Lyra Celtica featuring Lynn Tocker on accordion (first winner of the BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year Award, and one of the original members of the Kathryn Tickell Band) have earned a reputation for fantastic live performances throughout the UK. Currently working on their long-awaited second album, their success has taken them as far afield as the USA and Russia.

Apart from her unique and virtuoso style of accordion playing, Lynn also has a reputation for her compositions, most notably, the haunting slow air "Floating from Skerry", which was recorded originally by Kathryn Tickell, and by numerous musicians since, and which still proves to be a popular tune in sessions all over.

Frankie McGuire, who recently performed on a series of BBC programmes with such people as Karen Mathieson and Julie Fowlis, has worked and recorded with some of the finest musicians around, including the Alison Brown Quartet from the States amongst others. His reputation in Russia precedes him, where he set up the first Bodhran school there, so much so that he was invited as a guest of honour to the first ever Russian military tattoo, the Kremlin Zorya, in 2007, amongst such distinguished company as Prince Michael of Kent. His performance of the late Dave Carter's song, "When I Go" earned him standing ovations in the States from audiences that included Dave's own friend, the world's foremost Autoharp player, Bryan Bowers.

The unique rythmic sound created by Frankie's percussion and Mark's guitar playing has allowed Lynn to shine in what some say is the best playing of her career to date.

Stirling Folk Club meets every Monday from mid January until the first week in December. Entry is by payment on the door only, we regret that we cannot reserve tickets for our normal events. If there are any special events lined up for which tickets are available they will be highlighted on the Diary page

Scottish Association of Farmers Markets
Save food miles and visit your local Farmers Market this week.

A very busy and well organised market, with a superb cross section of producers from all over central Scotland. The market is currently located in the pedestrian area of the town centre and is within easy access of the main streets, car parks, rail and bus stations and has a splendid family atmosphere, well supported by the locals.

2nd Saturday of each month at Port Street, Stirling from 10am to 3pm.

coming out of the 'glorious, wonderful' Kingdom of Fife. To find the origins of the name Kinrick you need to look in a Scots dictionary where you will find the word means 'Kingdom'. Alex, Dave and John all now live in the Kingdom although Alex and John are imports from Edinburgh, Dave being the only true 'Fifer'. The three have a common love of music and instruments as their respective wives will no doubt confirm.

Stirling Folk Club meets every Monday from mid January until the first week in December. Entry is by payment on the door only, we regret that we cannot reserve tickets for our normal events. If there are any special events lined up for which tickets are available they will be highlighted on the Diary page

"Pete Abbott writes a truly beautiful ballad. That ability to touch the corners of the mind and soul that others cannot is all too rare these days."
Anthony John Clarke

"Pete is one of those rare artists who can touch an audience with his honesty and sensitivity. Combine this with his intelligent and precise guitar style and you have a combination not often found."
Ken Nicol

"A singer-songwriter of great class. To any festival or club organiser who might read this page, I cannot recommend Pete highly enough!"
John Wright

Stirling Folk Club meets every Monday from mid January until the first week in December. Entry is by payment on the door only, we regret that we cannot reserve tickets for our normal events. If there are any special events lined up for which tickets are available they will be highlighted on the Diary page

Peter Cox’s book, Set Into Song – Ewan MacColl, Charles Parker, Peggy Seeger and the Radio Ballads, tells the story of the remarkable collaboration that produced the groundbreaking Radio Ballads series.

Peter interviewed artists that form a rollcall of the early folk revival, such as Ian and Lorna Campbell, Bob Davenport, Ray Fisher, John Faulkner, Stan Kelly, Louis Killen, Gordon McCulloch, Jimmie McGregor, Colin Ross, Elizabeth Stewart and Dave Swarbrick – as well as Peggy Seeger herself.

The Radio Ballads were ground-breaking as they actually broadcast the voices of working people, something unheard of until then, to tell their own stories.

This special event will tell the story of their making, illustrated with extracts from the programmes and songs performed by Alison McMorland and Geordie McIntyre, followed by an open discussion on the politics of the folk revival.

Stirling Castle, 19 September 2009, 20 September 2009

Following the success of this inaugural event last year, this expanded event gives visitors to chance to meet the most famous icons of Scotland’s history, including Robert the Bruce, William Wallace, Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie.

In addition, meet some other notorious characters, including The Doomster -Scotland’s most infamous executioner.

Admission to the event is included in the admission price to Stirling Castle.

Do you want to: Learn new skills in a relaxed, informal environment with like minded young people?

Build your business and develop new contacts?

Gain valuable experiences that will make a real difference to your CV?

The launch of JCI Stirling

A Showcase of a World of Opportunities

JCI (Junior Chamber International) is a worldwide personal and business development organisation for young people in their 20s and 30s, and is launching in the Stirling and Forth Valley area in September.

