Stirling caps off 900th anniversary celebrations with dramatic Castle parade

Thousands of people braved the elements to line the streets of Stirling to get a glimpse of one of the largest pipe band parades ever seen in the city to close the 900th anniversary celebrations.

Article Source: Stirling Council
Last Updated: 1 April 2025 13:44

The parade, led on Saturday (29 March) by the City of Stirling Pipe Band, weaved its way down from the iconic Stirling Castle, through the city centre and crossed the historic Old Stirling Bridge before dispersing at the grounds of Stirling County Rugby Club.

Fittingly, around 900 people participated in the parade, including 350 musicians in addition to various community groups and organisations.

The dramatic spectacle capped off a year of festivities held across Stirling to mark 900 years since it was granted Royal Burgh status by King David I in 1124. The castle parade was the showpiece event of the finale weekend, which also saw an exciting night of art and culture held at Stirling Castle in addition to a ceilidh at the historic Albert Halls.

Stirling Lord Provost Elaine Watterson said: “We certainly didn’t let the rain dampen the mood on Saturday and it was a spectacular way to celebrate the history of Stirling.

“Everybody who played their part in making the day happen should be incredibly proud of themselves and I’d like to thank those who participated, not just in the parade but in all of the events that were held in the last year. Thank you to the people of Stirling for coming out to join in the festivities which will be remembered long into the future.”

Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Gerry McGarvey said: “It was a humbling sense of occasion to walk the historic route from Stirling Castle and over Old Stirling Bridge and contemplate the nine centuries that our city has existed.

“The weather simply added to the drama of the day which was scored by the evocative skirl of hundreds of pipers and drums beating the march of time. I hope that everybody who came along to watch the parade will hold the memories of the day as dearly as I will.”

The finale events were supported by Persimmon Homes (East Scotland) who were the headline sponsors of the Stirling finale 900 celebrations.

Neil Parry, Managing Director at Persimmon Homes East Scotland, said:

"Persimmon Homes East Scotland is incredibly proud to have supported the 900th anniversary celebrations of this historic city.

"The parade was a fitting culmination to a year of remarkable events, showcasing Stirling's rich history and vibrant community spirit. It's inspiring to see so many come together, despite the weather, to mark this special occasion.

"We're delighted to have played a part in helping bring the city’s history to life and support its ongoing cultural and community initiatives."

Elsewhere, leading up to the weekend, over 100 of Stirling’s young people took part in an open forum event to present on the pressing issues affecting their lives. The Speak Up Stirling event was hosted by Capital’s Katy J and is led by Stirling Youth Forum, MSYPs and Stirling Youth Participation Team.

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

Latest Stirling News

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.

Autumn events at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed for cosy coastal retreats and joyful pre-festive celebrations.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Stirling celebrates naval links as HMS Stirling Castle prepares to sail

The maritime links between Stirling and the Royal Navy have been celebrated with the naming of a ship in honour of the city’s most iconic landmark.

Secret New Tours at Stirling Castle offer behind the scenes access

Secret Stirling Tours – a new bespoke tour of Stirling Castle – launches today (Monday 15 September) giving visitors exclusive access to areas of the site that are normally closed to the public.

Local runner swaps sneakers for shackles in spooky Stirling shopping centre sleepover

A Stirling local is set to spend the night in one of the city’s most unusual, and eerie, locations to raise vital funds for children across the world.

Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition

Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival returns for its 12th edition on the big screen in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Inverness from 1st to 19th October 2025.

Cineworld 4DX Rewind returns for 2025

Cineworld is excited to announce the return of 4DX Rewind this September across Cineworld 4DX cinemas nationwide!

Find your next business opportunity at Forth Valley Meet the Real Buyer event

Local businesses and social enterprises across the Forth Valley are being invited to explore supply chain opportunities in a free-to-attend event at Alloa Town Hall.

Final countdown to the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run 2025 is on

Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow next month, and there’s still time to secure your place.

Marstons and Tom Shepherd join forces once more to serve up the best ever pub pie

Marston's and Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd have teamed up once more to serve up The Best Ever Pub Pie to locals across the country.

Edinburgh Fringe smash hit Oran embarks on first UK tour

Òran, the award-winning sell-out hit of the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe embarks on its first ever UK tour this autumn as company Wonder Fools take their work to a host of venues across Scotland.

Fair Trade Stirling going the distance in cycling fundraiser for Malawi

Fair Trade Stirling is holding a sponsored bike ride to raise money for its long-term partners in the Karonga District of Malawi.

Iconic films to take centre stage at Vue venues in Scotland

Iconic movies celebrating key milestones this year are returning to Vue for a limited run - including Steven Spielberg classic Jaws.

Popular Listings

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

Stirling caps off 900th anniversary celebrations with dramatic Castle parade

Thousands of people braved the elements to line the streets of Stirling to get a glimpse of one of the largest pipe band parades ever seen in the city to close the 900th anniversary celebrations.

Sponsored Links

Latest Stirling News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings