Spring – it’s time for breath-taking architecture, for science, for lungfuls of fresh air, for tomfoolery and perhaps even some yoga in the dark. Intrigued? Read on!

St Peter’s Seminary – Hinterland’s blank canvas for Scottish arts

Hinterland

The official launch of Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design 2016, ‘Hinterland’ will illuminate the modernist ruin of St Peter’s seminary in Helensburgh, almost 50 years to the day that that the building was first opened. A haunting lightscape and choral performance will animate the structure, approached by a walked route through ancient woodland. This historic night-time event will be the first opportunity for the general public to explore this iconic building, and the last before this landscape is re-introduced as the biggest ground-breaking arts venue of the century. The event brings together a choral soundscape from Rory Boyle, with light effects from NVA, whose previous projects include the Tour de France and 2012 Olympics. Hinterland runs 18-27 March. For more information and tickets (don’t delay), see: http://hinterland.org/

The Snowdrop Festival

Spring just wouldn’t be spring without them. Delicate, beautiful and dauntless, the humble snowdrop must surely be one of Scotland’s favourite flowers. The Snowdrop Festival presents the perfect chance to see great swathes of these blooms throughout Stirlingshire and Perthshire, with Gargunnock House, The Linns, West Plean House, Duntreath Castle, Braco Castle and Cluny house all opening their doors. The festival runs until 13 March, and you can find full details here:  http://www.scotlandsgardens.org/news/snowdrop-festival-2016

A record-breaking Earth Hour at the Helix

Why not start the spring by doing something amazing for our planet? Along with other public landmarks throughout the UK, the Kelpies will be switching off their lights for an hour on the night of 19 March. It’s an emblematic celebration of Earth Hour, the campaign to halt climate change. However, that’s not all – to draw attention to Earth Hour, the Helix are attempting to set a new world record – getting the ‘most people performing a yoga pose in front of an iconic venue’. It’s certainly a very different night out, with entertainment from Glenbervie Band and Sambalistic. If you want to take part in this worthwhile and pretty hilarious record attempt, get involved here. You MUST register on the night and the yoga moves will be easy!

Easter at the Castle

Stirling Castle’s Easter events are becoming something of a ‘must-do’ both for locals and visitors alike. And with Easter falling early this year (on 27 March), you won’t have long to wait. For 2016, the Castle is devoting the entire Easter weekend to a festival of fun-filled family foolery. The Royal Court jesters will be on hand both to entertain and to teach you their comic trade. There will be arts and crafts, and Renaissance games too. Tickets are included in the normal admission price and you can find details here.

Further Afield: Edinburgh

Running from 26 March to 10 April, The International Science Festival will ‘explore possible brave new worlds and science, technology, engineering and design’s ability to help improve our lives’. With events happening throughout the city, this is a great way both to experience hands-on science and to explore Scotland’s capital, fittingly known as our ‘Festival City’. And if you’re with children, visit Edinburgh International Science Festival’s spectacular science playground at City Art Centre over the 2016 Easter holidays. Don’t miss the chance to mix up Pongy Potions, experience the sounds of the jungle and discover the Secret Life of Coral. You can also enter the brain-boggling Carnival of the Mind and try your hand at fixing an engine in Mini Mechanics. There are six floors jam-packed with hands-on workshops and interactive events suitable for ages 3-12. Be sure, too, to make a stop at the National Museum of Scotland in Chambers Street for their ‘Build it!’ Lego exhibition and workshops. For full details on the science festival see: http://www.sciencefestival.co.uk/ and for the Lego exhibition, see: http://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland/whats-on/build-it/

The Blood Bar: hands-on science fun for kids at the International Science Festival

More information: For information on these and many more brilliant Springtime events, like us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/stirlingselfcatering

Photo credits:

• Kelpies: Photo kindly supplied by the Kelpies team
• Hinterland: Photo by James Johnson, supplied by Hinterland
• Edinburgh International Science Festival Photo: Image supplied by Edinburgh International Science Festival

Forget diets and new year’s resolutions: January is the month for firesides, fairytales, and the Bard. Here are a few heart-warming events to lift the spirits and see you through the first weeks of the fledgling year.

Head to Stirling Castle for a Celebration of Burns

Burnsfest at The Scottish Storytelling Centre: Just a cosy one-hour train ride from Stirling will transport you to the cobbled streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town, and the welcoming doors of the Scottish Storytelling Centre. To celebrate Burns Night, the centre is hosting an exciting and varied programme of readings, talks and suppers from 23 to 25 January. This popular ‘Burnsfest’ programme features a mix of family and adult activities with fun, contemporary takes on Burns stories, poems and songs including Lords of the Creation… And Other Beasts; a Burns Family event; Tam O’Shanter: Telling the Big Tale; and, on 25 January itself, Supper with Burns (an adult event). More information here.

Celebrating Burns:  23 and 24 Jan, 12 noon to 3pm at Stirling Castle Esplanade. Whatever you think of Burns, there’s no denying the man could tell a story fit for any warm hearth.  But did you know that the poet who penned ‘Tam O’Shanter’ and ‘Holy Willie’s Prayer’ also had a connection with Stirling? In 1787 Burns visited Stirling Castle, and afterwards returned to his hotel where he wrote the ‘Stirling Lines’, etched into a glass windowpane. Your guide at Stirling Castle will explore this remarkable visit, and the effect it had on Burns the man. More details here. And if you want to know much more about the Stirling Lines, and see a replica of them, visit the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum.

The Guid Crack Club, Edinburgh: If you are up for a night-time foray in the name of story-telling, then take a train ride to Edinburgh Waverley on 29 January too, for the first Guid Crack of the year. You can warm your hearts round the ceilidh fire with tales to keep the cold at bay and perhaps a few nods to the great Bard himself. Lea Taylor will delight with Burns song and story with a mischievous twist! This event takes place upstairs at the Waverley Bar, and young adults are welcome if accompanied. More information here.

The Nutcracker: And here’s a winter’s tale to beat all others. If your kids (or you!) haven’t had enough of Christmas, why not escape again to a magical world of snow, sweets and the Sugar Plum Fairy with Ballet West’s production of the Nutcracker? It is the Christmas party in the Stahlbaum household and young Clara is given a beautiful Nutcracker doll. After everyone has gone to bed and the house is quiet she returns to play with her doll and discovers he can take her on magical adventures through the land of the Mouse King, dancing snowflakes and the wonderful land of sweets. A magical winter fairytale for children and adults alike, Fri 5 Feb, 7.30pm and Sat 6 Feb, 2pm & 7.30pm. Details and tickets from the Macrobert Arts Centre.

Photo credits: Stirling Castle by Night by Finlay McWalter: under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

In the last days of November we’re looking our advent calendars square in the eye. But that needn’t mean a 24-day sentence of shopping, to-do lists, and stressing about the use-by date on your sage. Why not re-capture the slower pace of bygone Christmases, by visiting some of Scotland’s castles and stately homes? You’ll find there’s more than a little magic to be found…

Edinburgh Castle befriends the ghosts of Christmas past

Stirling Castle: Stirling Castle begins the season of advent with its annual shopping fayre in the glorious surroundings of the Great Hall on 1 December with market stalls, fine foods, and festive drinks, all in warm and regal surroundings. The event runs from 6pm to 9pm and booking is essential. Tickets cost £5 while under 16s go free and there’s on-site parking for free too. Stirling Castle also hosts its increasingly popular ‘Carols at The Castle’ on 13 December. The Great Hall will welcome the Stirling singers of the National Youth Choir of Scotland, where they will sing traditional carols and modern Christmas songs. Doors open 6pm for a 7pm start. To book tickets for both these events, buy online from the Official Historic Scotland webstore. If it’s Christmas food you’re after, then head to the Castle for its ‘Midwinter Feast’ on 6 December 12.30-3.30pm. You will join the Queen, Mary of Guise, as she celebrates the season with her courtiers and friends, taking part in her royal feast, with court jesters, music and dancing. Tickets are included in the normal Castle admission price.

Edinburgh castle: Edinburgh Castle marks the last days of advent with its ‘Traditions and Tales of a Victorian Christmas’ on 21-23 December. This look back at Christmas past reveals the origins of the Christmas cracker, Christmas cards and other yuletide traditions, as well as exploring the season’s familiar and atmospheric tales. On 24, 27, and 31 December, join Mary Queen of Scots as she celebrates the 12 days of Christmas with her court. While Reformation Scotland shuns Christmas festivities, she will be having her own ‘Very Mary Christmas’ – undaunted! Both events are included in the normal admission price. You can book online here, where you may also be tempted by a Christmas lunch at the Castle!

Callendar House: Falkirk’s Callendar House is getting right into the festive spirit for 2015. There are ‘Christmas Afternoon Teas for Two’ throughout December, as well as brunches and afternoon teas with Santa too. The House will also transform its impressive kitchen into a working Victorian kitchen at Christmas, open to all visitors from Saturday 28 November. Help the cook stir the Christmas pudding and find out how the Victorians celebrated Christmas in houses just like Callendar House. In December, visitors can sample freshly made traditional festive fayre like mince pies, shortbread, Scotch Christmas Bun and clootie dumpling. If that’s not enough, there will be a ‘Victorian Spit Roast’ on 5, 12 and 19 December. It’s all free – arrive hungry! These are just a few of the events the House has planned – there are more details here.

Linlithgow Palace: For something a little bit different, take part in the Linlithgow Palace ‘Winter Warmer Walk’ at 1pm on Sunday 13 December. This guided walk from the Palace will explore Linlithgow Loch and Peel, its wildlife and heritage – sure to bring colour to your cheeks on a winter’s day. Booking is required, though the event is included in the normal Palace admission price. You can book and find more details here.

Photo credits: Stirling Castle Great Hall: By Christian Bickel (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.0 de (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/de/deed.en)], via Wikimedia Commons. Edinburgh Castle: Sarah Charlesworth [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons. Linlithgow Palace Snow: Stanley Howe [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.