Things To Do in Stirling
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Stirling Attractions
To get a real feel for Stirling, stroll the Back Walk, beginning near Rob Roy's statue, near the Guildhall in the town center. Following this trail along the outside of the town's once-fortified walls, you'll find good views, see an old watchtower (and a place where prisoners were hanged), and eventually reach Stirling Castle.
- Religious Site
Church of the Holy Rude
Built in the early 15th century, the Church of the Holy Rude is said to be the only church in the country still in use that has witnessed a coronation. It was 1567 when the 13-month-old James VI -- son of Mary Queen of Scots and later James I of England -- was crowned here. John Knox… - Landmark
Stirling Castle
There are traces of a 7th-century royal habitation of the Stirling area, and on the right bank of the Forth, Stirling Castle dates from the Middle Ages, when its location, on a dividing line between the Lowlands and the Highlands, made it the key to the Highlands. The castle became…
Stirling Shopping
Stirling's town center has some interesting shopping. One good hunting ground is the Thistle Centre indoor shopping plaza, home of about 65 shops at the junction of Port Street and Murray Place.
The best woolen goods are at R. R. Henderson, 6-8 Friar St. (tel. 01786/473-681), a Highland outfitter selling not only sweaters and scarves but also made-to-order kilts and tartans.
Some of the best shopping is not in Stirling itself but in the outlying area. Take A9 to Larbert and at the roundabout follow A18 west until you see the sign for Barbara Davidson's Pottery Studio, Muirhall Farm, Larbert (tel. 01324/554-430; www.barbara-davidson.com), 14km (8 2/3 miles) south of Stirling. At this 18th-century farmstead, one of Scotland's best-known potters operates her studio and workshop. A large selection of functional wares is exhibited and sold here.
East of Stirling, three towns form the Mill Trail Country: Alva, Alloa, and Tillicoultry. Many quality textile mills have factory outlets here, offering bargain prices on cotton, woolens, and even cashmere goods. The best selection of sweaters is available at Inverallen Handknitters Ltd., Alva Industrial Estate, Alva (tel. 01259/210050; www.inverallanhandknitters.co.uk). The hand-knitted traditional sweaters here are particularly appealing. If you're inspired to knit your own creation, head to Patons & Baldwins, Kilcraigo Mill, Alloa (tel. 01325/394-394), which manufactures quality yarns.
For more complete details, including any directional information or seasonal closings, call or visit the Mill Trail Visitor Centre, West Stirling Street at Alva (tel. 01259/769-696), 14km (8 2/3 miles) east of the center of Stirling. January to June and September to December, it's open daily 10am to 5pm; July to August, it's open daily 9am to 5pm.
Stirling Nightlife
On the campus of Stirling University, the Macrobert Arts Centre (tel. 01786/466-666; www.macrobert.stir.ac.uk) features plays, music, films, and art exhibits. The 497-seat main theater often presents dramas and symphony concerts, and the 140-seat studio theater is used mainly for films. Cinema tickets cost £6 for adults and £5 for seniors and children; theater tickets generally run £8 to £11. Admission to most concerts is £10 to £15. Call for current listings.
All that Jazz, 9 Upper Craigs (tel. 01786/451-130), is a lively bar popular with students. Music is usually provided via the stereo, but bands also appear infrequently. The bar serves a good range of single malts and pints of Kronenberg, Beamish Red, and McEwans. The adjoining restaurant serves a mix of Cajun and traditional Scottish fare, including haggis, between 5 and 10pm every evening. The same menu is available throughout the day in the bar, which is open Monday to Friday from 11am to midnight, Friday and Saturday 11am to 1am.
O'Neill's, 11 Maxwell Place (tel. 01786/478-264; www.oneills.co.uk), is a traditional Irish pub that's popular with Scottish students, who come to hear the Irish and Scottish folk bands play. To find out who's performing, check the flyers posted in the pub. There's never a cover. Open Sunday to Thursday noon to midnight and Friday and Saturday 11am to 1am.
