Christmas is coming. Get festive-ready!

by | Sep 22, 2016 | Blog

We don’t mean to startle you, but – apparently – September is the month in which many of us start planning our Christmas getaway. So, if you are one of those organised few, here is a handful of reasons why you should spend your festive break in Stirling!

Grab your magic wands for Weans in the Wood at Macrobert Stirling

Grab your magic wands for Weans in the Wood at Macrobert Stirling

Make merry at Stirling Castle this December
Make merry at Stirling Castle this December

Panto

Christmas simply isn’t Christmas without yelling ‘He’s behind you’ at least once. And the Macrobert Arts Centre in Stirling never fails to deliver every year. With their customary cheeky spin on the old tales, Macrobert’s festive panto this year is ‘Weans in the Wood’. Follow the fortunes of Han No Solo, forest hooligan Little Red Riding Hood, and the wicked Sherffina of Nottingham. You’ll need your magic wand, dancing shoes and your singing voice at the ready. Book tickets here in plenty time – these invariably sell out: http://macrobertartscentre.org/event/weans-in-the-woods/

Music

Phil Cunningham brings his massively successful Christmas songbook to Stirling for the first time this year. Eddi Reader, Karen Matheson, John McCusker and Phil Cunningham will lead you through a great fun night of modern and traditional Christmas music. This is what The Scotsman says: “Mix together some brass with some of Scotland’s top folk talent, sprinkle liberally with carols and festive favourites and the result is toastier than being baked in a mince pie.” Sound good? Then details are here: http://culturestirling.org/events/phil-cunninghams-christmas-songbook/

Dance

And when we say dance, we mean YOU dance. What better way to spend the lead up to Christmas than celebrating with friends and family with a traditional Scottish ceilidh at the Tolbooth, Stirling? Brian McAlpine and The Scottish Ceilidh All Stars will talk you through the dances and ensure everyone has fun. There are two ceilidhs – at 3pm and at 8pm on 10 December. And though both ceilidhs are open to all, the afternoon ceilidh is particularly popular with families. Ready to strip the willow? Then book early here: http://culturestirling.org/events/christmas-family-ceilidh/

Making Merry

Combine your visit to Stirling Castle with some brilliant festive activities for all the family on Sunday 4 December. The Castle’s crafty elves will help you have a go at creating everything from decorations to cards, crackers and baubles. There will be some fabulous festive entertainment with the Swinging Santas, too. And it’s all included in normal admission price: http://www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/whatson/events/making-merry/

Santa

If you want to see the man in red, then you’ve several options in Stirlingshire. Here are two. Why not spend a day with Santa on a Steam Train at Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway? The trip includes a gift from Santa for every child. At time of writing there are plenty of tickets left, but don’t delay, as these sell out fast: http://www.bkrailway.co.uk/your-visit/santa-trains/
If you don’t get the date you want on a Santa Steam train, how about a Woodland Santa Experience at Woodland Experiences in Balfron Station? Swap a steam train for a tractor ride to Santa in his log cabin, and you’ve got the idea. There’s a gift included for kids too, and the chance for some great hot food afterwards, provided by Skinners of Kippen. For more details, and booking, see: http://www.woodlandexperiences.co.uk/santa-experience/

Cake

If all the Christmas build-up is just a bit too much for you, take solace in cake at Dobbies Garden Centre, Stirling. Dobbies launch their Christmas Afternoon Tea online bookings from September 22 for Gardening Club members, and from 4 October for non-members. Their restaurants will be serving their tasty towers of festive treats from 22 November. Om nom. For more details, and how to book, see: https://www.dobbies.com/restaurant/christmas-afternoon-tea/

 

Meet Santa in his winter woodland home
Meet Santa in his winter woodland home
Too much? Take refuge in cake at Dobbies
Too much? Take refuge in cake at Dobbies

Photo credits: 

  • Stirling Castle at night: CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=228762. Copyright © 2003, 2004, 2005 Finlay McWalter {{GFDL}} {{cc-by-sa-2.0}}
  • Santa Woodland Experience: Image Courtesy of Woodland Experiences. Copyright © Woodland Experiences http://woodlandexperiences.co.uk/
  • Weans in the Woods image supplied by Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling.
  • Christmas afternoon tea image supplied by Crescendo PR for Dobbies Garden Centres.
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Shindigs, forensics, and fairies: It’s September!

by | Sep 8, 2016 | Blog

September is upon us, and you have to admit, there’s a fresh chill in the air as we teeter on the brink of autumn. But be of good cheer, because September happens to be one of Stirling’s most spectacular months! Check out these events …

Men with Coconuts, playing at The Shindig this weekend.

Men with Coconuts, hilarious high energy improv at The Shindig this weekend

Sir Moustache Bristleby and the Ed-splorers - spinning yarns to all ages at the Shindig

Sir Moustache Bristleby and the Ed-splorers – spinning yarns to all ages at the Shindig

Bloody Scotland 9-11 September

Far from being a ‘just Stirling’ event, Bloody Scotland is fast becoming a national literary treasure. Scotland’s International Crime Writing Festival draws crime writers from all over the world to Stirling every September. And in this fifth year of the festival they include Stuart MacBride, Caro Ramsay, Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Chris Brookmyre and many more. The authors give unforgettable talks on crime and writing, and offer panels on everything from forensics to soil science and witness identification. There’s even a Scotland-England writers football match. If you love a crime thriller, you need to be in Stirling this weekend! For a full events line-up, see: www.bloodyscotland.com/

The Shindig 9-11 September

After three brilliant years, the Stirling Fringe Festival has relaunched as The Shindig: The Best Wee Party in Scotland. Despite the strapline, there’s nothing ‘wee’ about the Shindig. From its new residence in the Old Town Jail, the Shindig will host a performance marquee, an acoustic zone yurt where you can kick back and relax with some low key acoustics, as well as an open air music stage for the signature acts. There will be everything from live music and comedy, to children’s storytelling, street performers, ceilidhs, pipe bands, beer tastings and street food too. With much of it free, the Shindig is well worth a visit simply for the buzz. For full details of all events, see: http://stirlingfringe.com/

Doors Open Days

Doors Open Days is an annual event throughout Scotland each September. It does exactly what it says on the tin. It opens doors to the most fascinating buildings, sites and landscapes we have, whether large or small, grand or quirky. And it’s free. More than 800 buildings are expected to open, generating over 200,000 visits to sites and architectural gems in locations throughout Scotland. The website is brilliant – simply choose where you are or want to go, and you’ll find your listings. The Stirling Open Doors focuses on 10-11 September, an already busy weekend in the Stirling calendar, but there is plenty to see on other dates throughout September, so do have a browse: http://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/

Woodland Experiences

If you have kids who might find Stirling’s September a bit too hectic, how about leaving the city behind and heading outdoors for a bit of natural magic? Woodland Experiences operates from a family-tended woodland in North Ballochruin Farm in Balfron Station, just on the edge of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Their ‘Fairy Experience’ event runs throughout September, with a magical fairy trail through the woodland, and light refreshments included in the £4 ticket price. While you are there you might also want to book up for their November Light Experience, and their Santa Experience for the festive season. Nothing like being prepared! For more information, see: http://www.woodlandexperiences.co.uk/

Searching for fairies in Ballochruin Woodland

Searching for fairies in Ballochruin Woodland

Enjoy the Fairy Experience throughout September

Enjoy the Fairy Experience throughout September

Photo credits:

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Local Heroes: Brucefields Family Golf Centre

by | Aug 24, 2016 | Blog

After the Olympics, many of us are feeling that we ought to get more active, whatever the weather, and whatever our level of expertise. And there’s a sports venue on the outskirts of Stirling that prides itself on making just that happen. Brucefields Family Golf Centre are this month’s Local Heroes, and we spoke to Managing Director Kirsty Burge to find out more.

Brucefields Family Golf Centre, Stirling

Beautifully kept greens at Brucefields Family Golf Centre

Enjoy views across to the Ochils as you tee off at Brucefields

Enjoy views of the Ochils as you tee off

When asked to explain a little bit about Brucefields, Kirsty’s emphasis is on inclusion. It’s something not always associated with golf: ‘We give everyone the chance to play golf, whether you’re a child, a beginner, disabled, or a professional perfecting your skills; we have it all covered at the centre! Nor do you need to be paying large membership fees. Here, you can pay and play and enjoy the game to suit your lifestyle’.

Kirsty’s father, John Souter, designed and built the golf courses and driving range at Brucefields. So the golf centre, with views across to the Wallace Monument and the Ochils, has always been familiar to her. Shortly after Tulloch Homes purchased the company in 2004, Kirsty was asked to come and run Brucefields. There’s a definite sense of homecoming in her position there. Her small and close-knit team consists of Garry Shaw (Course Manager) Debbie Crawford (Reception Manager) and Christine Frost (Admin Manager). In addition, there are many other busy people behind the scenes who – Kirsty insists – are the key to the golf centre’s success.

