ssc, Author at Stirling Self Catering

September throws open its doors!

by ssc | Sep 13, 2018 | Blog

September brings mists and mellow fruitfulness – and open doors! Doors Open Days is Scotland’s largest free festival, with the simple aim that Scotland’s built heritage is made accessible to people living in, and visiting Scotland, every September. The list of buildings taking part every year is growing, as is the festival’s popularity. So, if you’re in Stirling around September 15-16, make sure you take the opportunity to visit some fascinating venues both new and old – and you needn’t part with a penny.

The Tolbooth amidst Old Town houses in Stirling

Explore the Tolbooth, seen here amidst Old Town houses in Stirling

Explore behind the backstage doors at the Macrobert, Stirling

Explore backstage at the Macrobert, Stirling

These are just a few of the open doors in Stirling this weekend – for full listings, see: http://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/search/?keywords=stirling

Tolbooth Doors Open

The Tolbooth will be open to the public on 15 September. There will be guided tours at 11am and 1pm. Each tour lasts 1 hour and is free of charge – of course! For more information, visit: http://culturestirling.org/events/tolbooth-doors-open-day-2/

Macrobert Backstage Tours

The Macrobert will be flinging their doors wide on 16 September for a fun afternoon for all the family. You’ll be able to get a sneaky peak behind the scenes in a backstage tour, get creative in a drop-in arts and crafts workshop, or even learn how to lace-up 35mm film. For more information, visit: https://macrobertartscentre.org/event/stirling-doors-open-day-2018-backstage-tours/

Prehistoric Stirling

On Tuesday 18 September, you can explore with Dr Murray Cook, Stirling Council’s archaeologist, three of Stirling’s most surprising survivals. These are Stirling’s oldest cemetery, its oldest public art, and a 2000-year old fort! This guided walk will last 1.5 hours on formal paths. Booking is essential. For information: http://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/places/stirling/prehistoric-stirling-1/

St Columba’s Church

This venue, open on 15 and 16 September, is not to be missed! St Columba’s is a prominent building within King’s Park. Dating from 1902 it is Category B Listed and surely one of the most utilised church buildings within the Stirling Council area. Just for Doors Open Days the bell tower will be open to those visitors who are brave, able and fit enough for the climb! Access is upstairs from the main vestibule, then up a steep, narrow set of stairs before a very steep and long ladder to the top. Oh – and there’s a coffee morning on the Saturday as added incentive! For more information: http://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/places/stirling/st-columba-s-church-stirling/

Stirling Old High School Observatory and Telescope

On both 15 and 16 September, you have a remarkable opportunity to see the moon, stars, and more, through the 129-year-old Newtonian reflecting telescope within the copper-domed Observatory of Stirling Highland Hotel. This impressive building used to be Stirling High School building and was converted into an hotel in 1990. Group tours of up to 10 people will last around 30 minutes. This is a popular event, so you may have to queue, but you can watch a digital presentation while you wait. To avoid everyone arriving at the same time, if your party doesn’t have children, do go after 8pm. For more information, visit: http://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/places/stirling/stirling-old-high-school-observatory-telescope/

St Columba’s sits within the prestigious King’s Park area of Stirling

See the moon from the Stirling Old High School Observatory

More information:

For more Doors Open Days ideas in Stirling and further afield, see: http://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/

Photo Credits:

Tolbooth image: By Robert Cutts from Bristol, England, UK [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Kings Park: Iain Millar / Stirling and Kings Park Golf Course

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Gin Tours Scotland: For the Love of Gin!

by ssc | Jul 12, 2018 | Blog

Gin has come a long way since it was depicted by English painter Hogarth as the hard liquor of the London poor. Today, gin is the civilised tipple for summer afternoons; the crisp mainstay of cocktail bars worldwide, and boasts a delicate palette of seasonal fruit and floral infusions. At home, Scotland’s craft gin industry is also fast gaining critical acclaim. Two men who’ve watched this renaissance with interest are Wayne Russell and Douglas Lamb. Bringing together their love of gin, their passion for Scotland and their long-standing friendship, they’ve created Gin Tours Scotland.

