Stirling 900
Story so far
Launch of Stirling 900
Stirling’s 900th anniversary celebrations were opened in the spring sunshine on Friday 26 April as city partners came together to launch an exciting year-long programme of events.
The festivities began at Stirling Castle with a morning opening ceremony, featuring a lone piper introducing James Erskine; the current Earl of Mar and the King’s Hereditary Keeper of Stirling Castle; along with Elaine Watterson, Stirling Provost. Together they entered through the ancient castle gates to greet the attendees. Representatives from the local partners involved in Stirling 900 also came along for the event and were joined by some special costumed performers including Mary Queen of Scots.
At 10am, the bells of The Church of the Holy Rude rang for one hour to mark the city’s birthday, before the city’s 900 year timeline mural was unveiled at Station square in the city centre.
David Galletly’s amazing new artwork that celebrates Stirling’s history and its people was officially unveiled in the city centre.
The colourful 30ft long illustration created by iconic Stirling artist David Galletly, has been installed along side the pedestrian route from Stirling train station (one of the busiest in Scotland) to the city centre.
It showcases some of the major moments of Stirling’s rich history over the past 900 years, from the Battle of Bannockburn to the opening of the University of Stirling, and mingles it with legends from the Stirling area such as William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, Sir Andy Murray and Billy Bremner.
The project was developed with input from local residents and partners and has transformed the welcome to Stirling for visitors and residents alike.
To learn more about the artwork and David see our article here.
Over the Summer Stirling 900 banners designed by David Galletly celebrating people, history & city were added to dress up and promote the 900th anniversary landmark in other parts of the city by Go Forth Stirling.
Later, the celebrations continued at a community event held at The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, featuring some of Stirling's historical treasures such as the ancient key of Stirling, the world's oldest curling stone and one of the world’s oldest footballs.
Attendees had an opportunity to take part in creative and heritage activities, including creatig a memory tree out of individual thoughts and memories writen on card and hung on display. The Provost added her own words to the memory tree about Stirling in between chatting with visitors, and she also praised the incredible work of the Dementia Café in a short address to those present.
In the evening, a special reception was held at the Smith for all the key partners in Stirling 900 along with local dignitaries. Speeches from the Provost, Council Leader, Counciller Chris Kane; and Professor Kirstie Blair, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Stirling, highlighted Stirling’s remarkable history and heritage, the special characteristics of its people, some of the exciting events and activities taking place over the 12 months, and the area’s bold ambitions for the future. Stirling Makar Laura Fyfe recited a moving poem she had penned for the occasion – ‘Her Slow Beating Heart’ – before folk group Gleusda added drama and atmosphere with some beautiful Gaelic songs. Colonel Alastair Campbell DL, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Stirling and Falkirk; thanked partners for coming together and creating the bumper programme of events for the anniversary celebrations, and everyone left with a smile on their faces after watching a short and light-hearted ‘happy birthday Stirling’ film.
Her slow-beating heart
written and performed by Stirling’s Makar Laura Fyfe
in celebration of Stirling’s 900 year anniversary
26th April, 2024
She watches us from her ancient perspectives
pooled in a valley between river and hills
If we blanket her in paper and scuff a pencil
she might reveal the moments of relief that mark history
the unwritten time that leaves our books bare
as her seabed curves.
Rain whispers in her ear of times
when more than water rolled down her cobbled shoulders;
when we glazed her cleavage in sewer reek and butcher blood.
How we repaid the protection of her wolves who howled their warning.
We used her stone to shield our children from those who’d roughly woo them
but with walls came containment and we forgot her.
Castles are grand in peacetime, but they’re built for war.
When the waters rose we scrambled like fleas to her crown.
Royals and regiments came and left.
We made a battleground of her gardens, grew
shadow puppets and stone-lipped monuments.
In her lap, we made a crossroads, built a bridge for goods and Gods.
Winds carve her bones with their own songs of change
glaciers and sharpened metal pass over her and recede.
For the hardships she’s bided
she’s all the more beautiful.
She saves her gifts for those who stay.
We might swim in her and be swallowed by cold,
walk by her rivers and sink beneath her skin.
Where she swells to the sky, we might lie
with bees in the spring of moss and heather
The coiling Forth, mingling tide and hill water:
quicksilver clean, silt-thick fertile and ozone salt.
Slivers of sun strike and cloud shadow on the Carse.
Her deep eyes reflect the sky’s seasons,
the waxing and waning of the moon
the falling of old nights,
the dawning of new days.
Memories of fire.
She has no angels to sing of her,
only her daughters, her sons:
born of strife, hardened by history,
softened by the pulsing of air on her fields
awed by her slow-beating heart.
Walking of the Marches Anniversary
The 900th Anniversary Walking of the Marches on Saturday 25/05 has been hailed as the ‘biggest and best ever’ in its 900-year history by organisers. The Walking of the Marches is an ancient tradition of inspecting and protecting the boundaries of the city, which dates back to at least the 12th century, when Kind David I granted Stirling its prestigious royal status.
Huge crowds gathered for the start of the annual procession at the Roundel on King Street on Saturday morning and, following a series of proclamations and speeches, including from Provost Elaine Watterson, the Marches set off from the foot of King Street on a route around the city centre.
Leading the parade were ‘Birlawmen’, the inspectors who traditionally marked the boundaries using picks and shovels, turning sods of turf at each check point. Ceremonial picks and shovels are still carried today and this year, for the first time, the inspectors included two female Birlawmen, Janie Meikle Bland and Val Bold.
Groups and organisations from across Stirling took part in the procession including staff, students and alumni from the University of Stirling, some who wore their national dress, adding to the colour and spectacle. This was the first time that the University of Stirling has played a prominent role in the proceedings supporting stronger connections between campus and the historic city.
After a toast at the Smith Art Gallery and Museum, the Marches continued onto Cowane’s Hospital, where the procession concluded with an entertainment programme.
Andrew McEwan, chair of the Walking of the Marches committee, said: “The Walking of the Marches this year was a wonderful celebration of Stirling and we were absolutely thrilled by the numbers that turned up.
“The Walking of the Marches is something that has been done for centuries but I think we can safely say that was the biggest and best ever.’’
University of Stirling 900 Open Day
Following on from the Walking of the Marches, the University of Stirling Art Collection and Pathfoot Building hosted an Open Day featuring Award-winning artist Audrey Grant’s opening a solo exhibition after a year long residency
The exhibition Memoria marked the end of Audrey’s artist residency at Stirling, which began in May 2023, and forms part of the University of Stirling Art Collection’s Open Day.
On display from May 25 to August 9 at the University’s Pathfoot Building, Memoria includes never-before-seen large-scale photography, site-specific installation and film which encourage visitors to consider land as a witness to history. Audrey’s residency has focused on the landscape and ruins of the ancient Airthrey Estate, where the University of Stirling is located.
The Estate has a rich and complex history, dating back to at least the 12th century. Throughout the course of the residency, Audrey has spent time exploring the landscape and discovering the visible and invisible traces of its history by exploring and responding to the historic buildings still left in the landscape of this modern institution.
Audrey has worked closely with partners across the University to consider historic buildings including the Icehouse, Filter House and the Hermitage, and used existing University Archives to research the estate.
She has collected found objects in the landscape to inspire her practice and created a vast photographic archive of nearly 500 analogue photographs to document her experiences. The residency has also inspired new projects on campus.
Audrey Grant has worked closely with partners across the University to consider historic buildings across the estate.
In November, Audrey’s work instigated an archaeological dig of the Hermitage, working with archaeologist and University of Stirling Honorary Research Fellow Dr Murray Cook and volunteers to physically excavate the land and uncover its secrets.
Sarah Bromage, Head of University Collections at Stirling, said: “The past year has been a wonderful experience and we have thoroughly enjoyed hosting Audrey as our artist in residence. We hope that her work responding to these ancient spaces and interpreting them artistically will encourage people to look again at the beautiful landscape here at the University of Stirling and to take inspiration from the campus itself.”
Sarah added: “The timing of this exhibition is particularly fitting in 2024 when we are celebrating Stirling’s 900th year and looking back on its history.”
Audrey Grant said: “It has been an enormous privilege to be artist in residence at the University of Stirling over the past year and a joy to work with Sarah Bromage, the Collections team and many others. None of it would have been possible without their incredible help and support.
“Undertaking a major project like this has allowed me time to expand my practice and explore and experiment with new forms and mediums such as analogue photography and film, sound recording, found objects and site-specific works. I hope this new exhibition of work shines a light on the beautiful and changing landscape of the Airthrey Estate.”
The launch of Memoria at the Pathfoot Building on May 25th at 3.30pm was open to all, as part of the University of Stirling Art Collection’s Open Day. More at www.stir.ac.uk/events/23-24/art-collection/art-collection-open-day
The Pathfoot Building is open to the public Monday-Friday 9am 5pm. Tours and visits outside of these times can be arranged by emailing art.collection@stir.ac
Forth Valley Food Tales
To mark the 900th anniversary of the Royal Burgh of Stirling, Forth Valley Food and Drink has produced four captivating short documentaries that unveil the lesser-known stories of Stirling’s rich food and drink heritage.
While many believe they know everything about Stirling’s history, the series reveals surprising and fascinating aspects that are often overlooked by historians.
Funded by Scotland Food and Drink’s Regional Food Fund, these films explore intriguing facets of the region's culinary past and present.
Highlights include:
* Kippen’s claim to fame as the home of the world’s largest grapevine.
*The tale of how a medicinal posset restored Bonnie Prince Charlie’s health at Bannockburn House.
*The secret symbols found on Stirling’s pies.
*The Stirling or Scots pint, the burgh’s oldest surviving object.
*Scotland’s smallest whisky distillery and its royal connections.
*The elaborate three-day feasts at Stirling Castle, featuring Scotland’s first fireworks display.
Watch the films to uncover the hidden culinary treasures of Stirling and celebrate its vibrant food and drink heritage!
Food and Drink Festival
This summer also saw the network host Stirling’s largest ever Food and Drink Festival at Forthside Square.
Forth Valley Food Festival proved to be a resounding success, drawing over 2,000 visitors despite Scotland serving up all four seasons in one day!
The event, held on Saturday 24 August by the Engine Shed, marked the Royal Burgh’s 900th anniversary with a celebration of local food, drink and community spirit.
Forthside Square buzzed with excitement all day as visitors flocked to explore the wide array of stalls, sampling local flavours as well as street food from around the world.
Camphill Blair Drummond delighted young visitors with their creative smiley-face pizzas, while charity Forth Environment Link’s smoothie bike had kids using pedal power to whip up a free fruity drink.
The event played a vital role in raising the profile of local food and drink producers, from locally reared lamb to hand made ice cream.
Free history course celebrates Stirling's 900th anniversary
The University of Stirling has launched a new online course to celebrate the 900th anniversary of the founding of the burgh.
Monday 24th June marked the anniversary of the historic Battle of Bannockburn and the launch of the free four-week course: ‘Heart of Scotland: History and Heritage of Stirling at 900 Years.’ It was open to anyone with an interest in Scotland’s past, with 470 people signing up for the first run and so far the public reviews give it 4.9 out of 5 stars
Read the transcript for this video
Focusing on key events, people, places, and spaces in Stirling, learners got to find out about about the city’s history and heritage through a mix of short videos, articles, audio, and reflective activities.
Set up a free ‘FutureLearn’ account via the course page, and access the course without charge.
Feedback from learners from Scotland and around the world have noted how they feel inspired to visit Stirling now. Including:
“ [this course] ‘put Stirling on the visiting list”
“ [Stirling] ‘must be visited after this”
“really looking forward to our visit…shall enjoy seeking out the places mentioned!”
“Stirling is definitely on my destination list”
Stirling 900: A Snapshot Exhibition
Celebrating the 900th anniversary of the Royal Burgh of Stirling through the art of continuing GOSSIP members
Stirling 900: A Snapshot celebrates the 900th anniversary of the Royal Burgh of Stirling through the art of continuing GOSSIP members. The pieces marked the history, heritage and culture of Stirling from the past to more recently. Stirling’s unique location is explored by looking at how its historic events, sites and people have shaped it. These reflections include what lies in the present and the impacts on the future as well. The city’s central location has added to its importance in a wider sense, but it is also a vital hub for the county of Stirlingshire, covering centuries of lives and happenings, all of which are conveyed via memories, forgotten gems and narratives formed across time.
Truths, facts, the built environment, landscape, nature, craft, political comment, feminism and folktales are all brought to light. There were a variety of mediums on display from the artists, including painting, drawing, sketchbooks, words, screen print, found objects, collage, digital graphics, textiles, sculpture and audio.
Featured artists: David Barbara, Ken Elliott, El Kerr, Lesley McDermott, Audrey McMenemy, Dawn Robison and Libby Yule. The exhibition was curated by Alice Martin.
Youth Parliament gather for first event at Stirling school
Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs), the democratically elected voice of Scotland’s young people, met in Stirling at the weekend for their first event since being elected earlier this year.
The 81st National Sitting of the Youth Parliament took place at St Modan’s High School, where up to 160 MSYPs aged between 14 and 25 joined to represent the views of their constituents from across Scotland.
It was the first sitting of the new membership, which members will serve in until the end of 2025.
Elected representatives debated and voted on a wide range of Members’ Motions including on issues such as LGBTQ+ inclusive education, affordable sporting facilities, improvements to public transport and more.
