Stirling 900 celebrations to climax with spectacular pipe band parade
A spectacular massed pipe band parade on Saturday 29th March will be the exciting centrepiece of Stirling’s 900th anniversary finale celebrations.
Article Source: Stirling Council
Last Updated: 27 February 2025 12:34
Community groups and other organisations from across Stirling will also be part of this unforgettable spectacle of noise and colour, with thousands of residents and visitors expected to line the streets for the unique event.
Setting off from Stirling Castle at 12 noon, the parade will weave its way through the city centre before crossing the historic Old Stirling Bridge and finishing in the grounds of Stirling County Rugby Club. The festivities will continue into the night with a special Stirling 900 ceilidh at the Albert Halls.
A showcase of Stirling’s dynamic and diverse culture at Stirling Castle is among the highlights of a diverse programme of events that have been arranged in the lead-up to Saturday’s closing celebrations.
Held on the Friday evening (28 March) between 6 and 8pm, this free immersive event will see the castle transformed into a hub of interactive activities and performances by Stirling’s creative organisations and businesses. Spaces will be limited so book up soon to secure your spot at this unique event.
Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Gerry McGarvey said: “The gala parade and the magnificent sight and sound of hundreds of pipes and drums will be a fitting finale to Stirling’s memorable year-long 900th birthday bash.
“The past 12 months have been an opportunity showcase Stirling’s remarkable history and the achievements of its people to the world. While this exciting event will bring the curtain down on our first 900 years, this colourful procession is a signal of Stirling and its people marching into the future with purpose, pride and ambition.”
Lord Provost Elaine Watterson announced the events at a special civic reception last Friday night that marked the start of the 900 hours countdown to the gala event on 29 March.
She said: “It has been an honour to be Lord Provost and represent our wonderful and vibrant communities during this milestone anniversary.
“To see so many people and organisations come together to give Stirling the birthday celebrations that it deserve has been inspiring and uplifting.
“There have been so many highlights, but the best is yet to come with this spectacular musical parade and the other finale events that will champion our incredible culture and creativity. I can’t wait to see you all there.”
The finale events are being supported by Persimmon Homes (East Scotland) who are the headline sponsors of the Stirling 900 finale celebrations.
Neil Parry, Managing Director of Persimmon East Scotland, said: “We are proud to support the Stirling 900 celebrations and be part of this historic milestone for the city. Stirling has a rich heritage and a vibrant community, and this spectacular finale will be a fitting tribute to both.
“At Persimmon, we are committed to leaving a lasting legacy in the communities where we operate, and we look forward to celebrating alongside residents and visitors at this incredible event.”
Douglas Wilson, District Visitor and Community Manager for Stirling Castle at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), said: “The Stirling 900th Anniversary Weekend Finale is sure to be spectacular, and we’re thrilled that Stirling Castle is playing a part in the festivities.
“The Culture Night at Stirling Castle offers visitors the chance to experience and explore one of the city’s most iconic sites and we very much look forward to welcoming visitors through the doors for this special evening. Saturday’s parade is sure to be one for the memories too, with our iconic heritage site serving as the backdrop from which it sets off.
“Stirling Castle has seen history unfold both within and outside its walls for 900 years, and these celebrations give us the chance not only to reflect on the past, but also to join together as we look towards Stirling’s future.”
Piper Major Scott Methven said: “As Piper Major of the City of Stirling Pipe Band (formally Royal Burgh Of Stirling Pipeband), we as a group are very excited about being invited to not only take part but lead the march from Stirling Castle and through the streets of Stirling to celebrate the city's 900th year.
“As a former Pipe Major of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and the Queen’s Personal Piper, I have close ties with the city with the Castle being the spiritual home of the Regiment.
“I also grew up in Gargunnock and attended Stirling High School. We are all looking forward to a huge musical procession and really hope the whole of Stirling come out to support this celebration.”
Partners in the Stirling 900 Steering Group and the event sponsor were joined by P1 children from Allan’s Primary School to announce the finale celebrations at the gates of Stirling Castle. Pupils at the school have been involved in a project about what makes Stirling a special place to live to mark the milestone.
Lindsey Howland, Head Teacher at Allan’s Primary School said: “We are delighted to be part of the Stirling 900 celebrations as we are located in the heart of the city centre.
