by ssc | Apr 24, 2014 | Blog
Sometimes, less is more. When you’re taking a short break in a new place it’s all too tempting to cram all the better-known sites in for a whistle-stop tour. But often, you can absorb the feel of your temporary home all the better by exploring just one little bit of it at greater leisure – creating your own personal snapshot. For this week’s blog, we’re looking at just one little corner of Stirling, a very attractive and historic one, just under the shadow of the Wallace Monument, with the historic parish of ‘Logie’ at its heart.
Logie Kirk. The ruin of the original Logie Church stands 500m to the north of this church.
Logie Kirk and Old Kirk: Logie Kirk and Old Kirk lie at the edge of the Airthrey Estate, on the A99 Stirling to St Andrews Road and clearly signposted. There is ample parking at Logie Kirk, built in 1805 and still a thriving parish. From the car park, you’ll also spot the former gatehouse to the Airthrey Estate, whose grounds are now home to the University of Stirling. Walk up the wooded lane to Logie Kirk – it has a traditional wooden lych gate more often seen in English churches. Look up as you pass under for inscriptions underneath the roof. The graveyard is beautifully kept and well worth a walk on a bright day before walking up the narrow walled road to the site of Old Logie Kirk on your right. Now ruined, the old Kirk dates back to 1684, although mention is made of a church at Logie in 1178 by the Bishop of Dunblane. If you’re visiting in autumn, bring a bag – this lane yields bumper crops of blackberries in October. Take a moment to peek further up the narrow road past the old Kirk until you spot a cream-coloured cottage on the left. Although it has now seen better days, Garden Cottage became the first home to the University of Stirling in 1967, before any of the other campus buildings were created.
A clear day on the summit of Castle Law looking towards Dumyat, Ochil Hills, Stirling.
Dumyat Hill: By following this same narrow walled road up from Logie Kirk you can reach the hill of Dumyat, which affords great views across Stirling. You can park your car some way up on the junction with Sherriffmuir Road, before beginning the rest of the walk up to the top – this route provides one of the most gentle ascents (total elevation 418 metres). Foot paths to the Dumyat peak have recently been upgraded and, with good shoes, this steady climb will be manageable by most walkers. Add a stone to the cairn at the top before beginning your descent. Fitter visitors may be interested in taking part in (or watching!) the annual University of Stirling Dumyat Hill Race on 7 May: http://www.stir.ac.uk/dumyat/ For more information on Dumyat see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dumyat
Cambuskenneth Abbey, in Cambuskenneth village, Stirling
Cambuskenneth Abbey: Under the shadow of the Wallace Monument, not far from Logie Kirk, lies the picturesque village of Cambuskenneth. The village is home to the ruins of Cambuskenneth Abbey, a peaceful spot owned by Historic Scotland with free entrance to all visitors. The Abbey lies in the flat floodplain of the River Forth, encircled by one of the river’s long loops. In early summer, birdwatchers will enjoy larks rising from the surrounding farmland in full song. Founded in 1140 by Kind David I, the Abbey was home to Robert Bruce’s parliament in 1326. Both James III and his queen, Margaret of Denmark, were buried here in the 1480s. See: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertyresults/propertydetail.htm?PropID=PL_052
Blairmains Farm Shop and Coffee Bothy: Hungry? When you’re in this neck of the woods, an ideal place for a home cooked lunch and a few deli items to take home is Blairmains Farm Shop and Coffee Bothy. Situated just under the Witches Craig around a mile from Logie Kirk, the shop, restaurant and deli are open 10 til 4. For more details and directions see: www.blairmains.com/home
For detailed directions to all these sites from your holiday accommodation, you can use the following websites:
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by ssc | Apr 17, 2014 | Blog
Church of the Holy Rude
Everyone knows the benefits of walking; it’s cheap, healthy, protects the planet, and it can give you a whole new perspective on your surroundings. Walking gives us a chance to see new places at a slower pace, and to appreciate the details we miss by faster modes of transport. Often it’s the small things that make the best memories, so ditch the car, and enjoy Stirling on foot.
