Stirling Movie Map: build your own film location holiday!

by | Sep 26, 2019 | Blog

Have you ever dreamed of organising a location trip to Scotland to visit the places where your favourite film or TV show was filmed? Or are you a local who wonders which movies or shows have been made near you and would like to take a selfie at the very spot where Chris Pine once stood? Well now you can!

Stirling movie map launch
Stuart Oliver, Stirling Council’s Senior Manager, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism; Cllr Evelyn Tweed; Audrey Jones, Head of New Business at Historic Environment Scotland (HES); Shona Menzies from HES at Doune Castle.
Diana Gabaldon and Ronald D Moore at the NY premier of Outlander
Author Diana Gabaldon and Ronald D. Moore at the New York premiere of Outlander
Stirling Council has recently launched the Stirling Film Location Map – a handy route planner for visitors and locals alike, with suggested itineraries and brilliant facts about the top Stirling locations that have hit our screens.

The Outlander effect

Amongst these are Doune Castle, which appears as Castle Leoch in the TV series Outlander and is also the original Winterfell in the pilot episode of Game of Thrones. Its appearance in these series has resulted in a huge surge of visits to the castle. Coined ‘The Outlander Effect’ – the castle has seen an amazing 226.5% increase in footfall since the Outlander series began.

A sought-after location

Other film locations you’ll find in the leaflet include Stirling Castle, Deanston Distillery, Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park, Loch Katrine, The Trossachs, Loch Venachar, East Loch Lomond and Mugdock Country Park. They have played roles in films such as Outlaw King (2018), The Eagle (2011), Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), Ivanhoe (1952), Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007) The Angel’s Share (2012), Rob Roy (1953), and Mary Queen of Scots (2018).

Selfie time

Stirling Councillor Alison Laurie said: “While film fans are already flocking to locations across Stirling, this new map will make it easier for them to see more of our magnificent landmarks, picturesque towns and villages and beautiful countryside.

“Whether you want to take a selfie in the place where Chris Pine went into battle as Robert the Bruce in Outlaw King, see the home of the Stark family in Game of Thrones or relive where King Arthur and his band of merry knights were taunted by French soldiers in Monty Python and the Holy Grail – now you’ll know exactly where to go and how to fit it all in!”

Get your map

The film location map can be downloaded from the Stirling Council website and is available on the Explore Stirling App. It can also be picked up at tourist sites across Stirling, including those featured on the guide.

Photo credits:

  • Outlander Premiere: By Christine Ring [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0) or CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.
  • Stirling Council/Doune Castle: Photography by Whyler Photos of Stirling www.whylerphotos.com – 01786 474340

 

 

 
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Christmas is better with us!

by | Sep 12, 2019 | Blog

Think it’s too late to get away from it all this Christmas? Well, you can think again. We have a small but cheeky little handful of properties left available: Allanstream, Allanvale, Harviestoun House, Ochil View and South Doll Farm Cottage. Act now and escape – and here’s a few good reasons why!

Cosy Christmas sofa

Picture yourself here this Christmas

Enjoy a dram by the fire in one of Stirling's welcoming bars

Enjoy a dram by the fire in one of Stirling’s welcoming bars

We’ll take care of the Christmas decorations, and throw in some goodies too

In each and every one of our properties, we’ll take care of the Christmas decorations for you. No more last-minute untangling tree lights on Christmas Eve, or stressing over popped bulbs. We’ve got it all sorted in time for your arrival, so you don’t have to. And what’s more, we’ll throw in a festive hamper for you to enjoy while you’re arranging the pressies under the tree. In it, you’ll find goodies like mince pies, stollen bites, Christmas cake, a bottle of fizz to pop whenever you fancy, and some other wee treats too. Staying at Hogmanay? Enjoy some Dundee Cake on us to bring in the bells! That said, if you want to bring your own decorations, feel free – we’ll have the tree up ready and waiting for you. Just let us know.

