Stirling Photography Festival goes Beyond with exhibitions across Stirlingshire
The Stirling Photography Festival is proud to announce the launch of a series of exhibitions in rural Stirling as part of their 2025 programme.
Article Source: Stirling Photography Festival
Last Updated: 29 August 2025 13:01
Stirling Photography Festival Goes ‘Beyond’ with exhibitions across Stirlingshire.
They explore the festival theme Beyond, a call to look past the surface and challenge the expected. Whether questioning familiar narratives, or traversing physical and social boundaries, the exhibitions reflect diverse voices and creative approaches, from all across our community.
‘Beyond’ is a new exhibition at the Weigh Ahead Gallery in Dunblane which will open on Saturday 6th September, showcasing the work of local photographers and festival volunteers in this welcoming, community focused space.
One of the exhibiting artists is Charles McGuigan from Stirling.
He said: “I’m a landscape photographer drawn to quiet, atmospheric places and the way light and reflections can completely change how we see a scene. I recently graduated from the University of Stirling with a First-Class Honours Degree in Photography, and this exhibition marks the start of my journey beyond university. My work focuses on natural environments and aims to capture a sense of stillness and mood. I’m always exploring new ways to tell stories through images and I’m excited to share this selection of work.”
The collaboration with the Weigh Ahead, a well-loved local venue with a strong community and sustainability mission, underscores the festival’s commitment to making photography more visible and accessible.
Lesley O'Hare, Curator of the Weigh Ahead Gallery, said: “Weigh Ahead Gallery is delighted to be connecting, for the first time, with Stirling Photography Festival and to be supporting the area's vibrant photographic community. The Gallery, overlooking the Cathedral, aims to be a meeting place connecting emerging and established artists and what better way is there of doing this than finding like-minded partners!”
An opening event will be held on the evening of 5th September from 6pm -8pm and the public are invited to come together in celebration of visual storytelling and local artistic talent. The exhibition will run until Saturday 11th October.
There are also exhibitions at Doune and Dunblane libraries during the festival. In Doune Library is a small collection of the work of Dunblane resident Tom Astbury, from his dùthchas project. These form an exploration of the landscapes which inspired Gaelic poet Duncan bàn Macintyre and will be on show from 21st August to 18th September. Tom will hold an talk in Doune library on Saturday 6th September and will be accompanied by Ailsa Morgan who will read some of bàn Macintyre’s works in Gaelic.
At Dunblane Library, Forth Valley Welcome will show the photography of a number of new Scots in A New Home. This collection sensitively reflects the experiences of the artists who have been displaced from their homelands and are now settled locally.
Built on a project launched as part of last year’s photography festival, Elizabeth Fairgrieve of Forth Valley Welcome says of this exhibition: “A New Home exhibits images from New Scots and Ukrainians who have come to Scotland in hope of securing peace for their families. It highlights the struggles and the hope associated with coming to a new place and eventually, calling it home.”
This exhibition opens on 28th August and will run until 30th September.
Meanwhile, Shane Simmons will exhibit his project Tranquillity and Ruin at Mugdock Country Park, Campsie Gallery from 19th September until 4th October.
The collection of landscapes is made in Mugdock and Shane says of his project: “The work explores the themes of loss, grief, and ultimately healing through creativity and deep connection with outdoor spaces.”
Shane is a graduate of Kelvin College Glasgow and this will be his first solo exhibition. A talk by Shane on 19th September will accompany the exhibition.
At its heart, the festival’s mission is to inspire creativity, develop skills and build community through photography. This range of exhibitions seeks to offer opportunities to connect people and place through photography.
The full festival Beyond 2025 programme of exhibitions and events, with details on how to book, can be found on the Stirling Photography website at www.stirlingphotographyfestival.co.uk/2025
Image credit: Al Dawes
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
Stirling Photography Festival goes Beyond with exhibitions across Stirlingshire
The Stirling Photography Festival is proud to announce the launch of a series of exhibitions in rural Stirling as part of their 2025 programme.
READ MORE
Stirling marks 30th Anniversary of Braveheart
Braveheart continues to be a huge draw for visitors to Scotland as Stirling prepares to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Oscar-winning epic.
READ MORE
Best Croissant Competition returns for 2025
The Edinburgh Butter Company has announced the return of its ‘Scotland’s Best Croissant’ competition on Monday 13th October.
READ MORE
New Forth Valley Five Campaign Launches to Champion Local Food and Drink
Businesses across Stirling and beyond are being invited to take the ‘Forth Valley Five’ pledge: a bold new initiative designed to celebrate local food and drink and boost community wealth.
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland launches Talking About Heritage
People across Scotland invited to take part in national conversation about heritage.
READ MORE
Clans @ The Croft team mountain bike enduro event returns
A multiple Clan skirmish of epic proportions is on the cards again for mountain bike Enduro riders when Clans @ The Croft, the first team event on the UK's Enduro calendar, returns to Creiff.
READ MORE
Tickets now on sale for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo closes the drawbridge on its 75th anniversary Show, as tickets for next year go on sale.
READ MORE
Call for sites and ideas for new Local Development Plan in Stirling
Residents, community groups and other key stakeholders will have the opportunity to shape Stirling’s future as the consultation on the area’s new Local Development Plan enters crucial new phase.
READ MORE
Primark celebrates 50 years in Scotland with a wee nod to loyal Scots in all stores today
Scottish shoppers will hardly believe it when they see it today as Primark finally relents on one of its biggest brand debates after 50 years.
READ MORE
Christmas at Crieff Hydro returns with magical line up of festive activities
Scotland's best loved family resort, Crieff Hydro, has unveiled details of a specially curated programme of events as it prepares to welcome guests over the festive period.
READ MORE
Scots Language Awards 2025 shortlist unveiled
The shortlist for the Scots Language Awards 2025 has been unveiled, with figures from Scottish literature, theatre, education and business all in the running for awards at the annual ceremony.
READ MORE
Innis & Gunn wins double gold at the World Beer Awards 2025
Innis & Gunn has claimed double gold on the global stage, winning best in Scotland for the second year running at the World Beer Awards.
READ MORE
Santa Claus is coming to Dobbies
From exciting encounters with Santa himself to hands-on workshops and joyful family moments, Dobbies is the destination for festive fun this Christmas!
READ MORE
Singalong screening of K Pop Demon Hunters heading to Vue venues in Scotland, with tickets on sale now
One of the most-watched films on Netflix is heading to Vue next weekend for a special sing-along event – with tickets on sale now!
READ MORE
Free September gardening workshops at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is inspiring gardeners across Scotland this September with two free-to-attend gardening workshops, Little Seedlings Club and Grow How, suitable for all ages and abilities.
READ MORE
Finalists announced for Scottish Bar & Pubs Awards 2025
Lights, Pints, Action! Scotland's pubs go for gold at the hospitality industry's very own oscars.
READ MORE
Cereal giant to support STV Childrens Appeal campaign to fund breakfast clubs in Scottish schools
Stronger Together: Kellogg's pledges pound-for-pound match for Big Scottish Breakfast Fundraiser.
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Motorhome, Caravan & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
Session schedule unveiled for Glasgow 2026
With packed venues and 30 medal sessions across 50 sport sessions, it's shaping up to be one of the most electric weekends in Glasgow's sporting history!
READ MORE
Scots Language Awards on hunt for nominees
The Scots Language Awards are now welcoming nominations for this year’s celebration of Scots.
READ MORE
Dobbies unveils spellbinding lineup of Autumn events
This October and November, Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to its trio of enchanting autumn events that are lined up across the country, helping kick-start the season.
READ MORE
Five fascinating historic facts about Scone Palace... the crowning place of kings
Scone Palace isn't just a beautiful day out, it's one of Scotland's most iconic historic sites, steeped in royal tradition, political intrigue and centuries of national significance.
READ MORE
Sam Ryder puts live music on tap with the Biggest Pub Gig Ever
Greene King Pubs has appointed Sam Ryder as its 'Head of Gigs' in a bid to get the UK rocking, by increasing access to live music and finding the country's best grassroots talent this summer.
READ MORE
The Sweetest Berry Spots in Scotland this Summer
For those looking for something to fill their summer days, couples, kids, and everyone in between, these spots are perfect for picking Scotland’s most delicious berries.
READ MORE
Record visitor numbers for Stirling area as new tourism campaign launches
New figures show visitor numbers to Stirling surged by more than 10% in 2024 compared to the previous year, generating a total economic impact of £712.4 million for the region.
READ MORE
Common Tongue returns to Scottish stages with autumn tour
Common Tongue by Fraser Scott is to tour Scotland this autumn with a fourteen date tour in September and October.
READ MORE
Foodies Festival, the biggest touring celebrity food & music festival in the UK, returns to Scotland next month
The UK's biggest touring celebrity food & music festival celebrates its 20th year - announcing star-studded line-ups and exciting new features in Edinburgh and Glasgow!
READ MORE
Assembly Festival relaunches Local Residents Ticket Offer
Fringe Tickets for Just £6.50: Assembly Festival re-launches Local Residents Ticket Offer for EH, FK, G, KY, ML & DG postcodes.
READ MORE
Grow Your Own flowers, fruits, and veg at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Grow Your Own workshop this August, where attendees will learn top tips for growing fruit, vegetables and flowers at home.
READ MORE
Jazz legend sets the tone as the vibrant music scene in Stirling continues to thrive
Stirling's vibrant cultural and music scene is continuing to thrive with the launch of a new piano lounge in the historic Golden Lion Hotel.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links