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Stirling: your base for Scottish Castles

by ssc | Apr 27, 2016 | Blog

For many, the lure to Scotland is a lot to do with its turbulent past, and the rugged romance of its landscape and legends. Nothing captures this spirit of Scotland like its castles, so here is a handful of the best, all within an hour from Stirling.

The Great Hall, Stirling Castle

Doune Castle, favoured by film crews the world over

See all of these with an Explorer Pass

Buy an Explorer Pass valid for 5 or 14 consecutive days and visit as many of these properties as you wish within that time – for no additional cost. You can even buy an Explorer Pass in person at the first property you visit. Multiple sites can be visited on any single day. You can visit a specific site only once, and the Palace of Holyrood House in Edinburgh is not included. To buy your Explorer Pass: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/explorer-passes/

Stirling Castle

Perhaps one of Scotland’s most important castles, and one of its largest, Stirling Castle sits majestically on a tall volcanic crag in the heart of the city of Stirling, gazing over to the Wallace monument atop Abbey Craig. The castle’s strategic position overlooking the River Forth has made it a pivotal fortress in Scotland’s history, as gateway to and from the Scottish Highlands. Though its history can be traced back to ancient times, its royal residents greatly expanded the Castle throughout the 1500s adding the Great Hall, the Chapel Royal, and Palace. The Castle has been at the centre of Scottish history for centuries, overseeing the Battle of Stirling Bridge, the crowning of Mary Queen of Scots, and the Wars of Independence, to name just a few of its key events. Take a moment to enjoy the view from the battlements over to the Vale of Menteith, the Ochils and the southern Highlands. This is a great source of further info: http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/z3944wx. For information on admissions, see: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/stirling-castle/

Doune Castle

Just eight miles from Stirling, Doune Castle has become the darling of film crews the world over, attracting the makers of Outlander, Game of Thrones, and The Outlaw King, to name just few. The striking medieval castle was the seat of the Duke of Albany, Scotland’s ‘uncrowned King’ who effectively ruled Scotland from 1388 to 1420. Thereafter, it served as a royal retreat until 1603, when James VI left for London to become James I. Doune Castle’s unique silhouette is characterised by its commanding 100ft high gatehouse, within which you will find the Duke’s Hall, musicians’ gallery, double fireplace and oak carvings. For more detail on this stunning 14th century castle, how to get there, and admission, see: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/doune-castle/

Edinburgh Castle

Jump on a train to Edinburgh and within the hour, you’ll find your train carriage overshadowed by the imposing presence of Edinburgh Castle. Its place on Edinburgh’s most strategic volcanic crag can be traced back more than 1,000 years, and in the 15th and 16th centuries, was Scotland’s primary royal residence. The Castle holds articles of great national significance, including Britain’s oldest Crown Jewels ‘The Honours of Scotland’, as well as the Stone of Destiny, the ancient Scottish coronation stone, taken by Edward I in 1296 and returned in 1996. Set your watch by the one o’clock gun, and visit Mons Meg, the late medieval siege cannon that glares out over the city from its crag-top battlements. You’ll get unrivalled views across Edinburgh too. For information and admission, visit: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/edinburgh-castle/

Linlithgow Palace

Just 21 miles’ drive will take you to Linlithgow’s 15th century palace. Birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, and a refuge for Edinburgh’s brightest students during the Great Plague, Linlithgow Palace is a beguiling place with a fascinating history. Built by the Stewart kings, this was a royal retreat rather than a fortress, offering a tranquil hideaway at a convenient location between the key seats of Stirling and Edinburgh. This commanding loch-side ruin appeared in Outlander, and is also an important haven for wildlife and migratory birds. For details and admissions, see: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/linlithgow-palace/

Blackness Castle

Just 27 miles from Stirling is Blackness Castle, on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth. Outlander crews used this formidable fortress to depict the Fort William headquarters of Black Jack Randall. Built as a garrison fort and state prison, the austere castle offers expansive views across the Firth of Forth to Fife, as well as Scotland’s celebrated three Forth Bridges – well worth a visit with a pair of binoculars. For information and admissions, see: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/blackness-castle/

Aberdour Castle

Drive just 32 miles from Stirling and you will find Aberdour Castle on the Fife coast. This 12th century castle appears in Outlander as the French monastery Sainte Anne de Beaupré. Arguably the oldest standing stone castle in Scotland, Aberdour also boasts lovingly tended walled gardens and views overlooking the Forth. For more information and admissions, see: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/aberdour-castle-and-gardens/

Linlithgow Palace has a tranquil loch-side setting

The view up to the imposing facade of Edinburgh Castle

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
Linlithgow Palace: Paul Taylor [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Doune Castle: By Wikifan75 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Edinburgh Castle: By Ad Meskens (Own work) [Attribution, CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

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Spring and summer breaks in Stirling!

by ssc | Apr 13, 2016 | Blog

Life: it’s all about breaking it up into little enjoyable chunks, isn’t it? So, now that the Easter chocfest is over, and most of us have seen off our kids back to the school gates, we’re thinking about the next holiday!