Run by it’s members, for it’s members, JCI Stirling will offer a range of personal development seminars, business networking sessions and a social programme all for a low cost annual subscription of around £80. Come along to find out more!

For more information or any questions please contact alastair_davis@jciedinburgh.org.uk

With his downright bad and dangerous past behind him T-Model Ford, who only took up the guitar in his late fifties, is the only truly authentic Mississippi Blues man in action today.

Drawing on his life, he melds traditional Chicago blues and juke joint blues with the rawness of Delta blues and the rebellious attitude of 1970s-style punk.

Born James Lewis Carter Ford in Forrest, a small community in Scott County, Mississippi, T-Model thinks he’s eighty-eight but isn’t really sure. He was ploughing a field behind a mule on his family’s farm by age eleven, and in his early teens he secured a job at a local sawmill.

Between that and working in a log camp T-Model was sentenced to ten years on a chain-gang for murder but was released after serving just two. He says, grinning, “I could really stomp some ass back then, stomp it good. I was a-sure-enough dangerous man.”

SAT 26 SEP, 8PM £12/£10

A welcome back to award winning Shetland Fiddler Jenna Reid, returning to Tolbooth with her four-piece band. A protege of the greatest names in Shetland fiddling, Dr Tom Anderson MBE and Willie Hunter, Jenna has appeared all over the world with Filska, Deaf Shepherd and Dochas. Nominated for Best Instrumentalist at the 2007 Scots Trad Music Awards, Jenna and her band are some of the finest young traditional players in Scotland today. An evening not to be missed.

What's On at the Tolbooth in Stirling

Stirling Folk Club meets every Monday from mid January until the first week in December. Entry is by payment on the door only, we regret that we cannot reserve tickets for our normal events. If there are any special events lined up for which tickets are available they will be highlighted on the Diary page

Stirling Folk Club meets every Monday from mid January until the first week in December. Entry is by payment on the door only, we regret that we cannot reserve tickets for our normal events. If there are any special events lined up for which tickets are available they will be highlighted on the Diary page

When it comes to tackling many of our society’s social divisions, has the modern welfare state been a force for good? Or has it helped to create and perpetuate many of today’s social inequalities?

These and other questions will be aired by University of Stirling Professor Kirstein Rummery, an expert on social policy, when she delivers her inaugural lecture at the University on Wednesday 7 October. The event will take place at 5pm in Lecture Theatre B4, Cottrell Building.

When Britain’s welfare service was created in 1945, its founding principle was that Government would take responsibility for ensuring that health, education and many other social needs would be provided through universally available services. The theory was that if everyone had access to resources to meet their needs, social inequality would be reduced, if not completely removed.

As the world has changed, so have people’s expectations regarding what the State should be expected to achieve and provide. As we live longer, our needs grow exponentially, so that now we demand ever more from a welfare state which has finite resources; especially in light of the present economic crisis.

In an effort to address this, much has been said about ‘partnerships’ for the delivery of welfare services – the most obvious being the involvement of the private sector. However, Professor Rummery believes that partnerships should also be formed with communities, groups and individuals – with the aim of redistributing responsibility.

“The idea of citizenship – the relationship between the individual and the State – was always about shared community and family responsibility,” she explains. “But ever since the welfare state’s creation, there has been a growing sense that, as citizens, we have relinquished our responsibility to the State. Now, an element of personal responsibility is something the State may need to return to us. We need to think about what a ‘partnership’ with the State might mean for citizens, families and communities.”

Professor Rummery acknowledges that there are risks involved with allowing people to become more self-determining, particularly in respect of recognised social issues such as gender, disability and age, which could become more important and divisive.

She says: “We need to look at the role of the markets in all this. The theory is that bringing the markets in will make things happen faster and more efficiently. My view is that people do well in markets who would have done well anyway.

“The welfare state is about looking after the interests and needs of those people who, left to their own devices, might tend to fare badly. So I believe a vital role remains for a ‘benign’ but powerful welfare state.”

Scottish Association of Farmers Markets
Save food miles and visit your local Farmers Market this week.

A very busy and well organised market, with a superb cross section of producers from all over central Scotland. The market is currently located in the pedestrian area of the town centre and is within easy access of the main streets, car parks, rail and bus stations and has a splendid family atmosphere, well supported by the locals.

2nd Saturday of each month at Port Street, Stirling from 10am to 3pm. Covered market under development. Watch this space for further news!!

Stirling Folk Club meets every Monday from mid January until the first week in December. Entry is by payment on the door only, we regret that we cannot reserve tickets for our normal events. If there are any special events lined up for which tickets are available they will be highlighted on the Diary page

8 TO 18 October

Open from 6pm on Thursday, 5pm on Friday, 1pm saturday 10TH October and from 2PM other days.