Taking you to the best gins, in the most beautiful locations

Sample gins at their source

“Over the last few years we’ve been watching the craft gin industry in Scotland grow rapidly,” explains Wayne, “and we knew that it wouldn’t be long before the world would want to sample these amazing gins first-hand. After visiting some of the distilleries ourselves, and tasting their gins, we decided – over a few more at the bar – that it was time the world got to see and sample Scotland’s finest, and that it was up to us to make it happen.”

“After finding out no one else was providing gin tours in Scotland, we knew we were onto something. That same night I checked to see if the domain name ‘Gin Tours Scotland’ was available. When it was, I bought it there and then, and the rest is history!”

The business partnership is a strong one, with plenty savvy behind it. “Douglas and I have over 50 years’ experience in the travel and tourism industry. Although both of us do the tours, I am the man behind the operational side of things, whereas Douglas is the voice of everything that Scotland offers. He has a story to tell every time you see him, and our clients are amazed at his knowledge – both of gin and of Scotland.”

The path to launch was fast-paced: “Our name was instant – why try to be clever when you have something that does exactly what it says on the tin? What we needed then was to come up with a brand logo. We didn’t anticipate how stressful this can be, but thanks to our friends at West End Design (http://westenddesign.co.uk/), we were able to focus on our message and come up with a logo that expresses the craft gin industry in Scotland. The website then took over – which again takes time – but is something you have to get right. We’re very happy with what we’ve achieved.”

What’s the next challenge? “Although we are fairly unique in terms of the gin tour itself, it is still something most people don’t know is possible. Everyone knows about whisky tours but not so much about gin tours. So, to add to our networking and social media portfolio, we will soon be launching our tours on booking platforms such as Viator, The Entertainer, Get Guided and Visit Scotland.”

Though everyone loves a cheeky G&T, it’s clear that Wayne and Dougie’s bespoke tours deliver far more than a whistle-stop sampling opportunity: “Our individually created tours are not only about the 66 amazing gins our country produces, but about showcasing the beautiful and historic landscape of Scotland that is their home.”

Getting into the heart of the distillation process

Your guides: Douglas Lamb and Wayne Russell – cheers!

Want to book a tour? http://www.gintoursscotland.co.uk/
Want to get in touch with Wayne or Dougie to talk more? http://www.gintoursscotland.co.uk/contact/

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School’s out for summer! (Nearly!)

by ssc | Jun 25, 2018 | Blog

In the school holidays, it’s all too easy for the kids to park themselves in front of the tv and slouch their way through summer. But with just a little prep (and a thrown-together picnic), the school holidays can be a brilliant time for learning, exploring and making memories. Here are just a few suggestions to get you thinking!

Explore some of Scotland secret gardens

Take life more slowly at Linlithgow Canal Basin

Charity Garden Openings

The Scotland’s Gardens scheme raises money for charity through encouraging, promoting and supporting garden openings all over the country. For just a small donation, you can gain access to some of Scotland’s most beautiful secret gardens, and you may find a cream tea there, too. There are dates throughout July and August. To find a garden open near you, type in your postcode on their website: https://scotlandsgardens.org/

Summer Programme at the Engine Shed

Head to the Engine Shed throughout the summer holidays for fun, free workshops that will introduce you and your family to traditional building skills and materials. Choose from Brilliant Buildings, to Inventor’s Workshops, to a James Watt Engineering Challenge, 3D printing, to creating your own powered machines. Even if you don’t book onto one of the Summer Programme events, this is a fabulous place, and well worth the visit. You’ll be able to find out lots about the important work of Historic Environment Scotland, too. For more information, visit: https://www.engineshed.scot/whats-on/event/

Linlithgow Canal Basin

If you like spending time on the water, then Linlithgow Canal Centre is for you. The Canal Centre (just 22 miles or 29 mins from Stirling) is operated entirely by volunteers and their love of the boats and the water brings a little magic to your trip. The Centre runs three core trips – a half-hour town cruise, a three-hour Avon Aqueduct Cruise, and a Falkirk Wheel Cruise. The Aqueduct cruises take place at weekends, The Falkirk Wheel cruises on specified dates, while the town cruises run daily throughout the summer from 1 July. Tickets are very good value, staff have a wealth of local knowledge, and you can enjoy some gorgeous home baking before or after in the Canal Centre Tearoom (with a wood fire in winter). The Canal centre is a hidden gem in the heart of Linlithgow, and worthwhile supporting too. Don’t miss their Canal Fun Day on 18 August and bring a picnic. For detail on ticket prices, cruises, special events and facilities, see: http://www.lucs.org.uk/boat-trips

