in Stirling.com

In 1543, the young Mary, Queen of Scots was taken to Stirling Castle for her own safety. The sumptuous location provided comfort, luxury, entertainment and the necessary military security.

Marvel at the opulence of the Palace Apartments as the royal court enjoys Michaelmass, the traditional feast day that celebrates the collection of the harvest.

Comedy, music, dance, political double-dealing and intrigue, traditional food and games will all feature in a packed programme throughout the afternoon.

Saturday 01 and Sunday 02 October
12 noon - 4.00 p.m. each day.
Stirling Castle
Imcluded in the normal admission price
Included in the normal admission price. Adults £13, Concessions £10, Child £6.50

Wendy Arrowsmith at Stirling Folk Club

Thanks to a supportive husband and two children old enough to make their own packed lunches (if they MUST!), Wendy’s been able to tour the length and breadth of the UK performing at folk clubs and festivals since she decided to make music her career in 2008. Her easy-going style and gentle humour, combined with her voice make her a popular guest wherever she goes.

Wendy has sung many different styles of music but with folk music she has found songs that come from the heart and allow great emotional expression and social commentary. Originally from Glasgow, Wendy performs a mixture of British folk songs including a generous helping of Scottish material plus songs of her own. She generally accompanies herself on guitar, but whistles, bodhran, mandolin and accordion have also been known to appear. Rumour has it that she’s taken up fiddle too, but the same rumour says it will be a long time before it gets a public airing – this is a good thing!

She is just as adept at creating her own material as she is at interpreting a traditional song. Her songs have won awards at Saltburn Folk Festival 2007 (The Visitor), Scarborough Seafest 2008 (Sleep Well ‘till Morning) and Ryedale Folk Festival 2009 (Hearth Song). Her song-writing skills have been used in children’s workshops (many have said, “Chutney the Chimpanzee” is her best work) and she is passionate about encouraging youngsters to discover their singing voices in various school projects. This led to recent TV appearances with the children of Wavell Junior School (Catterick Garrison) performing a song they wrote together.

Stirling Folk Club meets every Monday from mid January until the first week in December.

Monday 03 October
Stirling Folk Club
Stirling County Rugby Football Club
Bridgehaugh Park
Stirling

Stirling Farmers Market

Outstanding range of superb produce – get the local taste!
Highland Beef, Pork and Bacon, Venison and Wild Game, Wild Boar, fresh and smoked Fish, great Bread in variety – continental and traditional recipes including sourdoughs, Scones & Cakes, Gluten-free baking, Jams, Chutneys & Preserves, Cheese, Vegetables, Olives & deli products, Savoury Pies, Wine, Cider Jewellery, Soaps and body care products, Knitted baby clothes, Plants

Stirling Farmers’ Market is a member of the Scottish Association of Farmers’ Markets

2nd Saturday of the month.

Saturday 08 October
Port Street, town centre outside Thistle Centre
10am to 4pm

Stirling Farmers Market

Highland beef, pork & bacon, venison and wild game, wild boar, fresh and smoked fish, great bread in variety – continental and traditional recipes including sourdoughs, scones & cakes, gluten-free baking, jams, chutneys & preserves, Scottish cheeses and butter, free-range hen/duck eggs, organic vegetables, cold-pressed oilseed-rape products and dressings, fudge & tablet, low sodium sea-salt, savoury pies, country fruit wines, hand-made, jewellery, soaps and body care products, knitted baby clothes, garden plants, shrubs & festive table decoratiions.

Stirling Farmers’ Market is a member of the Scottish Association of Farmers’ Markets

2nd Saturday of the month.

Saturday 22 October
Port Street, town centre outside Thistle Centre
10am to 4pm

Woodland History Guided Walk

Join woodland expert Coralie Mills for an all-day hill walk along the southern slopes of Loch Katrine. We will explore the ancient woodlands and remarkable old oak trees around Ben Venue and Glasahoile to reveal some amazing clues to their past. The walk will be strenuous as we travel off the beaten track to pass over Bealach nam Bo.

Participants need to have a moderate fitness, suitable outdoor walking gear and will need to bring a packed lunch.

Sunday 23rd October
9am - 5.30pm
Meeting point: Ben Venue car park (on A821)
Admission: free
To book your place call Sue Morris 07775 034851

Autumn Adventures

During the school holidays there will be special activities for everyone to enjoy, including games and quizzes for children.

Visit The Wallace Monument page.

17-28 October 2011
The National Wallace Monument
Abbey Craig
Hillfoots Road
Causewayhead
Stirling FK9 5LF
Tel: (01786) 472140
E-mail: info@nationalwallacemonument.com

What's on around Stirling in November

1.4 Billion Reasons

A presentation by the Global Poverty Project

Amnesty International group in the University of Stirling invite you to a simple yet ground-breaking presentation that is travelling the world, inspiring and empowering audiences in it path.

More than 100,000 people have already seen 1.4 Billion Reasons since its launch by The Global Poverty Project in 2009. Based on leading research, the 90 minute presentation clearly articulates the facts of extreme poverty. The presentation's name is taken from the fact that 1.4 billion people around the world live now in extreme poverty - surviving on less than £1 a day.

University of Stirling (Pathfoot Lecture Theatre)
Thursday 3rd November 7pm
everyone is welcome to join
For more information:
http://globalpovertyproject.com/
or contact amnestyinternational.stirling@gmail.com

Stirling and Bridge of Allan Round Table Fireworks Display

Why not take the family to Bridge of Allan this November for a cracking night of fun, food and fireworks! The evening will be hosted by Joe and Nicky from Central FM's breakfast show and this year's line up includes Jamie "Afro" Archer the X-Factor finalist, David Bateman and Ted Christopher.

Gates open at 5:45pm. The Bonfire will be lit at 7:15pm and the Firework display, by Fireworx Scotland Ltd, starts at 7:30pm. All the profit from this event goes to charity. Food is available, provided by Taste of the Trossachs.

Saturday, November 5th
Strathallan Games Park, Stirling
£4 (£2; Students £3; Family £10)
Strathallan Games Park in Bridge of Allan

Abbey Craig's Action Day - paths and ditches

Calling all volunteers, for a day of good, dirty fun in the woodlands of Abbey Craig! Come along for some fresh air and to meet new people, spend an hour or all day helping with a variety of tasks including woodland management, playing in the mud and battling vegetation.

The site has many areas needing a wee bit TLC, e.g. cutting back path vegetation from paths; clearing ditches & drainage pipes; weeding; sprucing up waymarker posts; collecting litter; removing sycamore... etc!

Individuals can decide which tasks they will tackle.

We bring Gloves, tools and refreshments

You bring: Sturdy footwear, lunch, appropriate clothing & gloves, if possible.

Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult

Wednesday 9th November 2011 at 10:00am
Duration: 5 hours
Location: Abbey Craig woodland
Meeting point: In the main carpark at the Wallace Monument’s Visitor Centre
This is a FREE event with a limit on numbers, so booking is essential.
To book, call the Contact Centre on 0845 277 7000 or email: countryside@stirling.gov.uk

Stirling Farmers Market

Stirling Farmers’ Market is a member of the Scottish Association of Farmers’ Markets

Twice a month between now and Christmas!

Saturday 12 November
Port Street, town centre outside Thistle Centre
10am to 4pm

Elizabeth Blackadder Exhibitions

12th November 2011 – 25th February 2012

elizabeth blackadder at the University of Stirling

The Park Gallery and the University of Stirling present two exhibitions celebrating one of Scotland’s greatest living painters

Journeys from Home
A celebration of the work of Elizabeth Blackadder
the park gallery
Callendar House, Falkirk FK1 1YR
Admission Free
Monday – Saturday 10am - 5pm
(last admission to The Park Gallery/ Callendar House 4pm)

Journeys Together
Elizabeth Blackadder and John Houston
Pathfoot Building
University of Stirling FK9 4LA
Admission Free
Monday - Friday 9am - 7 pm
Saturday, Sunday 11am – 3pm

The pastoral idyll – English and Irish composers in the 20th century

Performers: Carron Shankland, clarinet and Martin Davies, piano.