Grade C Listed Victorian villa - Gladstone, perfect for a summer break

Relax by the log burning stove in Gladstone, in the heart of Stirling’s King’s Park

Grade C Listed Victorian villa - Gladstone's master bedroom

Master bedroom luxury, Gladstone

Short and sweet Bank Holidays

The English and Scottish May bank holidays coincide on 2 and 30 May – giving us two great opportunities for a week or more away for the price of a mere 4 days’ annual leave. The key thing about bank holidays is location – you don’t want to waste too much time travelling to your base. And once there, you want to squeeze in as many experiences as humanly possible in a short space of time. Slap bang in the heart of Scotland, Stirling is the perfect place for just such a break. Not only is it the gateway to the Highlands (heck, you can be in the wilds of Glencoe in under two hours!), but its central location opens up both Glasgow and Edinburgh as easy day-trip destinations too. From Stirling, you can even experience both Scotland’s east and west coastlines – either can be reached in around an hour by car. If you’re planning on using your holiday home as a day-trip base (and have an eye on your whole-year holiday budget), have a peek at our bright, beautiful and affordable apartments at www.budgetaccommodationstirling.co.uk. They might be just what you’re after. To find out more about why Stirling could be just right for your short spring or Bank Holiday break, give us a call on +44 (0) 7730 145 965.

Lazy luxury summer holidays

Summer holidays are all about feeling relaxed – kicking back, forgetting work and responsibilities. With longer breaks, it’s essential too that you feel at home and cared for in your holiday accommodation. That’s why our portfolio of luxury cottages and apartments have every comfort you could possibly wish. Unwind in front of Gladstone’s log-burning stoves with a glass of wine, or enjoy a secluded barbecue in its enclosed gardens – all in the heart of Stirling’s prestigious King’s Park. If you’ve a family or group celebration in mind, Park Terrace is the perfect property – comprising extensive gardens, a hot tub, sauna and even a bar area. Luxury comes in all sizes too – couples and small families will love the cosy cottage feel of Pear Tree House and Redcarr Lodge, for example, all with our warm and attentive customer service. Browse all of our fabulous properties at www.stirlingselfcatering.co.uk/properties

Our people

But why, when you’ve the whole word to choose from, should you choose Scotland for a holiday? After all, you can find nice views and a luxury apartment anywhere in the world. Well, we think that Scotland’s people are something special, and it seems that 2015’s visitors wholeheartedly agree. Nearly 6,000 tourists were surveyed by Visit Scotland* last summer, and their top three descriptions of Scots were ‘friendly’, ‘helpful’, and ‘welcoming’. More than 80 percent of visitors said that Scotland’s people actually added to their holiday experience. If you want to find out more about what makes us tick, look out for the hashtag #ScotSpirit on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see just what we mean about our brilliant, warm and helpful people. By the way, we’ve a few of them working right here in the office, ready to help plan your unforgettable holiday

Park Terrace has extensive gardens and facilities - perfect for a summer break

Park Terrace has extensive gardens and facilities perfect for a special gathering

Cosy cottage charm at Redcarr Lodge

*Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-35774291

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A springtime garden trail

by ssc | Mar 23, 2016 | Blog

Easter is upon us, and so is spring. It’s time for the garden: if not your own – then somebody else’s will do! Fancy a spring garden break in Stirling, anyone?

Gargunnock House gardens, near Stirling

Kilbryde Castle gardens and Folly

Choose from Stirling Self Catering’s Garden properties

From Stronend Cottage’s panoramic views to the tranquil seclusion of Gladstone’s enclosed garden in the heart of Stirling’s King’s Park, most of our properties offer you private green space to relax, barbecue, or just let the kids explore. Our gardens are well-tended, furnished, and beautiful. And you don’t even have to weed. Find your perfect holiday garden amongst our properties here: https://www.stirlingselfcatering.co.uk/properties/

Got your base? Then create your own Stirlingshire garden trail

Many of Stirlingshire’s gardens are open by appointment from 1 April, facilitated by the 85-year-old charitable foundation Scotland’s Gardens. They raise funds for deserving causes nationwide by asking a small entry fee to some of our most beautiful private gardens. Why not create your own tourist trail, visiting these secluded, hidden gems? Here’s just a handful closest to us…

Gargunnock House (open 16 April-September) lies just five miles from Stirling. Its mature walled garden boasts more than 40 varieties of daffodil blooming from April. In addition, there’s a house garden, woodland walks and arboretum. Take a picnic and enjoy it on the benches provided within the three-acre walled garden. £4.00 entry. Children free. Details are here.

