Spring, we love it. It’s a beautiful, optimistic season full of promise and fresh starts. Here are five great reasons to spend it in Stirling.
The Scottish Snowdrop festival holds events around Scotland in February and March
Re-connect with nature: For spring flowers, emerging bulbs and early blossom, take a leisurely stroll through Bridge of Allan’s beautiful Memorial Park, near the entrance to the University of Stirling. From there, circle the University of Stirling’s Airthrey loch to spot snowdrops, daffodils, and nesting wildfowl – those who love to dote on a fluffy chick or three won’t be disappointed. Entrance to the University is free, and parking starts at £1. Enjoy lunch at Clive Ramsay’s in the Uni Sports Centre, or in the Macrobert Arts Centre, where it’s well worth picking up an events brochure too. For those who just can’t get enough of a hopeful little snowdrop peeking through the soil, head to Kilbryde Castle in Dunblane for huge drifts of these early flowers in March. For directions and entry prices check this website. Don’t forget the Scottish Snowdrop festival, which holds open events in West Plean House, Stirling, Gargunnock House Gardens, Stirling, and at Braco Castle, Dunblane. The festival runs until 16 March, and details are here.
View from the foot of the Wallace Monument to Stirling Castle
The re-opening of two of Stirling’s historic icons: March 1st sees the opening of the new Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre just outside Stirling, on the site of the previous Heritage Centre, closed in 2013. Commemorating the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn, this hi-tech new centre couples immersive 3D technology with character actors to bring the historic conflict to life for visitors. April then brings the re-opening of Stirling’s National Wallace Monument after a major refurbishment to transform its three galleries and visitor centre. The Wallace Sword takes new pride of place in the heart of the Monument, mounted on a plinth created from rock hewn from the Abbey Craig 150 years ago. Even if you don’t go inside, park your car at the visitor centre and climb the spiralling path up Abbey Craig to the Monument’s foot, for one of the best spring views in Scotland.
Spring produce: Everyone is telling us to eat local, and in season, and it’s true; eating what is naturally available locally is best both for us and for the planet. March and April will bring asparagus, cauliflower, purple sprouting broccoli, spring greens and a whole lot more besides. To buy straight from the grower, have a browse round Stirling Farmers’ Market, held on the first Saturday of every month in Port Street, Stirling. What’s more, they even post a list of stallholders in the days preceding on this Facebook page, so you can plan both your shop and your menu. You will find not only fresh veg produce but preserves, meats, fish, breads, cheeses and traditional crafts too. There are plenty other markets nearby if you’re out and about: Falkirk holds its Farmers Market on the first Friday of each month in the High Street, while Linlithgow sets up its stalls on the fourth Saturday of every month, in the Vennel. For more details on all these visit scottishfarmersmarkets.co.uk.
Andy Scott's stunning 'Kelpies' which will be officially opened to launch the John Muir Festival
The John Muir Festival: Better known in the States than he is even here, Dunbar-born John Muir is rightfully known as the ‘Father of the National Parks’. The Scottish-American naturalist, writer, and pioneering conservationist was pivotal in establishing many of the most iconic national parks we know today, such as the Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks in the US. April 2014 brings the John Muir Festival, (17 to 26 April) which will officially open the John Muir Way, a national pathway named in his honour. There are some brilliant events throughout the festival, not least the finale on the shores of Loch Lomond, but not to be missed is the spectacular opening, which will also mark the official unveiling of a new cultural landmark just outside Stirling – the Kelpies and Helix. An unmissable pyrotechnics and music display on the theme of ‘Home’ will bring Artist Andy Scott’s 30-metre-high horses to life for this very special night – an unforgettable way to spend a spring evening in honour of John Muir. For tickets, see here: http://falkirkcommunitytrust.ticketsource.co.uk/
A Stirling Easter: Nothing says springtime quite like the Easter weekend, and this year, you can spend it at Stirling Castle. On 20 and 21 April, from 12 noon to 4pm, Stirling Castle will play host to a series of family shows and activities, including Pickles the Bear, Hamish the Highlander, and storytelling events uncovering Scotland’s past. Take part in a medieval sports day, learn what it’s like to be court jester, and explore one of the most significant castle in Scottish history. Adults £14.50 and children £7.50, and ticket prices include full entry to the Castle. For details and bookings go to www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk.
Photo: Stirling from the Wallace Monument. Author: Mike Pennington [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Andy Scott’s Kelpies. Author: Ben Williams, kindly provided by the Kelpies team.