English and Irish composers from the last century are known for their lyrical, pastoral music. Carron and Martin will play a selection of music for clarinet and piano from this genre, to include music by Ferguson, Dunhill and Stanford. Carron Shankland is deputy head of the School of Natural Sciences at Stirling (and generally a Computing Scientist by day). Martin Davies is a retired English lecturer.

Thomas Frederick Dunhill (1877 –1946)
Phantasy Suite Op 91 for clarinet and piano.
This suite was written in 1941. It contains six short movements for Clarinet and Piano in a typically English traditional, conservative style. The six movements contrast in character and draw on folk song and 18th century popular tunes. The last movement brings the suite together, recalling the theme of the first movement.

Howard Ferguson (1908 –1999)
Op. 6 Four Short Pieces, for clarinet or viola and piano (1932-36) Prelude, Scherzo, Pastoral and Burlesque
The Four Short Pieces were completed in 1936 from sketches begun four years earlier. They were first performed by Pauline Juler and the composer at Wigmore Hall on 12 October 1937.

Sir Charles Villiers Stanford (1852 –1924)
Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, Op 129.
Stanford was born in Dublin, but lived most of his life in England. He was professor of composition at the Royal College of Music, where one of his pupils was Thomas Dunhill, composer of our first piece. The sonata was written in 1911, so we are celebrating its centenary.

Friday 18 November 2011
1:10pm to 1:50pm
Filmhouse, macrobert, University of Stirling
Entry is free to all – we simply ask people to let us know they are coming so that we can anticipate numbers.
RSVP: externalrelations@stir.ac.uk or 01786 467055

Come and try - Drystane Dyking

Come and join an expert dyker to learn some of the skills of this ancient craft. Tools and refreshments will be provided. Please bring a packed lunch and wear appropriate clothing, sturdy boots and bring work gloves if you have them.

Saturday 19th November 2011 at 9:00am
Duration: 6 hours
Bridge of Allan
Places are limited and there is a £10 charge for this event
Booking is essential
For further information and to book please phone 08452 777 000

Stirling's Christmas lights switch-on

Stirling's annual Christmas Lights switch-on and parade will take place on Sunday 20th November. The parade will start at 12 noon at Corn Exchange Road (outside the Municipal Buildings) and proceed down King Street, with the final leg of the journey being a trip through The Thistles Shopping Centre. Santa will open his free grotto (no gift) in The Thistles at 12.30pm and his reindeer will be penned outside Costa Coffee at the Murray Place entrance to the centre until 2pm. Joining the parade will be Santa's real reindeer friends.

A line-up of action packed events will see us through the afternoon, hosted by Capital FM's Adele, performances from Stageworx, The Rock Choir, The Heart of Scotland Choir and the pop sensation, Tallia Storm, will surely rock the afternoon. Capital FM's 'Des and Jenny' will then take the stage to countdown the big button push.

Sunday 20th November
starts at 12 noon
The Christmas lights will be switched on at 5pm by Stirling Provost Fergus Wood.

Stirling Farmers Market

Stirling Farmers’ Market is a member of the Scottish Association of Farmers’ Markets

Twice a month between now and Christmas!

Saturday 26 November
Port Street, town centre outside Thistle Centre
10am to 4pm

St. Andrew’s Weekend

All visitors to the Wallace Monument will enjoy free admission during the weekend immediately before St. Andrew’s Day (30 November).

Visit The Wallace Monument page.

