Church of the Holy Rude opens for the 2025 Visitor Season, Celebrating Stirling 900

The Church of the Holy Rude, one of Scotland’s most significant religious landmarks, will open its doors for the 2025 visitor season on Saturday, 29th March.

Article Source: Church of the Holy Rude
Last Updated: 19 March 2025 16:40

Stirling, March 2025

To mark this occasion, and in celebration of the finale weekend of Stirling 900, visitors can enjoy half-price admission throughout the opening weekend. Both locals and tourists are invited to step back in time and explore this historic building, nestled in the heart of Stirling’s Old Town.

David Black, Chair of Stirling District Tourism (SDT), said:

“SDT are delighted to continue building on our partnership with the beautiful, historic Church of the Holy Rude. Our team are looking forward to welcoming local and international visitors and inviting them to discover some of the intriguing stories of this iconic landmark.”

A Living Tapestry of History and Heritage:

Founded in the 12th century, the Church of the Holy Rude remains an important part of Scotland's rich history. Notably, it is the only active church in the UK, apart from Westminster Abbey, to have hosted a royal coronation; that of the infant King James VI in 1567 after Mary Queen of Scots abdication. Visitors will have the chance to learn about the medieval architecture, stained glass windows and the echoes of royal history within these walls.

Opening Weekend Highlights:

A range of special events will mark the opening weekend.

Saturday, 29th March – Open 10am-6pm
• 10:00AM – Ringing of the Church Bells in celebration of Stirling 900
• 11:00AM – Guided Tour of the Church of the Holy Rude
• 12:00PM – Stirling 900 Parade from Stirling Castle
• 2:00PM – Guided Tour of the Church of the Holy Rude

Sunday, 30th March – Open 12-6pm
• 11:00AM - Sunday Service
• 2:00PM – Guided Tour of the Church of the Holy Rude

Plan Your Visit:

The Church will be open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday and from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sunday. Visitors can explore the Church at their own pace using our orientation map or join a guided tour at 11:00 AM or 2:00 PM.

Opening Weekend Admission Fees: Pay on Arrival
• Adult £2.50 (usually £5)
• Concession/Students £2 (usually £4)
• Children under 12 Free (must be accompanied by an adult)

For more details about opening times, tours and events, visit www.churchoftheholyrude.com

What’s On This Season:

This year, we are delighted to launch an exciting programme of cultural events and exhibitions, including:

• Seasonal Exhibitions - The Church will host exhibitions celebrating local artists, writers, and historians – join us to explore their inspiring works!

• Monthly Afternoon Concerts - Enjoy performances by talented local musicians in a unique and historic setting.

• Monthly Storytellers - Engaging storytelling sessions bring Stirling’s rich history to life. Suitable for families and adults alike!
All events and exhibitions are included in the Church admission fee.

Upcoming Performances:

• Sounds of Stirling: Sunday, 6th April
12:45-1:15pm & 1:30-2:00pm – Live performance by Christine Kammerer, a singer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and composer, at the Church of the Holy Rude.

• Storytelling Saturday: Saturday 19th April
12:45-1:15pm & 1:30 – 2pm – Join our costumed storyteller for an immersive experience bringing Stirling’s history to life.

The 'Home Turf, Stirling and the Shire' spring exhibition by Iona Leishman will run throughout April and May, with Iona painting inside the Church on Fridays.

Iona Leishman on Her Work:

“Stirling Castle and its rich history have been central to my work, from my studio within its walls to my time at Cowane’s Hospital, where I painted for three years by invitation of Historic Environment Scotland. My commemorative exhibitions have marked significant moments in Scottish history, including the battles of Flodden and Bannockburn and the life of Marie de Guise, mother of Mary, Queen of Scots. I like the phrase ‘vividly imagined historical paintings’—it perfectly captures my approach.

I was also commissioned to paint the interior of the Holy Rude, now a permanent fixture in the kirk. It’s incredibly special to be preparing a new body of work for exhibition for the reopening of Holy Rude in 2025”.

For more about Iona Leishman visit:
Website: ionaleishman.co.uk
Email: iona@ionaleishman.co.uk

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