The Diary - upcoming news and events from 21st April onwards.
My first camp of 2025
Welcome to Stirling Archaeology’s ‘The Diary’ , a weekly summary of all the interesting history and archaeological things happening round Stirling, including some of my adventures which finishes with a very bad joke and a poem so make sure you read to the end!
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Murray’s Meanders!
Easter Weekend was relaxing for me and for those with faith I hope you had a joyous time.
I went for small walks and read books…but also a trip to to Edinburgh to look at a Scottish Colourists exhibition and a run on the tram to Newhaven.
and a wee present for you the latest issue of Clish Clash the magazine of the Scottish Local History Forum
and a trumpet blast…..my new book is available to pre-order…£14 from me and signed m.j.cookstirling35@gmail.com
The North Third Spitfire at the Uni
Some of you will remember the work we did to create a memorial at North Third to the fallen spitfire pilot? Some of the spare bits were turned into a sculpture by local artist Ken Elliot which along with some Pictish inspired art is currently at the Uni in an exhibition called Human Experience.
Dunblane….
Dunblane is always worth a wee wander but there is a lot to do!
More wonderful Graveyard tours …this time about the mysterious but important Michael Gilfillan, all proceeds in aid of re-limewash the Dunblane Museum building (which is going to cost a small fortune) and that tickets are from Meldrum’s in the High Street or call 07763 768402. Michael lived in what is now the Museum building, but came from Stirling and there are relatives of his in the old town graveyard.
Free Guided Tours of Dunblane Cathedral on afternoons over Easter weekend
Free guided tours are on offer every afternoon over Easter weekend, Friday 18 April to Monday 21 April, between 2pm and 4pm each afternoon. Come and hear stories from the 750-year history of the beautiful Dunblane Cathedral. With some of the oldest oak misericord woodcarvings in the country, magnificent stained glass windows, soaring gothic architecture and beautiful illuminated artworks, Dunblane Cathedral has seen many royal visits over the centuries, been the object of many an artist's eye (including Turner) and been a part of Scotland's story - including the Murray wedding. So come and enjoy hearing about this beautiful building from members of the Society of Friends of Dunblane Cathedral. There's no need to book, just turn up any time between 2pm and 4pm for a free guided tour.
https://landing.churchdesk.com/en-gb/e/38383972/free-guided-tours-of-dunblane-cathedral
DUNBLANE LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY TALK ON 22 APRIL 2025. 'A SCIENCE OF IMPURITY : DUNBLANE VS AIRTHREY MINERAL WATERS'
At the next Society meeting on 22 April our speaker Dave Walsh will tell us about the history of the saline water springs originating in the red sandstone of the Ochils and being commercially produced in Victorian times. Dave has been involved with the Bridge of Allan Well House Restoration project for several years during which time he has accumulated much historical information about our local mineral waters.
He will describe the differences between waters of the two towns and consider whether one was more successful than the other. Who were the tourists who came to partake in the waters? Whet effect did the waters have and claim to be curative for? His talk will be illustrated by both historical documents and present day photographs.
This will be an interesting and informative talk on an unusual subject and all are welcome to enjoy it.
Venue :Dunblane Cathedral Halls, Starting Time - 7.30pm ( this may be preceded by a short AGM), Visitors Charge - £2.00. Which includes tea/coffee and biscuits.
Got a question? Get in touch!
SDT’s annual Buchanan Lecture returns…the man who outsold Shakespeare in his lifetime by 20 times, taught both Mary Queen of scots and James VI and helped shape the Reformation after surviving the Spanish Inquisition is back…..and he’s from Killearn!
Tickets here
How do you loose a 900 year old tradition…and more importantly how do you get it back…Reviving the Marches!
ADVANCED DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
The Stirling Marches this year will be on the 31st May and the swearing in of the Birlawmen at the Castle will be on the 24th May. The Marches will be the main event and will involve a parade and pipe bands from Port Street to Cowanes. All will be welcome to join including anyone with a banner (no politics though please).
Following the Marche there will be a lunch in Cowanes, catered by excellent local butcher Michael More (veggie options will be available). This will be £30 a head please contact me for more details or to book a place m.j.cookstirling35@gmail.com
Joke and Poem!
What do you call a donkey with three legs…a wonkey!
Ozymandias
I met a traveller from an antique land,
Who said—“Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desert. . . . Near them, on the sand,
Half sunk a shattered visage lies, whose frown,
And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command,
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read
Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things,
The hand that mocked them, and the heart that fed;
And on the pedestal, these words appear:
My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;
Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away.”
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Thank you Murray. I think I’m helping out on 24th and 31st May. Lots going on. 😄