Special artwork unveiled to celebrate the launch of Stirling 900

A brand new artwork that celebrates Stirling’s people and its history will be officially unveiled in the city centre today for the launch of Stirling’s 900th anniversary celebrations.

Article Source: Stirling Council
Last Updated: 26 April 2024 9:52

26th April

The colourful 30ft long illustration has been created by local artist David Galletly and will adorn one side of the square directly across from Stirling train station, one of the busiest in Scotland.

The artwork 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.

David’s design was inspired by suggestions submitted by people of all ages across Stirling, and children from Riverside Primary School were among those who came along to see the artwork take pride of place in the heart of the city.

David said: “Working on the artwork for Stirling 900 has been tremendously rewarding. My intention is to capture the history of Stirling in a way that serves both as an interesting introduction to the city for visitors, and as a playful memento for those who know it well.

“I'm Stirling born-and-raised and, despite feeling like I know the city intimately, this project has allowed me to make countless new discoveries about my hometown. Distilling 900 years into a single image is an impossible task but, by putting a spotlight on a select few characters, stories and tall tales, hopefully the energy of the city is apparent for all to enjoy.”

The installation of the artwork signals the start of Stirling’s 900th anniversary celebrations, with the city conferred Royal Burgh status by King David 1 in 1124.

An exciting programme of new and scheduled events is being created to mark the milestone over the next 12 months.

Some of the events already confirmed include a special edition of the Walking of the Marches, Stirling Summer Sessions, a Stirling 900 art exhibition, a symphonic laser spectacular at the Church of the Holy Rude and events at the National Wallace Monument.

Stirling’s young people will also have the opportunity to get involved in the celebrations with a range of activities planned in schools.

Stirling 900 will officially kick-off today (April 26) with a series of exciting events in the city. The festivities will get underway at 9am with a ceremonial opening of the gates at Stirling Castle involving the current Earl of Mar, James Erskine, and Stirling Provost, Elaine Watterson.

At 10am, the bells of the Church of the Holy Rude will ring for an hour, before a bookable community event with a wide range of activities takes place the Smith Museum between 1.30pm and 3.30pm. The museum will also host a private civic reception at 5pm, with the National Wallace Monument being lit up in the evening.

People will also be welcome to come along and view the new artwork in Station Square throughout the day.

Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Chris Kane said: “David has created a vibrant piece of artwork that weaves together the story of Stirling’s history and its people over the past 900 years in a truly innovative way. It will create a fantastic first impression for visitors arriving in the city.

“This amazing artwork is a fitting way to start Stirling’s 900th anniversary and we have an exciting programme of events planned to mark the next 12 months, from international stars in concert to plays, exhibitions and a wide range of special events.

“Stirling 900 is a celebration of our past but it will also be an opportunity to look to the future, and the recent announcement about Stirling Studios show our ambition to usher in a new transformational chapter in Stirling’s story.”

Ayyub Rehman and Eilidh Patrick, P7 pupils at Riverside PS, said: “We are really impressed with the finished result, it will look brilliant to anyone visiting the area.

“We suggested that this should be creative and we think that our voice is reflected in this design. We love it!”

The artwork project was funded by the Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Programme, as well as Scene Stirling, Stirling’s Place Partnership which is funded through Creative Scotland and managed by Artlink Central.

Stirling 900

A steering group that includes organisations, businesses and individuals from across Stirling has been formed to oversee and deliver the events programme for Stirling 900.

The group membership includes: Stirling Council, The University of Stirling, Stirling Voluntary Enterprise, Go Forth – Stirling BID, Scene Stirling (representing a range of cultural organisations), Stirling City Heritage Trust, Historic Environment Scotland, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum, Stirling District Tourism, Festival and Events Forum, and The Marches.

Historical background

Is thought that the original creation of the burgh by David I was given as a verbal instruction so no written record exists. The earliest charter is held by Stirling Council archives issued by David II in 1360 that confirmed an earlier charter of King Alexander II given on 18 August 1226.

Burgh status elevated an existing settlement into something more distinctive. The king granted his burgesses or freemen privileges. These included: holding their land and property directly from him, having the right to elect a council, holding their own court, levying local taxes and holding markets.

Officially, the celebration will take place between April 2024 and April 2025, to coincide with the coronation of King David.

For more information on Stirling 900 and the list of events, which will be added to throughout the next 12 month, visit: www.yourstirling.com/whats-on/stirling-900

Picture credit: Mark Ferguson/Stirling Council

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Stirling News

Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal

Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December

Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.

SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu

Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.

National Wallace Monument wins Frankenstein approval from renowned filmmaker Guillermo del Toro

Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro made a personal visit to The National Wallace Monument before deciding to cast the iconic Stirling landmark in his new movie ‘Frankenstein’.

Time to Nominate Outstanding Companies for the 2026 Stirling Business Awards

The public has just two weeks left to nominate outstanding independent retailers for Go Forth Stirling BID’s annual Business Awards.

Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes

A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.

Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment

SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.

The Christmas tradition of the year is back...

Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries

Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.

Sterling Home brings festive cheer with heartfelt Christmas donation

Leading furniture retailer Sterling Home is lighting up the festive season with a generous donation of Christmas decorations and furniture to children’s hospices and hospitals across Scotland.

Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids

Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.

Have your say on new active travel project for south of Stirling city centre

People are being encouraged to have their say in the second stage of a consultation on four proposed active travel routes for the south of Stirling city centre.

Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk

The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk. 

Art Exhibition and Fashion Sale to Support Strathcarron Hospice

Strathblane artists are set to captivate the community with a charity art exhibition this weekend, aiming to raise funds for Strathcarron Hospice, Denny.

The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced

The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.

KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.

No tricks, just treats at Thistles Stirling this Halloween

Thistles, Stirling is set to host a spooky spectacular at the shopping centre this October half term.

Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted

There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!

Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign

Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!

Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced

Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!

Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities

Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.

Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir

Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.

First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards

Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!

Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History

Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.

Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign

The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.

Popular Listings

Macrobert Arts Centre Stirling Castle The Albert Halls Stirling The National Wallace Monument Tolbooth Stirling

Special artwork unveiled to celebrate the launch of Stirling 900

A brand new artwork that celebrates Stirling’s people and its history will be officially unveiled in the city centre today for the launch of Stirling’s 900th anniversary celebrations.

Sponsored Links

Latest Stirling News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings