by ssc | Jan 21, 2015 | Blog
Robert Burns by Alexander Naysmith
There’s no denying that Robert Burns is a complex historical figure. His poems are recited the world over and his famous ‘Auld Lang Syne’ is sung (albeit badly) on every continent – at New Year, and at the untidy end of weddings, reunions and other celebrations. Yet the man was vilified by the British nation’s press during his lifetime, and he died dispirited and largely alone. What’s the real truth about Robert Burns?
A womaniser? Burns undeniably liked the ladies. His marriage to wife Jean Armour, with whom he had three children, was a troubled one at best, and blighted by the poet’s wandering eye. In total, Burns fathered at least 12 (known) children with four different women during his short 37-year lifetime. His youngest child, Maxwell, was born on the day of his funeral. Contemporary critics blamed Burns’s death on ‘intemperance’ and even gleefully alleged syphilis as the cause, but there’s no real evidence of this. What records do exist claim that Burns’s death was caused by complications arising from his existing rheumatic heart disease. Ahead of his time, it seems that Burns was even one of the early victims of what we now call ‘trolls’ – those people who seem bent on publicly criticising others and muddying their names.
Statue to Jean Armour, long-suffering wife of Burns
The first celebrity activist? In past decades we’ve become familiar with images of people like Bob Geldof, Sting, Sigourney Weaver and countless other A-listers harnessing their celebrity status to highlight a political issue. But this is no new concept, and it could be said that Robert Burns was an early pioneer of the phenomenon. Burns publicly sympathised with the French Revolution; a dangerous stance to take at that time, and the revolution’s themes permeate his poetry. Burns was also outspoken against the barbarism of slavery, even writing ‘The Slave’s Lament’ in 1792, though, admittedly, not amongst his best works. American president Abraham Lincoln had a lifelong admiration for the poet’s work, and many claim that the poet’s verse helped inspire Lincoln to win the American civil war and abolish slavery.
An international star? While Burns embodies the very essence of Scottishness, and all the complexities which that brings, Burns has also captured the global imagination: he is celebrated everywhere. The Soviet Union was the first country in the world to honour Burns with a commemorative stamp, marking the 160th anniversary of his death in 1956, and (excepting Queen Victoria and Christopher Columbus) Burns has more statues dedicated to him around the world than any other secular figure. He was the first ever person to appear on a commemorative bottle of Coca-Cola, and his ‘Auld Lang Syne’ is recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as being one of the top three most popular songs in the English language.
Haggis neeps and tatties, traditional fare on Burns Night
He brought us Burns Night: By the happy event of a winter birthday, Burns has given us an excuse to lift our spirits in January, Scotland’s coldest month, in convivial celebration of his life. Haggis, speeches, whisky, dancing and a healthy smattering of bawdy jokes will drive away even the most persistent of January blues on the evening of the 25th – so whether you’re an admirer of Burns or not, we can thank him for that! Happy Burns Night!
Picture Credits:
- Alexander Nasmyth [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
- Jean Armour Statue, Dumfries: By Rosser1954 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
- Haggis, neeps, tatties and tartan © User:Colin / Wikimedia Commons, via Wikimedia Commons
by ssc | Jan 14, 2015 | Blog
Head to the Tolbooth Stirling for great fiddle music in February
They say that ‘January is the cruellest month’, in which the combined force of cold weather and credit card bills can dismay even the most positive among us. But the New Year is also a blank canvas for trying something new, and in this blog, we’re making a suggestion that could lift your spirits through to spring – it’s time for live music! Stirling and Perthshire are blessed with some brilliant live music venues. Here are just a few – do let us hear your recommendations too.
