Stirling Self Catering

18/06/2024

An interesting article particularly if you are staying with us at St Michael's in Kippen: https://stirlingarchaeology.substack.com/p/the-birth-of-kippen-a0c?utm_campaign=post&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2Q73YPQJrqSDCqh8vjq0QLTGqirES_AStKRqzT6fpeMnnGgrSX67uv2Js_aem_Abx1fFKbtEHLD3_-nWV8vhzMgti-zBaEjKZa_De01zXyh_q7ok5EtkZB87bKvYMAyYelYSeXixZxjVhyiiMsOKGD

An update on our recent excavations at one of Scotland's most important hillforts.

14/05/2024

Want to participate in an ancient part of the history and heritage of Stirling? The Walking of the Marches goes back as far as the 12th century. Join the Birlawmen on Saturday 25th May. Further details can be found in the link :

Join in the Walking of the Marches to celebrate Stirling’s heritage in the historic 900 year old tradition of inspecting the city boundaries.

13/05/2024

This is such exciting news! After a very long hiatus, Stirling now has an open top bus tour back in action! 🚌 🚍 🚎

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Stirling is waiting to be explored - and there’ll be no better way of doing it than on our NEW open-top, hop-on hop-off bus tour and no better time than during the 900th birthday year of this historic Scottish city.

ℹ️ Runs every hour, every day 27 May til 1 Sep. Starts on Goosecroft Road opposite Stirling rail station. Full commentary on board to educate and entertain! Buy tickets on board or on the Midland Bluebird app.

👋 See you on soon…

10/05/2024

Weather looks good for this tomorrow !

As part of the Stirling 900 celebrations, the Friends are offering a free guided walk on Saturday, 11-May to share the story behind each of the 9 mosaic panels dotted around the park. Together they form a heritage trail illustrating some of the park’s historical events.

More details below ⬇️ and on our website www.friendsofkingspark.org/events

26/04/2024

24/04/2024

The formal launch of Stirling 900 will take place this Friday , 26th April. This celebration will mark the start of the 900th anniversary of Stirling being granted Burgh status.

The National Wallace Monument The National Wallace Monument A story of passion. Told with pride. Stirling’s famous landmark stands...

14/04/2024

A truly fascinating place to explore .

Graveyard Gossip: from the Titanic, to the SAS to Graverobbing and Cromwell explore Stirling’s dead centre the amazing Old Town Cemetery. Saturday 20th April 2-3:30 with Dr Murray Cook more details on how to book here!https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/uncovering-the-secrets-of-stirlings-old-cemetery-tickets-858728268367

28/03/2024

Wonderful 5* recognition for a great attraction in Stirling .

12/03/2024

Have you visited the Old Stirling Bridge before? 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 You can enjoy stunning views of the Monument as you cross the banks of the River Forth 🌊. Photo by The Kilted Photographer 📸.

08/03/2024

This wonderful blog by Murray Cook gives lots of interesting and free places to visit during your stay with us in Stirling.

Welcome to Stirling Archaeology’s regular piece of Friday research, the second of two weekly blogs compiled by Dr Murray Cook. The Monday newsletter summarises of all the interesting history and archaeological things happening round Stirling and the Friday one presents research. Both are generally...

12/02/2024

Well deserved recognition for all 3 Visitor Attractions.
Why not pay them all a visit while you are staying with us ?

🤩🥁 Our Top 3 finalists for Visitor Attraction of the Year are Stirling Distillery , The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum and Game of Throwing Stirling . Congratulations to all of you! 💙

Finalists, expect an email from us later today.

For anyone Interested in sponsoring the awards ceremony, please visit https://goforthstirling.co.uk/business-awards/ to view our sponsorship packages.

12/02/2024

This the the 3rd artist to be announced for Stirling’s Summer Sessions.
Looks like it’s shaping up to be a fantastic event.
We still have some availability left at our properties which are within walking distance of the events.
Better be quick to book before they all get snapped up!

🎶 Grammy Award-winning icon, Shania Twain, has announced a headline show at the inaugural Stirling Summer Sessions on Tuesday 2 July 2024 with special guest, Rag’n’Bone Man plus more to be announced.

More exciting news as Stirling celebrates its 900th anniversary this year.

Fans can get their hands on tickets for Stirling Summer Sessions at Stirling City Park from 9am on Friday 16 February 2024 via www.smmrsessions.com.

Fans signed up to the Summer Sessions database will get access to a presale from 9am on Thursday 15 February. Sign up at www.smmrsessions.com to access this.

Shows announced at Stirling Summer Sessions so far:

Busted – 28 June 2024
Tom Jones – 30 June 2024
Shania Twain – 2 July 2024

For more info on Stirling's 900th anniversary anniversary celebrations, visit: https://www.yourstirling.com/whats-on/stirling-900

27/01/2024

Stirling is Scotland’s smallest city and one of its oldest having been granted a Royal Charter in 1124. The name was originally Gaelic and means the lowest crossing point of the Forth, the most strategic in our wee country: at no other place in Scottish history has so much blood and treasure been spent to control such a small place. Today it is a tiny, friendly place and a great base to explore the rest of Scotland- all of these attractions are easily accessible from our Stirling City properties and only a short drive from our outlying holiday homes.

Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle is Scotland’s backdoor and for over 900 years it has guarded the River Forth crossing. The original castle was destroyed by Robert the Bruce after his victory at the Battle of Bannockburn and what remains is one of Europe’s finest Renaissance palaces built and expanded by Scottish Kings and Queens from James IV to James VI. It is where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned and much, much more! For more information or to book a ticket https://www.stirlingcastle.scot/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

The Battle of Bannockburn NTS
The Battle of Bannockburn is Scotland’s most important battle, where King Robert The Bruce secured our freedom. The National Trust for Scotland’s Bannockburn Centre features an excellent interpretation of the battle and its causes, toilets and a great café. The key feature is the monument complex surrounding the spot where Bruce raised his standard which is free. For more information or to book a ticket https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/bannockburn/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

The National Wallace Monument

The National Wallace Monument was built to celebrate Scotland’s greatest hero, Sir William Wallace and his victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. The monument is the largest to an individual in Britain and was built on top of an ancient hillfort destroyed in fire and fury perhaps during a Viking raid. The monument’s exhibitions explore the battle and Wallace’s life as well as other Scottish heroes. Its 246 steps give an incredible 360-degree view. There are also toilets, a shop and a great café. For more information or to book a ticket https://www.nationalwallacemonument.com/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Stirling Old Town Jail

One of the best-preserved Victorian jails in Scotland, the Old Town Jail provides a grim journey through the history of crime and punishment in Stirling in a magnificent setting. The experience features re-enactors and a recent brilliant addition are escape rooms. For more details or to book a ticket https://oldtownjail.co.uk/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

26/01/2024

If you are looking for some hidden things to find during your stay in the area then you will find this article quite useful!
You might even find things the locals haven’t discovered yet !

Welcome to my regular piece of research, the second of two weekly blogs I publish. The Monday newsletter summarises of all the interesting history and archaeological things happening round Stirling. These are both free but if you like what I do, you can support the expenses of my archaeological digs...

15/01/2024

Stirling really is beautiful.

Let this serene scene wash away the Monday Blues ❄️
This beautiful winter wonderland view of Dumgoyach was captured on an early morning walk before sunrise by IG/neil_macdougall_

13/01/2024

Nothing better than a wee jaunt up Dumyat ⛰️

Here is another suggestion for your 2024 bucket list: Dumyat On a clear day the views are simply superb! 😍 Fantastic sunrise captured by

13/01/2024

Don’t knock a gift horse in the mouth ! 😉

We have something special just for you... From Monday 8th January up until January 31st our Kelpie tours will be running free of charge, daily at 10:30, 12:30 & 14:30.

No pre bookings, first come, first served. Pop in to the Visitor Centre for information and check in.

12/01/2024

Fancy getting your hands dirty during your stay with us? Stirling Archaeology have a range of digs on offer, the vast majority of which are free to attend. From the Fort of the Maetae on Dumyat to a Roman Iron Age fort in Kippen there’s sure to be something to suit everyone !

Learn to dig with Dr Murray Cook

07/01/2024

It’s never too early to plan ahead. Summer sessions 2024 comes to Stirling on 30th June where the headline act , Tom Jones, will play beneath the iconic Castle. Make the most of our city centre apartments which are all within walking distance of the event.

Stirling Summer Sessions

06/01/2024

An interesting wee read.

Welcome to my regular piece of research, the second of two weekly blogs I publish. The Monday newsletter summarises of all the interesting history and archaeological things happening round Stirling. These are both free but if you like what I do, you can support the expenses of my archaeological digs...

06/01/2024

A great way to start 2024! Another Airbnb Superhost status awarded to Stirling Self Catering.
This is down to the continual hard work of the whole team: owners, property managers, cleaners, handymen, laundrettes and, of course, our guests who continue to leave their fabulous reviews. Thank you to each and everyone.

24/12/2023

A wonderful walk right on the doorstep of Wilson’s Cottage.

24/12/2023

18/12/2023

Day 5 of : This was your favourite winter view from . Who is planning a trip there in 2024?

Photo captured by IG/helen.x.outside

17/12/2023

Day 4 of : Stirling with an incredible winter backdrop 😍

How many attractions can you spot?

Great photo by Scotdrone

17/12/2023

Day 3 of : Snowy Loch Ard ❄️ 🌊

Lovely photo by Alba in Pictures Photography by Richard McEwen

VisitScotland Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

16/12/2023

14/12/2023

In the lead-up to , we’re sharing the top 12 winter views you’ve loved over the years!
Starting with this winter fairytale view from two of Stirling's historic attractions - Stirling's Old Bridge and the Wallace Monument.

Beautiful photo by Outlandish Journeys

The National Wallace Monument VisitScotland

13/12/2023

We love that there are over seven different words to express rain in Gaelic. Whether there’s a ‘dìle bhàite’ (a heavy downpour) or ‘plom’ (a spot of rain) there are lots of places that are ready-made for brilliant winter days out. Why not visit a few of them in the local Stirling area such as Stirling Castle, The Wallace Monument, Dollar Glen, The Pineapple or the Battle of Bannockburn experience. There's no such thing as bad weather in Scotland - just the wrong clothing so remember to pack a waterproof coat!

12/12/2023

The Tolbooth is a fantastic music venue- why not come and take a look or, even better, book some tickets to see a gig while staying with us.