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A City Break and Some. Stirling in Autumn

by ssc | Oct 20, 2016 | Blog

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulnesss – autumn in Scotland can be one of the most rewarding times to visit. Burnished leaf displays, quieter streets, temperate weather, and good value accommodation too. Here’s five reasons why an autumn holiday in Stirling is far more than your average city break.

Twin room in Glendevon Apartment, one of our budget properties

Edinburgh Castle, just a one-hour trip from Stirling

Great value accommodation

If you’re considering a city break in Stirling, why not choose from our budget accommodation portfolio at budgetacommodationstirling.co.uk? Each one of our properties is perfectly equipped for your stay, with crisp, modern interiors and ideal central locations in both Stirling and in Bridge of Allan. Offering exceptional value for money, these apartments will provide you with the ideal base to explore Stirling and its beautiful surrounds without hammering your budget in the run up to Christmas!

Gateway to Glasgow to Edinburgh

Slap bang in the heart of Scotland, Stirling is the perfect place for a city break. Not only is it the gateway to the Highlands (heck, you can be in the wilds of Glencoe in under two hours!), but its central location opens up both Glasgow and Edinburgh as easy day-trip destinations too. Direct trains run frequently from Stirling City centre to both cities, and you could be in the heart of Glasgow or Edinburgh in around 50 minutes. Plan your Edinburgh day trip here: http://edinburgh.org/ or your Glasgow adventure here: https://peoplemakeglasgow.com/

Experience Scotland ‘in the fall’

For those who love autumn colour, there’s no need to get on board an expensive flight to New England. Stirling can provide the perfect base for ‘leaf peeping’ – just an hour from Stirling by car or even less by train, Perthshire has earned itself the title of ‘Big Tree Country’. Here, you can find Europe’s oldest tree, the world’s highest hedge, Shakespeare’s Birnam Wood in present day, and lots more. Visit some of the stunning sites recommended for leaf peeping by Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust at http://www.pkct.org/. Browse through their ‘Top 10’ for inspiration. Wow.

Scottish autumn wildlife

From spotting red squirrels to the bellow of red deer stags, autumn is an exciting time in the Scottish landscape, and it’s probably the best time to see our more elusive animals as they prepare for winter. For general information on what to look for and where, see VisitScotland’s autumn wildlife e-book here: http://ebooks.visitscotland.com/scottish-wildlife-series/. And if you want the help of an expert guide, there are many companies who can help you get the sighting you want. Check out this website for full information: http://www.wild-scotland.org.uk/

Seasonal produce

One of the best things about the autumn is the bounty it brings, and Stirling is a brilliant place to get your hands on it. Visit Stirling Farmers’ Market on the second Saturday of every month, from 10-4pm in Port Street Stirling. There, more than 25 stallholders will brave all elements to bring you the very best seasonal fare from their farms, orchards and kitchens. For more information, see: http://www.stirlingfarmersmarket.co.uk/. Look out too for Perth Festival of Chocolate on 19 and 20 November at http://perthfestivalofchocolate.co.uk/. And if foodie festivals are your thing, take a look at http://foodfestivalfinder.co.uk/scotland to ensure you don’t miss any during your Stirling city break!

Craigvinean pine cone shelter, by Ronald Weir

Craigvinean pine cone shelter, Perthshire. Photo by Ronald Weir

Autumn can be the best time to see Scotland’s wildlife

Photo credits:

Edinburgh Castle By Klaus Hermsen (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC BY-SA 2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5-2.0-1.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Craigvinean Pine Cone Shelter: Photo by Ronald Weir and originally supplied by Perthshire Big Tree Country, now http://www.pkct.org/
Red squirrel By 4028mdk09 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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Hygge: embrace the chill

by ssc | Oct 6, 2016 | Blog

Recent research claims that the Danish are actually the happiest people on the planet, and it’s all down to ‘hygge’. Pronounced ‘hoo-gah’, this term roughly translates to ‘cosiness’, and includes an appreciation of simple pleasures, cherishing yourself, and living in the moment. It’s one of the reasons the Danes smile through their tough winters. So, now that the mercury’s falling, why not discover ‘hygge’ in Stirling?