On the 10TH October there will be a Central FM Roadshow hosting local bands.

The TMSA Young Trad Tour 2009 is a showcase for the cream of the new generation of Scottish musicians - the 5 finalists and winner of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year Award 2009. As well as being highly talented solo performers, the sound they create as a band is energetic, dynamic and full of promise for the tradition they carry.

Stirling Folk Club meets every Monday from mid January until the first week in December. Entry is by payment on the door only, we regret that we cannot reserve tickets for our normal events. If there are any special events lined up for which tickets are available they will be highlighted on the Diary page

Archaeologist, writer and broadcaster, Neil Oliver will be at Stirling Castle to sign copies of his book, “A History of Scotland”.

Tickets cost £5 and can be purchased from Waterstone’s, Unit 1, Thistle Marches, Stirling.

Bridge of Allan Friends of Strathcarron Hospice are holding a Quizz night in the Bridge of Allan Parish Church Hall on Friday 23rd October. Tickets cost £20 per team and there is a maximum of 4 per team. BYOB & glass. Come along for a great night out and to support your local charity.

Tickets from Karen Mooney 01786 831176/ 07841517443 or karenmooney@uwclub.net

Stirling Folk Club meets every Monday from mid January until the first week in December. Entry is by payment on the door only, we regret that we cannot reserve tickets for our normal events. If there are any special events lined up for which tickets are available they will be highlighted on the Diary page

Hallowe'en at Stirling Old Town Jail

The ultimate Hallowe’en experience -

Meet the ghost of Alan Mair

Re-live the Stirling Witch Trials of 1659

Join the hunt for the escaped ghost

Find out- who were the Stirling body-snatchers of 1822?

Hallowe’en Games - for boys and ghouls to enjoy

It’s an experience you won’t forget!

the perfect start to your Hallowe’en night!

Scottish Bluegrass Association
"The Dapper McDans" and "Redwing"

Scottish Association of Farmers Markets
Save food miles and visit your local Farmers Market this week.

A very busy and well organised market, with a superb cross section of producers from all over central Scotland. The market is currently located in the pedestrian area of the town centre and is within easy access of the main streets, car parks, rail and bus stations and has a splendid family atmosphere, well supported by the locals.

2nd Saturday of each month at Port Street, Stirling from 10am to 3pm. Covered market under development. Watch this space for further news!!

Where would we be without maps? For centuries, maps have been used to guide travellers, define borders and aid conquests.

The ‘Maps for All Reasons’ symposium in Stirling on 14 November brings together some of Scotland’s leading experts on maps. They will present recent research and discuss modern applications for maps, ranging from 3D technologies and virtual reality to new historical perspectives and biodiversity, focusing on the Forth Valley.

Professor Mike Thomas, of the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Stirling, is on the board of Forth Naturalist & Historian, whose symposia on ‘Man and the Landscape’ have been running since 1975 to promote public knowledge, interest and debate about the environment and heritage of mid Scotland.

He said: “We have put together a fascinating range of expert speakers for this year’s symposium at the University of Stirling, and we anticipate it will be a memorable event.

“In Scotland, the modern age of mapping began in the 18th century when internal conflict meant control of the Highlands was a priority. From the mid 19th century the maps of the Ordnance Survey have provided an accurate inventory of land use, and now reveal much about earlier times. Today, digital media can handle vast quantities of data that were beyond the reach of past generations of map makers. The future will lead soon to virtual reality and 3D technologies.”

The annual journal of the Forth Naturalist and Historian will be launched, and there will be poster displays from a number of organisations involved in the appreciation and conservation of central Scotland’s landscape and wildlife.

As well as live performances Anna is a busy recording artist with notable appearances on Michael McGoldrick’s latest album “Wired,” Troy MacGillivray's "Eleven" and, most recently, Phil Cunningham and Aly Bain’s new “Roads Not Travelled” album.

Anna Massie’s debut album – "Glad Company," is available on Footstompin’ Records. The CD was very well received and features her trio as well as solo tracks. As well as a highly professional sound, the album has retained a very live feel, and conveys a live performance very well.

"Now she gets her own chance to shine and she does it with great style, another wonderful example of how youth embraces and refreshes traditional culture. Excellent." Graham Radley, Netrhythms

The trio's latest album "The Missing Gift" is released on Footstompin Records.

Developing Nation presents
Here Come the Girls ‘Winter Wonderland’

A day of pure luxury dedicated to the ‘girls’

Featuring;

Designer and Couture Fashion Show, Hair Show

Workshops such as Belly Dancing, Cooking Demonstrations and Personal Development

Style Consultations and Makeovers

Health, Fitness and Nutrition

Beauty Treatments

Over 40 specialist retailers

Cocktail/Champagne Bar

Lunch at the ‘Kailyard restaurant by Nick Nairn’

and much much more!!!

All your Christmas Shopping Dreams Come True.

Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution, Michael Russell, has announced a weekend of free entry to 47 Historic Scotland sites in the Central and West Scotland, and throughout the country on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th November. The free entry announcement is a key part of both the St Andrew’s Weekend celebrations and the finale of Homecoming Scotland 2009.

Michael Russell said: “This is a brilliant opportunity to visit one of Historic Scotland’s superb heritage attractions. Opening these properties for free over the 28th and 29th of November is a wonderful way for us, as Scots, to mark our country’s national day and celebrate the end of a highly successful year of Homecoming.

The Historic Scotland St Andrew’s Free Weekend (28th and 29th November) offer will cover a selection of leading historic attractions across the length and breadth of Scotland. The Central and West region attractions taking part in the St Andrew’s free weekend are Castle Campbell, Doune Castle, Dunblane Cathedral, Dunstaffnage Castle, Iona Abbey, and Stirling Castle. The challenge will be – how many can you fit into two days? In addition to these, visitors can take advantage of the offer at a superb selection of historic attractions across the length and breadth of Scotland.

Stirling Castle will also have extra family fun activities going on over the weekend. The Broons cartoon fun will feature on Sunday, 29th November where people will be able to meet illustrator Peter Davidson and writer David Donaldson. There will also be entertainment by The Diggers Band, which features in the strip – and the chance for some audience participation on the tambourine. And, back by popular demand, the Stirling Castle Jester will be there over the whole weekend, meeting and greeting visitors, entertaining, spinning riddles and even eating some fire.

Edinburgh Castle will be opening for free on St Andrew’s Day itself (30th), to give an opportunity to view our nation’s Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny – two significant symbols of Scotland.

FIND OUT MORE about Stirling Castle at
Sightseeing in Stirling

'These guys are entertainers, mixing the serious, sentimental and scatological with wit and dry humour. You can hear from the laughter and cheers why they are dubbed the Masters of the Good Night Out.' ('Scotland on Sunday' 2009)

26 albums, countless television series, world tours in every direction. They've headed the bill at London’s Albert Hall and the smallest of folk clubs, sung in deserts, jungles, arctic wastes and remote islands. Scottish contemporary/traditional but always different. 'Best Live act', Traditional Music Awards. 'The Danish Folk Prize' and 'The Sandy Bells Cup' (what! You've never heard of 'The Sandy Bells Cup'?)

It's official, at the end of 2010, Ian McCalman will retire gracefully from 'The McCalmans', though Stephen Quigg and Nick Keir will continue, and build on, their very successful solo careers. It is fairly typical that, after recording 400 songs, The Macs have had rave reviews for their new 'Live' album, Coming Home. Apart from the comments already quoted from 'Scotland on Sunday', 'The Living Tradition' review said:
'Seriously – what is it about the Macs that place them in such a position of affection and respect from serious folkpersons, while pleasing the crowds of non-specialists again and again? Other bands who have gone for the “entertainment” end of the folk spectrum fail to retain that level of credibility and … love … for want of a worse word. This final (don’t believe it for a millisecond) CD shows why.'

Stirling Castle, 6 December 2009

Enjoy one of the most original Christmas events this year, as a series of amusing, entertaining and informative shows tell how the celebration of Christmas evolved from the 16th to the 21st century.

This Christmas, the stunning surroundings of Stirling Castle will provide a splendid setting for what promises to be one of the most original highlights of the festive season.

The Story of Christmas, on Sunday 6th December from 12.30 to 3.30pm, offers a packed programme of entertainment, with a series of amusing and informative shows illustrating how the celebration of Christmas has evolved over the centuries.

A cast of costumed interpreters portraying a host of historic characters will take visitors on a yuletide journey through the ages, from the origins of the festive season right through to the Christmas traditions of the present.

The lively and colourful performances will highlight how the season’s festivities have developed from early pagan ceremonies and Christian celebrations, through the dark days of Oliver Cromwell’s proclamation banning Christmas, on to the times of Mary Queen of Scots and the sumptuous banqueting of the period, and then the days of Robert Burns.

Next there’s a focus on a Victorian Christmas - when most of our current festive traditions such as Christmas trees, cards and crackers date from - and finally, there’s a humorous look at a Christmas of the more recent past, in the 1970s, when Bay City Rollers LPs, lava lamps and chopper bikes featured highly on Santa’s lists.

Historic Scotland events manager Nick Finnigan said: “We wanted to do something really different and completely original for our festive family event this year at Stirling Castle, and ‘The Story of Christmas’ will be just that.

