New Year: New Horizons

by | Jan 10, 2018 | Blog

January: the month of clean slates and fresh starts. The month that most of make over-ambitious New Year’s resolutions, and the very same month that 90 percent* of us abandon them. This year, how about we ditch all other New Year’s resolutions, and resolve instead to travel, making life a little bigger and brighter for a while?

Forget chia seeds and detox. Broaden your horizons this January.

Forget chia seeds and detox. Broaden your horizons this January.

Glasgow co-hosts the European Championships. Take time to explore it.

Glasgow co-hosts the European Championships. Take time to explore it.

Plan your break in Scotland this January

Scotland is consistently popular amongst tourists. Not just because of its warm welcome, stunning landscapes, and historical narrative, but because there’s just so much to see and do here, especially in 2018. A new era in world sport gets underway this summer as Glasgow and Berlin host the inaugural European Championships. Glasgow and Scotland will host Aquatics, Cycling, Golf, Gymnastics, Rowing and Triathlon while Berlin hosts Athletics. You can buy Glasgow tickets here: http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/glasgow2018. Whether you get tickets or not, simply being in Glasgow throughout that time will be unforgettable, just as London was illuminated throughout the 2012 Olympic Games, and even months later. In addition, Scotland will be celebrating its ‘Year of Young People’ (http://yoyp2018.scot/), a packed, 12-month calendar of events including comedy festivals, film festivals, TED talks, design festivals, a comic con, poetry slam and much more, with events being added all the time.

Make Stirling your base

If you were to pick one place from which to explore the very best of Scotland throughout 2018, you’d be hard-pressed to better Stirling. Because of its central location, Stirling is less than one hour’s drive time from more than half of the population of Scotland**, and only 45 minutes’ drive from either Glasgow or Edinburgh airports. You can head north to Inverness in just 2 hours and 45 minutes, east to Aberdeen in 2 hours and five minutes, or west to Oban – gateway to the Western Isles – in 2 hours and 10. Five minutes’ walk from the Stirling city centre, Stirling rail station offers direct routes to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee, and Inverness too, not to mention the coach services. Suddenly, most of Scotland is accessible, and you can still be home for dinner.

Go self-catering

So where would home be? Hotels can be an expensive choice, especially if you want to get up early and hit the road sightseeing, possibly missing fixed breakfast and dinner times. For the freedom you need to explore Scotland at your own pace, then self-catering could be the best option for you. Families can spread out, eat when (and what) they want, pack picnics, and, if you’re staying with Stirling Self Catering, make use of cots, high chairs, and toys – for free. A safe, enclosed garden is a welcome space after a day’s sightseeing, and preferable to hotel balconies that leave you terrified for your toddler. Because you’ll have room to unpack belongings instead of living out of a suitcase, self-catering gives you the chance to feel, and live, like a local, the very best way to immerse yourself in a new place. View our luxury properties here: https://www.stirlingselfcatering.co.uk/properties/ If you are on a budget, we have some stylish and affordable apartments that offer value and comfort: http://budgetaccommodationstirling.co.uk/

So, what’s your New Year resolution for 2018 now? Still eat more veg? Or plan the holiday of a lifetime? Why not come to Stirling for an unforgettable self-catering break, and while you’re at it, try the Farmers Market (http://www.stirlingfarmersmarket.co.uk/) for fresh, local fruit and veg too. Who says you can’t have everything?

Our properties are your perfect base

Our properties are your perfect base

Huddle up to the wood-burning stove at Oakside Cottage

Huddle up to the wood-burning stove at Oakside Cottage

  • To help plan your perfect break: https://www.visitscotland.com/about/themed-years/young-people/
  • *https://www.statisticbrain.com/new-years-resolution-statistics/
  • **Source: Visitstirling.com
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Local Hero: Elin Isaksson Glass

by | Dec 14, 2017 | Blog

On the outskirts of Stirling, near Cambusbarron, there’s a busy artist’s studio preparing for Christmas. It is here that Elin Isaksson creates unique, hand-blown glass pieces for lighting, and sculptures for commission. Hailing from Sweden, and a big part of Stirling’s small biz community, Elin is this month’s Local Hero.

Elin at work on glass in her studio: © copyright photo by Tina Norris

Elin at work in her studio: © copyright photo by Tina Norris

Oval Rock Pool glass

Oval Rock Pool. Photo Shannon Tofts

Training

Elin trained at the famous Orrefors Glass School in Sweden, learning her country’s traditional techniques of glassmaking. Thereafter, she refined her expertise with apprenticeships in Sweden, France and Italy, before settling on Scotland as her creative home: ‘I applied for schools in Britain and Denmark, and got into Edinburgh College of Art and a school in Brinholm, Denmark. I chose Edinburgh in the end. Which is lucky, since I met my husband there on my second day!’

Inspiration from nature

Elin’s inspiration comes from the interaction of light, texture and movement in nature. She explains that she looks to the landscapes of both Scotland and Sweden for her artistic ideas, taking endless photographs along the coast of Scotland and in the north of Sweden. ‘Scotland reminds me a lot of Sweden,’ explains Elin, ‘but it’s so much greener, and with colder summers! I do miss my warm summer, but not the cold dark winters in the North of Sweden…’ Elin’s glass pieces seem to interpret the landscape as through their own lens, and are aimed to ‘capture a sense of place, a small detail or an atmosphere, rather than reproduce a direct likeness of an object or form.’ Because of this, Elin’s works speak as much to the heart as to the eye.

Techniques

Glass-blowing techniques allow Elin to create elegant and simple forms with subtle, subdued colour blends. Often, she will stretch or bend the molten glass at the last moment, infusing the piece with a sense of movement – using what Elin describes as the ‘intense energy of molten glass’. In her cast pieces, Elin is intrigued by the contrast of rough texture within smooth surfaces – an effect made possible by pouring hot glass into one-off sand moulds. Depth, structure, and detail come from the hand-blown shards and strings of glass that Elin traps inside her pieces.

National and local clients

It’s little wonder that such creative talent has caught the eye of companies as big as Oil & Gas UK, Glenfiddich, and the National Museum of Scotland. But Elin is also a champion of her small business peers, providing cast pieces for local businesswoman Suzie Moore at Made in the Shed, among others.

The challenge

And what does she love most about her job? ‘I love creating with my hands. Glass is so beautiful, but very tricky to tame. Every day is a challenge; something always goes wrong, but at the end of the day you usually manage to create some fabulous pieces. It is a job for people who love a fresh challenge every day. The process of glass blowing is very rewarding when you finally succeed!’

Whisky glass. Photo: Shannon Tofts

Hand-made whisky glasses. Photo Shannon Tofts

Liquid Ice Bowl. Photo Shannon Tofts

Liquid Ice Bowl. Photo Shannon Tofts

Elin is taking Christmas orders up until 19th of December! Use Discount code ‘XMAs17’ to receive 15% discount off her glass at: www.scotlandglassblowing.co.uk

Photo credits: 

  • Glass images by Shannon Tofts
  • Photo of Elin at work by Tina Norris
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Light up November

by | Nov 8, 2017 | Blog

The clocks have changed and the mercury’s falling – November is always the month when we realise we’re on the road to winter. But there’s plenty to celebrate in November, so throw another log on that fire and huddle up with your diary!

Join the Supernova 5K to light up the Kelpies at dusk
Join the Supernova 5K to light up the Kelpies at dusk
Join in the fun of Stirling's Christmas lights switch-on
Join in the fun of Stirling’s Christmas lights switch-on

Supernova 5K

What better way to light up the darker evenings than with a run, jog or walk round the Helix Park? There are still slots left in the Supernova 5K for this Sunday, 10 November. Round up everyone – grandparents, uncles, aunties, parents, kids, friends and dig out anything that glows or flashes. Get yourselves suitably sparkly and set off at your own pace – there are no time limits at all. And by the way, fancy dress is strongly encouraged. This event is for everyone – from runners striving for a personal best, to the toddler taking their first steps. Enjoy. For more information, and booking (hurry!), visit: https://www.supernovarun.com/kelpies/

Christmas Lights Switch On

Come and see Santa and his reindeer start the festive celebrations in Stirling City Centre on Sunday 17 November. Santa’s reindeer will be outside the Albert Halls from 1.00pm. They will then join Santa and some special friends and set off through the city centre at 2.00pm, winding their way through Corn Exchange and down King Street, Murray Place, Friars Street, Baker Street, Corn Exchange then returning to the Albert Halls for a well-earned rest until 3.15pm. Host Jennie Cook will keep everyone entertained with festive fun at the foot of King Street from 3pm. The entertainment will include performances from Stirling High School, the Tolbooth Young Performers, Funbox and local singer Alix Muir, who will keep the crowd dancing with her pop covers until the big switch on at 5.00pm. And it’s all free! For more information, visit: www.stirlingwinterfestival.com

Rapunzel: A Hair-braiding Adventure

November 22 opens the annual Macrobert Panto Extravaganza, whose tickets sell like hot-cakes, so it’s wise to choose your dates now. This year’s panto is written by, directed by and starring the fabulous Johnny McKnight in ‘Rapunzel: A Hair-braiding Adventure’. Poor Rapunzel’s been locked up in a tower her entire life with no telly, no Wi-Fi and no dry shampoo! But she has dreams – of walking barefoot around the mythical land they call Tullibody, of meeting her one true love and singing a duet, and of getting her hair cut. But one day the lonely Rapunzel has a surprising visit in her tower – Prince Rocco is armed and dangerous with a pair of scissors and a plan. The show runs 22 Nov to 31 Dec. For more information, visit: https://macrobertartscentre.org/event/rapunzel-a-hair-braiding-adventure/

St Andrew’s Day

Scotland’s patron saint was known for his thoughtfulness and concern for others – so this St. Andrew’s Day the National Wallace Monument will follow his ethos to share with others by providing all visitors FREE ADMISSION. You’ll want to be at the Monument bright and early on Saturday 30th November to celebrate St. Andrew’s Day 2019 with free admission (Saturday only), face painting and performances of ‘Scotland’s National Hero‘. The Monument and Legends Coffee House will be open from 10:00am until 4:00pm, and there are lots of great ideas for some early Christmas shopping in the Souvenir & Gift Shop. Wrap up warm and celebrate the country’s patron saint while learning more about another national treasure – Sir William Wallace. For more information, visit: https://www.nationalwallacemonument.com/ht_event/st-andrews-day/

Panto fun at the Macrobert
Panto fun at the Macrobert
Free entry to many Scottish landmarks for St Andrew's Day
Free entry to many Scottish landmarks for St Andrew’s Day
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Local Hero: Made in the Shed

by | Oct 26, 2017 | Blog

Suzie Moore runs her home décor business, Made in the Shed, from her home in beautiful Stirling. Her range of boards are designed with love to help organise busy lives, as well as bring pleasure to the eye. A former team member here at Stirling Self Catering, we caught up with Suzie to learn more about her thriving business.

Organising life just a little more beautifully

Organising life just a little more beautifully

Suzie's boards reflect the palette and textures of the Scottish landscape

Suzie’s boards reflect the palette and textures of the Scottish landscape

Seizing the day

Suzie launched Made in the Shed after redundancy from her public-sector job presented her with an unexpected opportunity: “I have a young family and being able to work locally, with flexible hours, meant I could have the best of both worlds! I graduated from Grays School of Art in Aberdeen way back in 1994, and I’ve found it really energising to rediscover the creative me!”

Inspiration from Scotland’s landscape

Where did she get the inspiration to create her range? “I love the colours and textures abundant in Scotland. As a dog owner I am out in all weathers, and never tire of the beauty around us – even in the rain. I have family in the Outer Hebrides, where I can soak up the colours of the ever-changing landscape. I’m also a list fanatic. I have an eternal quest for bringing some semblance of organisation to our busy family life. This is where my chalkboards were born.”

Utility and beauty

Suzie’s boards bring together utility and beauty, but what do her customers love most? “I get great feedback about the boards having a magnetic section, for organising all the important pieces of paper that follow us through our busy lives, and a section for writing up messages and notes to jog our memory. This practicality, combined with stunning Harris Tweed fabrics, and hand-formed glass magnets, provides a welcome addition to any home. I make all boards by hand and pride myself on a high-quality finish.”

Hebridean tradition

Why Harris Tweed? “This fabric is steeped in history and renowned world-wide. All of it is dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides, and hand-woven in the home of the Harris Tweed weaver. It’s an ecologically sound textile, and the island communities are proud to pass their techniques down through the generations.”

Perfect partners

To complement the Harris Tweed, Suzie searched for the perfect magnet for her boards. “I’m so lucky to work with Elin Isaksson who has a studio locally in Cambusbarron. Elin is an incredibly talented glass artist who creates the glass for my magnets.  I love getting a delivery and seeing the individual characteristics in every piece of glass.”

Sharing the fun

It’s clear that there’s a part of Suzie that feels honoured to create something that families can use and enjoy. “It’s heart-warming to make boards as wedding gifts. My customers put in so much thought and consideration, deciding on which fabric suits the newly-weds’ taste, and the wording they choose to commemorate the big day. Sharing in the excitement is a privilege and my customers always give feedback when the Bride and Groom receive their gift. I had a ‘goose bump moment’ recently, when a customer wanted her family name on her board. She intended to pass it on to her children for when they grow up, have their own families, and begin to appreciate how hectic life can be. It was lovely to know the customer considered her board something that should stand the test of time!”

Hand-formed glass by Elin Isaksson make Suzie's magnets something special

Hand-formed glass by Elin Isaksson make Suzie’s magnets something special

Made in the Shed choose fabrics to suit both you and your home

Suzie loves choosing fabrics that suit both you and your home

More information:

Photo credits: All photos kindly supplied by Suzie Moore. All photos reamin copyright of Suzie Moore.

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Hygge happiness: it’s time to embrace the chill

by | Oct 10, 2017 | Blog

Recent research claims that the Danish are actually the happiest people on the planet, and it’s all down to ‘hygge’. Loosely pronounced ‘hoo-gah’, this term roughly translates to a cosiness of the soul, or contented mindfulness. Hygge is an appreciation of simple pleasures, embracing indulgence, cherishing yourself, and living in the moment. It’s one of the reasons the Danish thrive, even through tough winters. So, now that the mercury’s falling, why not discover hygge in Stirling?

October: time to embrace the season the Danish way
October: time to embrace the season the Danish way
When you've done something worthy, coming home to this is even better

See Doug Scott at the Albert Halls, Stirling, and check out the menu at Henderson’s Bistro, too

Stretch your mind

There’s nothing more in keeping with hygge than listening to an inspiring talk in a beautiful theatre – it’s all about coming in from the cold night to the warmth, the plush seats, the massage of your intellect, and that glass of wine at interval. Here are a couple of ideas to inspire you:

Tamed, with Professor Alice Roberts is at the The Macrobert, Stirling on 17 October. How do you tame wildness? Join Alice Roberts as she delves into archaeology, history and genetics to reveal the amazing stories of the species that became our allies. From dogs, cattle and horses to wheat, potatoes and apples, find out how taming all these species has left its mark on them – and us. For more information, visit: http://macrobertartscentre.org/event/tame-with-alice-roberts-/

Doug Scott: Crawling Down the Ogre is presented at the Albert Halls on 26 October. Doug Scott’s greatest adventure is undoubtedly his first ascent, accident and then escape from The Ogre, the most difficult of the world’s high mountains. In 1977 Doug Scott and Chris Bonington made the first ascent. While abseiling off the summit, Doug slipped on ice, breaking both legs just above the ankles, before suffering broken ribs and pneumonia. It took eight days to reach Base Camp – made possible only by the selfless support of Clive Rowland and Mo Anthoine. For more information, visit: http://culturestirling.org/events/doug-scott-crawling-ogre/

Outdoors

Wrap up warm, see your breath on the air, and pack up your family to embrace hygge outdoors too. And get the slow-cooker on for your return home.

The Woodland Light Experience is a brilliant family-friendly event in central Scotland, just a short drive from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth. ‘Reflections’ is an all new light and sound show for 2017. Set in a private woodland near Balfron, on the edge of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, the trees and dark autumn skies are the natural backdrop to a magical theatre of light and colour. Explore the woodland paths at night, illuminated with stunning lighting effects and installations. For more information, visit: http://www.woodlandexperiences.co.uk/light-experience/

Bo’ness and Kinneil Steam Gala on 21-22 October promises a nostalgic weekend of steam and spectacle. There will be a variety of steam locomotives at this family-friendly heritage railway and museum. Get yourself a hot chocolate and a hunk of cake in their café afterwards too! For more information, visit: http://www.bkrailway.co.uk/your-visit/events/

Food

Wonder what to put in that slow-cooker? Hygge eats hearty, so stock up for autumn from these local suppliers.

Stirling Farmers Market has an autumnal twist this Saturday, from 10-4, in Port Street Stirling. There will be pumpkins for Halloween, organic squashes and vegetable spaghetti, seasonal game and wild venison, new locally hand-made cheeses, plus all the regular 25 or so stalls. Take time to chat to your stall-holder too, and make your grocery shop a day out rather than a chore. It’s the ‘hygge way’! For more information, visit: http://www.stirlingfarmersmarket.co.uk/

Falleninch Farm has some of the best beef for miles around, perfect for colder nights, slow-cooking and comfort food. Pop in to see them at their farm butcher’s shop under the shadow of the Castle – the parking is free. If you’re pushed for time, there’s free local delivery for orders over £50 too. https://www.falleninchfarm.co.uk/about-us/

Music

And lastly, hygge means taking time out of your schedule just for you, so how about some music for an autumn evening with a friend you’ve not seen in a while?