“Our children were involved in a creative project called “We Make It!” which enabled the children to research and celebrate what makes Stirling their home. They used the United Nations Rights of the Child, article 27 which outlines children’s right to a home where they can live in a way that helps them reach their full physical, mental, spiritual, moral and social potential.
“The children soon realised that it is everyone who lives, works, plays and learns in Stirling that makes Stirling such a wonderful place to be!”
Full list of confirmed ticketed events for the Stirling 900 finale celebrations:
• Thursday 27 March (6.30pm): A 900th anniversary edition of the Tolbooth Supper Club. More info and bookings.
• Friday 28 March (6-8pm): Culture at the Castle event that celebrates Stirling’s cultural and creative talent. More info and tickets.
• Friday 28 March (8-9pm): A free concert in the Great Hall of Stirling Castle, led by local musicians Evie Waddell and Neil Sutcliffe following the Culture at the Castle event. More info and tickets.
• Saturday 29 March (12 noon): The Stirling 900 gala parade will be the centrepiece of the celebrations, setting off from Stirling Castle esplanade and weave its way through the city down to Stirling County Rugby Club.
• Saturday 29 March (Doors 7pm): A Stirling 900 ceilidh will be the final fling of the finale weekend at the Albert Halls with the wonderful Katie Allen Trio as the ceilidh band. More info and tickets.
• Each day from 10am to 5pm until 19 May: An exhibition at the Marcrobert Arts Centre featuring artwork and archival material from the University Archives and Art Collection which celebrate the history of the city and its cultural heritage.
• Tues-Sat (10am-5pm) 8 March to 26 April: A free exhibition about belonging at The Tolbooth presented by GOSSIP Collective and emerging artists from across the world, some of whom have created their home in Scotland, called Find Direction Home exhibition.
• Wed-Sun (10am-5pm) at the Smith Art Gallery and Museum: Stirling City Heritage Trust invites you to discover the stories of Stirling’s historic streets and how Conservation Area designation helps to protect the city’s unique historic environment.
For more details on all the Stirling 900 finale events, please visit: https://www.yourstirling.com/whats-on/stirling-900-finale/
Image: Partners in the Stirling 900 Steering Group alongside sponsors and dignitaries at the civic reception that took place at Old Viewforth, Stirling Council HQ
Image credit: Stirling Council/Whyler Photos.
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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!
READ 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!
READ MORE
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!
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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!
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
Local sporting heroes back Stirling campaign to get more women and girls active
Some of Stirling’s sporting heroes, including an Olympic champion and a World Championships silver medallist, are supporting a drive to get more local women and girls active.
READ MORE
Unlimited adventures for less than a tank of petrol
With the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!
READ MORE
Seachdain na Gaidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2026 launches with rallying call to use it, or lose it
Seachdain na Gàidhlig will return in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry.
READ MORE
Brits brewing up a storm: Macdonald Hotels reports coffee surge
Brits are now picking up the cafetière, with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts revealing a 10% rise in coffee sales across its 32 UK hotels and resorts in the past year.
READ MORE
Spooky season brings horror icons and vampire romance back to the big screen at Vue
Some of the latest horror blockbusters – alongside creepy classics, enchanting family favourites and the ever-popular Twilight Saga – will all be heading to Vue venues this Halloween.
READ MORE
Christmas Launch Weekend at Dobbies Garden Centres marks the start of the festive season
Christmas has come early as Dobbies Garden Centres kicks off the season in style at its Christmas Launch Weekend which takes place from Thursday 9th to Monday 13th October.
READ MORE
CCC treats audiences to a frightfully delightful family concert this Halloween
Children's Classic Concerts return with their popular Halloween concert performances in Glasgow and Edinburgh later this month!
READ MORE
Arnprior Farm Celebrates 10 Years of Original Pumpkin Patch
Arnprior Farm is marking 10 years of pumpkin picking with its biggest ever patch and the launch of a once-in-a-lifetime Golden Ticket competition.
READ MORE
SAY Award Longlist announced including Jacob Alon, Kathryn Joseph, Mogwai and more
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, Scotland's national music prize, has today revealed the 20 outstanding albums on 2025's Longlist.
READ MORE
Beatson Cancer Charity and Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service join forces for Blood Cancer Awareness Month
For the first time, Beatson Cancer Charity has joined forces with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service to highlight the vital role blood donors play in the treatment of blood cancers.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links