Stirling Old Town Walk: Stirling’s ‘Old Town’ is a small area crammed with history. Follow the route that everyone from king to cattle-trader took to enter the Castle area before the present city centre even appeared. Starting at Port Street, this 1km circle will take you past such landmarks as Cowane’s Hospital, the Church of the Holy Rude, Argyll’s lodging, as well as the city’s Mercat Cross and some of the Old Town’s oldest civic buildings. For details see: http://www.visitstirling.org/WalkDetails.aspx?docid=57&nav1=4
The Albert Halls in Stirling
The Back Walk: This 1.5km circle follows the route of the 16th-century old town walls, starting in Dumbarton Road. You will pass Stirling’s Albert Halls, the Stirling Smith Museum, and the celebrated villas of King’s Park, home to several of our properties. On a clear day, look west to see Ben Lomond, Scotland’s most southerly Munro before returning to the top of the Old Town. For details see: http://www.visitstirling.org/WalkDetails.aspx?docid=270&nav1=4
Just a glimpse of the some of the views to be enjoyed from the Abbey Craig,Stirling
Wallace Monument and Abbey Craig: For unrivalled views of Stirling in historic surroundings, as well as some gentle exercise, there is no vantage point quite like the Wallace Monument. Built on top of the Abbey Craig and reopening in April after a major refurbishment, the Monument is reached after a 15 minute steady walk up to the base – take your time or ask at the base Visitor Reception if you need to take the shuttle bus. From the top of the Abbey Craig (the base of the Monument itself) two marked trails explore the cliff-top woods and reveal some stunning views. The terrain is good but can be steep in places, so take your time and wear robust shoes. For more details see: http://www.instirling.com/wallace_monument_stirling.html
Stirling Walking Tours: If you prefer to follow a guide who knows the area intimately and will entertain along the way, then Stirling Walking Tours may be for you. Highly rated on Trip Advisor, Stirling Walking Tours offer comedy, drama and storytelling as they guide you through the streets of Stirling in full costume. Book on their website (no minimum numbers required) or email to arrange your own tailored tour. For details see: http://www.stirlingwalkingtours.com/
Stirling Ghost Walk: If you’ve a penchant for the ghoulish side of history, then you’ll enjoy a Stirling Ghost walk! Their tours offer “Fear, Fun and Frights for all the Family” in comic and creepy night-time walks round the city. Meet at the Old Town Jail in John Street, Stirling, with no need to pre-book. For dates and details, see: http://www.stirlingghostwalk.com/
For more ideas, take a look at these websites:
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by ssc | Apr 3, 2014 | Blog
If you are staying in Stirling and enjoy a wee dram, what could be better than creating your own whisky trail? The following attractions are all within 30 miles of Stirling, so the designated driver will have things easy. If you find any other distilleries just a stone’s throw from Stirling (Perthshire is another whole whisky holiday in itself …) then do let us know!
Deanston whisky distillery in Doune, just 8 miles from Stirling
Deanston Distillery: Located in Doune, just eight miles from Stirling and nestling at the entrance to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Deanston Distillery is a hidden gem. This former cotton mill sits beside the River Teith and has been distilling whisky using traditional methods since the 1960s. Take a 50 minute tour from just £8, enjoy a dram and redeem £5 against a bottle of Deanston malt, renowned for a sweet flavour that delivers a malty, honeyed spiciness on the palate. Or make an event of it with a hand-crafted tour that includes an ample three drams. Touring done, there is excellent food to be had in the distillery’s café, the Coffee Bothy. For bookings, directions and more details, see: http://www.deanstonmalt.com/
Tullibardine whisky distillery and visitor centre in Blackford
Tullibardine Distillery: A sweet, elegant and complex malt whisky, Tullibardine has been distilled at its Blackford home since 1949. The distillery uses clear waters from the Danny Burn in the Ochil Hills, the very same spring bottled by the famous brand name ‘Highland Spring’. The distillery’s location at this gateway to the Highlands is historic; the earliest sale of beer was recorded here in 1488, when the young King James 4th of Scotland stopped by on his way to his coronation to buy beer from the local brewery. The distillery is just 14 miles from Stirling and runs daily tours. To book a tour do phone ahead on 01764 661809. For directions, and more details, see http://www.tullibardine.com/
Oak casks in the warehouse of Glengoyne whisky distillery near Killearn
Glengoyne Distillery: Claiming the slowest distillation process in Scotland, Glengoyne Distillery lies just 26 miles from Stirling city centre in Dumgoyne, near Killearn. A whitewashed building at the foot of Dumgoyne Hill, the distillery has been producing since 1833 using only traditional methods, the finest oak casks, and time. The result: a single malt whose 10 year old bottle yields flavours of fresh green apples, toffee and a hint of nuttiness. Visitors can choose from a variety of tours, ranging from a standard tour at £7.50 a head to an in-depth masterclass for connoisseurs at £125 per person. Every tour is guaranteed to be entertaining – they’ve been described ‘best whisky tour’ by The Sunday Times. For more information and directions, see: http://www.glengoyne.com/
