Thursday 30 November will be a red-letter day for Stirling's Smith Art Gallery and Museum, when the oldest football in the world is brought back by Collections Manager Michael McGinnes.
The sixteenth century ball has been the centrepiece of a major exhibition at the Museum für Völkerkunde in Hamburg, Germany, during commemorations of the beautiful game which have surrounded this year's World Cup.
Constructed from a pig's bladder and covered by delicately interlaced leather, possibly originating from a deer, the ball dates from the court of Mary Queen of Scots and is one of the most perennially popular exhibits in the Stirling Smith.
"It's good to have the ball back in its natural habitat," said Mr McGinnes, who is responsible for the ball's safe journey to and from the continent. "It has always been admired by visitors and local people alike, and we were very glad to co-operate with our German friends in bringing this piece of history to the widest possible audience". Over 100,000 visitors saw the exhibition during its 8 month run. For further information, contact Elspeth King at the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, Dumbarton Road, Stirling FK8 2RQ, tel. 01786 471917.*Food and Drink*What's On*Shops*Walks*Events*Young People*The Future*