Stirling Highland Games

On Saturday 17 August, Stirling Sports Village will host one of the region’s signature annual events. Stirling’s Highland Games welcomes visitors from around the world to witness traditional Highland games competitions in the heart of the City. The games field offers brilliant views over to the Wallace Monument, Cambuskenneth Abbey and Stirling Castle. A full programme of traditional events includes running, cycling, Highland dancing, heavyweights, long jump and triple jump. In addition, there will be an Arts & Crafts Market, an Activities Challenge area, Heritage Tours, and a Food & Drink Festival with street food vendors, producers and craft beer, gin and whisky bars, as well as entertainment from the Creative Arts Festival with live performances from 12:30 until 17:00. Buy your tickets online: http://www.stirlinghighlandgames.com/

Anniversary Events at the Wallace Monument

The National Wallace Monument opened its doors to visitors on Saturday 11th September 1869, and 2019 marks the building’s 150th anniversary. The anniversary year will be commemorated with an expanded programme of events, including free activities every day in July and August such as Warrior Training on Thursdays, Family Fridays, and actor performances on Saturdays and Sundays. And remember to ask staff abut converting your admission ticket into an annual pass, which means you can come back to enjoy each of the Monument’s Anniversary events! For more information, visit: https://www.nationalwallacemonument.com/ht_event/

Stirling Highland Games is a perfect day out for everyone

The Wallace Monument has a packed Summer Programme this year

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The Engine Shed: Bringing Scotland’s Built Heritage to Life

by ssc | May 14, 2018 | Blog

A former goods transfer shed in the heart of Stirling has been transformed into Scotland’s first dedicated building conservation centre. An intensive programme of restoration began in 2013, creating an inspirational resource both for learning and for tourism.

Activities for all ages are available at the Engine Shed

The Engine Shed is creating a new generation of building conservation

A strategic location

The Engine Shed sits on the banks of the River Forth. Interestingly, there is little detail about the history of the building, because it was a strategic – and pretty secret – base for the army in the run up to and during both World Wars. Now, it’s a thriving hub for both the public, and for the construction and conservation professionals who come here to enhance their skills.

Conservation in action

The building’s own restoration and extension has been a very public statement of its aims. Traditional materials have been used in a contemporary way, staying as close to the original character as possible. Stone salvaged from the former Seaforth bridge, recycled wrought iron, and simple cord and pulley ventilation systems have all come together in the renovation, inspired by railway architecture. In addition, two new sheds have been constructed alongside the original, sympathetically designed to complement their older peer, rather than compete with it. Dr Lyn Wilson, manager of the Engine Shed’s Digital Documentation Team said, “For me, favourite aspects of the Engine Shed design are the open-plan layout which really helps with our aim to create a melting pot for ideas and conversations here, combined with the use of sustainable and recycled materials in the new wings”.

What the public can expect

It’s a beautiful space that opens from 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday, and is free to visit. Here, you’ll find the stories of Scotland’s built heritage brought to life – for children and adults alike. Interactive exhibits, a 4K, 3D theatre, augmented reality experiences and hands-on activities appeal to all ages. Workshops and seminars take that one stage further, looking at subjects as diverse as ‘Making Mosaics’, to ‘Climate Change and the Historic Environment’. In addition, the Engine Shed offers a busy programme of creative holiday activities for children. These not only offer a very different day out, but embed some traditional construction skills, and an early understanding of conservation, too. Keep up to date here: https://www.engineshed.scot/whats-on/

Learning at the Engine Shed

In addition to all the fun, and free!, workshops, the Engine Shed is also a platform for those wanting to develop their knowledge of traditional buildings. The programme offers a number of seminars and an annual Summer School that are perfect for enthusiasts and professionals. Summer School is a five-day introduction to the principles of traditional architecture and the conservation and maintenance of historic buildings.

For those searching for a more formal learning route, the Postgraduate Course in Technical Building Conservation is a great option. The course offers flexibility on approach, as it can be done on a full- or part-time basis and is the perfect route to start a career in the building conservation sector.

