self catering Archives - Stirling Self Catering

Come stay. With total peace of mind.

by ssc | Sep 7, 2020 | Blog

This is the time for reassurance in a world of uncertainty. And it’s also time for everyone to have a break after the anxieties of lockdown. With both of these in mind, we’ve made some important changes to how we work. And we hope they will give you the peace of mind to enjoy your much-deserved holiday with us.

Henderson's Bistro at The Albert Halls, Stirling

Stringent processes mean our properties are meticulously cleaned

Seasonal flavours characterise the Henderson's Bistro menu

Our exacting standards offer you the peace of mind to rest and restore

Book with confidence

Perhaps the biggest worry for everyone when they book a holiday (and especially at the moment!) is ‘What if I have to cancel?’ To take away all of that stress, we’ve introduced Master Cancel. This system offers our guests the flexibility they need to book with confidence. If you have to cancel for any unforeseen circumstances – right up to two days before check in, Master Cancel enables us to refund you, in full, for the cost of the nightly rate of your stay. It’s worth noting though, that Master Cancel doesn’t cover extras such as booking fee, sofa beds, guest beds, or dog fees. Get in touch for the full details.

We’re good to go

Like any other hospitality business worth its salt, we’ve followed UK and Scottish Government guidelines and regulations to the letter. However, we haven’t stopped there. As a member of the Association of Scotland’s Self Caterers, we undertake the stringent Cleaning Protocols for Self-Catering Properties in the Context of COVID-19. Because of that, and other measures we’ve taken, we proudly display the ‘We’re Good To Go’ industry standard and supporting mark. This demonstrates that we adhere to the relevant Government and public health guidance, and have carried out COVID-19 risk assessments to ensure we have the required processes in place. You can learn more about our cleaning protocols, risk assessments and training, and even which disinfectants we use, on this page: https://www.stirlingselfcatering.co.uk/covid-19-information/

My stay planner

At Stirling Self Catering, we pride ourselves on providing guests with full information to enhance their stay. That’s everything from how to work the cooker to interesting events happening in town, and which restaurants are good for families. Formerly, this information was provided in your welcome folder in each property. However, COVID safety protocols mean that we have had to remove all such ‘high-contact’ items from our properties. On booking, you will now receive ‘My Stay Planner’ by email. This will provide all the information you need to make the very best of your stay. It includes tourist leaflets, ‘What’s On’ Guides, and much more.

Arrival and departure

For the time being – and although we love meeting our guests face to face – our arrival and departures are contactless. Your welcome folder – containing access and key collection information, WiFi codes and all instructions – will be sent to you electronically as part of ‘My Stay Planner’, shortly before your visit. But remember – we are always available by phone should you have any questions during your stay. Further, our properties have sufficient outdoor space to meet safely should you need us at any time.

Thank you everyone

Lastly, it’s time for a huge thank you to everyone who has helped get us to this moment, where we are safely welcoming guests to our beautiful properties, City and country. Our sincere thanks to all those guests who have been so patient as we rearranged or refunded their holidays – thank you! To our owners, who have become partners in the challenge to make our properties forensically clean and safe – we wouldn’t be here without you! To all our suppliers, who’ve had to face their own concerns about business resilience, we thank you! We are delighted that ‘We’re Good to Go’ and can’t wait to welcome you back to Stirling – better than ever!

Master Cancel provides total booking confidence for you

It’s official! We are ‘Good To Go’ and ready to welcome you

More information about our response to COVID-19:

Find out more about our cancellation protection: https://www.stirlingselfcatering.co.uk/
Find out more about our COVID cleaning, training and risk assessment protocols: https://www.stirlingselfcatering.co.uk/covid-19-information/
What our ‘Good to Go’ status really means: https://goodtogo.visitbritain.com/your-business-good-to-go-scotland

BACK TO BLOG

Far from the madding crowd

by ssc | Mar 12, 2020 | Blog

There’s a lot of bad news, media noise and worry in the world right now, and – serious as it is – we will all need a break from it at some point. We believe that, instead of giving up on having a holiday this year, now is the perfect time for a staycation in Stirling, away from crowds, closer to nature and with everything you need for a nourishing retreat from the outside world. Here’s why.

