The Stirling 900th anniversary celebrations start in style
Stirling’s 900th anniversary celebrations got underway in style in the spring sunshine last Friday (26 April) as partners came together to launch an exciting year-long programme of events.
Article Source: Stirling Council
Last Updated: 1 May 2024 12:23
The festivities began, fittingly at 9am, at Stirling Castle with a ceremonial opening of the ancient castle gates.
As a lone piper played, James Erskine; the current Earl of Mar and the King’s Hereditary Keeper of Stirling Castle; and Elaine Watterson, Stirling Provost; unlocked the gates to signal the start of the celebrations. Representatives from the local partners involved in Stirling 900 also came along for the event and were joined by some special costume performers including Mary Queen of Scots.
At 10am, the bells rang out at The Church of the Holy Rude for one hour to mark the city’s birthday, before 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 has been installed on one side of the square directly across from Stirling train station, one of the busiest in Scotland. 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.
Pupils from Riverside Primary, who had been among those to submit suggestions for the artwork, came along to chat to David and to see the artwork take pride of place in the heart of the city.
It was then onto the community event at The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, where some of Stirling's historical treasures were on show including the ancient key of Stirling and the world's oldest curling stone.
Attendees had an opportunity to take part in creative and heritage activities, including penning some special recollections about Stirling to a memory tree, and to find out more about Stirling’s major anniversary.
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, involving all the key partners in Stirling 900 and other local dignitaries.
Speeches from the Provost, Council Leader, Cllr 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.
In a hark back to the city’s ancient past, the Dean of the Merchant Guildry of Stirling (Elizabeth Roads) and the Deacon of the Seven Incorporated Trades of Stirling (Stuart Campbell) proclaimed the start of Stirling’s 900th anniversary.
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.
For more information on all the events taking place for Stirling 900, visit: < ahref="http://www.yourstirling.com/whats-on/stirling-900" rel="nofollow">http://www.yourstirling.com/whats-on/stirling-900
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.
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
Celebrate the arrival of Deadpool & Wolverine with limited edition merch and sweet treats at Vue
THE highly anticipated team-up of Deadpool & Wolverine is finally arriving at screens across the UK and Ireland this weekend at Vue Cinemas.
READ MORE
Search is on for the biggest craft beer fan in Scotland
Edinburgh’s award-winning Cold Town Brewery has launched a nationwide search to appoint an honorary chief taster to help develop its new summer beer range.
READ MORE
Celebrate the Gruffalo with The Royal Society for Blind Children
Join a very special session on Zoom as The Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) celebrates The Gruffalo's 25th birthday, in partnership with Macmillan Children's Books!
READ MORE
National Trust For Scotland launches annual footpath fund appeal as countryside visitors climb
Charity appeals for Footpath Fund donations as countryside visitors increase by 16 percent in first half of the year.
READ MORE
Music fans have a lot to look forward to at Vue in Scotland this summer
Music lovers have a lot to celebrate this summer at Vue, with three exciting titles hitting the big screen – including BLACKPINK’s latest concert film.
READ MORE
BID Launches Mini Olympics Event in Stirling
Go Forth Stirling, the city’s BID (Business Improvement District), is hosting a Mini-Olympics with fun and games for all the family in the pedestrianised section of Port Street.
READ MORE
Important Jacobite Historical Discovery Made at Bannockburn House
In the halls of Bannockburn House a team of dedicated volunteers have uncovered a rare and fascinating piece of history that could have altered the story of the nation.
READ MORE
Macrobert Arts Centre launches Christmas Appeal to bring festive joy to Forth Valley
Macrobert Arts Centre is delighted to announce the return of the annual Christmas Appeal, which provides local disadvantaged families and young people with tickets to Macrobert’s pantomime.
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland launches search for the Ultimate BBQ Ambassador
In response to Scotlands gloomy and grey summer weather, Aldi Scotland has launched a nationwide hunt for the country’s Ultimate BBQ Ambassador.
READ MORE
Caledonian Sleeper launches photography competition celebrating UK beauty spots
The landscape photography competition will run until October with three prizes up for grabs!