Joe Longthorne is at the Albert Halls, Stirling on 19 October, joined on stage by his live band and special guests. Joe’s performance is bog on nostalgia, with a musical rollercoaster of songs and impressions including Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, and more. Enough song, chat and laughter to light up any dark night. For more information, visit: http://culturestirling.org/events/joe-longthorne/

China Crisis are at The Tolbooth, Stirling on 20 October to showcase songs from their new album ‘Autumn in the Neighbourhood’. It’s their first album of new material in 20 years. Eddie Lundon and Gary Daly are the founder members of the band which started in Kirkby, Merseyside back in 1979. Known for their string of hit singles, including African & White, Working with Fire and Steel, Black Man Ray and Wishful Thinking, the band will be performing these classics and more, alongside tracks from the new album. For more information, visit: http://culturestirling.org/events/china-crisis-autumn-neighbourhood/

Magical illuminations at the Balfron Woodland Light Experience
Magical illuminations at the Balfron Woodland Light Experience
Falleninch's distinctive herd under the shadow of Stirling Castle
Falleninch’s distinctive herd under the shadow of Stirling Castle

 

Photo credits:

  • Albert Halls exterior: Kenneth Allen [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.
  • Falleninch Farm: Kindly supplied and reproduced with permission of Falleninch Farm.
  • Woodland Light Experience: Image courtesy of Woodland Experiences Ltd.

 

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Local Hero: The Hideaway Café

by | Sep 20, 2017 | Blog

Tucked down a lane in beautiful Bridge of Allan is The Hideaway Café. Opened in 2014 by owner Elena Menichetti, the aptly named Hideaway is a Scandi-inspired hangout, that is ‘all about socialising and escaping’. Just a stone’s throw from one of our newest properties at Walmer Apartment, it’s also our Local Hero this month. We spoke to Elena to find out what makes her café so special.

The Hideaway Cafe, Bridge of Allan

Quirky, cosy and fun: the interior of The Hideaway

The Hideaway Cafe, Bridge of Allan

Bringing the comfort of Scandi hygge to the heart of Bridge of Allan

Both stylish and homey, The Hideaway Café interior brings together the cosy spirit of Scandi hygge with Elena’s training in fashion. And the setting is perfect, though Elena had her doubters: ‘I chose Bridge of Allan because I was brought up there. My family’s restaurant is 30 years strong and the longest standing restaurant in the village. People thought I was mad opening up ‘another’ café – especially down a lane – but I knew it was missing from the village. I just knew it would work and it did!’

Home is where the heart is

Was it an obvious career path? ‘Restaurants run in my family; I was brought up in one. As I grew older I swore to my dad I wouldn’t end up working for the family, which he respected. Then I reached a certain age, college had ended, the fun had stopped, my family was growing bigger by the day with nephews and nieces – and I met someone. Home now looked so much more appealing, so I decided to open my own place.’

Team work and pride

When asked about what makes the café work so well, Elena points first to her people: ‘The core behind The Hideaway is the team. I never call myself the owner or the boss, because I’m part of that team. And because every single one of us takes so much pride in working there.’ And what does it offer its clientele? ‘The Hideaway is so many different things to different people,’ observes Elena, ‘but for me I think it’s laid back, all about coffee, all about good food and all about chilled-out vibes. It’s a little bit ‘city’ too, a bit quirky, and I think people appreciate that!’

Valuable time

But behind the aesthetics, Elena knows a thing or two about graft: ‘The thing I learned most from my family growing up in a successful restaurant was consistency. Be really good at what you do. Work really hard. And be consistent. That’s why our regular customers come back. Because they know what they’re getting – every time. Life is fast-paced for many of us, and people enjoy spending money on nice things. If they know they can come and leave feeling the little time they had wasn’t wasted, and that their money was well spent, then we’re doing our job.’

An ever-evolving menu

And what are the café’s food inspirations? ‘My favourite thing to do at the cafe is change the forever-changing menu. Staying ahead of the game and coming up with new dishes you won’t find elsewhere. I’m forever reading cookbooks, pinning on Pinterest and screenshotting on Instagram. I’m lucky I have an awesome chef who listens to me and gets my vision. Seeing what you had imagined on a plate going out to customers is pretty cool.’

A family’s heritage

It’s clear that Elena’s heritage is at the very heart of the café: ‘I’m from a really driven family. It’s totally built in me. My papa – who passed away last year – was a diligent, amazing man and – I guess from the age of three – watching him in his pet shop and seeing how hard he worked, rubbed off on me. Followed by watching my parents. I’d hang around their business when I was young, waiting for them to finish up. I’d listen to the regulars, who would always say how hard-working they were. My drive is to be the same, and to make them proud – which I know I have.’

The Hideaway Cafe, Bridge of Allan
The Hideaway Cafe, Bridge of Allan
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