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.
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