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Five ways you know Spring is coming

by ssc | Feb 6, 2018 | Blog

January is over, there is a little more light, and the birds are beginning to sing again. But sometimes we need reminding that spring is just around the corner. Here are five tell-tale signs that we are on our way!

The daylight hours are lengthening

See spring snowdrops at locations throughout Scotland until March

The days are lengthening

Since the shortest day on 21 December, the days have been getting just a little bit longer. School runs are no longer done in the dark, and with sunrise now before 8am, all but the earliest risers will be breakfasting in the light. In the month of January, we gain between 1.5 to 2 minutes of daylight with each new morning. That picks up in February, with about 2.5 precious minutes of daylight gained every day! For an engaging little website to track the daylight hours across the globe, see this: suncalc.net/

It’s time for spring snowdrops

Scotland’s annual snowdrop festival is in full swing, celebrating one of our nation’s most cherished flowers. The snowdrop sums up everything we love about spring. it’s a hopeful, beautiful and determined little bloom that reappears undaunted every year despite late snows and biting cold. To witness this inspiring annual event for yourself, find a participating garden near you here: http://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/events/scottish-snowdrop-festival

The farmers markets have reopened

After a hectic Christmastime, the stallholders of Scotland’s farmers markets hang up their thermals in the quiet month of January. But February sees them setting out fresh wares across the country. Stirling Farmers market takes place every second Saturday from February on, so they will be making their first outing of 2018 this Saturday. In Perth, stall holders are out on the first Saturday of the month in King Edward Street and St John’s Place. For details, see here: http://www.perthfarmersmarket.co.uk/

Spring romance and inspiration

Resist it if you can, but love is in the air. Want a traditional Valentine’s Day? Why not listen to some Romantic Classics with the Edinburgh Quartet at the Macrobert Stirling. Or, enjoy a special Valentine’s menu in the sumptuous surroundings of Henderson’s Bistro at the Albert Halls, Stirling. For those who want a learned way to spend their Valentine’s, take in one of the Royal Geographic Society’s lectures at Logie Lecture Theatre, University of Stirling. On 14 February, writer Jo Woolf brings to life the stories of some of the people who have inspired her. There are explorers from the ‘heroic age’ of polar exploration, desert travellers, renowned mountaineers, oceanographers, botanists, geologists, and a daring secret agent in Bolshevist Russia!

We are all planning holidays

It seems that as soon as the last of the Christmas Quality Street have been devoured, it’s time to start thinking about summer holidays. Most of us turn our thoughts to our summer break in January and February. It’s the time to get good deals and to give us something to look forward to after winter’s festivities. If you’re planning to spend your holiday in Scotland, why not make Stirling your base? The historic city offers great access to Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Highlands, and is a stunning destination in its own right. Browse our properties and check availability here. We’ll be delighted to see you!

Farmers markets have re-opened for spring

The farmers markets have reopened after Christmas chaos

Our properties offer unrivalled luxury and location

More information: Henderson’s Bistro, Albert Halls, Dumbarton Road, Stirling FK8 2QL. Tel: 01786 469727 Website: www.hendersonsstirling.co.uk

Photo credits: Food and interior pics of Albert Halls, reproduced by kind permission of Henderson’s Bistro. Photographer Paul Andrew. Albert Halls exterior: Kenneth Allen [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.

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New Year: New Horizons

by ssc | 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.

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

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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Plan the best of times in Stirling: Autumn

by ssc | Aug 23, 2017 | Blog

Here’s where to stay, and what to do, as we leave summer behind in Stirling. Time to kick up some leaves, explore historic sites, and throw the first log on the fire!

Lallybroch, on the Kersebonny Carse, sleeps 10

Balfron Hayloft would make a great autumn getaway

Sleeping up to 10, Balfron Hayloft would make a great autumn family getaway

Where to stay

As we leave summer behind, why not consider one of our more rural properties so that you can make the most of the turning leaves and new birdsong? Lallybroch (named after the fictional estate in Outlander) is an impressive 5-bedroom steading conversion. Set on the Kersebonny Carse just outside Stirling, Lallybroch is within easy reach of all amenities and historic sites. Yet it has a tranquil setting, with striking views to the Castle. In addition, we have Balfron Hayloft, a magnificent traditional stone-built farm steading conversion. It offers ideal family-sized holiday accommodation. Set in the rolling countryside of Stirlingshire with picturesque views of Ben Lomond and the Ochil Hills, Balfron Hayloft is an ideal base for touring the Scottish heartlands. And what’s more, both of these properties have stoves you can warm your toes at in the evenings. To book these and any of our properties, see: https://www.stirlingselfcatering.co.uk/properties/

Kick up some leaves

For those who love autumn colour, there’s no need to get on board an expensive flight to New England. Take a walk round Stirling University Campus in late September/early October for amazing foliage displays. 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 https://www.pkct.org/Pages/Category/perthshire-big-tree-country