Find seclusion and tranquility in South Doll Farm Cottage

Coorie in with loved ones, ignoring the world outside

Secluded rural settings

We have some 16 luxurious properties, many of which are nestled in rural settings that offer peace and seclusion. South Doll Farm Cottage, Ailsa Barn, Lallybroch, Oakside Cottage and Tigh Mor are just a handful of properties that offer total tranquillity and breathing space. What’s more, you’ll find creature comforts perfect for cosying up and battening down the hatches – from woodburning stoves, to stunning vistas, gardens and more. View them all here: https://www.stirlingselfcatering.co.uk/properties/

No need for public transport

One of the best things about Stirling is its location – centrally located in Scotland, it’s a manageable drive if you seek a holiday that entirely avoids congested air or train transport. Even coming from as far south as London, you could be settled into your Stirling home in under 8 hours. What’s more, Stirling’s position at the heart of Scotland means you can easily drive right into some of the least populated, wildest landscapes in a short time. Just two examples – Glencoe is just two hours away by car, and Loch Lomond just an hour. What more could you need? For more ideas, see our blogs here: https://www.stirlingselfcatering.co.uk/blog/heart-200/ and https://www.stirlingselfcatering.co.uk/blog/waterfalls/.

Cleanliness affords peace of mind

Our properties are deep cleaned before and after every stay, not just to ensure they always look immaculate, but to safeguard the health and happiness of all our guests, young and old. Our professional cleaning company are passionate about cleanliness – they are fastidious, with a healthy dose of perfectionism, too. What’s more, they’ve been working with us for years. They are a vital part of our team, and we trust them implicitly.

Recharge the Scottish way

With low population density and lifestyles still relatively close to nature, the Scots as a race are pretty comfortable with solitude. Because of this, you’ll find that many of our properties will afford this opportunity, should you wish it. And why you’re here, why not embrace the Scottish art of ‘coorie’? To ‘coorie’, or to ‘coorie in’ basically means to cuddle up or snuggle, and nothing beats a coorie with a loved one at a warm fireside, ignoring the world outside. For a good coorie, you’ll need hearty fare and a wee dram on hand. Avoid the supermarkets by visiting Stirling’s open-air Farmers Market on the second Saturday of every month, or even have supplies delivered to your door by award-winning Falleninch Farm, in the shadow of Stirling Castle. There’s no need even to step outside.

So, do you still think your big holiday this year is off? Think again. Come stay.

Ailsa Barn’s stunning views connect you to nature

Cleanliness gives you peace of mind

Talk to us about what you and your family need from your next holiday:

+44 (0) 7730 145 965
info@stirlingselfcatering.co.uk

BACK TO BLOG

Easter is coming – get ready!

by ssc | Feb 26, 2020 | Blog

Easter. Scotland bursts 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 the best family events throughout Stirlingshire, with a healthy dose of history, too.

You’ll have Easter fun at Boness & Kinneil Steam Railway

Hunt for Easter eggs at Culross Palace, Fife

Easter Egg Special Trains at Boness and Kinneil Railway

The railway’s popular Easter Egg special trains run on Friday 10, Saturday 11, Easter Sunday 12 April and Monday 13 April. There’s a free tasty chocolate treat for every child, a journey by steam through the spring countryside and fun in the Museum hunting for Easter eggs. You can even pre-book Fish & Chips for Friday evening 10 April or Afternoon Tea on a Steam Train on Monday 13 April. 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. For more information, see: https://www.bkrailway.co.uk/your-visit/events/

Cadbury Egg Hunts with National Trust

Cadbury have teamed up with the National Trust for Scotland again this year to create 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 The Battle of Bannockburn Centre, Alloa Tower in Clackmannanshure, and Culross Palace, Fife. Events are included in the normal admission price. Check your chosen venue’s Egg Hunt dates and other postcodes on the Cadbury website, where you’ll also find lots of free downloads for fun Easter activities at home: https://easter.cadbury.co.uk/

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. Free to members. The nearest participating venue to Stirling is Linlithgow Palace, from Good Friday to Easter Monday, but you can search for other venues here: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/event/?eventId=297608b0-3502-4fde-9195-a6cc00fa3d0c

Step into Spring at the Wallace Monument

Stirling’s National Wallace Monument is buzzing with activity for families over the Easter weekend! Follow the story of Sir William Wallace, patriot, martyr, and Guardian of Scotland in three exhibition galleries, then listen to costumed actors performing Tales from the Battlefield, transporting you back to one of the most dramatic periods in Scottish history. Step outside and come face-to-face with owls, falcons, hawks and kestrels from Alba Falconry’s sanctuary and learn about the birds of prey during the static display. And if that isn’t enough fun – step into the Visitor Reception Centre and have your face painted for free! https://www.nationalwallacemonument.com/ht_event/step-into-spring-at-the-national-wallace-monument/

Step into spring at the Wallace Monument

Whatever your plans, have a happy Easter!