The Tolbooth, Stirling: Stirling’s venue for Music and the Arts kicks off its musical year on 6 February, with ‘Think Thoughts’, its unique monthly platform for intimate singer-songwriter performances. Just a week later, four of Scotland’s finest female fiddle players will perform from their album ‘Rant’. Thursday 26 Feb brings McGoldrick, Cusker and Doyle, bringing together the traditional instruments of flute, fiddle, pipes and whistles with guitar and vocals. More information: http://tolbooth.stirling.gov.uk/
The Albert Halls, Stirling: This imposing venue has been at the heart of Stirling’s Civic life for more than 150 years. Its first live music event is the Simon and Garfunkel Story on 18 February. If that appeals, make a note in your diary for the Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular too – that’s in June. For details: http://alberthalls.stirling.gov.uk/alberthalls/albert-whats-on
The Guildhall Music Club brings together musicians of all genres and ability
Guildhall Music Club, Stirling: Stirling’s newest music venue meets monthly in the 17th century Cowane’s Hospital, in Stirling’s historic Old Town. These informal evenings combine music, craft beer, wine, food and chat, bringing together musicians from across Scotland in an informal, intimate setting. From professional to keen amateur, musicians of all genres are invited to come along and join the open session which runs from 7.30pm to 10.30pm. Next meeting is 24 January, with a Burns theme. More information: http://www.cowanes.org.uk/guildhall-music-club-cowanes-hospital/
The Macrobert, Stirling: Celebrated as one of Britain’s foremost chamber ensembles, performing over fifty concerts throughout Scotland and beyond each year, the Macrobert welcomes the Edinburgh Quartet on 23 January, when they will be performing from Haydn, Mendelssohn and Elgar. For bookings: http://www.macrobert.org/event/edinburgh-quartet/
Perth Piano Sundays feature the Dvorak Piano Quintet in January
Perth Concert Hall, Perth: If you’re staying in one of our Perthshire properties, this venue has a packed schedule even in the winter months. Choose from 150th birthday celebrations for composers Carl Nielsen and Jean Sibelius, the Dvorak Piano Quintet performed as part of the successful ‘Perth Piano Sundays’ series, a semi-staged performance of The Marriage of Figaro, and A Celebration of American Voices. And that’s just January! For full listings: http://www.horsecross.co.uk/whats-on
Pub Venues: If you like your music informal and enjoyed over a pint, pull up a bar stool in one of Stirling’s pub music venues. The Allanwater Brewhouse (http://bridgeofallan.co.uk/) combines both traditional pub and brewhouse, and has regular music events thrown in too. It’s tucked away in picturesque Bridge of Allan, and well worth a visit. Head to No2 Baker Street, Stirling for regular live acts, jam nights, and a Burns Special on 25 January. Details here: http://www.no2bakerstreet-stirling.co.uk/whats-on. As well as its famed ghosts, Nicky Tams Bar and Bothy in Stirling is home to some great live music. Wednesday night is ‘jam night’ for local musicians and Saturday’s live acts perform from 4pm til 6pm. Check the Nicky Tams Facebook page for up to date listings: https://www.facebook.com/nickytams123
by ssc | Dec 29, 2014 | Blog
The Kelpies in early morning mist
There’s something special about being outdoors when everyone else is inside. To do something quiet when all else is noise. Ask a runner what it’s like to pound the pavements before dawn on Christmas Day – their eyes will go misty and they’ll use adjectives like ‘magical’. The same goes for New Year’s Day. When everyone else is at home, eating too much steak pie and highlighting the last remaining pages of the Radio Times, why not head outdoors for fresh air and silence? It takes little more than a thermos and a sandwich to have a New Year’s Day with a difference. Here are four inspirational places to start 2015. Enjoy!
