Stirling: Alive with Scotland

by | Apr 19, 2017 | Blog

A new campaign promoting business and tourism was recently launched in Stirling’s Tolbooth. The aim is to make the City a thriving, world-class destination that’s “Alive with Scotland”. Big changes are coming, and there’s lots to look forward to!

Spanned by Stirling Old Bridge, the River Forth will regain its importance to the City
The River and Stirling’s City Centre will become a newly integrated space
The Albert Halls will become a Digital Campus for key events and conferences
The Albert Halls will become a Digital Campus for key events and conferences

The launch was celebrated with a short (and beautiful!) film, projected onto the Castle rock and onto the Wallace Monument. Familiar places appear, from Stirling Castle and the Battle of Bannockburn to Deanston Distillery and music at Nicky Tams. Sports, technology, and community learning are spotlighted. It’s only three uplifting minutes long, and well worth the watch – see it here: https://youtu.be/_21sy0ABhcw

What’s the campaign all about?

With the strapline ‘Alive with Scotland’, the campaign promotes Stirling as it completes its City Deal, which secures funding and investment in Stirlingshire tourism, leisure, and business. The deal will create jobs, support local projects, and ensure the City’s continued prosperity.  It’s all part of the plan to get Stirling – already a thriving city – onto the world stage as a destination, not only for tourists, but for its communities, and for international business too. There are plans for significant investment in housing and transport. There are plans for the development of a new Stirling Sports Village. And there’s a new multi-partnership cultural strategy for the area, as well as a refreshed rural economic strategy.

What are the projects?

There are six key projects under way:

The Harbour

This will bring together the River and Stirling’s City centre to create a new integrated space. The Harbour will include a National Tartan Centre and a shared Civic Space. There will be an external performance and events space in a bespoke City Harbour Square. And the Engine Shed will become a centre for conservation skills and heritage excellence.

Digital District 

The aim is to place Stirling at the forefront of digital innovation and enterprise nationally and internationally. A Digital Hub in the existing Municipal Buildings will provide a space where businesses and students can come together to create and innovate. The Albert Halls will provide a Digital Campus. This will become a leading UK centre for conferences, seminars and programmes, all about technical innovation.

Grow-on Space

This will address the shortage of space in the City for growing businesses. It will provide a bespoke space for established businesses to develop and progress.

City Park

The City Park will address a long-overlooked area of Stirling at the foot of the Castle and Back Walk. The Park will create a space that will attract and retain residents. And it will also create flow from this area of Stirling into the city centre and historic areas for residents and tourists alike. This will be amongst the most distinctive parks in Scotland with a significant setting below Stirling Castle.

The River

This project aims to put the River Forth back into play as a major driver of Stirling’s economic, cultural and social prosperity. This project will include the development of a river taxi network, and better pedestrian and cycle paths. The river’s peninsulas and riverbanks will be developed to incorporate a barrage, controlling water water levels and water quality.

Mercat Cross

The regeneration of Mercat Cross, at the ‘top of the town’, will revitalise this strategically important area of the city. Initiatives include a City Market, increased permanent and temporary commercial space, and a Cultural Quarter.

An ambitious plan?

Yes, it’s an ambitious plan, but it’s already becoming reality. Codebase, one of Europe’s fastest growing tech hubs, has already moved into Stirling’s Digital district. The new Tartan Centre is coming soon. There’s investment in brand-new student residences in the city centre, and Stirling will hold its first ever marathon in May this year.

These are exciting times for Stirling. We can all be part of its transformation, by supporting and using these new assets as they appear in our beautiful city. Lots to look forward to!

 

 

The City Park will have a significant setting below Stirling Castle
The City Park will have a significant setting below Stirling Castle
Improved riverside footpaths, cycle paths and even river taxis are planned for the Forth
Improved riverside footpaths, cycle paths and even river taxis are planned for the Forth

More information: 

 

Photo credits:

  • Stirling Castle and Surrounds: By Janfrie1988 (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Stirling Bridge: By Janfrie1988 (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Kenneth Allen [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
  • River Forth: Alan Campbell [CC BY-SA 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], from Wikimedia Commons
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Easter Family Events 2017

by | Apr 5, 2017 | Blog

Easter. Scotland has burst into bloom and the days are noticeably longer. It’s time for getting outdoors, and catching up with the kids now the school term has finished. To help you plan an Easter to remember, we’ve rounded up some of the best family events on offer within easy reach of Stirling.

Take an Easter Egg Special at Boness and Kinneil Railway

Take an Easter Egg Special at Boness and Kinneil Railway

Hunt for Easter eggs at Culross Palace

Hunt for Easter eggs at Culross Palace

Easter Egg Special Trains at Boness and Kinneil Railway

The railway’s popular Easter Egg special trains run on Friday 14, Saturday 15, Sunday 16 and Monday 17 April 2017. There’s a prize for the best Easter bonnet and an Easter egg hunt in the Museum. Enjoy the free colouring, crayons and tasty Easter treats that the Easter Bunny has left for all boys and girls over the weekend. The journey from Bo’ness to Manuel takes around 70 minutes, but all tickets are Day Rovers, so you can hop on and hop off as you like. Stay all day and explore the Museum, Model Railway and the railway site via the Visitor Trail at Bo’ness and the stations along the line. More information.

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts with National Trust

Cadbury have teamed up with the National Trust for Scotland again this year to create Easter Egg Hunts in some of Scotland’s most historic settings. Chocolate and culture, combined! The nearest hunts to Stirling take place from Good Friday to Easter Monday at Alloa Tower in Clackmannanshure, Culross Palace, Fife, and House of the Binns in Linlithgow. Events are included in the normal admission price. Check your chosen venue’s Egg Hunt dates and other postcodes on the Cadbury website first.

Easter Eggsplorer Trails with Historic Scotland

Not to be outdone, Historic Scotland’s Easter Eggsplorer Trails take place at a number of iconic castles, abbeys, forts and palaces throughout Scotland. All you need to do is find the clues and complete the challenge to be a winner. Drop-in throughout the day, and the events are included in normal admission. The nearest participating venue to Stirling is Linlithgow Palace, from Good Friday to Easter Monday.  You can search for other venues and more information here.

Easter weekend at Stirling Castle

Join the Easter family fun at Stirling Castle on Easter Saturday and Sunday. There are lots of heritage, history and archaeology themed activities for children. These are included in the normal admission price. More information.

RSPB Nature Scavenger Hunt at the Helix

On Easter Monday, work off all that chocolate with a scavenger hunt at the Helix. Meet near the adventure playground to set off on an adventure. What natural treasures can you find in the Park this spring? Check the weather and dress accordingly. And wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty! Suitable for families with children aged 4-10. Free, and no need to register. More information.

Feed the Lambs at Briarlands Farm

Easter just isn’t Easter without seeing an adorable lamb or three in the fields. Even better, you can feed them yourself at Briarlands Farm, just outside Stirling. Until 30 April you can hand-feed the farm’s newest arrivals at 12 noon and 4pm daily. Sessions are included in the normal admission price. Remember, there’s lots of outdoor fun to be had at Briarlands, so pack a picnic and make a day of it. More information.

Easter in the kitchen at Callander House

At 11am each day (Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday), join the cook at Callander House to sample Easter treats from the Georgian Kitchen. The cook will be roasting a leg of lamb on the roaring fire on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, with samples offered throughout the weekend. Find out how the Georgians celebrated Easter by using traditional methods to colour their eggs, and get the chance to taste delicious Easter simnel cake and hot cross buns. More information.

Feed the lambs at Briarlands Farm

Feed the lambs at Briarlands Farm

Whatever you choose to do - Happy Easter!

Whatever you choose to do – Happy Easter!

Photo credits:

  • Culross Palace: By Palickap (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
  • Boness and Kinneil Railway: Thomas Nugent [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
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Local Heroes: Sable & Flea

by | Mar 30, 2017 | Blog

Friar’s Street Stirling. Home to one of the Old Town’s most beguiling coffee shops. Quirky, stylish and independent, Sable & Flea is beginning to attract the attention it richly deserves. If you’re looking for artisan coffee, cakes baked by hand, and a vintage setting that’ll ease the mind, you might just find it at Sable & Flea.

Welcome to Sable & Flea, Stirling
Welcome to Sable & Flea, Stirling
Sable & Flea, Stirling
Home-made, fresh and healthy. Cakes at Sable & Flea

After 24 years in Melbourne Australia, owner Suzi Carr and her husband Peter returned to the UK where they opened the doors of Sable & Flea at Christmastime 2015. Suzi had owned a thriving interior design business in Melbourne, a city which, she says, has ‘the best coffee in the world’.

For the love of coffee

It’s this love of good coffee that started her on the path to selling her own: ‘I knew I would struggle to get a decent one here, so I decided that’s what I would do when I moved back.’ Her dislike of how chains have taken over coffee, food and retail across the UK also drove her decision. In response, fine coffee beans, authenticity, healthy food, independence and beautiful design have come together to create Sable & Flea.

A unique name and interior

Even the coffee house’s name is unique: ‘It’s a play on my children’s names, Saffron, Jezebel and Fletcher.’ The ‘sable’ and ‘flea’ elements also reflect her love both of expensive vintage treasures and irresistibly cheap flea market finds. It’s a balance you will find in the café interior too. Here, mosaic wall tiles are backdrop to delicate colour, signature pieces, and informal furniture. It’s an environment the Danish would call ‘hygge’ – cosy, homey, a comforting place to be with friends; to eat, talk and relax.