26-27 November 2011
The National Wallace Monument
Abbey Craig
Hillfoots Road
Causewayhead
Stirling FK9 5LF
Tel: (01786) 472140
E-mail: info@nationalwallacemonument.com

Stirling Heritage Attractions Open Their Doors for free

Over 40 of Scotland’s top heritage attractions will be opening their doors for free this November. Historic Scotland is once again offering free admission to its winter ticketed attractions including, the newly refurbished renaissance palace at Stirling Castle as part of its St. Andrews ‘Visit For Free’ programme.

In the central region, participating attractions joining Stirling Castle are Castle Campbell, Doune Castle and Dunblane Cathedral. Visitors simply need to register in advance at a special website http://www.ticketgiveaway.co.uk to download their free weekend pass which gives free access for up to two adults and three children to all ticketed Historic Scotland properties on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th November.

The ‘Visit for Free’ programme is part of Scotland’s Winter Festivals – which celebrates three of the country’s most distinctive festivals- St. Andrews Day, Hogmanay and Burns Night. Historic Scotland is also offering the opportunity to collect stamps at each site visited over the weekend. After they have collected their fifth sticker they are eligible to enter an online competition which offers Historic Scotland membership and a chance to win a VIP trip to either Stirling or Edinburgh Castles.

26-27 November 2011
Stirling Castle, Castle Campbell, Doune Castle and Dunblane Cathedral
E-mail: http://www.ticketgiveaway.co.uk to download the free weekend pass

An Austrian in Paris

Programme to include: Lennox Berkeley: Divertimento in B flat Op.18
Mozart: Horn Concerto No.4 in E flat K495 (soloist Martin Murphy)
Mozart: Exsultate Jubilate (soloist Nina Kopparhed)
Mozart: Symphony No.31 K297 Paris

Martin Murphy (Soloist: French Horn)
Martin picked up the horn late at the age of 15 after studying the trumpet for 3 years previously. Martin studied at the RSAMD under John Logan(RSNO) David McCleneghan (RSNO) David Flack (BBC SSO) and Hugh Potts (BBC SSO) and has taken part in many Masterclasses with horn players like Fergus McWilliams, David Pyatt and Radovan Vlatkovic. He graduated from the RSAMD in 2011 with a Bachelors of Music degree with honours where he will be returning to do a Masters in Music. Martin has gained a massive amount of orchestral experience playing principal horn in the RSAMD Symphony Orchestra and also regularly works with the RSNO, BBC SSO and is currently trialling for the second horn with the Scottish Ballet. Orchestral playing is his first love however Martin is also a keen chamber musician playing with the Stevenson wind octet and has recently been asked to join the award wining brass quintet Pure Brass. As well as this Martin has played concertos with the RSNO and RSAMD symphony orchestra, notably the Gliere horn concerto and Schumanns Koncertstueck for four horns with the RSNO. Martin would like to thank the Dewar Award, Wolfson Trust and many other trust and foundations that have helped purchase his French horn and further his studies.

Nina Kopparhed (Soloist: Soprano)
Having been a choral scholar until her teens, Nina Kopparhed has returned to singing in recent years and is now launching her career in this country as a professional soprano. After her solo debut on tour in Bolivia with Orquestra do Estado de Mato Grosso in 2006, Nina quickly built up a strong reputation as a coloratura soprano in Brazil, where she was based at the time, and there founded the duo Arcantora with her partner Mark Wilson. After coming back to the UK, Nina has furthered her studies under the guidance of the wonderful soprano Judith Howarth and her husband Gordon Wilson. She is now working as a wedding singer, recitalist and oratorio soloist as well as performing in recitals, weddings and corporate functions with the Arcantora Duo. Nina also has an established career as a professional viola player.