The Kelpies, The Helix, Falkirk: These two 30-metre high structures are the largest equine sculptures in the world, and they’re stunning. When you first lay eyes on them as you approach on the M9, or by boat on the Forth Clyde Canal, you will catch your breath momentarily. And they are the perfect place to spend New Year’s Day. The Kelpies are a beautiful tribute to Scotland’s industrial past: a past that was fuelled by the power of water, and of horses just like them. But more than that, the Kelpies also celebrate Scotland’s departure from that past, its promising future, and our new appreciation of nature, beauty, and sustainable industry. If you want a focal point to contemplate past and the future, you’ll be hard pushed to beat the Kelpies. Go as early as you can, as the mist rises, ghostlike, from the canal waters in the first morning sun. For more information: http://www.thehelix.co.uk/things-to-do/the-kelpies/
The Wallace Monument, Stirling, a historic landmark to see in the New Year
The Wallace Monument, Stirling: If there is one place in Scotland that crystallises what it is to be Scottish, it is, perhaps, the Wallace Monument in Stirling. Built upon the outlook where William Wallace and his small army lay the night before their unlikely victory at Stirling Bridge in 1297, the Monument gives an unparalleled view across the snaking River Forth to Stirling Castle and beyond. You needn’t enter the monument itself to get a spectacular vista, and indeed, the Monument is closed on 1 January anyway. Just park in the car park, follow the winding road up to the foot of the monument and look out. Breathe in the history – there are few more historically important views than this in the world. And its great exercise getting up there too.
The Birnam Oak, Birnam: Those who love literature might want to connect with the New Year and our literary history with a visit to the Birnam Oak, just outside Dunkeld. The 300 year old Birnam Oak and its neighbour the Birnam Sycamore are thought to be the sole surviving trees of a once great forest, celebrated in Shakespeare’s Macbeth as the famous Birnam Wood. The prophecy of Shakespeare’s three witches has origins in history: the branches of trees from great Birnam Wood were used nearly 1,000 years ago to camouflage armies advancing against Macbeth (See: http://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofScotland/Duncan-MacBeth/ for background!) . It is believed that Shakespeare got inspiration for this section of `The Scottish Play` during a visit to Perth, Birnam and Aberdeen in 1599 as one of a troupe of comedians. Visit these trees as part of the Birnam Walk.
The Falls from the Hermitage
The Falls of Braan, Dunkeld: Despite being one of Perthshire’s most popular beauty spots, the Falls of Braan, seen from Ossian’s Hall, also referred to as The Hermitage, is unlikely to be crowded on New Year’s Day. This Georgian Folly was built by the Duke of Atholl to face one of the most spectacular waterfalls on the River Braan. The balcony viewing area fills the senses with the sight and sound of the crashing water below, true to its origins in the Romantic era, when appreciation of rugged nature was first in vogue. While this spot is the ideal place to watch salmon leap in autumn, it’s an unbeatable place to contemplate the year ahead on 1 January too. Wear strong waterproof shoes after rains, as the path up to Ossian’s Hall can get muddy in bad weather. Happy New Year! Photo credits:
by ssc | Dec 18, 2014 | Blog
Dollar’s Deli, Bridge Street, Dollar
In the heart of the beautiful village of Dollar (and just a few minutes from our property Harviestoun House) is Dollar’s Deli, whose dedicated team have been planning this Christmas since 27th December last year. The Deli is owned by Kerry and Alistair Prow, who took it over six and a half years ago, and who are loving every minute of the festive season.
Kerry describes how rewarding the deli is, particularly at this time of year. ‘Our team love the one to one with our customers and hearing how their Christmas plans are going. Alongside that, we’re shipping hampers globally to our clients worldwide, our artisan cheese sales are phenomenal over the festive period, and our hand-picked wine selection is a big seller too’.
The busy counter, heart of Dollar’s Deli
The couple came to the delicatessen from highflying careers in bar and restaurant management and super yacht crewing, seeking an outlet for their knowledge of food and wine, and the balance they needed to bring up a young family. They’ve achieved both in Dollar, with the support of what Kerry describes as their ‘fantastic and experienced team’. And they give a lot back at this time of year, supporting local charity event, the Dollar Under Fives Stroll, by donating their van, mulled wine, hot drinks and mince pies to help raise charitable funds within the close-knit community.
Back in the deli, Kerry and Alistair choose their stock primarily from independent and lesser known suppliers, with a simple but critical emphasis on taste and on quality. Their range includes charcuterie, artisan cheeses, Scottish pates, Italian olives, over 200 wines, handmade ice cream, and breads baked fresh on the premises. And that’s not to mention the 100% Arabica coffee to go. It sounds like that’s more than enough work for young parents, but just two months ago Kerry and Alistair opened their own restaurant, the Bridge Street Kitchen. ‘Hospitality is in our blood. You can’t fight it!’ says Kerry. ‘We were about to install an external kitchen in the deli to cope with the volume of cooking we were doing for both it and outside catering. It was to be the “kitchen” for our deli. So when the opportunity came up to open our own restaurant we grabbed it.’ Since its opening, the thriving restaurant has been fully booked every night with an atmosphere all its own, which Kerry describes as ‘bustling, vibrant, and fun!’.
The informal surroundings of the bustling Bridge Street Kitchen
The deli, the restaurant, and their owners radiate warmth, energy and enthusiasm, but when will they relax this Christmas, if at all? ‘We close the Deli on Christmas and Boxing Day so that we, and our team, can focus on what’s important. Bridge Street Kitchen will close until 21st January. As for us, on Christmas Day we will be in our festive PJs playing with our two young children. We’ll have a lovely lunch and hopefully a walk in the snow. It’s all about them.’
So if you’re in Dollar looking for a last-minute gift, a bottle of wine for Christmas Eve, or even just some food suggestions from a team who are rightly proud of their wares, you know where to head. Merry Christmas!
by ssc | Dec 3, 2014 | Blog
Get outside and see a bit of nature this winter.
There’s nothing quite like coming back to a warm house and a mulled wine after venturing outside out on a crisp, clear, winter’s day. So if you want to wrap up and get out there despite the nip in the air, there are plenty of festive outdoor events taking place near Stirling and in Perthshire this year.
Want to understand the impact that winter and the darkest days have on nature? Take part in the Winter Solstice family fun days in Dunkeld, Perthshire. There will be children’s activities, nature trails and quizzes from 11 til 3 on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 December at Loch of the Lowes Nature Reserve, Dunkeld. The reserve covers 98 hectares of diverse natural habitat near Dunkeld and is well worth a visit throughout winter for the chance to see red squirrels, siskins, otters, geese, woodpeckers and much more from the comfort of their viewing windows. For details of the Loch of the Lowes full winter programme of events, see this Scottish Wildlife Trust booklet.
You can try wreath making from natural materials at the Lodge Visitor Centre, Aberfoyle
Queen Elizabeth Forest park encompasses some of Scotland’s best-loved locations, from magnificent Loch Lomond, the Trossachs hills and Loch Katrine to the craggy tops of Strathyre. The Lodge Visitor Centre will be busy every weekend in December with a celebration of the forest in winter. Choose your own Christmas tree, make some decorations for it, try wreath-making, join the festive trail or tuck in to hot drinks and mince pies. There’s a red squirrel viewing camera too. More information.
There are loads of activities going on throughout winter in Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. There are ‘Live Active’ walks on easy terrain throughout December with trained guides, as well as Farmers Markets on the 7 and 21 December. And if you want winter wildlife watching, wrap up well and join your guide on 13 December with a gentle walk from RSPB Loch Lomond, Gartocharn. The RSPB guide will tell you all about winter birds and other wildlife. Booking is advised. Details here.
Visit Beecraigs in December for their annual Christmas Deer Walks
There’s no guarantee that you’ll catch a glimpse of reindeer in the skies on Christmas Eve, so it’s perhaps a better idea to head to Beecraigs Country Park near Linlithgow to get up close to their red deer herd on one of their Christmas Deer Walks. Meet the Ranger at the Sutherland Building, Beecraigs, on 13, 14, 20 and 21 December at 11 am and 2pm (only 11 am on the 13th). Wrap up, and wear sturdy shoes!
And if Christmas is getting on top of you, here’s a way to vent your frustrations! Join Stirling Council Ranger Service and Friends of Plean Country Park in a winter Rhodi Bash on Saturday 13 December at 10am in Plean Country Park. Rangers and volunteers will cut and burn the invasive, non-native species Rhododendron ponticum to try and clear it from the park to let the natural flora re-establish. Definitely a day out with a difference. Tempted? Do book in advance by calling 08452 777 000 or e-mail countryside@stirling.gov.uk For more information: http://my.stirling.gov.uk/events/view/2020?theme=Stirling2014