Snow White at the Macrobert, Stirling

The Enchanted Forest, Faskally. Photo by Angus Forbes

Theatre

There’s nothing more in keeping with ‘hygge’ than immerse yourself in some good autumn theatre – it’s all about coming in from the cold night to the warmth, the plush seats, and that glass of wine at interval. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

Snow White is at the Macrobert Arts Centre on 11-12 October. Ballet Lorent’s spellbinding retelling of Snow White is a brand new dance theatre production for families. It’s a tale of a mother’s devastating jealousy, and a band of wild, forest-dwelling miners who reveal for us the importance of inner beauty. Written by former Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, and music by Doctor Who composer Murray Gold (wow!). For more information, visit: http://macrobertartscentre.org/event/snow-white/

Frankenstein is at the Macrobert on 25 October, a perfect piece of theatre for Halloween week. A brand new adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Gothic horror masterpiece from the artistic team behind Blackeyed Theatre’s hugely successful production of Dracula. This show promises a fresh look at this landmark work of romantic, gothic and science fiction literature. For more information, visit: http://macrobertartscentre.org/event/frankenstein/

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 Enchanted Forest: Probably THE event of the Scottish autumn calendar, this multi-award winning show runs until the end of the October. Fusing light and music to illuminate Faskally Wood in Perthshire at night, this year’s show has been named ‘Shimmer’. And it’s drawing crowds from across the nation. There are a few precious tickets left, so hurry, you won’t regret it! For tickets: http://www.enchantedforest.org.uk/

Bo’ness and Kinneil Steam Gala on 22-23 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 some cake in their café afterwards too! For more information, visit: http://www.bkrailway.co.uk/your-visit/events/

Music

‘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?

The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc are at the Tolbooth, Stirling on 29 October. They’re a fiddle trio from Norway, Sweden and the Shetland Islands who have swiftly gained a reputation for their gripping and unique blend of fiddle music. With a firm focus on the rich traditional fiddle music from where they each belong, their harmony, rhythm, riffs and bass lines create a sound much richer than the sum of their three instruments. Enjoy! For more information, visit: http://culturestirling.org/events/nordic-fiddlers-bloc/

Rolling Back the Years on the 12 October at the Albert Halls, Stirling is the ultimate night of nostalgic indulgence! One of the biggest shows of its kind in the UK, this production takes the audience on a breath-taking musical journey through the 50s, 60s, and some of the brilliant sounds of the 1970s. It’s costumed and choreographed for each decade too. For more information, visit: http://culturestirling.org/events/rolling-back-years/

Food

Still wondering what to put in that slow-cooker? ‘Hygge’ eats hearty, so stock up for autumn from your 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/

Free range happiness at Falleninch Farm

Falleninch cows in the shadow of the Castle

Photo credits:

Snow White image, kindly supplied by The Macrobert Arts Centre: http://macrobertartscentre.org/
Enchanted Forest image, kindly supplied by Volpa, on behalf of The Enchanted Forest: http://www.enchantedforest.org.uk/
Falleninch Farm images, kindly supplied by Falleninch Farm: https://www.falleninchfarm.co.uk/

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Christmas is coming. Get festive-ready!

by ssc | Sep 22, 2016 | Blog

We don’t mean to startle you, but – apparently – September is the month in which many of us start planning our Christmas getaway. So, if you are one of those organised few, here is a handful of reasons why you should spend your festive break in Stirling!

Grab your magic wands for Weans in the Wood at Macrobert Stirling

Make merry at Stirling Castle this December

Panto

Christmas simply isn’t Christmas without yelling ‘He’s behind you’ at least once. And the Macrobert Arts Centre in Stirling never fails to deliver every year. With their customary cheeky spin on the old tales, Macrobert’s festive panto this year is ‘Weans in the Wood’. Follow the fortunes of Han No Solo, forest hooligan Little Red Riding Hood, and the wicked Sherffina of Nottingham. You’ll need your magic wand, dancing shoes and your singing voice at the ready. Book tickets here in plenty time – these invariably sell out: http://macrobertartscentre.org/event/weans-in-the-woods/

Music

Phil Cunningham brings his massively successful Christmas songbook to Stirling for the first time this year. Eddi Reader, Karen Matheson, John McCusker and Phil Cunningham will lead you through a great fun night of modern and traditional Christmas music. This is what The Scotsman says: “Mix together some brass with some of Scotland’s top folk talent, sprinkle liberally with carols and festive favourites and the result is toastier than being baked in a mince pie.” Sound good? Then details are here: http://culturestirling.org/events/phil-cunninghams-christmas-songbook/

Dance

And when we say dance, we mean YOU dance. What better way to spend the lead up to Christmas than celebrating with friends and family with a traditional Scottish ceilidh at the Tolbooth, Stirling? Brian McAlpine and The Scottish Ceilidh All Stars will talk you through the dances and ensure everyone has fun. There are two ceilidhs – at 3pm and at 8pm on 10 December. And though both ceilidhs are open to all, the afternoon ceilidh is particularly popular with families. Ready to strip the willow? Then book early here: http://culturestirling.org/events/christmas-family-ceilidh/

Making Merry

Combine your visit to Stirling Castle with some brilliant festive activities for all the family on Sunday 4 December. The Castle’s crafty elves will help you have a go at creating everything from decorations to cards, crackers and baubles. There will be some fabulous festive entertainment with the Swinging Santas, too. And it’s all included in normal admission price: http://www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/whatson/events/making-merry/