Kilbryde Castle covers an impressive 12 acres, just three miles from Dunblane and Doune. The gardens are divided into formal, woodland and wild, and come into their own in spring with a display of bulbs, and in autumn when clematis and acer burst into colour. Entry £4 by arrangement, children free. Details are here.

Milseybank, just a quarter of a mile from Bridge of Allan, offers outstanding views from a beautifully tended terraced garden. The adjoining woodland is a colourful canvas of bluebells, rhododendrons, magnolias, camellias, as well as meconopsis. Entry £4 by arrangement, children free. Details are here.

The Linns in Dunblane covers 3.5 acres of mature woodland west of the Ochils, lovingly planted since 1984 to create a ‘sense of exploration and surprise’. With spring come carpets of corydalis, trilliums and erythroniums, nurtured within a varied landscape of specimen trees, rhododendrons, walling and hedging. Entry £4 by arrangement, children free. Details are here.

Thorntree, on a smaller scale, is a jewel-like country garden bedded to encircle its central courtyard. The short paths to the Apple Walk, Saltire Garden and Meconopsis bed also offer bonus views from Ben Lomond to Ben Ledi. Plants are for sale throughout the year. Entry £4 by arrangement, children free. Details are here.

The terraced gardens of Milseybank, Bridge of Allan

Colour, paths and views at Thorntree garden

For more information on gardens open throughout the year or by arrangement, explore http://www.scotlandsgardens.org/
Their 2016 guide is out now: http://www.scotlandsgardens.org/buy-the-book
All photos supplied by kind permission of, and courtesy of, Scotland’s Gardens

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Easter is coming – get ready!

by ssc | Mar 9, 2016 | Blog

No matter how early it comes around (and it’s early this year!), Easter seems to be the moment when Scotland bursts beautifully into spring. Round up the kids, and get ready for some brilliant family-friendly events to celebrate the season!

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Guess who is coming to Callender House?

ZooLab will be bringing some animal magic to the Helix

Celebrate Easter at Callender House: The Easter Bunny is coming to Callender House this year, bringing eggs for children to decorate. There will be special prizes for the best creations, before egg and spoon races, egg rolling, and an egg hunt in the walled garden too. Tickets cost £5 and there are full details here: http://www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/whats-on/events/

ZooLab at the Kelpies: Adding a little animal magic to the holidays, The Helix has invited ZooLab to join them on 25 and 26 March. This is a free event, and visitors will get the chance to see, meet and handle a variety of animals such as a giant African land snail, corn snake, tree frog, tarantula, scorpion and much more. For more details, see: http://www.thehelix.co.uk/

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts: It’s that time of year again when the National Trust for Scotland team up with Cadbury to create the ultimate Easter holiday day out. Alloa Tower, Culross Palace and House of the Binns are the nearest participating venues to Stirling, and provide three stunning backdrops to these fun, family hunts. Clues along the way will keep little ones on the scent, and there’s a Cadbury chocolate prize for each completed trail. If you can’t make it to any of the organised egg hunts, you can download your own ‘Cadbury Hunt Pack’ from the website too. Plug in your postcode to find your nearest egg hunt or build your own: http://easter.cadbury.co.uk/

Easter Egg Steam Trains: What could be better than a ride on a steam train? Only a ride on a steam train with chocolate. Boness and Kinneil’s annual Easter trains run from 25 to 28 March and are becoming ever more popular. Climb aboard, enjoy the short trip, and the conductor will soon arrive bearing a chocolate egg for every child. Children wearing Easter bonnets also have the chance to win a prize, and there are egg hunts in the museum too. For tickets and schedule, see: http://www.bkrailway.co.uk/your-visit/events/

The Art of Design: In addition to their Festival of Foolery on the Easter weekend, Stirling Castle will be running art and craft activities suitable for all the family on selected dates throughout the school break. Children will be able to create their own masterpieces, inspired by the Renaissance carvings and paintings to be found throughout the Castle. For more details, see: http://www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/whatson/events/the-art-of-design/?month=0316

Crannog Centre Easter Extravaganza: If you want to body-swerve chocolate entirely, you might consider heading to the Crannog Centre on beautiful Loch Tay, Perthshire. There, you can celebrate Easter Iron-Age style, with their Pancake Eggstravaganza on Easter Sunday (10.30am to 4.30pm). Cook pancakes over an open fire, bake bread in clay ovens, and churn your own butter to spread on them. Gather round the fire to hear more about ancient crafts and ways of life from skilled Iron Age guides, or just gaze into the flames. Booking is only required for large groups. For more information, see: http://www.crannog.co.uk/