READ MORE
Trust teams up with round the world cyclist to showcase accessible routes in National Park
Trust in the Park has teamed up with renowned round-the-world cyclist and filmmaker Markus Stitz to showcase Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park’s accessible routes this summer.
READ MORE
Impact Arts celebrates 30 years of changing lives in Scotland and puts the call out for stories
On 22 August, the team at Impact Arts will raise a glass to three decades of life-changing work, as Scotland's leading creative engagement charity prepares to mark its 30th anniversary.
READ MORE
BID Brightens Up City Centre with Planters and Stirling 900 Mural Banners
A series of blooming planters are adding a welcome splash of colour across Stirling city centre this summer.
READ MORE
Free gardening workshops at Dobbies for National Allotment Week
Dobbies is celebrating National Allotment Week by inviting gardening enthusiasts across the country to a series of free Grow How workshops throughout the month, focusing on allotment gardening.
READ MORE
Series of Creative Workshops Support Neurodivergent Young People Across Edinburgh This Summer
Neurodiversity charity Salvesen Mindroom Centre collaborates with local creative organisations to create opportunities and support the transition to life beyond school.
READ MORE
Crieff Hydro announces a packed summer activity programme for 2024
Situated in the heart of the historic region is the iconic Crieff Hydro Hotel, which has announced a host of exciting summer activities for the whole family to get involved in.
READ MORE
Stirling businesses and people shortlisted for national tourism awards
An incredible eight businesses and individuals in the Stirling area are in the running for the prestigious Scottish Thistle Awards.
READ MORE
Music award design commission open to Stirling based artists
Artists and creatives in the Stirling area are being invited to put their ideas forward to design trophies for the prestigious Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award.
READ MORE
The top pipers and drummers in Scotland set to return to Renfrew
Renfrew's Robertson Park will host Scotland's top piping talent once again as the Renfrew Pipe Band Competition returns to the town on Saturday 20th July.
READ MORE
Top 10 regions where most books are set across Scotland
VisitScotland has analysed over 11,500 books on the Goodreads database to reveal readers’ top-rated books set in Scotland and the regions most frequently depicted in literature.
READ MORE
TRNSMT 2025 confirmed as dates and tickets sales announced
Scotland's biggest live music event has been confirmed to go ahead next year, and fans can get their hands on early bird tickets this week.
READ MORE
Families set for a dinomite weekend as prehistoric pals come to Perthshire hotel
Action Glen Adventure Park, located at Crieff Hydro Hotel in Perthshire will welcome a trio of robotic-dinos on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st July.
READ MORE
Asda Foundation announces funding to transform community spaces
Community groups in Scotland to be awarded grants ranging from £10,000 to £25,000.
READ MORE
Nominations Are Now Open for BIH Spotlight Awards 2024
Be Inclusive Hospitality (BIH) is thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for the third BIH Spotlight Awards.
READ MORE
Young Golfers Get Surprise Visit From Genesis Scottish Open Championship Trophy
On the first day of the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open in North Berwick, young golfers from across Scotland received a surprise visit from the tournament’s official championship trophy.
READ MORE
Borders stately home Floors Castle supports Cash For Kids with launch of Inflatable Insanity
Borders stately home Floors Castle is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its Inflatable Insanity giant obstacle course this summer!
READ MORE
Sleeping Warrior Theatre Company return with To Save The Sea
Sleeping Warrior Theatre Company are delighted to bring their latest musical extravaganza, To Save The Sea, to Scottish stages this autumn.
READ MORE
SAY Award opens for 2024 with fans and artists encouraged to submit albums
Scotland's national music prize, The Scottish Album of the Year Award, has launched, inviting artists, music fans and labels to submit eligible albums and be in the running for the prestigious prize.
READ MORE
Stirling Summer Sessions prove a huge hit with concert goers
The inaugural Summer Sessions at Stirling City Park have won widespread praise after thousands of music fans attended a series of headline concerts in the shadow of Stirling Castle.
READ MORE
Dobbies hosts free Show and Tell gardening workshop
Dobbies is inviting children aged 4-10 to a free and interactive Little Seedlings workshop on Sunday 4th August, that includes a dedicated gardening Show and Tell.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links