Santa

If you want to see the man in red, then you’ve several options in Stirlingshire. Here are two. Why not spend a day with Santa on a Steam Train at Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway? The trip includes a gift from Santa for every child. At time of writing there are plenty of tickets left, but don’t delay, as these sell out fast: http://www.bkrailway.co.uk/your-visit/santa-trains/
If you don’t get the date you want on a Santa Steam train, how about a Woodland Santa Experience at Woodland Experiences in Balfron Station? Swap a steam train for a tractor ride to Santa in his log cabin, and you’ve got the idea. There’s a gift included for kids too, and the chance for some great hot food afterwards, provided by Skinners of Kippen. For more details, and booking, see: http://www.woodlandexperiences.co.uk/santa-experience/

Cake

If all the Christmas build-up is just a bit too much for you, take solace in cake at Dobbies Garden Centre, Stirling. Dobbies launch their Christmas Afternoon Tea online bookings from September 22 for Gardening Club members, and from 4 October for non-members. Their restaurants will be serving their tasty towers of festive treats from 22 November. Om nom. For more details, and how to book, see: https://www.dobbies.com/restaurant/christmas-afternoon-tea/

Meet Santa in his winter woodland home

Too much? Take refuge in cake at Dobbies

Photo credits:

Stirling Castle at night: CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=228762. Copyright © 2003, 2004, 2005 Finlay McWalter {{GFDL}} {{cc-by-sa-2.0}}
Santa Woodland Experience: Image Courtesy of Woodland Experiences. Copyright © Woodland Experiences http://woodlandexperiences.co.uk/
Weans in the Woods image supplied by Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling.
Christmas afternoon tea image supplied by Crescendo PR for Dobbies Garden Centres.

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Shindigs, forensics, and fairies: It’s September!

by ssc | Sep 8, 2016 | Blog

September is upon us, and you have to admit, there’s a fresh chill in the air as we teeter on the brink of autumn. But be of good cheer, because September happens to be one of Stirling’s most spectacular months! Check out these events …

Men with Coconuts, playing at The Shindig this weekend.

Men with Coconuts, hilarious high energy improv at The Shindig this weekend

Sir Moustache Bristleby and the Ed-splorers – spinning yarns to all ages at the Shindig

Bloody Scotland 9-11 September

Far from being a ‘just Stirling’ event, Bloody Scotland is fast becoming a national literary treasure. Scotland’s International Crime Writing Festival draws crime writers from all over the world to Stirling every September. And in this fifth year of the festival they include Stuart MacBride, Caro Ramsay, Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Chris Brookmyre and many more. The authors give unforgettable talks on crime and writing, and offer panels on everything from forensics to soil science and witness identification. There’s even a Scotland-England writers football match. If you love a crime thriller, you need to be in Stirling this weekend! For a full events line-up, see: www.bloodyscotland.com/

The Shindig 9-11 September

After three brilliant years, the Stirling Fringe Festival has relaunched as The Shindig: The Best Wee Party in Scotland. Despite the strapline, there’s nothing ‘wee’ about the Shindig. From its new residence in the Old Town Jail, the Shindig will host a performance marquee, an acoustic zone yurt where you can kick back and relax with some low key acoustics, as well as an open air music stage for the signature acts. There will be everything from live music and comedy, to children’s storytelling, street performers, ceilidhs, pipe bands, beer tastings and street food too. With much of it free, the Shindig is well worth a visit simply for the buzz. For full details of all events, see: http://stirlingfringe.com/

Doors Open Days

Doors Open Days is an annual event throughout Scotland each September. It does exactly what it says on the tin. It opens doors to the most fascinating buildings, sites and landscapes we have, whether large or small, grand or quirky. And it’s free. More than 800 buildings are expected to open, generating over 200,000 visits to sites and architectural gems in locations throughout Scotland. The website is brilliant – simply choose where you are or want to go, and you’ll find your listings. The Stirling Open Doors focuses on 10-11 September, an already busy weekend in the Stirling calendar, but there is plenty to see on other dates throughout September, so do have a browse: http://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/

Woodland Experiences

If you have kids who might find Stirling’s September a bit too hectic, how about leaving the city behind and heading outdoors for a bit of natural magic? Woodland Experiences operates from a family-tended woodland in North Ballochruin Farm in Balfron Station, just on the edge of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Their ‘Fairy Experience’ event runs throughout September, with a magical fairy trail through the woodland, and light refreshments included in the £4 ticket price. While you are there you might also want to book up for their November Light Experience, and their Santa Experience for the festive season. Nothing like being prepared! For more information, see: http://www.woodlandexperiences.co.uk/

Searching for fairies in Ballochruin Woodland

Enjoy the Fairy Experience throughout September

Photo credits:

The Shindig line-up photos reproduced by kind permission of Barry McDonald at The Shindig: http://stirlingfringe.com/
Fairy Experience Photos reproduced by kind permission of Woodland Experiences: woodlandexperiences.co.uk

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Local Heroes: Brucefields Family Golf Centre

by ssc | Aug 24, 2016 | Blog

After the Olympics, many of us are feeling that we ought to get more active, whatever the weather, and whatever our level of expertise. And there’s a sports venue on the outskirts of Stirling that prides itself on making just that happen. Brucefields Family Golf Centre are this month’s Local Heroes, and we spoke to Managing Director Kirsty Burge to find out more.

Brucefields Family Golf Centre, Stirling

Beautifully kept greens at Brucefields Family Golf Centre

Enjoy views across to the Ochils as you tee off at Brucefields

Enjoy views of the Ochils as you tee off

When asked to explain a little bit about Brucefields, Kirsty’s emphasis is on inclusion. It’s something not always associated with golf: ‘We give everyone the chance to play golf, whether you’re a child, a beginner, disabled, or a professional perfecting your skills; we have it all covered at the centre! Nor do you need to be paying large membership fees. Here, you can pay and play and enjoy the game to suit your lifestyle’.

Kirsty’s father, John Souter, designed and built the golf courses and driving range at Brucefields. So the golf centre, with views across to the Wallace Monument and the Ochils, has always been familiar to her. Shortly after Tulloch Homes purchased the company in 2004, Kirsty was asked to come and run Brucefields. There’s a definite sense of homecoming in her position there. Her small and close-knit team consists of Garry Shaw (Course Manager) Debbie Crawford (Reception Manager) and Christine Frost (Admin Manager). In addition, there are many other busy people behind the scenes who – Kirsty insists – are the key to the golf centre’s success.

And what a summer it’s been for Brucefields. Opened 20 years ago, they celebrated their birthday with a Family Fun Day on 11 June. This was quickly followed by six weeks of kids’ camps. Filled to capacity, these are taken by full-time golf professional Gregor Monks. ‘It’s such a fun thing to watch kids growing up with golf in their lives,’ observes Kirsty. The centre then hosted a regional final of The Wee Wonders, where children from 5-12 years old compete to the highest standards before going on to the finals in St. Andrews. ‘It was a real privilege to host this at Brucefields before moving on to a world-class golf course.’

And has there been an ‘Olympics effect’ on footfall at the centre? ‘We always love events such as the golf featuring in the Olympics – how can Justin Rose lifting the gold medal fail to inspire people? We always compare it to how Wimbledon brings out everyone wanting to lift a tennis racket; the likes of The Open and the upcoming Ryder Cup creates the same sort of buzz right here. People want to come and try golf for the first time or dust off their clubs!’

But not only does Brucefields cater for those who want to try out or revisit the sport, the centre has its regulars too, many of whom have been season ticket holders for many years, and those who use the range and teaching facilities to perfect their skills ever further. There is definitely a place for both ‘fun golf’ and ‘serious golf’ here. It’s a balance that other places can find difficult to achieve. And within its relaxed atmosphere, Brucefields is nurturing its fair share of champions in the making. ‘We are incredibly proud of many of our young golfers: Ewen Ferguson, coached by Gregor Monks, is the Scottish Amateur Golfer of the Year 2015, while Ben Wilson – at the age of 7 – has picked up many trophies in local junior tournaments.’

‘We are extremely grateful for everyone that supports Brucefields,’ says Kirsty, ‘and we just hope that we can continue to provide a well-rounded place where the whole family can come and enjoy golf.’

If you want to find out more about Brucefields, see their website: http://www.brucefields.co.uk/
Keep up to date with them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brucefields-Family-Golf-Centre-115192741838952/

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Stirling’s romantic waterfalls

by ssc | Aug 11, 2016 | Blog

There is something captivating about waterfalls, especially when in full spate after hard rains. Dramatic and romantic, there are some stunning waterfalls just a stone’s throw from Stirling. 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

The Falls of Leny, Kilmahog

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 others around Callander, see this pdf: http://www.thegreattrossachsforest.co.uk/assets/maps-guides/Callander-Paths-Leaflet.pdf

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

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

For tips on salmon-watching: https://www.visitscotland.com/blog/scotland/6569/

The Endrick Water, on which can be found the Loup of Fintry and Pots of Gartness waterfalls

Photo credits:

Bracklinn Falls: Thomas Stenhouse [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Falls of Leny: Colin Smith [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Endrick Water: Louise Harris [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Carron Reservoir: Scotia [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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