ssc, Author at Stirling Self Catering

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

by ssc | 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?

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

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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Supermoon 2016: fall in love with dark skies

by ssc | Nov 14, 2016 | Blog

Something special is going to happen tonight. Look up, and you will witness the biggest and best ‘Supermoon’ in around 70 years.

This is the second supermoon of 2016

The moon will appear unusually bright and ‘low-hanging’

The supermoon

It’s not just astronomers who are interested in the skies any more – we’ve become a nation of people who like to look up. And tonight, we’re going to be rewarded with something spectacular. This will be our closest full moon of the year – nearer to Earth than it has been since 1948. To be exact, the gap between the Earth and the moon will close to its shortest point (the perigee), a distance of 221,525 miles. As a result, tonight’s supermoon will appear some 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than a normal full moon. So, if it’s a cloud-free night, you’ll be hard pushed to miss it!

Where to see it

If you want to see Luna at her very best, you’ll need to wait until at least 5pm before looking south. If you can, head out of town to get away from light pollution. Our favourite place for stargazing is Sheriffmuir, Dunblane, which provides easily accessible height and good darkness. You can park your car at the Sheriffmuir Inn (why not have a bite to eat too?) then leave the car behind to find a vantage point on foot. Abbey Craig, Dumyat, and Stirling Castle ramparts will all afford great views, though the latter will have some light from the City.

What will it be like?

Not only will the moon appear large, bright, and beautiful – it will also appear very low in the sky. This effect is largely an optical illusion – because the moon is close to the horizon, it becomes ‘measurable’ to the eye against familiar landmarks in the foreground like rooftops, chimneys and trees. This exaggerates the appearance of the moon as ‘low-hanging’ and makes for a striking display. With binoculars and clear skies, the moon’s craters and seas will be visible. Those lucky enough to have telescopes will see the moon surface in remarkable detail.

Taking photos

Because of its ‘low-hanging’ position, tonight’s moon will offer unprecedented photo opportunities. Anything that breaks the skyline will provide a striking silhouette against the illuminated moonscape. The Wallace Monument is a clear choice, but you’ll need to be some distance away and north of the monument to create the shot you want. Stirling Castle, The Kelpies at Helix Park, and statues like Robert the Bruce near The Battle of Bannockburn visitor centre will all provide compelling outlines for photos against the supermoon.

When will it happen again?

This is the second supermoon of 2016. We had a lesser one in October, and there is another yet to come on December 14. However, tonight’s will be the best of the bunch – until 25 November 2034, that is.

Love dark skies?

If you are planning a late autumn or winter break in Stirling, how about planning some stargazing too?

You can pick up a star map for next to nothing
You can check for any forecast aurora sightings: http://aurorawatch.lancs.ac.uk/
Find out about seeing the Northern Lights in Scotland: http://www.visitscotland.com/about/nature-geography/northern-lights
Check for events like meteor showers on this stargazing calendar: https://britastro.org/observing
And for information on Dark Skies in Scotland: http://www.darkskydiscovery.org.uk/int_dark_sky_places.html

Landmarks like the Wallace Monument will provide striking silhouettes

Stirling Castle ramparts offer a good vantage point, though not free of light pollution

Photo credits:

The Wallace Monument (just outside Stirling, Scotland), taken from Burrough Meadow in the loop of the River Forth (Lat 56.1257 Lon -3.909). By John Preece (Taken by John Preece) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC-BY-SA-2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5-2.0-1.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Stirling Castle in Stirling, Scotland. Taken at night, showing the extensive illumination of the castle. Taken December 28th 2003 by user: Finlay McWalter. Copyright © 2003, 2004, 2005 Finlay McWalter {{GFDL}} {{cc-by-sa-2.0}}

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Remember, remember the best of November

by ssc | Nov 2, 2016 | Blog

Don’t miss November in the headlong rush toward Christmas – there’s so much to see and do in this crisp, clear month, from music and foodie festivals, to the very best winter markets.

