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:
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by ssc | Jul 31, 2014 | Blog
Bracklinn Falls, Callander, a well-known waterfall which now has a new footbridge over it (not pictured)
There is something captivating about waterfalls, especially when in full spate after hard rains. Dramatic and romantic, there are some stunning waterfalls to be seen in Stirlingshire. As the weather breaks up at the end of summer, waterfalls, in contrast, are reaching their spectacular best. By autumn, you’ll be able to watch salmon leap too, as they make their way upstream to spawn. Here are some of the closest falls to Stirling, and worth a visit whatever the weather.
Bracklinn Falls, Callander: (15 miles from Stirling). Located in the woods just above the beautiful town of Callander (worth a visit in its own right), Bracklinn Falls is a spectacular stepped waterfall best viewed from the vantage point just above the cascade. Queen Victoria is said to have visited here, and it’s not hard to see why. For the easiest walk, park your car in the Falls car park about halfway up Bracklinn Road, then follow the footpath up to the falls and the new bridge. For details on this short walk, and a longer, four-mile loop, see here: http://www.incallander.co.uk/bracklinnfalls/bracklinnfalls.htm
The Falls of Leny, Kilmahog
Falls of Leny, Kilmahog: (17 Miles from Stirling). If you are visiting Callander to see the Bracklinn Falls, be sure to take in the Falls of Leny too, near the village of Kilmahog, just north-west of Callander in the Trossachs National Park. This is a great falls to see if any of your party have mobility problems – there is a car park at the falls, and cyclists can even get right up to the falls too. This is a narrow-gorged waterfall, so is particularly dramatic after heavy rain. For its location see: http://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/falls-of-leny-p662861#location. The more adventurous can walk there from Callander itself, a distance of around five miles: http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/outdoors/walk-of-the-week-callander-to-falls-of-leny-1-3182009
Loup of Fintry, near Fintry: (17 miles from Stirling). Close to Stirling, the Loup of Fintry waterfall is on the River Endrick and lies just two miles from Fintry village. At 94ft high, this spectacular waterfall is best seen after rain or snow, as the Endrick River also feeds the Carron Reservoir. You can find the waterfall signposted two miles East of Fintry on the B818 Denny Road. For location see: http://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/loup-of-fintry-p669471#location
The Endrick Water, on which can be found the Loup of Fintry and Pots of Gartness waterfalls
Pots of Gartness, Killearn: (22 miles from Stirling). To the west of Killearn you will find Pots of Gartness, a series of stepped rocky waterfall pools whose natural ladder makes for spectacular salmon-watching in October and November. On the Endrick water like the Loup of Fintry, these falls once powered a mill, still visible in ruins alongside the former mill-worker dwellings. To reach the Falls by car, take the A81 Glasgow-Aberfoyle road, signposted for The Wishing Well. There is roadside parking just before the bridge. For location, see: http://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/pots-of-gartness-p669461#location
These are just a handful of the many stunning waterfalls to see in Scotland, handpicked because they are closest to Stirling. For information on falls further afield, this comprehensive list is well worth checking out, especially if you plan to watch the salmon leaping in autumn. http://www.visitscotland.com/about/nature-geography/waterfalls/loch-lomond-trossachs-forth-valley/
For tips on salmon-watching: http://www.bbc.co.uk/naturescalendar/autumn/freshwater/activities/
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by ssc | Jul 23, 2014 | Blog
The Loving Food Truck, bringing gourmet street food to Scotland
From time to time in our blogs, we’ll be looking at some ‘Local Heroes’: exceptional local businesses that are worth a visit during your stay in Stirling. First up is the ‘Loving Food Truck‘: if you’re in Stirling over the holidays and are looking for a brand-new food experience, it’s time to hit the streets and sample the unique and eclectic menus of the Loving Food Truck, which you’ll find at Station Road, Stirling, Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 2pm.
Loving Food was founded by Sandra Milne and Stewart Pleace, pioneers of the gourmet street food scene in Scotland. They state simply that “the goal of Loving Food is to offer super-tasty new food served with personality and banter” – and believe me, they are not short on good food or good chat. Both Stewart and Sandra have chucked in big careers with FTSE 100 companies to make a go of revolutionising Scottish street food, so they are understandably passionate about the success of their enterprise. The third personality in the venture is Hervé, their 1972 Citreon H Van, who the business partners love “like a long-lost French brother we once knew but were never introduced to until now”. The distinctive van with bespoke interior has already made his film debut in the Proclaimers’ movie “Sunshine on Leith”. And by the way, the term “he” is used with authority, because, as the (brilliant) Loving Food blog clearly states – Hervé does have an exhaust.