Stirling Whisky shop: If you’ve still time on your hands, head to the Stirling Whisky Shop within the Stirling Highland Hotel. There you will find Stirling’s largest selection of Scotch Whiskies, gins, vodka, liqueurs and beers, accompanied by a selection of wine, champagne, cognac, plus much more. There are daily whisky tastings, a monthly whisky club, and you can benefit from the experience of a small team of dedicated staff who really do know their whisky. For information, events and directions see: http://www.stirlingwhiskyshop.com/
by ssc | Mar 27, 2014 | Blog
Easter – it’s that time of year when we start to venture outdoors again after the colder months, and family outings are definitely back on the agenda. To help you organise your Easter break, we’ve had a look at some of the best family-friendly Easter events available this year.
The National Trust for Scotland and Cadbury are organising events throughout Scotland
National Trust Easter egg trails: The National Trust and Cadbury are re-running their hugely popular Easter egg trails in 45 sites across Scotland this year from Friday 18 to Monday 21 April. Participating venues nearest Stirling are the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre, Alloa Tower, and House of the Binns near Linlithgow. For 2014, the theme is adventurers – children will receive a make-it-yourself pith helmet, a Trail Journal containing all the clues needed to complete the trail and an Eggsplorer Passport to be stamped along the way. On completing the trail they will be rewarded with a Cadbury Egghead. For more details, prices and events near you: http://www.nts.org.uk/Easter and https://www.eastereggtrail.com/
The Macrobert: Stirling’s leading venue for cinema and the arts kicks off the Easter holidays with their Big Dance Day on April 5. This ambitious event includes dance workshops at the Macrob, dance trails for all ages around Stirling, and free ‘pop-up’ performances in Stirling city centre. Join in! For details and bookings, see: http://www.macrobert.org/letsdance.htm For a laid-back Easter weekend after all that, children will love Rio 2 or Tinkerbell and the Pirate Fairy in the Macrobert’s kid-friendly cinema theatre on 19th and 20th April. Or there’s the live performance of The Adventures of Robin Hood on Saturday 19th at 2pm, suitable for children 7 years and over. For bookings and further info on all these events, see: http://www.macrobert.org/
The Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway has lots of Easter fun lined up for its little passengers
Easter Special Steam Trains: If your children love the excitement of trains, then head to Bo’ness and Kinneil Steam Railway for Easter Egg Special Trains from 18 to 21 April. Every child passenger receives an Easter Treat, and those wearing Easter bonnets can win a prize too. Easter egg hunts are taking place in the museum after your train ride. Book soon: these events are really popular! For details and tickets: http://www.bkrailway.co.uk/your-visit/events/
Easter at Stirling Castle: One of Scotland’s most magnificent castles is opening its doors for a family-focused Easter this year on 20th and 21st April. The weekend includes live shows, children’s activities, Hamish the Highlander and Pickles the Bear, games in the gardens, and you can even become a court jester for a day. All Easter activities are included in the normal ticket price. For details and fast-track booking, see the website here: http://www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/
The Falkirk Wheel plans a busy schedule this Easter
The Falkirk Wheel: Alongside the normal service of rides on the Wheel, there is lots of Easter-themed fun at the Falkirk Wheel for the Easter weekend of 19-21 April. There will be a visit from the Easter bunny who needs help to find his friends hidden round the wheel, and there will be a choice of children’s games and crafts, including creating Easter cards and bunny masks, as well as a visit from the Bird of Prey Centre and a ‘special guest’. Check the Wheel’s website and Facebook page for info and prices: http://www.thefalkirkwheel.co.uk/events-at-the-falkirk-wheel/easter-fun-at-the-falkirk-wheel
Callendar House in Falkirk: The house offers a series of great, free Easter events throughout the holidays. Children can make their own fluffy Easter chicks on 8th, 10th, 15th and 17th April. Or, you can sample tradition Easter foods including simnel cake, hot cross buns and hot chocolate 7th to 21st April (2-4pm) in the Georgian kitchens. There will be a lamb roast cooked over an open fire on Saturday 19th April – go along and have a sample. These activities are all free. For further details, download the House’s brochure (see top right on the following web page): http://www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/venues/callendar-house/
Have a fabulous Easter everyone!
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by ssc | Mar 20, 2014 | Blog
An Comunn Gaidhealach, the parent body of The Mòd, is based in Inverness
Hear the word ‘Mod’ in general conversation and you may be forgiven for distant memories of parkas, scooters, and thin leather neckties. But to many, if not most Scots, ‘The Mòd’ signifies something very different, and is nothing less than one of Scotland’s greatest expressions of its Gaelic culture.
In its original meaning, the Gaelic word mòd refers to any kind of gathering or assembly. But in contemporary Scottish understanding, the Mòd is an annual festival of Scottish Gaelic song, arts, and culture that is held in a different Scottish location every October. This year, Inverness plays host to the Royal National Mòd. This event draws visitors not only from all over Scotland and the UK, but attracts tourists and competitors from across the globe. For the Mòd is not only a celebration of the most traditional aspects of Gaelic culture, but a (sometimes fierce) competition between some of the most talented musicians and Gaelic singers you are likely to witness.
A choir from the Stirling Mòd perform in Stirling City Centre
Perhaps most significantly for the health and longevity of the Gaelic language and its culture, the Mòd isn’t confined to one event in the annual calendar. Local or ‘provincial’ Mòds are held throughout the year in towns and cities across Scotland, providing the heats which feed into the final competitions of the National Mòd. This year, the Stirling Mòd (or Mòd Shruighlea, in Gaelic) is held on 16 and 17 May, slap bang in perhaps Scotland’s sunniest month – the weather always seems to be at its very best in full spring. Lined up for this busy weekend are piping and fiddle competitions, as well as recitation, solo and duet singing, and choral singing contests – all in Gaelic. Children and adults alike take part, and the festival concludes in a ceilidh where the tension of competition is forgotten and both entrants and organisers let off steam in a traditional night of music and dancing. We spoke to Kirsty Galloway, Entries Secretary for the Stirling Mòd, to learn more.
‘In addition to the long established Coisir Og Shruighlea (Stirling Junior Gaelic Choir) Stirling’s Gaelic school Riverside Primary provides many entrants, but we are also starting to see entries from other local schools as interest in Gaelic grows throughout Scotland.’ The competitions are well subscribed – the piping competition alone will attract around 70 junior entrants, for example. But is the Mòd an exclusive club where only Gaelic speakers are accepted? Far from it, it turns out: ‘Take the choir,’ explains Kirsty, ‘perhaps only half of the choral singers are able to speak Gaelic.’ She classes herself as a non-speaker too. However, once people start to get involved, it’s clear that many find the lure of the language irresistible and start to learn it for themselves: ‘The whole point of the Mòd is to promote the Gaelic language by encouraging people to take part,’ Kirsty explains.
The Mod Ceilidh dance is an ideal introduction to Gaelic culture for tourists
So, how do visitors, tourists, and those new to the Mòd get a flavour of this annual festival of Gaelic culture? ‘Turning up at the Stirling Mòd without knowing Gaelic might be a bit confusing!’ says Kirsty. ‘Perhaps the best idea is to come to our closing ceilidh, join in the dances, and hear the best competitors deliver their winning performances again. It’s inclusive and child friendly too – that would be a good introduction!’