Dougie MacLean’s Perthshire Amber Festival begins this weekend. Photo: Rob McDougall

Perth Chocolate Festival, 19 and 20 November

Perthshire Amber

For autumn music, head to Dunkeld this weekend. This four-day long music festival is enjoying its twelfth year in its Perthshire home. Developed by musician Dougie Maclean, the festival celebrates the music, history and culture of Perthshire and Scotland. Guests from home and abroad perform in an array of evocative venues, from village halls to castles and Dunkeld Cathedral too. The Royal Dunkeld Hotel becomes the ‘Amber Central’ – the main hub for the festivities. There are lots of events for all family members. There’s a decorated wheelbarrow parade and hugely successful free outdoor picnic on Sunday 6 November. And if you can’t make it, you can live-stream the evening concerts from their website too! For full details of all events and tickets, see: http://www.perthshireamber.com/

Perth Festival of Chocolate

Chocolate fans will want to take the short train ride to Perth again in mid-November. Celebrating ‘the delights of the cocoa bean’, Perth Festival of Chocolate is now in its fourth year. It takes place on 19 and 20 November in King Edward Street, Perth. Coinciding with Perth’s Christmas lights switch-on, the Festival attracts hundreds of visitors to the scenic city. The Festival comprises market stalls selling speciality chocolate, home-baked chocolate products, chocolate drinks, cocoa-based cosmetics and much more. Local restaurants showcase their own “chocolate dinners” and chocolate-themed specials and cocktails during the event. As well as chocolate, there will be hot street food, entertainment, tastings, children’s workshops, demonstrations and more. Details here: http://www.perthfestivalofchocolate.co.uk/

Edinburgh Craft Beer Revolution

For those who enjoy a craft beer, this is a new festival on the scene. Edinburgh Craft beer revolution showcases 13 breweries and over 60 different craft beers from across Scotland and the UK. It takes place on 24-26 November at Assembly Roxy in the capital city – again just a train hop from Stirling. Beers for all palates will be on tap, from pale ales to the hoppiest brews. And that’s not all – there will be craft gin and vodka, and a tip-top wine selection too. Music, masterclasses and hearty street food are sure to make this newcomer festival a big hit for grown-ups. And a cheering way to send off the last days of November, too. For tickets, directions and more information, see: http://www.revolutioncraftbeer.com/

Glasgow’s Continental Market

Not a strictly a festival, we know, but with all the right ingredients – food, fun, music and spectacle. When a trip to Germany’s famed Christmas markets is beyond your budget, take the short train ride to Glasgow instead. Scotland’s friendliest city is transformed into a winter market wonderland from 10 November. Markets are setting up at both St Enoch Square and at George Square, set beneath the Christmas lights. There will be live entertainment, fairground rides and other festive surprises. Stallholders from all over Europe present their very best festive wares, delicious hot food and drink, as well as craft beers. There’s even talk of a stallholder from Lapland – now who could that be? Warm your hands and heart on a mug of Gluwein, or sample a beer at the Bavarian Bar. Wrap up well and enjoy the very best tastes of Europe in the heart of Glasgow. For more details, see link: http://www.glasgowloveschristmas.com/

Edinburgh’s first craft beer festival opens later this month

Glasgow’s winter market stallholders will be ready from 10 November

Photo credits:

Perthshire Amber photo by Rob McDougall, www.perthshireamber.com

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A City Break and Some. Stirling in Autumn

by ssc | Oct 20, 2016 | Blog

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulnesss – autumn in Scotland can be one of the most rewarding times to visit. Burnished leaf displays, quieter streets, temperate weather, and good value accommodation too. Here’s five reasons why an autumn holiday in Stirling is far more than your average city break.

