by ssc | Sep 24, 2014 | Blog
Stirling Bridge, spanning the River Forth
From the Golden Gate to Madison County, there is something undeniably romantic about bridges – spanning waterways, bringing people together, forming elegant yet purposeful arcs across our landscapes. Any visit to Stirling would be incomplete without a visit to Stirling Bridge, a historic landmark in the story of William Wallace, but there are many other bridges of note for visitors looking for a day trip to remember. Here are a handful close to Stirling.
Stirling Bridge: Stirling Bridge played a central role in the victory of William Wallace over the combined English forces of John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey, and Hugh de Cressingham, in 1297. In a bold piece of warcraft, and despite being outnumbered, the young William Wallace held fast to the north (around the Abbey Craig, where the Wallace Monument now stands) until a large chunk of the English forces had crossed the River Forth using the narrow bridge. Bearing down from the north, the Scottish forces then fell upon their stranded opponents – effectively cutting them off from reinforcements behind – and winning the battle. The bridge you see now is not the original: this one was built in the 14th century, but lies upon (or very close to) the site of its antecedent, whose remnants still lie beneath the waters of the Forth. The present bridge is easily accessible by foot from Stirling city centre, and makes a thought-provoking visit from which to note the vantage points afforded by the Abbey Craig, used by Wallace in planning attack, as well as the defensive position of Stirling Castle. Visit the bridge, and the Wallace Monument, to fill one perfect day out.
The Forth Road Bridge, Scotland’s ‘Golden Gate’
The Forth Road Bridge: As striking as the Golden Gate, and with much more grace, the Forth Road Bridge recently celebrated its 50th birthday with a spectacular festival in September. The elegant suspension bridge spans the Firth of Forth, and was opened in 1964 to connect Edinburgh (via South Queensferry) to Fife, thereby replacing an ageing ferry service which formerly carried out the task. The bridge shares the waters of the Forth with its older counterpart, the Forth Rail bridge, which was completed in 1890 and, though more workmanlike in design, has its own charm for those seeking a striking photo. Underneath the shadow of the bridges, South Queensferry (just 29 miles from Stirling) is worth a day trip in itself for a pub lunch, a walk round its cobbled streets, and an ice cream with great sea views. Or make a day of it by taking one of the popular cruises that leave from the jetty to sail under the bridges and onward to Inchcolm Island and Abbey. Couples can even leave a lasting memento of their Scottish trip by having their names engraved on a padlock which can be locked, forever, onto the parapet of the Forth Road Bridge. Details here: http://www.forthbridgesfestival.com/events/mark-your-spot-on-the-forth-road-bridge/
The Avon Aqueduct, near Linlithgow, West Lothian
The Avon Aqueduct: Cheekily included in our blog on bridges, but definitely worth seeing, the Avon Aqueduct is a navigable aqueduct on the Union Canal and lies just 21 miles from the heart of Stirling, in Linlithgow, West Lothian. It is the second longest and tallest aqueduct in Britain, built after an original design by Thomas Telford himself. There are several ways to get great views of and from the Aqueduct. Park near Linlithgow Canal Basin, or take a train from Stirling (Linlithgow station is just a minute’s walk from the canal), before joining the towpath on foot, heading west. Alternatively, enjoy one of the Canal Centre’s Aqueduct Cruises, leaving at 2pm on weekends. The cruise stops on the aqueduct for passengers to disembark and marvel at the views and the silence. Perhaps not for those with vertigo, but the canal volunteers do serve coffee and biscuits on board to calm even the most frayed nerves. Lastly, those who are really not keen on heights can get a true sense of the aqueduct’s size from beneath it, by taking the secluded and beautiful riverside walk around Muiravonside Country Park. Again, this country park is a great day trip in itself, especially if you are travelling with kids.
For those who want to explore Scotland’s bridges further afield, see:
Photo Credits:
- Stirling Bridge: by David Meisner at en.wikipedia [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons
- The Forth Road Bridge: by Simon Johnston [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
- Avon Aqueduct: by R Pollack, via Wikimedia Commons.
by ssc | Sep 11, 2014 | Blog
Doune Castle, near Stirling, favoured film location for the Pythons and many more
Did you know that one in five overseas visitors to the UK are inspired to visit by images they have seen on film and tv? Well, if you love film and tv, you’ll love Scotland. With dramatic scenery, unspoilt wilderness, and fantastic architecture, Scotland is fast becoming the preferred choice for movie-makers looking for just the right location. In this week’s blog, we’re taking a look at just a few famous ‘as seen on screen’ locations within easy reach of Stirling (there are loads more). So why not book up your stay in Stirling, bring your favourite DVDs, then go and visit the film location? The name for this new kind of holiday? Set-jetting. Bring on the popcorn.
Doune Castle: Python and Game of Thrones: In 1974, the Monty Python Team headed to Doune Castle (http://tinyurl.com/q5kh7ol) just eight miles outside of Stirling, to film ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’. The stunning 14th-century castle by the River Teith made the perfect backdrop to the famous parody of King Arthur’s quest to find the Holy Grail. The many different castles throughout the movie are, in fact, mostly Doune Castle taken from contrasting angles, and both the exterior and interior were used to add authenticity to the comic storyline. But the castle’s fame hasn’t ended there: recently, Doune Castle has been used as the set for ‘Winterfell’ in the cult TV series ‘Game of Thrones’, an adaptation of the ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ series of novels by George RR Martin. Notably, the castle was used for the exterior shots and the great feast scenes in the series’ pilot episode.
Glasgow’s George Square transformed for the film World War Z
Glasgow: World War Z and Cloud Atlas: The 2013 zombie movie ‘World War Z’ starring Brad Pitt cast a whole new light on Glasgow city centre. Watch the terrifying opening sequence of this film again, when a traffic jam turns into mass panic. That’s not Philadelphia you’re looking at, where the story is set: it’s Glasgow’s George Square. You’ll spot many of Glasgow’s infamously steep side streets used in the ‘World War Z’ crowd scenes to incredible effect. Another look at the movie ‘Cloud Atlas’ starring Halle Berry reveals that the steep streets of Glasgow around Blythswood Square and Montrose Street were again a lure for film-makers – this time replicating the streets of San Francisco in the 1970s. For information on visiting Glasgow: http://www.visit-glasgow.info/
Stirling, Loch Lomond, Trossachs and Clyde Valley: Outlander: In autumn 2013, Doune Castle was again the location of choice as filming began for new American TV sci-fi series ‘Outlander’, which tells the story of time-travelling couple Claire and James Fraser. More recently, the series producers have also spent time filming on the University of Stirling’s beautiful campus, based around the estate’s 18th-century Airthrey Castle. Numerous locations throughout Scotland, including Strathspey and Badenoch have also been used, with film-makers shooting period scenes at Newtonmore’s Highland Folk Museum. The museum includes an authentic 18th-century turf house township, pretty much a ready-made film set in the eyes of location scouts. Due for release on American TV in autumn this year, it may be some time before Outlander hits our screens for some ‘Stirling-spotting’ but it’s definitely one to add to the set-jetting list. For information on visiting Stirling Uni Campus: http://www.stir.ac.uk/ and Newtonmore Highland Folk Museum: http://www.highlandfolk.com/newtonmore.php
Glencoe, atmospheric setting for the Bond film ‘Skyfall’
Further afield: Glencoe is just two hours’ stunning drive from Stirling city centre – well within the reaches of a day trip and quite possibly a must-see for James Bond fans. Much of the 2012 Bond hit ‘Skyfall’ was filmed in the Glencoe area, in the shadow of Buachaille Etive Mor. This brooding landscape was perfect for possibly the most atmospheric Bond film yet and really does merit a visit, whatever the weather. In fact, a grey sky just adds to the drama. See: http://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/glencoe-p236561
Iconic scene spots: Everyone remembers that slow motion scene in ‘Chariots of Fire’ when the athletes train on a deserted beach to the haunting film score by Vangelis. Get yourself to the West Sands on St Andrews beach for your own re-enactment, an easy day trip from Stirling and a great picnic location too. Not quite as romantic, but just as memorable, is Ewan Macgregor’s headlong sprint down Princes Street in the film of Irvine Welsh’s gritty novel ‘Trainspotting’. Jump on a train from Stirling to Waverley, climb the steps out of the station and turn left – you’ll be there in 40 minutes. If you’re travelling to Edinburgh by car, you might also want to consider seeing Rosslyn Chapel, whose tourist numbers have soared since it appeared in Dan Brown’s ‘The Da Vinci Code’. Whether you’re a film buff or not, this beautiful chapel is well worth a visit: http://www.rosslynchapel.org.uk/
These are just a few film locations around Scotland – there are so many more to choose from. For more inspiration on planning your Scottish ‘set-jetting’ holiday, see: http://www.visitscotland.com/about/arts-culture/films/locations
Photo credits:
by ssc | Sep 4, 2014 | Blog
Parliament walk leading to Alloa Tower
Sometimes it’s enlightening to choose just one aspect of an area, one striking feature, and explore it from that angle. This week, we’re getting a different slant on Stirlingshire by exploring it through towers: specifically, the Clackmannanshire Tower Trail.
The origins of the towers: Bordering Fife, Perth & Kinross and Stirling, Clackmannanshire has four medieval towers. Built in the 14th to 15th centuries, these handsome buildings have their origins in earlier timber defensive constructions. However, the newer, stone constructions were created in less turbulent times, built by aristocratic families who needed both to be near the Royal Court in Stirling, and to display their status. The heyday of the tower was short-lived: by the 16th century, ‘height’ was less in vogue, with the wealthy favouring the larger footprint of stately homes, the like of which we see today. Happily, relative rarity makes the medieval towers an even more appealing focus for sightseeing.
Alloa Tower: Alloa Tower was home to the Erskine family, Earls of Mar, from the late 1300s until 1800, in which year the building was destroyed by fire. Restored to its 1712 appearance by the Alloa Tower Building Preservation Trust, the building was reopened by the Queen in 1997. It has a fascinating history, an extensive collection of original portraits, and is open daily Good Friday–31st October 1pm to 5pm. See www.clacksweb.org.uk and www.nts.org.uk
Castle Campbell Tower, Dollar Glen
Castle Campbell Tower: Castle Campbell in Dollar Glen was a lowland home of the Campbell family of Argyll until 1654. Around 1466, the tower building was extended by the first Earl of Argyll to include a great hall and family accommodation, with an east range, stair turret, defensive gateway and enclosing wall added around 1600. Turbulent years followed, and the building suffered. The estate was sold in 1805, and has been partially restored by Historic Scotland. Opening times: 1st April–30 Sep daily 9.30–5.30. 1st October–31st March Saturday to Wednesdays 9.30–4.30. See www.clacksweb.org.uk and www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Clackmannan Tower, on King’s Seat Hill
Clackmannan Tower: Kings’ Seat Hill, overlooking the Forth Valley, is home to Clackmannan Tower, the likely site of a royal residence dating as far back as the 11th century. In 1359, David II granted Clackmannan to Robert the Bruce, and construction began, with additions in the 15th and late 16th centuries. Despite a fascinating history which included an unofficial ‘knighting’ of Robert Burns, the Bruce family abandoned the tower and its accompanying house in 1841. Under the guardianship of Historic Scotland extensive repairs have begun – full entry access is by special arrangement and Doors Open Days in September. See www.clacksweb.org.uk and www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Sauchie Tower, open during ‘Doors Open Days’ In September
Sauchie Tower: In 1321, King Robert Bruce granted the lands of Sauchie to the Sherriff of Clackmannan, Henri de Annand. In 1431, descendant Mary de Annand married Sir James Schaw, who soon began work on Sauchie Tower. A courtyard, great hall and ovens were later added, and defences improved in 1490. An additional house, built in 1631, became the main family residence. By 1710, the tower was used only for dancing and theatre and was in grave disrepair by the 1800s. Clackmannanshire Heritage Trust with the Friends of Sauchie Tower have undertaken to restore it, the accompanying house, and environs. Full entry access is by special arrangement and Doors Open Days in September. For information, contact Clackmannanshire Council Museum and Heritage Service (tel: 01259 216913).
For full information on all of these, how to gain entry to them, and how best to enjoy them on ‘non-entry days’ see http://www.clacksweb.org.uk/visiting/towertrail/ where you will find more info, histories, and full contact details.
Image credits:
by ssc | Aug 21, 2014 | Blog
Real fires, good cake and comfort. The cosy interior of John Cowane’s Coffee House.
In Stirling’s old town, within the historic building of Cowane’s Hospital, local entrepreneur Sara MacMillan runs John Cowane’s Coffee Shop as part of her award-winning baking business Sprinkle Happiness – another one of our Stirling ‘local heroes’. We spoke to Sara to find out more about her passion for baking, and discovered a heart-warming story that’s all about happiness too.
“One day in May 2008 I was sitting at my desk at Prudential when a gift pack arrived from someone for whom I’d done a tiny favour. To say thank you they’d sent me a pack of postcards – vintage Prudential ads, quirky and fun; a bit of light in a run of dark days. I’d happened to read about Ernest Hemingway’s six word story earlier that day. I took one of the postcards, picked up a pen and wrote my own story: I’ve had enough, so I’m leaving. I handed it to my boss and 32 days later I didn’t have a job.”
A busy mum juggling a demanding career with Prudential and the needs of two very different young sons Joshua and Matthew, Sara had felt increasingly out of control of her life, her home, and her family’s wellbeing. “We needed to find happiness again and the one place that I found that was with my boys. So that was it, Sprinkle Happiness was borne out of a need to pick us up, sort us out, and do what needed to be done; it was literal.”
One of Sara’s many commissioned occasion cakes, made with care and a little chunk of happiness.
And why baking? “I’ve always baked cakes. I come from a family slightly obsessed with good food. I baked with my mum, my gran baked too, we were serious about it. It was a bond, a common interest, and while we ate cake we talked, and talk about good things, things that made us smile. Baking, sharing and taking the time to sit together was a huge part of my childhood, perhaps the best part. So I started to bake and, within a year of leaving Prudential, was working full time again, this time with hours that suited me, doing something I loved.”
Sara’s business success not only reflects, but supports, her work life balance: “What we do must work for all of us, which is why John Cowane’s Coffee House works so perfectly. We live on the other side of the graveyard, so our daily commute is a wander through the tombstones of the men and women who built this town that we love. Then we spend our day in one of Stirling’s most beautiful buildings serving tea, coffee and cakes to visitors awed by the space we work in. Matthew is home schooled, so is with me after his studies, introducing himself to visitors from all over the world and proudly telling them everything he knows about the historic old town of Stirling.”
Sara’s tablet has recently won two gold stars in the Great Taste Awards – known as ‘the Oscars of the food and drink industry’.
Plans for the future?: “We’d like to expand our tablet sales: we currently supply The Riverhouse in Stirling, Jam Jar in Bridge of Allan, and Lumia in Bridge of Allan. This year we entered our Traditional Tablet into The Great Taste Awards and were awarded two Gold Stars – an amazing boost. There were 10,000 entries of every food imaginable and we finished in the top 850, which, we reckon, is very respectable for our first entry!”
But despite her increasing success, Sara is generous with her baking secrets: “I find people so eager and happy to share ideas and thoughts, I email my recipes to anyone who asks and I’m amazed by the number of people who have emailed me back their favourite recipe as a thank you. Most of my inspiration comes from customers.”
So, if you want some excellent cake, and a little bite of happiness, it may be time to visit John Cowane’s Coffee shop, in Cowane’s Hospital, John Street, Stirling. And make sure you pick up some of that tablet too.
by ssc | Aug 13, 2014 | Blog
The Dunmore Pineapple, just outside Airth
Follies are extravagant buildings that often serve no purpose other than ornament. Some pretend to be something else, such as Chinese temples, Egyptian pyramids, or even ruins, while others were created to represent moral virtues or provide construction work for the poor during famine. Whatever the intention, these buildings are invariably quirky and intriguing photo opportunities – and what’s more, the UK is full of them. This week’s blog takes a look at some fabulous follies near Stirling.
The Dunmore Pineapple: Described as ‘the most bizarre building in Scotland’, the Dunmore Pineapple lies just 8 miles of Stirling near Airth, Falkirk, within the walled gardens of Dunmore Park, the ancestral home of the Earls of Dunmore. In 1761, the 4th Earl of Dunmore created a hothouse, incorporating a number of architectural styles, as part of the Park’s gardens. An intricate system of furnaces heated the building, and were vented by chimneys disguised as Grecian urns. The heat sustained, amongst other fruits, the growth of pineapples. A 14-foot Pineapple-shaped cupola was added as the finishing touch to the hothouse, giving the folly both its name and fame. The orchards in front of the Pineapple make a peaceful spot for a picnic on a warm day, while the high walling of the gardens shelters visitors from winds on colder ones. The approach to the Pineapple is raucous with rooks in autumn, and provides a rare opportunity to hear larks rising in summertime.
Ossian’s Hall, in Dunkeld, Perthshire
Ossian’s Hall: Visitors to Perthshire shouldn’t miss a visit to Ossian’s Hall, a captivating folly just outside of Dunkeld, and just one hour from Stirling. Ossian’s Hall was built in 1758 over the Black Linn waterfall, a dramatic spate on the River Braan. Originally intended to ‘shock, surprise and amaze’, the Hall initially incorporated a system of mirrors to surround visitors with 360 degree images of the foaming waters, an effect enhanced by the cupola shape which also amplifies the noise of the Falls. Notable visitors to the folly included Wordsworth, Queen Victoria, Mendelssohn and Turner, though after its heyday, the folly fell into prolonged disrepair. Brilliantly refurbished in 2007, Ossian’s Hall has reclaimed the intrigue of its past, with sliding doors, mirrored artwork, and a secret entrance. Ossian’s Hall is a day trip in itself. Enjoy lunch in Dunkeld, and don’t hurry the beautiful walk up to the Hall through the tall Douglas Firs of Hermitage Wood.
The National Monument, Edinburgh, overlooks the capital from Calton Hill
The National Monument, Edinburgh: A more controversial inclusion in the ‘folly list’ is the National Monument in Edinburgh. This unfinished construction on Edinburgh’s Calton Hill dominates the skyline of the city and was originally intended as a memorial to the Scottish soldiers and sailors who died fighting in the Napoleonic Wars. Modelled upon the Parthenon in Athens, work began on the building in 1826 and was abandoned just three years later due to lack of funds. A handful of nicknames were coined for the failed venture, amongst them ‘Edinburgh’s Disgrace’ and ‘Edinburgh’s Folly’. Despite its unfortunate beginnings, the building affords unrivalled and photogenic views over Edinburgh, as well as a novel way to get your bearings before enjoying a day trip in the capital. Hop on a train from Stirling and alight 30 minutes later at Waverley, before taking a walk or a taxi up to Calton Hill.
For directions and public transport to all of these attractions, these websites are useful:
Photo credits:
