drinks and larder goods, look no further than Hogan’s Fine Food Company, who will deliver straight to your door from their HQ in Larbert, Falkirk. Choose from their glorious selection of grocery boxes or create your very own selections to keep the fridge stocked and your guests happy throughout the festive season. If you’re stuck for a last-minute present, they’ve a selection of gift-wrapped hampers, too. And check out their recipes! http://hogansfinefoodcompany.co.uk/

Have a Christmas Day Out

There’s nothing like a Christmas Market on a crisp winter’s day to make you feel festive! Stirling Christmas Farmers Markets are on the 14 and 21 of December this year, from 10-4, in Port Street Stirling. There will be stalls laden with fresh fish and shellfish, highland beef, wild venison and game, free range hens’ and ducks’ eggs, olives and deli products, Scottish cheeses and handmade preserves, as well as all sorts of gift ideas. Take time for a blether with your stall-holder too, and look out for tasty free samples. For more information, visit: http://www.stirlingfarmersmarket.co.uk/

The Macrobert’s Christmas exhibition of arts and crafts is back for a fifth year. Enjoy browsing through a selection of different works by Scottish-based artists or pick up a Christmas gift (or two) and perhaps even something special for yourself, from 20 November 2019 to 5 January 2020. You can visit this exhibition at any time that the Macrobert is open (with occasional exceptions for closed events – please check with Box Office). For more information, visit: https://macrobertartscentre.org/event/handmade-exhibition-2019/

See a panto!

You can’t have Christmas without a panto, and you’ll find one of the brightest and funniest pantos around right here in Stirling. This year’s Macrobert extravaganza is ‘Rapunzel: A Hair-braiding Adventure’ written by, directed by, and starring the incomparable Johnny McKnight. Poor Rapunzel’s been locked up in a tower her entire life. She’s got 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 love duet, and of getting her hair cut. That’s right, she’s never had a haircut. Like, ever. But one day the lonely Rapunzel has a surprising visit in her tower – Prince Rocco and he’s armed and dangerous with a pair of scissors and a plan. How can you possibly resist? For tickets: https://macrobertartscentre.org/event/rapunzel-a-hair-braiding-adventure/

Enjoy Stirling Farmers Markets at Christmas

What’s better than a panto at Christmas?

Browse all our properties here! https://www.stirlingselfcatering.co.uk/properties/

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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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Easter family fun in Stirling

by ssc | Mar 27, 2019 | Blog

Easter. Scotland is 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 for you!

Steam trains and Easter treats at Boness & Kinneil

Enjoy an Easter egg hunt at historic Blackness Castle

Easter Egg Special Trains at Boness and Kinneil Railway

The railway’s hugely popular Easter Egg special trains run on Friday 19, Saturday 20, Sunday 21 April and Monday 22 April. There’s a prize for the best Easter bonnet, an Easter egg hunt in the Museum, and every child will get a free Easter treat during their train journey. 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. Bring a picnic and enjoy it in the comfort of the picnic railway carriages alongside the platform. For more information, see: https://www.bkrailway.co.uk/your-visit/events/

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 The Battle of Bannockburn Centre, Alloa Tower in Clackmannanshure, Culross Palace, Fife. Events are included in the normal admission price. Check your chosen venue’s Egg Hunt dates and other postcodes on the Cadbury website, where you’ll also find lots of free downloads for fun Easter activities at home: https://easter.cadbury.co.uk/

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. Free to members. The nearest participating venues to Stirling are Linlithgow Palace and Blackness Castle, from Good Friday to Easter Monday, but you can search for other venues here.

Holiday Clubs with Historic Environment Scotland

With events at both Holyrood Park and Linlithgow Palace Peel, the Ranger team are offering a number of Easter holiday ‘walks on the wild side’ to help kids discover the birdlife, minibeasts and burrowing animals of these historic natural venues. Lasting from two to three hours, these events are aimed at children of 8 upwards, accompanied by an adult. The sessions are free, but booking is essential. More information here.

Kids can learn about birdlife with the rangers at Holyrood and Linlithgow Palace

Outlander fans will enjoy the egg hunt at Culross Palace

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: Thomas Nugent [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Blackness Castle: Dr John Wells [CC BY 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)]

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