Twin room in Glendevon Apartment, one of our budget properties

Edinburgh Castle, just a one-hour trip from Stirling

Great value accommodation

If you’re considering a city break in Stirling, why not choose from our budget accommodation portfolio at budgetacommodationstirling.co.uk? Each one of our properties is perfectly equipped for your stay, with crisp, modern interiors and ideal central locations in both Stirling and in Bridge of Allan. Offering exceptional value for money, these apartments will provide you with the ideal base to explore Stirling and its beautiful surrounds without hammering your budget in the run up to Christmas!

Gateway to Glasgow to Edinburgh

Slap bang in the heart of Scotland, Stirling is the perfect place for a city break. Not only is it the gateway to the Highlands (heck, you can be in the wilds of Glencoe in under two hours!), but its central location opens up both Glasgow and Edinburgh as easy day-trip destinations too. Direct trains run frequently from Stirling City centre to both cities, and you could be in the heart of Glasgow or Edinburgh in around 50 minutes. Plan your Edinburgh day trip here: http://edinburgh.org/ or your Glasgow adventure here: https://peoplemakeglasgow.com/

Experience Scotland ‘in the fall’

For those who love autumn colour, there’s no need to get on board an expensive flight to New England. Stirling can provide the perfect base for ‘leaf peeping’ – just an hour from Stirling by car or even less by train, Perthshire has earned itself the title of ‘Big Tree Country’. Here, you can find Europe’s oldest tree, the world’s highest hedge, Shakespeare’s Birnam Wood in present day, and lots more. Visit some of the stunning sites recommended for leaf peeping by Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust at http://www.pkct.org/. Browse through their ‘Top 10’ for inspiration. Wow.

Scottish autumn wildlife

From spotting red squirrels to the bellow of red deer stags, autumn is an exciting time in the Scottish landscape, and it’s probably the best time to see our more elusive animals as they prepare for winter. For general information on what to look for and where, see VisitScotland’s autumn wildlife e-book here: http://ebooks.visitscotland.com/scottish-wildlife-series/. And if you want the help of an expert guide, there are many companies who can help you get the sighting you want. Check out this website for full information: http://www.wild-scotland.org.uk/

Seasonal produce

One of the best things about the autumn is the bounty it brings, and Stirling is a brilliant place to get your hands on it. Visit Stirling Farmers’ Market on the second Saturday of every month, from 10-4pm in Port Street Stirling. There, more than 25 stallholders will brave all elements to bring you the very best seasonal fare from their farms, orchards and kitchens. For more information, see: http://www.stirlingfarmersmarket.co.uk/. Look out too for Perth Festival of Chocolate on 19 and 20 November at http://perthfestivalofchocolate.co.uk/. And if foodie festivals are your thing, take a look at http://foodfestivalfinder.co.uk/scotland to ensure you don’t miss any during your Stirling city break!

Craigvinean pine cone shelter, by Ronald Weir

Craigvinean pine cone shelter, Perthshire. Photo by Ronald Weir

Autumn can be the best time to see Scotland’s wildlife

Photo credits:

Edinburgh Castle By Klaus Hermsen (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC BY-SA 2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5-2.0-1.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Craigvinean Pine Cone Shelter: Photo by Ronald Weir and originally supplied by Perthshire Big Tree Country, now http://www.pkct.org/
Red squirrel By 4028mdk09 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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Hygge: embrace the chill

by ssc | Oct 6, 2016 | Blog

Recent research claims that the Danish are actually the happiest people on the planet, and it’s all down to ‘hygge’. Pronounced ‘hoo-gah’, this term roughly translates to ‘cosiness’, and includes an appreciation of simple pleasures, cherishing yourself, and living in the moment. It’s one of the reasons the Danes smile through their tough winters. So, now that the mercury’s falling, why not discover ‘hygge’ in Stirling?

Snow White at the Macrobert, Stirling

The Enchanted Forest, Faskally. Photo by Angus Forbes

Theatre

There’s nothing more in keeping with ‘hygge’ than immerse yourself in some good autumn theatre – it’s all about coming in from the cold night to the warmth, the plush seats, and that glass of wine at interval. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

Snow White is at the Macrobert Arts Centre on 11-12 October. Ballet Lorent’s spellbinding retelling of Snow White is a brand new dance theatre production for families. It’s a tale of a mother’s devastating jealousy, and a band of wild, forest-dwelling miners who reveal for us the importance of inner beauty. Written by former Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, and music by Doctor Who composer Murray Gold (wow!). For more information, visit: http://macrobertartscentre.org/event/snow-white/

Frankenstein is at the Macrobert on 25 October, a perfect piece of theatre for Halloween week. A brand new adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Gothic horror masterpiece from the artistic team behind Blackeyed Theatre’s hugely successful production of Dracula. This show promises a fresh look at this landmark work of romantic, gothic and science fiction literature. For more information, visit: http://macrobertartscentre.org/event/frankenstein/

Outdoors

Wrap up warm, see your breath on the air, and pack up your family to embrace ‘hygge’ outdoors too. And get the slow-cooker on for your return home.

The Enchanted Forest: Probably THE event of the Scottish autumn calendar, this multi-award winning show runs until the end of the October. Fusing light and music to illuminate Faskally Wood in Perthshire at night, this year’s show has been named ‘Shimmer’. And it’s drawing crowds from across the nation. There are a few precious tickets left, so hurry, you won’t regret it! For tickets: http://www.enchantedforest.org.uk/

Bo’ness and Kinneil Steam Gala on 22-23 October promises a nostalgic weekend of steam and spectacle. There will be a variety of steam locomotives at this family-friendly heritage railway and museum. Get yourself a hot chocolate and some cake in their café afterwards too! For more information, visit: http://www.bkrailway.co.uk/your-visit/events/

Music

‘Hygge’ means taking time out of your schedule just for you, so how about some music for an autumn evening with a friend you’ve not seen in a while?

The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc are at the Tolbooth, Stirling on 29 October. They’re a fiddle trio from Norway, Sweden and the Shetland Islands who have swiftly gained a reputation for their gripping and unique blend of fiddle music. With a firm focus on the rich traditional fiddle music from where they each belong, their harmony, rhythm, riffs and bass lines create a sound much richer than the sum of their three instruments. Enjoy! For more information, visit: http://culturestirling.org/events/nordic-fiddlers-bloc/

Rolling Back the Years on the 12 October at the Albert Halls, Stirling is the ultimate night of nostalgic indulgence! One of the biggest shows of its kind in the UK, this production takes the audience on a breath-taking musical journey through the 50s, 60s, and some of the brilliant sounds of the 1970s. It’s costumed and choreographed for each decade too. For more information, visit: http://culturestirling.org/events/rolling-back-years/

Food

Still wondering what to put in that slow-cooker? ‘Hygge’ eats hearty, so stock up for autumn from your local suppliers.

Stirling Farmers Market has an autumnal twist this Saturday, from 10-4, in Port Street Stirling. There will be pumpkins for Halloween, organic squashes and vegetable spaghetti, seasonal game and wild venison, new locally hand-made cheeses, plus all the regular 25 or so stalls. Take time to chat to your stall-holder too, and make your grocery shop a day out rather than a chore. It’s the ‘hygge way’! For more information, visit: http://www.stirlingfarmersmarket.co.uk/

Falleninch Farm has some of the best beef for miles around, perfect for colder nights, slow-cooking and comfort food. Pop in to see them at their farm butcher’s shop under the shadow of the Castle – the parking is free. If you’re pushed for time, there’s free local delivery for orders over £50 too. https://www.falleninchfarm.co.uk/about-us/

Free range happiness at Falleninch Farm

Falleninch cows in the shadow of the Castle

Photo credits:

Snow White image, kindly supplied by The Macrobert Arts Centre: http://macrobertartscentre.org/
Enchanted Forest image, kindly supplied by Volpa, on behalf of The Enchanted Forest: http://www.enchantedforest.org.uk/
Falleninch Farm images, kindly supplied by Falleninch Farm: https://www.falleninchfarm.co.uk/

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