The Outreach Team offers sessions for schools, which have been carefully developed by the in-house experts and tie in with the Curriculum for Excellence. They even offer a travel subsidy to Stirling! Vanesa Gonzalez, Content Manager for the Engine Shed, describes just how important this is to the team: “At the Engine Shed, we are proud to be engaging with a wide range of audiences. From school children to professionals, from families to community groups, we are enthusing thousands of people with Scotland’s built heritage.”

For more information about learning at the Engine Shed: https://www.engineshed.scot/learning/

A new generation

“People are coming from all over Scotland to get involved and use the Engine Shed as a focal point for exploring their built heritage,” explains Lyn. “We are really excited that we are inspiring a new generation to get involved with traditional skills and materials, conservation science and digital documentation and innovation, as well as shining a spotlight on Stirling as a centre of excellence in these areas. The most rewarding aspect of working at the Engine Shed is knowing we are playing an active role in conserving our historic environment for future generations.”

So, when you’re planning family days out over this coming summer, skip the softplay for a day. Instead, check in on what the Engine Shed can teach your children about their country’s built history, and give them the skills to be a part of its bright future.

Open plan design allows space for large-scale projects and events

A modern facility built with traditional techniques and recycled elements

Photo credits:

Our thanks to the staff of the Engine Shed, and the Historic Environment Scotland Photo Unit for the following images used in this piece:

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Let the Games Begin!

by ssc | May 9, 2018 | Blog

Are you a visitor to Scotland? Want to liberally dowse yourself in our country’s culture, food, and attitude? There’s no better way to do it than to attend one of our many Highland Games. These fun family events are nothing short of Scotland being distilled into one playing field. Scotland squared. Scotland with its kilt on, and tongue firmly in its cheek. Come one, come all, to the fabled Scottish Highland Games.

Heavy athletes take part in traditional events

Competing in a kilt is part of the challenge

Here’s just a few, in and around Stirling, or a comfortable jaunt in the car.

Airth Highland Games, 28 July, 2018

Claiming to be Scotland’s oldest, Airth Games in their current guise were founded in 1871, though their origins stretch back centuries before that. Thousands of visitors come each year for the unique and friendly atmosphere of these Games, surrounded by the picturesque setting of the River Forth and Ochil Hills. The usual recipe is here: highland dancers, solo pipers, heavy athletes and track competitors. But bystanders can get hands-on in the Smiddy Stane Challenge and the famed Tug-O-War. Keeping everyone smiling are the local pipe band, children’s entertainment, craft stalls, local foods, refreshment tents, a fairground and much more. For information and tickets: http://www.airthgames.co.uk/

Bridge of Allan Highland Games, 5 August 2018

Less than two miles from Stirling’s City Centre, Bridge of Allan hosts one of Scotland’s premier Highland Games. The annual event attracts crowds of between 8,000 and 10,000 people. The games field nestles between Stirling Castle, the Ochil Hills and the National Wallace Monument. This year, there will be Highland dancing, pipe bands, and a full programme of traditional Highland Games competitions covering athletics, cycling, heavyweights, tossing the caber, and wrestling. There will be plenty of interesting stalls to browse, as well as food stands and an adjoining fairground for the kids. Bus and car parking is free. For info and tickets, see: http://bofagames.com/

Perth Highland Games, 12 August 2018

Situated at Perth Racecourse, you’ll find all the ingredients of a great Highland games. Watch athletes compete in traditional heavyweight competitions from the sidelines and put yourself to the test by participating in one of the running events. There will be Highland dancing, solo piping competitions, and the massively popular pipe band contest, showcasing many international bands. Browse the stalls for some delicious local produce and crafts. For more information and tickets: perthhighlandgames.co.uk

Stirling Highland Games, 18 August 2018

One of the City of Stirling’s signature annual events, Stirling’s Highland Games welcomes visitors from around the world to witness traditional Highland games competitions. The games field behind Stirling Sports Village offers brilliant views over to the Wallace Monument, Cambuskenneth Abbey and Stirling Castle. There’s a full programme of traditional events that include running, cycling, Highland dancing, heavyweights, long jump and triple jump. Enjoy piping performances throughout the day, too. In addition, the Traders Village will present some fabulous Scottish fare. Wander through a delicious range of food and coffee servers, craft and whisky stalls, as well as an onsite bar. For details and tickets (discounted online) see: http://www.stirlinghighlandgames.com/

Solo and band piping contests are a regular feature

Highland Games are big on audience participation

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