A place to be

Suzi loves the venue she has so carefully created and which now draws considerable, regular custom. They tell Suzi that’s it the good coffee, warm welcome, nice atmosphere and the décor that keeps them coming back. In summer, the sunny courtyard is a perfect spot, too. When asked what Suzi is most proud of at Sable & Flea, it’s this concept of setting that she underlines: ‘It’s the aesthetics of the place. Being an interior designer, it’s important that I create a beautiful and interesting place to hang out’.

A menu for the soul

And what’s on the menu? ‘Our inspiration is definitely from all the fantastic fresh food you can get in Australia. The menu is small, fresh, healthy, mostly organic, mostly vegetarian – with just a little meat’. Friendly, healthy and artisan, Sable & Flea’s unique character attracts an engaging clientele, too: ‘I’ve met some really fabulous people in the last year,’ says Suzi, ‘my regular customers and then some really interesting travellers, too’.

All about you

Forget Starbucks and having your name called out over a queue of fractious customers. Rediscover the slower pace of café culture – the one-to-one, the perfectly imperfect slice of a home-baked cake, and the coffee that’s been made for you alone – just the way you like it. If this sounds good, Sable & Flea is open Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30am-5pm, at 12 Friar’s Street, Stirling. Go make some new friends, and make the time your own.

Sable and Flea's relaxed and unique interior
Sable & Flea’s relaxed and unique interior
Sable & Flea's sunny courtyard
Unwind in Sable & Flea’s sunny courtyard

 

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A Stirling Gardens Trail: Spring 2017

by | Mar 8, 2017 | Blog

Spring is upon us, and Easter approaches. 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
Gargunnock House Gardens
Kilbryde Castle Folly and House
Kilbryde Castle Folly and House

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 most beautiful gardens are open by appointment from 1 April (some are earlier). This is facilitated by the 86-year-old charitable foundation Scotland’s Gardens. They raise funds for deserving causes nationwide by asking a small entry fee to a wealth of private gardens. Why not create your own trail, visiting these secluded, hidden gems? Here’s just a handful closest to us…

Gargunnock House (open 13 March-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 its three-acre walled area. £4.00 entry. Children free. Details.

Kilbryde Castle covers an impressive 12 acres, just three miles from Dunblane and Doune. The gardens are divided into formal, woodland and wild. They come into their own in spring with a display of bulbs. In autumn you’ll find clematis and acer bursting into colour. Entry £4 by arrangement from 1 April, children free. For details.

Milseybank, just a quarter of a mile from Bridge of Allan, offers outstanding views from a beautifully tended terraced ascent. The adjoining woodland is a colourful canvas of bluebells, rhododendrons, magnolias, camellias, as well as meconopsis. Entry £4 by arrangement from 1 April to 31 May. Children free. For details.

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 from 1 April to October. Children free. For details.

Milseybank Gardens
Milseybank Gardens
Thorntree Gardens
Thorntree Gardens

For more information on gardens open throughout the year or by arrangement:

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The Snowdrop Festival 2017: It’s spring!

by | Feb 22, 2017 | Blog

Our first sure sign of spring, snowdrops can make even the hardest of hearts swell for a moment. In celebration, the Scottish Snowdrop Festival presents some of the very best displays for the public to enjoy from January to March. So why not make it an annual pilgrimage?

scottish snowdrop festival 2017

The Snowdrop Festival is now in its eleventh year

scottish snowdrop festival 2017

Enjoy the Festival’s displays until 12 March

Here are five fabulous displays to visit from your Stirling base until 12 March:

Gargunnock House

Enjoy five acres of mature gardens with woodland walks, a walled garden and 18th century doocot. Entry is £4 per adult (honesty box) and children go free. More information and directions here.

Kilbryde Castle

This Sunday, Kilbryde Castle in Dunblane opens for its one-day celebration of the Snowdrop Festival. Enjoy a lovely display of snowdrops set within the 12-acre castle grounds including formal, woodland and wild areas. There will be cream teas available on Sunday too! Entry is £4 per adult and children go free. More information and directions.

Scone Palace

Entry is free at Scone Palace in Perthshire, where you can take a leisurely stroll through the snowdrop lined paths within 100 acres of grounds and gardens. At the end of your walk, get yourself a hot chocolate and one of the Castle’s ‘Scones @ Scone’ in the Old Servants’ Hall Coffee Shop. Open each Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 12 March from 10.00 am – 4.00 pm. More information and directions.

Braco Castle, Perth and Kinross

Here, you will find a beautiful display of snowdrops set amidst a 19th century landscaped garden with spectacular views to the Ochils. Entry is £4 per adult and children go free. More information and directions here.