“It will be lots of fun – we’ve some great entertainment in store - but at the same time, it will be educational as it will help young and old find out how the celebration of Christmas developed through history, and how some of our favourite festive traditions came about.”

Admission to the event is included in the admission price to Stirling Castle.

Try your hand at making decorations from winter foliage and berries. We’ll provide all the materials. Come along for as long as you like and let your creativity run wild!

Booking Booking is essential for some of our events. To book please phone 01786 442971 during office hours (Monday-Friday, 9-5). If you have booked a place and can’t make it, please call to cancel as your place can be given to someone else.

It’s always a challenge keeping the Back Walk and Gowanhill free of litter. Come along and give Stirling Council’s Countryside Team a hand to remove litter from the paths, woodlands and grasslands below the castle.

One of the highlights of Christmas is undoubtedly the splendid fare of the season and of course, the opportunity to indulge in celebratory meals with family and friends. Selecting a special venue for a festive feast with loved ones makes the occasion all the more memorable - so why not choose a castle and dine like kings? This month Stirling Castle is once again offering a choice of great Christmas dining options for lovers of good food and great surroundings.

Christmas Lunch at Stirling Castle - available in the Unicorn Café from the 11th to 23rd December – also offers a very tempting festive dining option as well as superb value, with a three-course meal made from the finest seasonal ingredients, followed by tea or coffee and homemade fudge, all for £29. The price includes free entry to the castle to enable diners to make the most of their visit to this fascinating attraction by exploring its history and doing some last minute Christmas shopping in the castle’s gift shops.

The delicious menu features starters such as smoked salmon terrine with cucumber and red pepper, dressed with lemon and dill drizzle, and warm brie and camembert filo parcels with cranberry and port coulis. Main courses – in addition to hand-carved roast turkey with sage and onion stuffing, roast potatoes, parsnips, sprouts and cranberry sauce – include fillet of cod set of a bed of spiced lentils and overn roasted aubergine stuffed with spiced cous cous. The selection of desserts includes steamed Christmas pudding with brandy butter and crème anglaise, and a spiced appled frangipane tart with caramel sauce. There is a vegetarian option for all courses.

So celebrate Christmas in style at one of Scotland’s best-loved and iconic castles.

FIND OUT MORE about Stirling Castle at
Sightseeing in Stirling

Scottish Association of Farmers Markets
Save food miles and visit your local Farmers Market this week.

A very busy and well organised market, with a superb cross section of producers from all over central Scotland. The market is currently located in the pedestrian area of the town centre and is within easy access of the main streets, car parks, rail and bus stations and has a splendid family atmosphere, well supported by the locals.

2nd Saturday of each month at Port Street, Stirling from 10am to 3pm. Covered market under development. Watch this space for further news!!

Stirling Castle, 13 December 2009

the highly popular tradition of carol singing is the focus of another seasonal treat at Stirling Castle.

On Sunday 13th December from 7.30pm to 9pm, the magnificent Great Hall is the setting for Christmas Carols at The Castle. Award-winning Cadenza choir will be joined by a local children’s group and a costumed storyteller to perform Christmas choral favourites.

Gillian MacDonald, Head of Visitor Services and Business Development, Stirling Castle, said: “Stirling Castle is an outstanding events venue at any time of the year, but Christmas is particularly special. Our ‘The Story of Christmas’ family event and carol concert are designed to enable everyone to experience the magic of Christmas at this wonderful attraction and iconic Scottish castle. ”

Dunblane Cathedral Handbell Ringers, directed by Malcolm C Wilson and Stirling Gaelic Choir, conducted by Maggie Hannah.

Dunblane Cathedral Handbell Ringers will present their ever-popular annual Christmas entertainment Carols and Carillons in the Cathedral, on Sunday 13 December at 7.30pm. All are welcome to enjoy this feast of festive music, which will feature as special guests the popular and well-established Stirling Gaelic Choir. The Choir's performance of Scottish carols will be joined by performances from all five children's and adults' handbell groups of Christmas music from through the ages, including traditional Scottish and popular French, German and American carols. There will also be much audience participation, with a chance to join in singing several well-known carols accompanied by brass, strings, woodwind, keyboards, handbells and percussion. Coffee and mincemeat pies will be served in the hall following the performances. Admission will be £5, concessions £4, and children free.

Stirling Gaelic Choir first formed in 1948 and its membership hails from all over central Scotland. Although fewer than 25% of the members are native Gaelic speakers they all share a love of choral singing and an interest in preserving the Gaelic language. The choir regularly competes at National and Local Mods and has a fine record of achievement at both levels. In addition they have amongst their members soloists, duettists, quartets and very fine folk group, all of which have had a high degree of success. Over the years the choir has been invited to perform in a variety of settings and for a great variety of occasions. They have been privileged to take part in several civic receptions for visiting dignitaries of behalf of Stirling Council and in recent years have sung in Canada and Ireland. The choir has also performed for BBC television and radio and STV.

Dunblane Cathedral Handbell Ringers (www.dunblanecathedral.org.uk) own and perform on Scotland's largest sets of handbell instruments. Since formation in 1977 Dunblane Cathedral Handbell Ringers have made 15 television appearances, 22 radio broadcasts, travelled over 35,000 miles throughout the UK to give over 650 performances from Exeter to Inverness, won the only UK-wide competition open to all 1000 handbell groups in the UK, shared stages with 14 well-known orchestras, bands or choirs, performed in 9 different countries, produced 3 commercial recordings and been featured on those of 2 other groups, and raised many thousands of pounds for numerous charities. They have been selected to perform at national showcase concerts of the Handbell Ringers of Great Britain on 4 occasions, performed in 5 international symposia, organised 4 Scottish Festivals, hosted 25 overseas groups, organised 19 seminars, supported the formation of 75 handbell groups in Scotland, and organised 4 residential ringing weeks for ringers from around the world. Notable performance venues have included Scotland's major concert venues such as the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Edinburgh's Usher Hall, Glasgow City Hall, and Dundee's Caird Hall. They have performed alongside many celebrated soloists such as Donald Maxwell, Linda Ormiston and Peter Morrison.

The trio who sold out Tolbooth last year with an amazing, intimate performance are back for one of only a handful of Scottish dates.

Support will be from Boo Hewerdine and Heidi Talbot.

What's On at the Tolbooth in Stirling

FAMILY CEILIDH 3 - 5PM £6 EACH/4 FOR £20

EVENING CEILIDH 8 - 11PM £8 EACH/4 FOR £27

Now as traditional as tinsel and crackers the Christmas ceilidhs are back at Tolbooth for another seasonal knees up.

With less than a week to go until Christmas the Tolbooth ceilidhs will no doubt be packed to the rafters with friends and family celebrating the festive season in traditional Scottish style.

Don’t worry if you’re new to all this as there is no better band to lead you gently through the steps, getting you Stripping the Willow in no time. With an afternoon ceilidh designed for all the family and an evening session for the, shall we say, more seasoned veteran, our Christmas ceilidhs have something for everyone.

Book now!

What's On at the Tolbooth in Stirling

Sandi Thom

Gary Mullen - One Night of Queen

The MacDonald Brothers

Plus supporting acts The Shermans, Elliot Greer and Stageworx

Join one of the brightest and best Hogmanay parties in the country to see in the New Year on the Esplanade of Stirling Castle.Our combination of fantastic live music, a unique, dramatic backdrop, a fun, friendly atmosphere and a great firework finale all make Stirling’s Hogmanay the only place to be at the Bells.

Central FM’s DJs will get the party started around 9.30 pm. Sandi Thom and X-Factor reality TV star favourites, The MacDonald Brothers will join Freddie Mercury performer, Gary Mullen, who won ‘Stars in Their Eyes’ to rock towards midnight.And as 2009 turns into 2010, mass pipes and drums will cross the castle drawbridge and the night sky will be illuminated by thousands of fireworks.

Tickets now on sale from:
The Albert Halls 01786 47 3544
The Tolbooth 01786 27 4000
macrobert 01786 46 6666
SECC online

Happy Hogmanay and see you at the Castle!

Heraldry was incredibly important at the royal court, it told a story about where Kings, Queens and noble families came from. Meet Master Cuthbert George, pursuivant, messenger and mace bearer in the 16th century. Ask him to help you find and unravel the heraldic badges all around the Great Hall.

Join us for a number of costumed performances taking place at Stirling Castle this winter. All of the events featured below are free with admission to the Castle, and will take place in the Great Hall.

FIND OUT MORE about Stirling Castle at
Sightseeing in Stirling

Stirling Folk Club meets every Monday from mid January until the first week in December. Entry is by payment on the door only, we regret that we cannot reserve tickets for our normal events. If there are any special events lined up for which tickets are available they will be highlighted on the Diary page

Michael Marra is one of Scotland's most prolific Songwriters, and a much loved & respected figure in the entertainment business.

Brought up in the Lochee district of Dundee, his first public performance was at an NCR Christmas party in the 1950s Although predominantly known as a songwriter, Michael has worked extensively in theatre, radio and television. To most he is a solo performer touring the length and breadth of Britain, performing in arts centres, theatres, folk clubs and village halls. He has opened for such diverse performers as Van Morrison, The Proclaimers, Louden Wainwright III, Barbara Dickson and Deacon Blue.

In recent years he has performed both in Washington DC and Melbourne, Australia in the show 'In Flagrant Delicht' which was devised in collaboration with poet and playwright Liz Lochhead. In theatre Michael has written original music and worked both as an actor and musical director. His own operetta 'If The Moon Can Be Believed' was performed at Dundee Rep to sell out audiences. Most recently he collaborated with Graham McLaren of Theatre Babel on a new production of 'The Demon Barber' for Perth Theatre. Michael has also recently performed original songs with the Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the Scottish National Orchestra, Concerto Caledonia, Mr McFall's Chamber, and his own Quintet.

Last year Michael was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Dundee University in recognition of his contribution to the cultural profile of his home town.

Stirling Folk Club meets every Monday from mid January until the first week in December. Entry is by payment on the door only, we regret that we cannot reserve tickets for our normal events. If there are any special events lined up for which tickets are available they will be highlighted on the Diary page

Scottish Association of Farmers Markets
Save food miles and visit your local Farmers Market this week.

A very busy and well organised market, with a superb cross section of producers from all over central Scotland. The market is currently located in the pedestrian area of the town centre and is within easy access of the main streets, car parks, rail and bus stations and has a splendid family atmosphere, well supported by the locals.

2nd Saturday of each month at Port Street, Stirling from 10am to 3pm. Covered market under development. Watch this space for further news!!

Lord Erskine was Keeper of the Stirling Castle from 1522 -1555. Find out what his job entailed and how he organised and disciplined his guards.

Join us for a number of costumed performances taking place at Stirling Castle this winter. All of the events featured below are free with admission to the Castle, and will take place in the Great Hall.

FIND OUT MORE about Stirling Castle at
Sightseeing in Stirling

The Sangsters - Anne Combe, Fiona Forbes, Scott Murray and John Blackwood are a Fife group who put the accent firmly on the voice. Their repertoire of traditional songs arranged arranged for solo singing, harmonies and simple accompaniment to let the voices shine through. They have recorded two CDs.
www.footstompin.com

Stirling Folk Club meets every Monday from mid January until the first week in December. Entry is by payment on the door only, we regret that we cannot reserve tickets for our normal events. If there are any special events lined up for which tickets are available they will be highlighted on the Diary page

Sophie & Fiachra perform a captivating fusion of traditional Irish and Québecoise music, mainly on Uilleann pipes and Fiddle. Since they met in 2008, Sophie & Fiachra have been performing in festivals throughout Europe, USA and Canada and have played on many national TV and radio programmes in Ireland. They recorded their debut album in autumn 2009 (release spring 2010). In their music, Sophie & Fiachra represent and contrast Québécoise and Irish music through reels, jigs, airs and instrumental arrangements. Sophie & Fiachra are old Ireland and Québec meeting again.

Stirling Folk Club meets every Monday from mid January until the first week in December. Entry is by payment on the door only, we regret that we cannot reserve tickets for our normal events. If there are any special events lined up for which tickets are available they will be highlighted on the Diary page

Lent was observed in the 16th century with a change of diet which led to forty days of eating fish! The Queen’s butler will explain.

Join us for a number of costumed performances taking place at Stirling Castle this winter. All of the events featured below are free with admission to the Castle, and will take place in the Great Hall.

FIND OUT MORE about Stirling Castle at
Sightseeing in Stirling

Stirling Folk Club meets every Monday from mid January until the first week in December. Entry is by payment on the door only, we regret that we cannot reserve tickets for our normal events. If there are any special events lined up for which tickets are available they will be highlighted on the Diary page

Singer/songwriter Adam McNaughtan, a product of the Scottish Folk Revival of the 60s, has been writing, collecting and singing songs for three decades and has become one of the best-loved Glasgow characters.

Stirling Folk Club meets every Monday from mid January until the first week in December. Entry is by payment on the door only, we regret that we cannot reserve tickets for our normal events. If there are any special events lined up for which tickets are available they will be highlighted on the Diary page

Scottish Association of Farmers Markets
Save food miles and visit your local Farmers Market this week.

A very busy and well organised market, with a superb cross section of producers from all over central Scotland. The market is currently located in the pedestrian area of the town centre and is within easy access of the main streets, car parks, rail and bus stations and has a splendid family atmosphere, well supported by the locals.

2nd Saturday of each month at Port Street, Stirling from 10am to 3pm. Covered market under development. Watch this space for further news!!

During the wars of independence Stirling Castle was almost completely destroyed. The castle you see today began to be built up again in the 1380s in the reign of Robert II. Explore the site with the King’s man at arms and discover clues that tell us the age of the buildings.

Join us for a number of costumed performances taking place at Stirling Castle this winter. All of the events featured below are free with admission to the Castle, and will take place in the Great Hall.