Photo credits:

Boness & Kinneil Railway: By Thomas Nugent [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Culross Palace: By Palickap (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Wallace Monument: Kindly supplied by Ken Thomson, NWM.

BACK TO BLOG

A Scottish road trip for everyone: the Heart 200

by ssc | 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

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:

Need somewhere to stay? https://www.stirlingselfcatering.co.uk/properties/
Keep up to date with news on Heart 200 route here: http://www.heart200.scot/
Interested in the North Coast 500? https://www.northcoast500.com/

BACK TO BLOG

School’s out for summer! (Nearly!)

by ssc | Jun 25, 2018 | Blog

In the school holidays, it’s all too easy for the kids to park themselves in front of the tv and slouch their way through summer. But with just a little prep (and a thrown-together picnic), the school holidays can be a brilliant time for learning, exploring and making memories. Here are just a few suggestions to get you thinking!

Explore some of Scotland secret gardens

Take life more slowly at Linlithgow Canal Basin

Charity Garden Openings

The Scotland’s Gardens scheme raises money for charity through encouraging, promoting and supporting garden openings all over the country. For just a small donation, you can gain access to some of Scotland’s most beautiful secret gardens, and you may find a cream tea there, too. There are dates throughout July and August. To find a garden open near you, type in your postcode on their website: https://scotlandsgardens.org/

Summer Programme at the Engine Shed

Head to the Engine Shed throughout the summer holidays for fun, free workshops that will introduce you and your family to traditional building skills and materials. Choose from Brilliant Buildings, to Inventor’s Workshops, to a James Watt Engineering Challenge, 3D printing, to creating your own powered machines. Even if you don’t book onto one of the Summer Programme events, this is a fabulous place, and well worth the visit. You’ll be able to find out lots about the important work of Historic Environment Scotland, too. For more information, visit: https://www.engineshed.scot/whats-on/event/

Linlithgow Canal Basin

If you like spending time on the water, then Linlithgow Canal Centre is for you. The Canal Centre (just 22 miles or 29 mins from Stirling) is operated entirely by volunteers and their love of the boats and the water brings a little magic to your trip. The Centre runs three core trips – a half-hour town cruise, a three-hour Avon Aqueduct Cruise, and a Falkirk Wheel Cruise. The Aqueduct cruises take place at weekends, The Falkirk Wheel cruises on specified dates, while the town cruises run daily throughout the summer from 1 July. Tickets are very good value, staff have a wealth of local knowledge, and you can enjoy some gorgeous home baking before or after in the Canal Centre Tearoom (with a wood fire in winter). The Canal centre is a hidden gem in the heart of Linlithgow, and worthwhile supporting too. Don’t miss their Canal Fun Day on 18 August and bring a picnic. For detail on ticket prices, cruises, special events and facilities, see: http://www.lucs.org.uk/boat-trips

Stirling Highland Games

On Saturday 17 August, Stirling Sports Village will host one of the region’s signature annual events. Stirling’s Highland Games welcomes visitors from around the world to witness traditional Highland games competitions in the heart of the City. The games field offers brilliant views over to the Wallace Monument, Cambuskenneth Abbey and Stirling Castle. A full programme of traditional events includes running, cycling, Highland dancing, heavyweights, long jump and triple jump. In addition, there will be an Arts & Crafts Market, an Activities Challenge area, Heritage Tours, and a Food & Drink Festival with street food vendors, producers and craft beer, gin and whisky bars, as well as entertainment from the Creative Arts Festival with live performances from 12:30 until 17:00. Buy your tickets online: http://www.stirlinghighlandgames.com/

Anniversary Events at the Wallace Monument

The National Wallace Monument opened its doors to visitors on Saturday 11th September 1869, and 2019 marks the building’s 150th anniversary. The anniversary year will be commemorated with an expanded programme of events, including free activities every day in July and August such as Warrior Training on Thursdays, Family Fridays, and actor performances on Saturdays and Sundays. And remember to ask staff abut converting your admission ticket into an annual pass, which means you can come back to enjoy each of the Monument’s Anniversary events! For more information, visit: https://www.nationalwallacemonument.com/ht_event/

Stirling Highland Games is a perfect day out for everyone

The Wallace Monument has a packed Summer Programme this year

BACK TO BLOG