Christmas delivered to your door

Forget the supermarket crush and get your Christmas meats delivered to the door of your holiday property. Falleninch Farm, a prestigious farm and butcher’s shop with its own herd of beef cattle, nestles under the shadow of Stirling Castle. You can order online, by phone or Facebook, and Falleninch will deliver – free if your order is over £50 and you are within a 30 mile radius. And there’s click and collect too. Pop in to see them at their farm butcher’s shop, where the parking is free and the butchers will be delighted to give you some cooking tips, too. For more details, and to look out for their festive offers, check: https://www.falleninchfarm.co.uk/

For one-stop shopping for seasonal goodies, fruit and veg, salads, bakery, drinks and larder goods, look no further than Hogan’s Fine Food Company, who will deliver straight to your door from their HQ in Larbert, Falkirk. Choose from their glorious selection of grocery boxes or create your very own selections to keep the fridge stocked and your guests happy throughout the festive season. If you’re stuck for a last-minute present, they’ve a selection of gift-wrapped hampers, too. And check out their recipes! http://hogansfinefoodcompany.co.uk/

Have a Christmas Day Out

There’s nothing like a Christmas Market on a crisp winter’s day to make you feel festive! Stirling Christmas Farmers Markets are on the 14 and 21 of December this year, from 10-4, in Port Street Stirling. There will be stalls laden with fresh fish and shellfish, highland beef, wild venison and game, free range hens’ and ducks’ eggs, olives and deli products, Scottish cheeses and handmade preserves, as well as all sorts of gift ideas. Take time for a blether with your stall-holder too, and look out for tasty free samples. For more information, visit: http://www.stirlingfarmersmarket.co.uk/

The Macrobert’s Christmas exhibition of arts and crafts is back for a fifth year. Enjoy browsing through a selection of different works by Scottish-based artists or pick up a Christmas gift (or two) and perhaps even something special for yourself, from 20 November 2019 to 5 January 2020. You can visit this exhibition at any time that the Macrobert is open (with occasional exceptions for closed events – please check with Box Office). For more information, visit: https://macrobertartscentre.org/event/handmade-exhibition-2019/

See a panto!

You can’t have Christmas without a panto, and you’ll find one of the brightest and funniest pantos around right here in Stirling. This year’s Macrobert extravaganza is ‘Rapunzel: A Hair-braiding Adventure’ written by, directed by, and starring the incomparable Johnny McKnight. Poor Rapunzel’s been locked up in a tower her entire life. She’s got 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 love duet, and of getting her hair cut. That’s right, she’s never had a haircut. Like, ever. But one day the lonely Rapunzel has a surprising visit in her tower – Prince Rocco and he’s armed and dangerous with a pair of scissors and a plan. How can you possibly resist? For tickets: https://macrobertartscentre.org/event/rapunzel-a-hair-braiding-adventure/

Enjoy Stirling Farmers Markets at Christmas

Enjoy Stirling Farmers Markets at Christmas

What's better than a panto at Christmas?

What’s better than a panto at Christmas?

Browse all our properties here! https://www.stirlingselfcatering.co.uk/properties/

 

 

 

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A Scottish road trip for everyone: the Heart 200

by | May 9, 2019 | Blog

If you love the unspoilt landscape of Scotland but are less enamoured of its circuitous single-track Highland roads, you are in for a treat! A new Perthshire tourist route aims to rival the popularity of the iconic North Coast 500, and promises to be easier on both locals and drivers too.

The Heart 200 will take in several of Scotland's lochs

The Heart 200 will take in several of Scotland’s lochs

At its southernmost point, the Heart 200 takes in the City of Stirling

At its southernmost point, the Heart 200 takes in the City of Stirling

A new Scottish road trip

The Heart 200 is a new touring route of approximately 200 miles around Perth, Stirling, the Trossachs and Highland Perthshire – the very heart of Scotland. In addition, the route uniquely links Scotland’s two national parks, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs and the Cairngorms.