Sunday 27 November
7pm
Victoria Hall, Dunblane
Tickets cost £9 full, £7 concession, £2 students & children and are available at Smallprint in Dunblane or at the door
For more information visit http://dunblanechamberorchestra.org

RNLI Reindeer Run ( 5k and 10k)

The RNLI saves lives at sea and is funded by voluntary donations. Join the herd on 27th November while taking park in the RNLI 5k and 10k Reindeer Run around the beautiful grounds of Stirling University. Each participant receives a free t-shirt, their very own pair of antlers and also a medal on completion of the run. Refreshments will also be available at the finish line. Get your antlers on and join the fun!

27 November
The 10k will start at 10am and the 5k at 11am
Stirling University
Contact: Fiona or Caryn on 01738 642 999 or at reindeer@rnrli
visit http://www.rnli.org.uk/

What's on around Stirling in December

Stirling Castle Christmas Shopping Fayre

Log fires, mulled wine and unique Christmas gift ideas. This popular event brings together a unique mix of suppliers you won’t find anywhere else. Enjoy cooking demonstrations from our caterers benugo and local truffle company Fiona’s Fayre.

No bustling crowds fighting over this year’s must have toy. Instead take in a wide variety of high quality gifts at your own pace and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Stirling Castle’s Great Hall.

Tuesday 6 December 2011
Stirling Castle
6.00 pm - 9.00 pm
Entry: £5 includes parking
Children under 16 go free but must be accompanied by an adult

Stirling Farmers Market

Stirling Farmers’ Market is a member of the Scottish Association of Farmers’ Markets

Twice a month between now and Christmas!

Saturday 10 December
Port Street, town centre outside Thistle Centre
10am to 4pm

A Stewart Christmas at Stirling Castle

Come along and enjoy a very light hearted and slightly irreverent return to the period of Mary, Queen of Scots and find out what Christmas would have been like in the Royal Stewart Court of the 16th century. What would Christmas dinner have been?

There will be a juggler/magician, music and dancing, and the chance for children to dress up in renaissance clothes and have a go at renaissance games. This is a great day out for all the family and is included in the price of admission.

Sunday 11th December
Stirling Castle
12: 30 pm - 3:30 pm
Entry included in the price of admission.

Carols at Stirling Castle

The National Youth Choir of Scotland’s Stirling branch will be returning to the castle to perform traditional carols and popular festive songs in the beautiful and atmospheric surroundings of the Great Hall. The castle’s costumed characters will also perform scenes from Christmas past.

Sunday 11th December
Stirling Castle
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Tickets cost £14 & £10 for concessions and are available from the Albert Halls on 01786 473 544.

Carols and Carillons - Christmas Concert

All are welcome to enjoy a feast of festive music in the ever-popular annual Christmas entertainment Carols and Carillons in the Cathedral on Sunday 11 December at 7.30pm in Dunblane Cathedral presented by Dunblane Cathedral Handbell Ringers along with special guests Falkirk Caledonia Choir.

Along with the Falkirk Caledonia Choir all of Dunblane Cathedral's children's, youth and adult handbell ensembles will perform 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.

FALKIRK CALEDONIA CHOIR first formed in 1922 and its membership hails from all over central Scotland. The popular and well-established choir is a 70-strong mixed-voice choir of all ages. The choir regularly presents concerts of a wide range of styles of music including Scottish, Opera, Sacred, Shows, Spiritual and more. During the history of the choir they have been broadcast on radio and television on several occasions.

DUNBLANE CATHEDRAL HANDBELL RINGERS 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 22 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.

Sunday 11th December
7.30pm
Dunblane Cathedral, The Cross, Dunblane, Perthshire FK15 0AQ
Coffee and mincemeat pies will be served following the performances.
Admission will be £5, concessions £4, and children free.

Macmillan Cancer Support Christmas Concert

The annual Christmas Concert by Macmillan sees the Rosenethe Singers, the Stirling Gaelic Choir and Dunblane Lilting Ladies supplying the musical input to an evening of celebration in aid of Macmillan funds. Entry is by donation. Wine and mince pies will be served in the aisle after the concert. The setting of the concert in the Holy Rude on a winter’s eve just before Christmas allows time for everyone to ponder and prepare for the festivities ahead.

Tuesday 13th December
7.30pm
The Holy Rude church, Stirling

Plean Country Park's Action Day - Rhododendron

Calling all volunteers, for a day of good, dirty fun in the woodlands of Plean Country Park! Come along for some fresh air and to meet new people, spend an hour or all day helping with the control of the invasive Rhododendron ponticum, which is smothering the ground vegetation and needs to be managed.

The Park has many other areas needing a wee bit TLC, e.g. cutting back path vegetation from paths; clearing ditches & drainage pipes; weeding; sprucing up waymarker posts and benches; collecting litter; removing sycamore, mending gates... etc!

Unfortunately, the Rhododendron will probably take us all day and these other tasks will have to wait until another day.

We bring Gloves, tools and refreshments

You bring: Sturdy footwear, lunch, appropriate clothing & gloves, if possible.

We intend building a fire (weather permitting) to burn the cut stems and branches so you might want to bring a potato for baking…..or enough marshmallows for everyone.

Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult. This activity is not particularly suitable for very young children.

Wednesday 14th December 2011 at 10:00am
Duration: 5 hours
Plean Country Park
Meeting point: In the main car park; at the mining statue
This is a FREE event with a limit on numbers, so booking is essential
To book, call the Contact Centre on 0845 277 7000 or email: countryside@stirling.gov.uk

Stirling Farmers Market

Stirling Farmers’ Market is a member of the Scottish Association of Farmers’ Markets

Twice a month between now and Christmas!

Saturday 17 December
Port Street, town centre outside Thistle Centre
10am to 4pm

Christmas Ceilidhs at the Tolbooth

Our ever-popular Christmas Ceilidhs are back... be sure to book now if you want to take part in this year's seasonal knees up.

What better way to spend the weekend before Christmas than celebrating the festive season with friends and family in traditional Scottish style? Even if you have never been to a ceilidh before, our ace band will talk you through the dances to ensure a fun time for all.

Both ceilidhs are open to all, though the afternoon ceilidh is particularly popular with families of all ages.

Saturday 17 December
Tolbooth, Jail Wynd, Stirling
3pm, £8 each or 4 for £24
8pm, £10 each or 4 for £32

Stirling Hogmanay 2011

Stirling is ready to welcome in the new year with a great line-up of Scotland’s most talented performers and musicians. Set against the stunning backdrop of Stirling Castle we have all the ingredients in place for a fantastic night with an exciting mix of traditional and contemporary Scottish music.

Making a welcome return to Stirling’s Hogmanay Party at the Castle this year is Scotland’s own Eddi Reader. Eddi, who wowed Stirling Hogmanay audiences in 2005, will join the great line-up of acts this year including The Red Hot Chilli Pipers and the Heart of Scotland Choir.

Eddi began her musical career as a session singer working with the Eurythmics and Alison Moyet. She came to prominence in the 1980s with the band Fairground Attraction who were awarded Best Single for their number one hit Perfect and Best Album at the 1989 Brit Awards. In the years since then Eddi has established herself as one of Scotland’s finest singers and performers with 9 critically acclaimed solo albums and 3 collections of Robert Burns’ songs.

Also headlining this year are the Red Hot Chilli Pipers - formed in 2002, the Chilli’s have gone from strength to strength, culminating in their winning of TV talent show ‘When will I be famous’ in 2007. Since then they have been jetting around the world, playing in numerous countries for huge crowds.

Saturday 31 December, 9pm
(gates open 8.30pm)
3Stirling Castle Esplanade
£20.00 16yrs and over
£15.00 under 16yrs
£60.00 2 Adults + 2 under 16yrs
Buy 10 tickets and pay for only 9
Tickets can be bought from the Tolbooth or Albert Halls, or online at www.stirlinghogmanay.com

Contact in stirling