Bloody Scotland 8-10 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. In this sixth year of the festival they welcome back popular favourites Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Denise Mina and last year’s McIlvanney Prize winner Chris Brookmyre. You also have the chance to catch Simon Kernick, Lynda La Plante, Peter May, Mark Billingham, and many more. The authors give unforgettable talks on crime and writing. They offer panels on everything from forensics to soil science and witness identification. If you love a crime thriller, you need to be in Stirling this weekend! For a full events line-up, see: www.bloodyscotland.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 a thousand venues throughout Scotland will open this year. The website is brilliant – simply choose where you are or want to go, and you’ll find your listings. Stirling is opening at least 25 buildings to visitors for free, with plenty more in Falkirk and Clackmannanshire too. Have a browse and plan your itinerary: http://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/

The Enchanted Forest

To celebrate autumn, how about leaving the city behind and heading outdoors for a bit of natural magic? The Enchanted Forest is renowned for being Scotland’s premier sound and light experience and attracted over 70,000 visitors in 2016. With dazzling visuals and innovative design set against an original music score, explore Faskally Wood near Pitlochry in an unforgettable way. Scots Gaelic for ‘Edge of the Water’, this year’s show name Oir an Uisge has taken its inspiration from the magnificent Loch Dunmore that’s at the heart of Faskally Wood. For tickets (and don’t delay), see: http://www.enchantedforest.org.uk/

Autumn colour at Loch Faskally

Craigvinean pine cone shelter by Ronald Weir

Craigvinean Pine Cone Shelter. Photo by Ronald Weir

Photo credits:

Craigvinean Pine Cone Shelter: Photo by Ronald Weir and originally supplied by Perthshire Big Tree Country, now http://www.pkct.org/
Faskally Wood: Photo copyright Perthshire Picture Agency and originally supplied by Perthshire Big Tree Country, now http://www.pkct.org/

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Spring and Easter escapes to beautiful Stirling

by ssc | Jan 26, 2017 | Blog

The Christmas credit card bill is paid, the mornings are getting lighter, and the dawn chorus is back. That can only mean one thing – spring is coming! And here’s why to spend it in Stirling.

Relax this spring in Gladstone’s beautiful gardens

Celebrate spring with champagne in the hot tub at Oakside cottage

A city break in Stirling

A spring break is all about taking a moment out of life to make some fresh memories and get outside a bit more. Fancy a city break? Stay at one of our properties in the heart of the city. Take a peek at Gladstone, Pear Tree House, and the Courtyard, to enjoy a luxurious break that puts you right at the heart of things. Just minutes from King’s Park and a short stroll from the Castle, you’ll witness Stirling burst into bloom again after the colder months. We have properties in beautiful Bridge of Allan too, like Haverstock, Springwood and Allanwater. They are the perfect base to explore Bridge of Allan’s gardens and the University grounds set on the historic Airthrey Estate. There are many unique little shops and great dining tucked away in this former spa town, too.

A secluded break to enjoy nature

Perhaps you’d prefer to immerse yourself in a more rural setting away from the City. Our properties like LallyBroch, Oakside Cottage, Stronend Cottage or Balfron Hayloft will give you the seclusion and landscape you crave. Whether you want to escape as a couple, a family, or group, these properties offer stunning views, easy access to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, wood burning stoves, hot tubs and idyllic settings. Outlander fans may even want to use Lallybroch as their base for an film locations tour, too. Or, for young families, these properties are ideal for visits to the Balfron Woodland Experience, Blair Drummond Safari Park, which reopens on 18 March, and Briarlands Farm, which re-opens in mid-February.

Wherever you choose to stay, make sure you don’t miss out on these fabulous Spring and Easter events in Stirlingshire:

The Snowdrop Festival

Nothing promises that spring is coming quite like snowdrops. And every year, Scotland opens up many of its most beautiful gardens, so that the everyone can enjoy the season’s snowdrop displays. The Festival runs from 18 February to 12 March. You can find participating gardens here: http://www.scotlandsgardens.org/news/snowdrops-2017

Easter Egg hunts at historic buildings

Thinking of booking your spring break at Easter time? 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! Find an Easter Egg Hunt near you: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/event/?eventId=297608b0-3502-4fde-9195-a6cc00fa3d0c

Easter Egg Steam Trains

Boness and Kinneil’s annual Easter trains run on 14 and 15 April and are becoming ever more popular. Climb aboard, enjoy the short trip, and the conductor will arrive with a chocolate egg for every child. Children wearing Easter bonnets also have the chance to win a prize. And there are Easter egg hunts in the museum too. Book soon! For tickets and schedule, see: http://www.bkrailway.co.uk/your-visit/events/

Crannog Centre Easter Extravaganza

Help the Crannog Centre kick-start their 20th anniversary year by celebrating Easter Iron Age style on beautiful Loch Tay, Perthshire. Join their Pancake Eggstravaganza on Easter Sunday, 16 April from 10.30am to 4.30pm. You will cook pancakes over an open fire, bake bread in clay ovens, and churn your own butter to spread on them. Gather round the fire to learn about ancient crafts and ways of life from skilled Iron Age guides. Or just gaze into the flames. For more information, see: http://www.crannog.co.uk/

Nothing says spring like the Snowdrop Festival

The Crannog Centre, on stunning Loch Tay

Photo credits:

Crannog Centre on Loch Tay: By Dave Morris from Edinburgh, UK (Flickr.com – image description page) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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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:

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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