And what a summer it’s been for Brucefields. Opened 20 years ago, they celebrated their birthday with a Family Fun Day on 11 June. This was quickly followed by six weeks of kids’ camps. Filled to capacity, these are taken by full-time golf professional Gregor Monks. ‘It’s such a fun thing to watch kids growing up with golf in their lives,’ observes Kirsty. The centre then hosted a regional final of The Wee Wonders, where children from 5-12 years old compete to the highest standards before going on to the finals in St. Andrews. ‘It was a real privilege to host this at Brucefields before moving on to a world-class golf course.’

And has there been an ‘Olympics effect’ on footfall at the centre? ‘We always love events such as the golf featuring in the Olympics – how can Justin Rose lifting the gold medal fail to inspire people? We always compare it to how Wimbledon brings out everyone wanting to lift a tennis racket; the likes of The Open and the upcoming Ryder Cup creates the same sort of buzz right here. People want to come and try golf for the first time or dust off their clubs!’

But not only does Brucefields cater for those who want to try out or revisit the sport, the centre has its regulars too, many of whom have been season ticket holders for many years, and those who use the range and teaching facilities to perfect their skills ever further. There is definitely a place for both ‘fun golf’ and ‘serious golf’ here. It’s a balance that other places can find difficult to achieve. And within its relaxed atmosphere, Brucefields is nurturing its fair share of champions in the making. ‘We are incredibly proud of many of our young golfers: Ewen Ferguson, coached by Gregor Monks, is the Scottish Amateur Golfer of the Year 2015, while Ben Wilson – at the age of 7 – has picked up many trophies in local junior tournaments.’

‘We are extremely grateful for everyone that supports Brucefields,’ says Kirsty, ‘and we just hope that we can continue to provide a well-rounded place where the whole family can come and enjoy golf.’

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Stirling’s romantic waterfalls

by | Aug 11, 2016 | Blog

There is something captivating about waterfalls, especially when in full spate after hard rains. Dramatic and romantic, there are some stunning waterfalls just a stone’s throw from Stirling. As the weather breaks up at the end of summer, waterfalls, in contrast, are reaching their spectacular best. By autumn, you’ll be able to watch salmon leap too, as they make their way upstream to spawn. Here are some of the closest falls to Stirling, and worth a visit whatever the weather.

Bracklinn Falls, Callander, a well-known waterfall which now has a new footbridge over it (not pictured)

Bracklinn Falls, Callander

The Falls of Leny, Kilmahog

The Falls of Leny, Kilmahog

Bracklinn Falls, Callander (15 miles from Stirling)

Located in the woods just above the beautiful town of Callander (worth a visit in its own right), Bracklinn Falls is a spectacular stepped waterfall best viewed from the vantage point just above the cascade. Queen Victoria is said to have visited here, and it’s not hard to see why. For the easiest walk, park your car in the Falls car park about halfway up Bracklinn Road, then follow the footpath up to the falls and the new bridge. For details on this short walk, and others around Callander, see this pdf: http://www.thegreattrossachsforest.co.uk/assets/maps-guides/Callander-Paths-Leaflet.pdf

Falls of Leny, Kilmahog (17 Miles from Stirling)

If you are visiting Callander to see the Bracklinn Falls, be sure to take in the Falls of Leny too, near the village of Kilmahog, just north-west of Callander in the Trossachs National Park. This is a great falls to see if any of your party have mobility problems – there is a car park at the falls, and cyclists can even get right up to the falls too. This is a narrow-gorged waterfall, so is particularly dramatic after heavy rain. For its location see: http://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/falls-of-leny-p662861#location. The more adventurous can walk there from Callander itself, a distance of around five miles: http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/outdoors/walk-of-the-week-callander-to-falls-of-leny-1-3182009

Loup of Fintry, near Fintry (17 miles from Stirling)

Close to Stirling, the Loup of Fintry waterfall is on the River Endrick and lies just two miles from Fintry village. At 94ft high, this spectacular waterfall is best seen after rain or snow, as the Endrick River also feeds the Carron Reservoir. You can find the waterfall signposted two miles East of Fintry on the B818 Denny Road. For location see: http://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/loup-of-fintry-p669471#location

Pots of Gartness, Killearn, (22 miles from Stirling)

To the west of Killearn you will find Pots of Gartness, a series of stepped rocky waterfall pools whose natural ladder makes for spectacular salmon-watching in October and November. On the Endrick water like the Loup of Fintry, these falls once powered a mill, still visible in ruins alongside the former mill-worker dwellings. To reach the Falls by car, take the A81 Glasgow-Aberfoyle road, signposted for The Wishing Well. There is roadside parking just before the bridge. For location, see: http://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/pots-of-gartness-p669461#location

For tips on salmon-watching: https://www.visitscotland.com/blog/scotland/6569/

 

The Endrick Water, on which can be found the Loup of Fintry and Pots of Gartness waterfalls

The Endrick Water, on which can be found the Loup of Fintry and Pots of Gartness waterfalls

Photo credits:

  • Bracklinn Falls: Thomas Stenhouse [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Falls of Leny: Colin Smith [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Endrick Water: Louise Harris [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Carron Reservoir: Scotia [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
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August Bank Holiday – your late summer bonus

by | Jul 20, 2016 | Blog

Show me someone who doesn’t like a Bank Holiday and it’s likely his name is Mr Ebenezer Scrooge. Bank Holidays are brilliant: they’re the perfect excuse for a Sunday night bottle of wine, a day in your jammies, or, even better, a week or more away in the UK that eats up only four days of your precious annual leave. What’s not to like? And the next one is just around the corner, on Monday 28 August!

Just one of our luxury apartments and cottages in historic Stirling
Just one of our luxury apartments and cottages in historic Stirling
Craigvinean pine cone shelter Ronald Weir

Craigvinean Pine Cone Shelter, Perthshire. Around an hour’s drive from Stirling.

Chase away the post-holiday blues

For those of us who’ve already had our main summer getaway, The August Bank Holiday provides the perfect opportunity to chase away the post-holiday blues with a late summer break. Breaks like this remind us that we needn’t go far, or spend a fortune, to have a great time. Have a look at our budget accommodation if you fancy a great value city stay, or browse our luxury properties in the heart of Stirling for late summer availability too. Make Stirling your base for your August/September escape, and you have the whole of central Scotland, and a good chunk of the Highlands, within day trip distance too. Check out Destination Stirling’s guide to getting here and travel: http://www.destinationstirling.com/plan-your-visit/getting-here/

Events ideas for your late summer stay

Need some ideas for days out during your stay? There’s lots going on in Stirling:

  • Experience History at the Wallace Monument: One of Stirling’s most iconic tourist attractions, the Wallace Monument is running a whole host of captivating events this August, with costumed actors bringing Scotland’s turbulent history to life for visitors. Details of all their August events here: http://www.nationalwallacemonument.com/
  • Stirling’s Secret Gardens: a selection of private gardens throughout Stirlingshire are open until the end of September. Your small entrance fee is donated to charity and allows you to explore some of the region’s most beautiful, secluded and award-winning gardens. For more information, enter your desired postcode into the ‘search’ area of this website: http://www.scotlandsgardens.org/
  • Events at the Castle: Make the most of your visit to Stirling Castle by taking in its special events, all included in your ticket price. August brings ‘Flights into Scotland’s Past’ a beautiful exhibition of aerial photography. If you are here in September, enjoy ‘Renaissance Revelry’ at the Castle, with music, dance and drama bringing the Castle to life. Visit the kitchen and see the food they would have prepared and hear more about the past times of the nobility and Mary, Queen of Scots. For more information, visit: http://www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/whatson
  • Scotfairs Antiques Fair: Just before you head home, make some time for this Antiques Fair at Stirling’s beautiful Albert Halls on the first Saturday of each month. This fair is for everyone, from those who have an eye for antiques, to those who love a rummage for affordable collectibles and vintage nick-nacks. For more information, visit: http://culturestirling.org/albert-halls/
  • Theatre and music: If you fancy some theatre, music, or cinema during your stay, keep an eye on these listings at http://culturestirling.org/ and http://macrobertartscentre.org/
Gargunnock House Gardens, one of Stirlingshire's secret gardens open until late September
Gargunnock House Gardens, one of Stirlingshire’s secret gardens open until late September
Bringing history to life at the Wallace Monument this Bank Holiday
Bringing history to life at the Wallace Monument this Bank Holiday

Photo credits:

  • Craigvinean Pine Cone Shelter, Perthshire, Photo copyright Ronald Weir
  • Wallace Monument: Photo kindly supplied by Ken Thomson at the National Wallace Monument
  • Gargunnock House Gardens: Photo kindly supplied by Scotland’s Gardens

 

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