Take an Easter Special steam train at Boness and Kinneil Railway

Escape the chocolate and head for the idyllic Crannog Centre

Photo credits:

Rabbit and Easter Eggs in Green Grass: Image courtesy of jannoon028 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Boness and Kinneil Railway: Image by Thomas Nugent [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
The Kelpies at the Helix: By Beninjam200 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Crannog Centre, Loch Tay: Carol Walker [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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Spring and Easter: five great events

by ssc | Feb 25, 2016 | Blog

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!

The spring Snowdrop Festival takes place in gardens throughout Scotland

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/

Night-time yoga at the Kelpies anyone?

Edinburgh International Science Festival

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

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If chocolate be the food of love, read on …

by ssc | Feb 11, 2016 | Blog

Forget hearts and flowers and breathless declarations – isn’t Valentine’s Day really just about chocolate? To celebrate, we’ve compiled a little chocolate trail focused on Stirling and Perthshire. So, for lovers of the cocoa bean and all its delightful products, Happy Valentine’s Day!

iQ Chocolate’s bean-to bar-superfood chocolate

iQ superfood chocolate – for clever chocolate lovers…

iQ Chocolate in Stirling create multi-award winning, superfood chocolate. It’s organic, raw and free from all 14 allergens, including gluten, soya, dairy, and is also low Gi. Their Bean-To-Bar SuperFood chocolate draws on some of the healthiest, purest and tastiest raw ingredients possible. It has 21 recorded health benefits (so far). The rare Peruvian Criollo bean is teamed with the natural sweetness of coconut blossom nectar to create a range of bars that are delicious, nutritious and guilt-free. iQ chocolate has been featured on BBC’s Great British Menu, Sunday Brunch, was on the menu for visiting dignitaries at the Olympics, and was showcased at the Ryder Cup in Gleneagles. For more information and to order, see: http://www.iqchoc.com/

Wicked Chocolate are based just an hour from Stirling, in beautiful Perth. Their online shop stocks traditional chocolate truffles, hampers for all occasions, single origin chocolate, luxury drinking chocolate, and a tempting range of chocolate buttons. Who could resist? Their ‘devilish’ packaging motif would make these treats a beguiling gift, and they have a shop on Whitefriar Street too. It has just re-opened after the winter. For more information: http://www.thewickedchocolatecompany.co.uk/

Iain Burnett, The Highland Chocolatier, can be found in Grandtully, Perthshire. Their handmade chocolates are created by award-winning artisan chocolatier Iain Burnett and his team of professionally trained gourmet chefs. Bringing you a taste of Scotland, infused with seasonal flavours, these chocolates are multi-award winning and have earned international acclaim. A member of the Academy of Chocolate, the Highland Chocolatier creates chocolates for both adults and children, all intricately designed and beautifully presented. Buy from their Grandtully or St Andrews shops for the full experience, or order online: https://www.highlandchocolatier.com/

Charlotte Flowers Chocolates have won Great Taste Awards year on year since 2009 with Excellence Awards from the British Chocolate Awards in 2015. Based in Aberfeldy, Perthshire, their flavours are inspired by the Scottish landscape and seasons. The flavour palette includes wild garlic and sloe blossom to Scots pine, sea buckthorn and juniper. Their wide range comprises filled chocolates, thins, bars and shards, and salted caramel with Hebridean sea salt. You can commission chocolates for a special event, or join one of their workshops. There, you will taste, make and learn about chocolate. For more information, see http://www.charlotteflowerchocolates.com/

Taystful in Blairgowrie, Perthshire, specialise in impressive chocolate cakes and chocolate displays, as well as handmade chocolates and sweet treats. These include some of the best brownies and tiffins you are ever likely to lay eyes on. Their creations have earned a number of awards – big both on taste and visual impact too. Taystful’s courses are becoming increasingly popular, with a pretty comprehensive tutorial list. Learn anything from handmade chocolates to patisserie, cake decoration, caramels, advanced courses – and beyond. This is the real deal for those who want to learn the art. For more information, to book or order, see: http://www.taystful.co.uk/

Decadent rich chocolate cake layered with smooth ganache, coated with flowing chocolate glassage and decorated with handmade chocolate embellishments

Taystful’s dark chocolate tiffin – yum! Who needs a Valentine’s card?

Photo credits:

Photos supplied by kind permission of iQ Chocolate, Stirling, and Taystful, Blairgowrie.

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