Duntreath Castle, Stirlingshire

Visit Duntreath Castle in Strathblane for a stunning display of snowdrops along the side of the former drive. There is also a woodland walk and a 15th century keep and chapel. Visits are by arrangement. For more information and directions.

But you don’t need an organised event to find some stunning spring displays. For spring flowers, emerging bulbs and early blossom, take a leisurely stroll through Bridge of Allan’s beautiful Memorial Park, near the entrance to the University of Stirling. From there, circle the University of Stirling’s Airthrey Loch. You’ll spot snowdrops, crocuses, and nesting wildfowl – those who love to dote on a fluffy chick or three won’t be disappointed. Entrance to the University is free, and parking starts at £1. Have a coffee and pick up an events guide at the Macrobert while you’re at it too!

For information on the Snowdrop festival and to find an event near you, see:

 

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Our top five family days out from Stirling

by | Feb 9, 2017 | Blog

The days are long, and the landscape is beautiful. Round up the kids, and head outside with our top five family days out near Stirling.

Family fun at Briarlands Farm - one of our top five days out
Family fun at Briarlands Farm
Boarding at Boness and Kinneil Railway - top five
A brilliant family day out amongst dedicated volunteers at Boness and Kinneil Railway

Briarlands Farm

This popular farm park lies just 8 miles or a scenic 15 minutes’ drive from Stirling, tucked into a tree-lined farm road near the village of Doune. You’ll find endless outdoors play here, with jumping pillows, go-Karts, toddler trikes, zip wire, sand pits, tractor rides and more. Feed the farm animals, and join one of the regular handling sessions to meet smaller furries. There’s a craft zone and a toddler play area when you need cover from showers, as well as a family-friendly tearoom with tonnes of home baking. Pick your own strawberries too, when the season comes around. For more information, see: http://briarlandsfarm.co.uk/

Blair Drummond Safari Park

This well-known safari park just outside Doune needs little introduction. Just a few minutes from Briarlands Farm, it’s around a 15-minute drive from Stirling City Centre. You’ll find everything from elephants, zebras and lions to penguins and sea-lions in this conservation-focused park. And there’s plenty thrown in to your ticket price too, including a range of demonstrations, boat safaris, pedal boats, Astroglide and ‘Meet the keepers’ sessions. Then there is a raft of paid attractions to consider too. The footprint is large, so it’s an idea to plan your visit in advance. For information, see: https://www.blairdrummond.com/

Boness and Kinneil Railway

This family-friendly heritage railway and museum is run by tireless volunteers who smile whatever the weather. They run steam trains throughout the year, with a host of special events ranging from Afternoon Teas on the Train, to Days out with Thomas, to Easter Egg Specials, and much more. Located in Boness, just 19 miles or a 29-minute drive from Stirling, Boness and Kinneil Railway is a brilliant day out for the family, even when the weather’s inclement. There’s a tearoom too, with a nostalgic atmosphere and proper gingham tablecloths. For more information, see: http://www.bkrailway.co.uk/

The Kelpies

To see them is to love them. These captivating sculptures tower some 30 metres above the M9, just 14 miles or 27 minutes’ drive from Stirling. And they are the stunning centrepiece of the Helix Park, a local greenspace for all that lies on the banks of the Forth Clyde Canal. Comprising 27 km of pathways, a lagoon, a splash zone, an unrivalled play area, bike hire, boat hire, cafes, visitor centre and public art spaces, the Helix has become one of Scotland’s most acclaimed visitor attractions. And yet it’s still free. There are regular events too. For more information, see: http://www.thehelix.co.uk/

Brucefields Family Golf Centre

If you fancy a family game of golf in inclusive, friendly surroundings, then Brucefields Family Golf Centre is for you. This 9-hole golf course lies just outside Bannockburn, only 3 miles outside Stirling. It offers a huge range of facilities and support services for all members of the family, whether they’re learners, experienced players or just there for the day out. There are some pretty good views to be enjoyed on the way round, too. There’s golf tuition, a driving range and a bistro bar too. Pay, play, have fun. More details here: http://www.brucefields.co.uk/

The Kelpies - figureheads for the fabulous Helix Park
The Kelpies – figureheads for the fabulous Helix Park
Brucefields Family Golf Centre - golf, fun, and great views
Brucefields Family Golf Centre – golf, fun, and great views

Photo credits:

  • Briarlands Farm: Photos taken by Blue Stag Media, and reproduced with kind permission of Briarlands Farm
  • The Kelpies: Photo taken by, and reproduced with kind permission of, The Kelpies Team
  • Brucefields Family Golf Centre: Photo kindly supplied by Brucefields Family Golf Centre
  • Boness and Kinneil Railway: By Elliott Simpson, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8322907
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