Good luck to all the organisers and competitors this year. And if you want to take Kirsty’s suggestion and see what it’s all about, the Stirling Mòd Ceilidh takes place at 7.30 on Saturday 17 May at the Golden Lion Hotel, Stirling. Tickets will be available at the door. Enjoy!
For more information, see: https://www.facebook.com/modshruighlea Or follow the Stirling Mòd on Twitter at: @ModShruighlea
Photos: An Comunn Gaidhealach The Royal National Mod sign and hanging basket outside the offices in Church Street, Inverness: Colin Smith [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Other photos by kind permission of https://www.facebook.com/modshruighlea
by ssc | Mar 13, 2014 | Blog
John Muir travelled alone, 'carrying only a tin cup, a handful of tea, a loaf of bread, and a copy of Emerson'
John Muir is widely known as the ‘Father of the National Parks’. Almost singlehandedly, the author and ecologist was responsible for the safeguarding of such famous and vital habitats as Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park and many of America’s most untouched wildernesses. He is loudly and deservedly hailed in the United States as a conservation pioneer, visionary, and activist. But back here in Scotland, where John Muir was born, you could be forgiven for having overlooked him entirely. However, this April sees the opening of the John Muir Way, which should change that forever.
Early years: John Muir was born in the Scottish town of Dunbar, East Lothian, on April 21 1838. The third child of eight in a strict Presbyterian family, John had a less than happy upbringing and endured many a beating at the hands of his father Daniel Muir. Forbidden to study anything other than the bible at home, John read secretly, devouring books on natural history and other subjects into the small hours, while his family slept. In 1849, the family emigrated to Winsconsin in the United States, where the restless boy had even wider landscapes to discover – this time on horseback.
A new purpose: Age 22, John began University, studying an eclectic mix of subjects including botany, chemistry and geology, though he never graduated. However, after two years he’d learned enough for his own needs, which were to study and understand the natural world around him. In 1866 John was working as a sawyer, when an eye injury focussed his ambitions. John was confined to darkness for six weeks, where he contemplated the future. Regaining both his sight and his purpose, he soon set off on his famous 1,000 mile walk from Indiana to Florida, published as ‘A Thousand Mile Walk to the Gulf’.
John Muir and President Roosevelt camped together at Glacier Point, Yosemite in 1903
A figurehead for nature: Muir then travelled to California, where he lived for three years in a simple cabin in Yosemite. Scientists, artists, and celebrities of the day visited, drawn by his knowledge of the terrain and his skills of storytelling. Among them was Ralph Waldo Emerson. The essayist and lecturer offered John a teaching position at Harvard, which he declined. Despite his obvious reluctance to follow a ‘typical’ career path, John was writing ever more widely about his studies and travels, catching the eye of Century magazine. Editor Robert Underwood Johnson promised to publish anything John could write about the preservation of the Yosemite area, and crucially, helped introduce a bill to Congress to establish it as a national park. It was successful. In 1892, Muir was also elected President to the newly created ‘Sierra Club’, a conservation society protecting the American wilderness. John’s standing as a spokesperson for nature was secured, and he went on writing and campaigning until his death on Christmas Eve, 1914.
John Muir's birthplace in Dunbar will mark the starting point of the new John Muir Way
The John Muir Way: Back home in Scotland, the John Muir Festival will take place from 17 to 26 April 2014. The festival’s strapline ‘Bringing John Muir Home’ says it all; as a nation we need to get to know John Muir better – he is, after all, one of our most influential exports. The newly created John Muir Way will commemorate 100 years since his death, and will stretch from his birthplace in Dunbar to the waters of the Clyde at Helensburgh. The new path will open up the varied landscape of Central Scotland for all to enjoy and respect, as well as provide a walker’s gateway into Scotland’s first National Park at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. John Muir would definitely have approved.
For information on the John Muir Festival and maps of the John Muir Way see: http://www.johnmuirfestival.com/
- Photo credits: John Muir’s Birthplace: By Otter (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
- John Muir/John Muir with Roosevelt: public domain images