FIND OUT MORE about Stirling Castle at
Sightseeing in Stirling

Stirling Folk Club meets every Monday from mid January until the first week in December. Entry is by payment on the door only, we regret that we cannot reserve tickets for our normal events. If there are any special events lined up for which tickets are available they will be highlighted on the Diary page

Come along and meet Archy Armstrong, the King’s Jester. Try your hand at some of the jester’s riddles and tricks.

Join us for a number of costumed performances taking place at Stirling Castle this winter. All of the events featured below are free with admission to the Castle, and will take place in the Great Hall.

FIND OUT MORE about Stirling Castle at
Sightseeing in Stirling

Stirling Folk Club meets every Monday from mid January until the first week in December. Entry is by payment on the door only, we regret that we cannot reserve tickets for our normal events. If there are any special events lined up for which tickets are available they will be highlighted on the Diary page

Stirling Folk Club meets every Monday from mid January until the first week in December. Entry is by payment on the door only, we regret that we cannot reserve tickets for our normal events. If there are any special events lined up for which tickets are available they will be highlighted on the Diary page

Stirling Folk Club meets every Monday from mid January until the first week in December. Entry is by payment on the door only, we regret that we cannot reserve tickets for our normal events. If there are any special events lined up for which tickets are available they will be highlighted on the Diary page

Stirling Folk Club meets every Monday from mid January until the first week in December. Entry is by payment on the door only, we regret that we cannot reserve tickets for our normal events. If there are any special events lined up for which tickets are available they will be highlighted on the Diary page

Stirling Folk Club meets every Monday from mid January until the first week in December. Entry is by payment on the door only, we regret that we cannot reserve tickets for our normal events. If there are any special events lined up for which tickets are available they will be highlighted on the Diary page

Stirling Folk Club meets every Monday from mid January until the first week in December. Entry is by payment on the door only, we regret that we cannot reserve tickets for our normal events. If there are any special events lined up for which tickets are available they will be highlighted on the Diary page

Stirling Folk Club meets every Monday from mid January until the first week in December. Entry is by payment on the door only, we regret that we cannot reserve tickets for our normal events. If there are any special events lined up for which tickets are available they will be highlighted on the Diary page

Stirling Folk Club meets every Monday from mid January until the first week in December. Entry is by payment on the door only, we regret that we cannot reserve tickets for our normal events. If there are any special events lined up for which tickets are available they will be highlighted on the Diary page

Stirling Folk Club meets every Monday from mid January until the first week in December. Entry is by payment on the door only, we regret that we cannot reserve tickets for our normal events. If there are any special events lined up for which tickets are available they will be highlighted on the Diary page

The Tannahill Weavers are one of Scotland's premier traditional bands. Their diverse repertoire spans the centuries with fire-driven instrumentals, topical songs, and original ballads and lullabies. Their music demonstrates to old and young alike the rich and varied musical heritage of the Celtic people. These versatile musicians have received worldwide accolades consistently over the years for their exuberant performances and outstanding recording efforts that seemingly can't get better...yet continue to do just that.

Born of a session in Paisley, Scotland and named for the town's historic weaving industry and local poet laureate Robert Tannahill, the group has made an international name for its special brand of Scottish music, blending the beauty of traditional melodies with the power of modern rhythms. Over the years the Tannies have been trailblazers for Scottish music, and their tight harmonies and powerful, inventive arrangements have won them fans from beyond the folk and Celtic music scenes. They are firmly established as one of the premier groups on the concert stage; from reflective ballads to footstomping reels and jigs, the variety and range of the material they perform is matched only by their enthusiasm and lively Celtic spirits.

Stirling Folk Club meets every Monday from mid January until the first week in December. Entry is by payment on the door only, we regret that we cannot reserve tickets for our normal events. If there are any special events lined up for which tickets are available they will be highlighted on the Diary page

Stirling Folk Club meets every Monday from mid January until the first week in December. Entry is by payment on the door only, we regret that we cannot reserve tickets for our normal events. If there are any special events lined up for which tickets are available they will be highlighted on the Diary page

Come and enjoy a short half hour display of Highland Dancing provided by a local dancing school and piper. This is followed by a stirring half hour performance by a local pipe band playing traditional jigs, reels and strathspeys.

Come and enjoy a short half hour display of Highland Dancing provided by a local dancing school and piper. This is followed by a stirring half hour performance by a local pipe band playing traditional jigs, reels and strathspeys.

Come and enjoy a short half hour display of Highland Dancing provided by a local dancing school and piper. This is followed by a stirring half hour performance by a local pipe band playing traditional jigs, reels and strathspeys.

Come and enjoy a short half hour display of Highland Dancing provided by a local dancing school and piper. This is followed by a stirring half hour performance by a local pipe band playing traditional jigs, reels and strathspeys.