Mollie McGoran, outgoing chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament said: “We’re grateful to Stirling Council for hosting us this weekend and appreciate all of the work that has went into the event, especially from the local authority’s youth work team.”
Other sessions over the course of the weekend included updates on SYP’s diversity and inclusion work, a panel of guest speakers to discuss the newly selected National Campaigns, Subject Committee meetings and planning for this autumn’s sitting, which is to take place in The Scottish Parliament.
The weekend also featured a social event hosted by Stirling Council at the Albert Halls to mark both the 25th anniversary of SYP as well as 900 years of The Royal Burgh of Stirling.
The evening included a DJ set from Capital Scotland drivetime presenter Katy J and a traditional Scottish ceilidh with music from SYP Associate National Voluntary Organisation Sistema Scotland’s Big Noise programme.
Local representatives for young people across Stirling, Zac Mickel MSYP and Sophie Kerrigan MSYP said: “We are both so delighted to welcome SYP to Stirling and to meet our new fellow MSYPs.
Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs), the democratically elected voice of Scotland’s young people, met in Stirling at the weekend for their first event since being elected earlier this year.© jamie murray
“2024 is a very special year for Stirling with an exciting year-long programme of events planned as part of Stirling’s 900th anniversary celebrations. It is a chance to show our ambition to usher in a new chapter in Stirling’s story, with young people central in writing the next pages.”
MSYPs recently selected three new national campaigns - increase mental health training and education, invest in and protect youth work services and end gender-based violence. During the consultation process, MSYPs engaged with over 4000 young people to find out their priorities.
Armed Forces Day
Stirling marked Armed Forces Day this year (Saturday 29 June) as people across the country reflected on the contributions of the armed forces.
The procession took place following a thanksgiving church service at the Church of the Holy Rude.
The Royal British Legion Scotland, in collaboration with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum, have led on arranging Stirling’s Armed Forces Day event which consisted of a thanksgiving church service at the Church of the Holy Rude followed by a procession.
Following the church service at 10.30am, the parade set off from Church of the Holy Rude with serving and formerly serving members of the armed forces attending the service and parade.
National Chairman of the Royal British Legion Scotland, Lt Cdr (Retd.) Martyn Hawthorn MBE RN said: "Military life can be isolated and at times lonely for the servicing personnel and also the veteran. It is important that we celebrate Armed Forces Day to mark the service of men and women, past and present, in the Armed Forces and to thank them for what they do and did."
'Historical strong connections'
As Stirling celebrates its 900th anniversary this year, Stirling’s historical strong connections to the military and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regiment remains as significant as ever.
Armed Forces Day is a UK-wide Ministry of Defence initiative to honour and celebrate the work of the armed forces and those who support them. It aims to raise awareness about the contributions of the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, reservists, veterans, cadets and the wider armed forces community, including service families.
John Bell, the Stirling Branch Secretary of Legion Scotland said: “It is an honour for the local branch of the Legion to be asked to help facilitate along with others this year’s Stirling Armed Forces Day event.”
Stirling Summer Sessions
Music sets the scene for a summer of great events featuring Shania Twain, Young Fathers, Tom Jones and many more.
Stirling welcomed thousands of music lovers from across the country as it hosteds a series of outdoor concerts beneath the silhouette of the iconic Stirling Castle.
Globally renowned artists such as James Arthur, Busted, Young Fathers, Tom Jones and Shania Twain took to the stage under the backdrop of Stirling Castle at Stirling City Park. Some of the brightest stars in the music industry of the likes of Beverley Knight, Loreen, Self Esteem and Rag N Bone man supported the headliners to create an incredibly vibrant programme of music that drew in audiences from near and far.
The concerts have been a key part of an exciting programme of cultural events being held this year as Stirling celebrates its 900th anniversary took place between Thursday 27 June and Tuesday 2 July 2024 at City Park, Stirling.
900 Inspired Heritage Trail Guide Launched
There has been so much engagement by local organisations, businesses and residents in Stirling 900 that it is difficult to capture everything but here are a few other highlights so far!
Stirling City Heritage Trust have launched a Stirling 900 inspired Stirling Family Heritage Trail guide for exploring Stirling with local artist David Galletly. The guide has been distributed from The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, Stirling Libraries and Archives Central Library, and Stirling Old Town Jail.
Epic Art for 900
To celebrate Stirling’s history, growth and achievements since being founded as a borough by King David I in 1124, Macrobert Arts Centre hosted an epic art challenge to create new artwork that captures all things Stirling - past, present, and future! Young artists submitted original artwork that responds creatively to the theme, with work selected and commended in an arts exhibition.