World-inspired food attracts customers of all nationalities
So that’s the founders, what about the food? Stewart and Sandra create world-inspired street food with a wide menu that changes daily. Some eye-catching staple themes are in there: handmade flatbreads with fantastic fillings; soups from local ingredients and some wild card flavours; tacos and sliders (small brioche buns) with unique fillings as well as “rebooted” favourites; even an unbeatable selection of both meat and veggie stews for inclement Scottish days. Still hungry? The Loving Food Truck bakes its own cakes daily, with familiar treats jockeying for position alongside Brazilian brigadeiros and Italian bombolinis. So what’s their secret to keeping the menu so fresh and diverse? “We want to bring something different to Scotland and Stirling. We researched in depth on food provision in Stirling and this clearly highlighted visitors’ desire for something more: we’ve tried and tested dishes from around the world. We also wanted to work exclusively with local producers and suppliers and also ramp up the green credentials of our business by using compostable packaging and keeping down the carbon footprint of our suppliers. We truly believe you can make something different and tasty using simple ingredients and, so far, our customers seem to like it. It might not be for everyone but we have our fingers and most other body parts crossed, hoping that there is an audience for what we’re trying to do”.
Hervé, The Loving Food Company’s anchorman
And the crossed fingers are working. The Loving Food Company has a packed diary that’s already catered weddings, “feastivals”, and high-profile events like Bannockburn Live. From their blog, however, it’s apparent that what they’re most proud of is working against all odds to secure their pitch at the newly re-developed site opposite Stirling Railway Station. Gaining permission to trade there was an 18-month long campaign for Stewart and Sandra, but a worthwhile one – and the pair are delighted. But why Stirling? “We’ve always thought Stirling could be more than what it is and is almost a micro Edinburgh with its castle and history. We’d love for Stirling to be at the forefront of street food and it is – as it’s the first city in Scotland to have a city centre food truck – so is leading the way ahead of its much larger city sisters and brothers”. So, if you plan to be in Stirling around lunchtime, make your breakfast a light one, and head to the Loving Food Truck for some exceptional fare, some great banter, and the chance to meet the very handsome Hervé too.
For more info, or to book the truck for your event: http://www.loving-food.com/
by ssc | Jul 17, 2014 | Blog
The boardwalk near the loch at Beecraigs Country Park
For those who like to get outdoors on holiday, there’s nothing quite like Scotland’s country parks. Not only do you get a natural landscape, but you get facilities too, so even the youngest or oldest nature-lover in your party can enjoy the fresh air, enhanced with the promise of a playpark or tea and cake. Here are a handful of great country parks just a stone’s throw from Stirling, each with their own unique attractions. Enjoy!
Gartmorn Dam, Alloa 7 miles: Because of the wildfowl that visit here in winter, Gartmorn Dam has been deemed a site of ‘Special Scientific Interest’ and supports a huge diversity of wildlife within its 370 acre expanse. You’ll find a bird hide and viewing screens to birdwatch up close, and as well as migratory birds you will spot woodpeckers, roe deer, wild hare and even red squirrels in the woodland areas. The extensive network of footpaths is great for walking, horse-riding or cycling. For information: http://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/gartmorn-dam-country-park-and-local-nature-reserve-p254001
Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, Aberfoyle, 19 miles: Head for the David Marshall Lodge, your gateway into Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, Aberfoyle. This Forest Park claims one of the best views in Scotland from its café, so it’s worth a visit just to check! There are a number of easy and rewarding walking trails taking in everything from waterfalls to oak coppices, as well as brushwood mazes and water play for children. The more adventurous can go tree climbing with ‘Go Ape’ on site, while you may want to just observe from the Red Squirrel Hide. Entry is free although there is a £3 charge for all-day parking. There is a full list of summer events here too: http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/forest-parks/queen-elizabeth-forest-park/the-lodge-forest-visitor-centre
Avon Aqueduct above Muiravonside Country Park
Muiravonside Country Park, 21 miles: With its animal stables, aviaries, Highland cattle, friendly Clydesdale horse Hamish, and cute Shetland ponies, this is a great choice for kids. However, everyone can enjoy the stunning and leisurely River Avon Heritage Trail around the park, past the historic Avon Aqueduct and the relics of bygone industry and farming. The park spans 170 acres and offers free entry, playgrounds, picnic areas and a tearoom too. This makes a great day out for a party of mixed ages. More info: http://www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/
Beecraigs Country Park, Linlithgow 23 miles: With a central loch and angling, a red deer herd and Highland cattle fold, as well as an extensive children’s adventure playground, Beecraigs has something for everyone within its 370 hectares. The park is open throughout the year and admission is free. The visitor centre provides information, bookings and advice about the park, and also sells hot and cold drinks and snacks, venison and Scottish gifts. For information: http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/tourism/countryparks/beecraigs/
River Tay and Friarton Bridge. Also visible on the far right is Kinnoull Tower.
Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park, Dunkeld, 45 miles: A longer drive but well worth the effort, Kinnoull Hill is deemed the ‘jewel in Perth’s crown’. Trails wander through mature woodlands of beech and pine to magnificent views over the river Tay. There’s an arboretum – a tree collection – too, where you can check out trees you might like to grow in your own garden. This area is also deservedly coming into vogue for autumn ‘leaf-peeping’, rivalling New England in the Fall for its colour and beauty. For more information: http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/visit/kinnoull-hill
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by ssc | Jul 3, 2014 | Blog
Nothing puts you in holiday mood like messing about on the water. Boats slow life down, make us appreciate our surroundings, or get us to secret places we might not otherwise see. For this week’s blog, we look at three great little boat trips not far from Stirling that make a memorable day out – and no nautical skills required!
Inchcolm Abbey is reached by a rewarding boat trip from South Queensferry
Inchcolm Abbey: Established as an Abbey by David 1 in 1235, Inchcolm Abbey is the best preserved group of monastic buildings in Scotland. The Abbey enjoys a spectacular setting on the island of Inchcolm, which sits in the Firth of Forth and is reached by a regular ferry service from South Queensferry (just 29 miles or 34 mins drive from Stirling). The boat trip out is rewarding in itself; passengers will invariably spot seals, puffins, cormorants and other estuarine wildlife, and the boat’s guides will bring you close to the striking coastal defences from the two World Wars that also remain preserved in this area. Two main providers leave from South Queensferry – Maid of the Forth Boat Tours and Forth Tours. Each of these well-managed providers offer an optional stay on the island, a tourist commentary, enclosed viewing decks, and refreshments on board. A beautiful trip well worth the ticket fare. This attraction closes November to 1 March. See: http://www.maidoftheforth.co.uk/ and http://www.forthtours.com/inchcolm.asp
A short ferry boat trip takes you to tranquil Inchmahome Priory on the Lake of Menteith
Inchmahome Priory: Not to be confused with the trip above, Inchmahome Priory is an Augustinian Monastery dating from 1238, which sits on the tranquil Lake of Menteith, just 17 miles or 25 mins drive from Stirling. The ferry service operates from the Port of Menteith and is a lower-key affair, with the ferry seating only 12 passengers and running on an on-demand basis. If the boat is not waiting at the pier when you arrive, turn the wooden board so that the white side faces the island, which will prompt the ferry to return. While the small scale of this operation is part of its charm, it does mean that visitors in wheelchairs are unlikely to be manage the visit. The peaceful island is rich in wildlife (look out for ospreys) and is a fabulous place for a picnic with stunning views. There is a small visitor centre. This attraction closes November to March. For tickets and more information: http://tickets.historic-scotland.gov.uk/webstore/shop/ViewItems.aspx?CG=TKTS&C=WSCW#inchmahome
Linlitghgow Canal Centre offers boat trips for those who love just being on the water
Linlithgow Canal Centre: If you like spending time on the water purely for its own sake, 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 30 June. 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 17th August and bring a picnic. For detail on ticket prices, cruises, special events and facilities, see: http://www.lucs.org.uk/
If these trips have whetted your appetite, visit this website http://www.visitscotland.com/ and search for ‘boat trips’ to find hundreds of options on offer.
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