Easier on drivers

But what distinguishes the Heart 200 from the world-renowned North Coast 500 – Scotland’s Route 66 – is that it is designed around major trunk roads, with a well-established built infrastructure, and there’s scope to accommodate increased numbers of tourists year on year.

So, if you’re daunted by driving on single track roads in a hire car, are not sure about the etiquette of passing places, are nervous about driving around sheep on a precipitous B-road, or want the reassurance of more frequent rest and re-fuelling points, then Heart 200 is for you.

No compromise

But be assured there’s no compromise on spectacle. The Heart 200 takes in some of Scotland’s most historic towns and cities, including Stirling at its southernmost tip. Travellers will be immersed in the captivating and unspoilt landscapes of Scotland’s two national Parks, as well as skirting the banks of Loch Tay. And that’s just a few landmarks along the route.

So, if you’re planning a first-time road trip in Scotland with Stirling as your base – then we’ve got you sorted!

More information:

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Five reasons you should spend spring in Stirling

by | Jan 15, 2019 | Blog

There’s nothing better than planning a spring break to lift the soul and give yourself something to look forward to. We think Stirling is the perfect place to spend this crisp and beautiful season – and here are five good reasons why!

Coorie in by a wood burning stove in one of our properties

Coorie in by a wood burning stove in one of our properties

Enjoy carpets of snowdrops around Stirling this spring

Enjoy carpets of snowdrops around Stirling this spring

You can coorie in

To ‘coorie’ or to ‘coorie in’ basically means to cuddle up or snuggle in Scots, and nothing beats a coorie with a loved one at a warm fireside. Oakside Cottage, Castleview, Gladstone and Tigh Mor are just a handful of our many properties with wood burners or open fires, perfect for a spring break when the weather can still be on the chilly side. Browse these and more here: https://www.stirlingselfcatering.co.uk/properties/

If you’d like to huddle by the fire with a wee dram and friendly company, head to the Portcullis or Nicky Tams in Stirling, or the Westerton Arms in Bridge of Allan. You’ll find a warm welcome and the comforting atmosphere of hearth and home in each of them.

Carpets of snowdrops

It seems the snowdrop sums up everything we love about spring: it’s a hopeful, beautiful and determined wee bloom that reappears undaunted every year despite late snows and biting cold. You’ll spot blankets of snowdrops in Bridge of Allan, University of Stirling Campus, as well as the King’s Park in Stirling – home to several of our properties. And in addition, Scotland’s annual snowdrop festival kicks off in January, with stately homes across Scotland opening up their gardens for visitors to witness the stunning carpets of snowdrops within. Find a participating garden near you here: http://discoverscottishgardens.org/

Seasonal produce

Stirling Farmers market takes place every second Saturday, with around 25 or more friendly stallholders setting out their season’s wares in Port Street, Stirling from 10am till 4pm. You’ll find fine Scottish produce as varied as dry-aged Highland beef and lamb in season, pork and bacon, venison and wild game, high welfare rose-veal, smoked fish and shellfish from the east coast, bread in great variety, chilli jams, chutneys and preserves, Scottish cheeses and butter, free-range hen/duck eggs, organic vegetables, deli items such as olives and pesto, award-winning fudge and tablet, savoury pies, country fruit wines, flavoured gins and crafted meads. Wow – what more could you want? For details see here: http://www.stirlingfarmersmarket.co.uk/

Remarkable theatre and cinema

As a cultural venue, Stirling rivals cities twice its size, with The Macrobert Arts Centre, The Albert Halls, and the Tolbooth all hosting regular theatre and live acts. See, for example, Ballet West’s The Nutcracker at The Macrobert Arts Centre at the beginning of February, folk legends McGoldrick, McCusker and Doyle at the Tolbooth, or Dan Snow at the Albert Halls – both in March. Keep an eye on the Macrobert’s eclectic cinema listings, too, with films you’d just never see elsewhere, as well as live screenings from the National Theatre and more. For more details: https://macrobertartscentre.org/whatson/stirling-cinema/

Your gateway to Scotland

Most of us turn our thoughts to our next holiday in January and February in order both to get good deals and to give us something to look forward to after winter’s festivities. So, if you’re planning to spend your spring in Scotland, make Stirling your base. The historic city offers easy access to Glasgow and Edinburgh by rail, and you can reach the southern Highlands in around an hour by car, too. The City’s central location literally gives you the key to explore the very best of Scotland and still be home in time for dinner. And, of course, it’s a stunning destination in its own right! Browse our properties and check availability here. We’ll be delighted to see you!

Stirling's historic Old Town is the perfect place to explore on foot this spring

Stirling’s historic Old Town is the perfect place to explore on foot this spring

The cobbled streets of Edinburgh are just a short train journey away

The cobbled streets of Edinburgh are just a short train journey away

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Gin Tours Scotland: For the Love of Gin!

by | Jul 12, 2018 | Blog

Gin has come a long way since it was depicted by English painter Hogarth as the hard liquor of the London poor. Today, gin is the civilised tipple for summer afternoons; the crisp mainstay of cocktail bars worldwide, and boasts a delicate palette of seasonal fruit and floral infusions. At home, Scotland’s craft gin industry is also fast gaining critical acclaim. Two men who’ve watched this renaissance with interest are Wayne Russell and Douglas Lamb. Bringing together their love of gin, their passion for Scotland and their long-standing friendship, they’ve created Gin Tours Scotland.

Taking you to the best gins, in the most beautiful locations

Taking you to the best gins, in the most beautiful locations

Sample gins at their source

Sample gins at their source

“Over the last few years we’ve been watching the craft gin industry in Scotland grow rapidly,” explains Wayne, “and we knew that it wouldn’t be long before the world would want to sample these amazing gins first-hand. After visiting some of the distilleries ourselves, and tasting their gins, we decided – over a few more at the bar – that it was time the world got to see and sample Scotland’s finest, and that it was up to us to make it happen.”

“After finding out no one else was providing gin tours in Scotland, we knew we were onto something. That same night I checked to see if the domain name ‘Gin Tours Scotland’ was available. When it was, I bought it there and then, and the rest is history!”

The business partnership is a strong one, with plenty savvy behind it. “Douglas and I have over 50 years’ experience in the travel and tourism industry. Although both of us do the tours, I am the man behind the operational side of things, whereas Douglas is the voice of everything that Scotland offers. He has a story to tell every time you see him, and our clients are amazed at his knowledge – both of gin and of Scotland.”

The path to launch was fast-paced: “Our name was instant – why try to be clever when you have something that does exactly what it says on the tin? What we needed then was to come up with a brand logo. We didn’t anticipate how stressful this can be, but thanks to our friends at West End Design (http://westenddesign.co.uk/), we were able to focus on our message and come up with a logo that expresses the craft gin industry in Scotland. The website then took over – which again takes time – but is something you have to get right. We’re very happy with what we’ve achieved.”

What’s the next challenge? “Although we are fairly unique in terms of the gin tour itself, it is still something most people don’t know is possible. Everyone knows about whisky tours but not so much about gin tours. So, to add to our networking and social media portfolio, we will soon be launching our tours on booking platforms such as Viator, The Entertainer, Get Guided and Visit Scotland.”

Though everyone loves a cheeky G&T, it’s clear that Wayne and Dougie’s bespoke tours deliver far more than a whistle-stop sampling opportunity: “Our individually created tours are not only about the 66 amazing gins our country produces, but about showcasing the beautiful and historic landscape of Scotland that is their home.”

Getting into the heart of the distillation process

Getting into the heart of the distillation process

Your guides: Douglas Lamb and Wayne Russell - cheers!

Your guides: Douglas Lamb and Wayne Russell – cheers!

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