Cornton ‘Remembers Together’ with Street Party
Remembering Together's Springtime event was a street party in Cornton which had a tremendous turn out! Seeing so much of the local community stop by and take part was undeniably the highlight of the day, even more than the beautiful weather.
Entertainment at the event featured specially created dance performances from the children at Cornton Nursery, facilitated by lead artist Saffy Setohy and dancer Grace Turner, with fantastic live music and singing from Evie Waddell. As well at this, Cornton primary school put on a wonderful show including several dance pieces, and Monument dance centre closed the event with a series of brilliantly prepared dance routines.
Convener of Stirling Council now recognised by title of ‘Lord Provost’
The convener of Stirling Council will now be permanently recognised by the title of ‘Lord Provost’ as a celebration of the 900th anniversary of Stirling.
Previously known as Provost, the new title recognises and honours the milestone in the city’s history, which was first bestowed Royal Burgh status by King David I in 1124.
The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, Shona Robison, granted the new title on behalf of the Scottish Government following a request from Alan Simpson OBE, Lord Lieutenant of Stirling and Falkirk, and former Stirling MP Alyn Smith.
It was accepted and agreed at a full meeting of Stirling Council earlier this month.
The Lord Provost is Stirling Council's civic leader and represents the council and local communities at ceremonial and other events throughout the year.
The Lord Provost helps promote Stirling and the surrounding area locally, nationally and internationally. The role of the Lord Provost is apolitical.
Lord Provost Elaine Watterson said: “This is an honour for Stirling and is fitting as the role of Provost dates back to the 12th Century, when our city first became a Royal Burgh.
“The Lord Provost may no longer be responsible for collecting taxes on behalf of the Sheriff of Stirling, but it’s still an important civic and ceremonial position.
“I am privileged to be the latest in a long line of civic leaders and it is humbling to represent Stirling at events and community gatherings and engage with people from all walks of life.
“I have the utmost respect for our chain of office and I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of Stirling, as the Lord Provost, for our people and our communities and telling our great story.”
Bloody Scotland brings crowds in to Stirling
The International crime writing festival Bloody Scotland achieved record attendance levels this year as the event continues to grow in popularity and host city Stirling celebrates its 900th anniversary. It closed with a 30 per cent increase on its pre-Covid attendance figures.
Audience numbers for this year’s event, the 12th Bloody Scotland weighrf in at 13,000 over the weekend of 13-15 September, a significant increase on the best pre-Covid figure of 10,000.
Bloody Scotland, established in Stirling in 2012, also reached 25 countries across the world through its digital service, with Waterstones reporting a 41 per cent increase in on the ground book sales at venues including the Stirling Albert Halls.
Highlights of Bloody Scotland this year included the presentation of the McIlvanney Prize to Chris Brookmyre for his novel, ‘The Cracked Mirror’, as well as a procession by the Stirling and Schools District Pipe Band, accompanied by Provost Elaine Watterson, through the heart of the city on Friday, September 13.
The festival brings such cultural and economic benefits. The parade to the Albert Halls on Friday night, led by the Stirling and Schools District Pipe Band, also highlighted the buzz it brings to our city. On the back of the Summer Sessions, Bloody Scotland again underlined Stirling’s success in organising these much-loved major events.
Bloody Scotland also featured appearances by authors and broadcasters including Irvine Welsh, Richard Armitage, Peter James, Peter May, Louise Minchin and Frank Gardner.
Sold-out events included the Gala Opening at The Golden Lion Hotel and Ann Cleeves at the Albert Halls, as well as the Debut Prize Panel and Pitch Perfect - and even karaoke at the Curly Coo. The winner of the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize was Allan Gaw with ‘The Silent House of Sleep’ and Pitch Perfect - which this year had a prize of £1000 in memory of journalist Rae Stewart - was won by Alys Cummings with ‘The Answer Is Murder’.
Bob McDevitt, festival director said: “The Bloody Scotland weekend was a kaleidoscopic whirlwind. We were once again blessed with the most fantastic authors from the famous faces and household names to our nervous spotlighters and unpublished pitchers, from our debuts and first-time visitors to festival favourites and fixtures.”
Coming Up
The coming second half of the Stirling 900 programme is jam-packed but there is always room for more on the Your Stirling #Stirling900 page
Visit Stirling 900 (yourstirling.com) to add your event or see what’s on.
Please share your events and special moments so we can capture the story of Stirling 900 for prosperity and celebration!
Please send details of your #stirling900 highlights for us to add to this celebration blog.
