The Diary - upcoming news and events from 30th June onwards.
On holiday
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!
If you have an event or a group you’d like to promote or a piece of good news please get in contact.
Stirling Archaeology is free and always will be but you can support by upgrading to paid
Murray’s Meanders!
I’m on holiday but there is just so much stuff happening I’ve done an update!
Last week I sold out the Smith as part of the Three Rivers Festival which I urge you to look up
and I had another crowd at the Antonine Wall the other day which will form a post in the future!
Got a question? Get in touch!
Stirling Field and Archaeological Society.
On June 21st we will be returning to Bannockburn House to continue digging around the site of what we think is a very early (c.1570-80) mine shaft. We will be looking at how the shaft was connected to a nearby trackway, hoping to find some dating evidence. We will also be digging a few test pits and exploring other locations in the grounds.
The activity is for volunteers of any age, ability or experience, but children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. This event will take place each day from 10 am to 4pm, from Saturday 21st June to Sunday 29th June (and from Saturday 19th July to Sunday 27th July inclusive). Volunteers can attend all week or specific days.
You must wear appropriate clothing and footwear for rough ground and weather conditions. Most tools will be provided but if you have a favourite spade, trowel or kneeler bring it along. A safety briefing will be given but all participants are responsible for their own safety.
There are toilets but no catering on site. There is car parking but no accommodation or provision for camping on site.
There is no charge for the activity but volunteers are asked to make a donation to Bannockburn House to help cover costs.
If you are interested, please indicate your ability (e.g. digging or trowelling), whether you are experienced or not and which days you would like to attend. That is so we can plan what we will be doing
Let us know if you are interested,
BUT NOT TO MURRAY, SEND AN EMAIL TO: Archeology@bannockburnhouse.scot
Free Summer Guided Tours of Dunblane Cathedral and Dunblane Cathedral Graveyard
Free guided tours of Dunblane Cathedral are on offer every Sunday afternoon from 6 July until 24 August, 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/38420800/Free-guided-tours-of-Dunblane-Cathedral
Free Guided tours of Dunblane Cathedral Graveyard are offered on Sunday 6 July and on Sunday 17 August (2pm start and 3pm start on each day): Burns, Byron and Bridgerton - the buried stories of Dunblane Cathedral Graveyard. Please note that booking is essential on the graveyard tours as numbers on each tour are limited. Sign up now for a fascinating journey through history at Dunblane Cathedral's graveyard. Uncover links to Burns, Byron, and Bridgerton. Explore the secrets buried within Dunblane Cathedral’s graveyard and discover the intriguing stories that lie beneath. Don't miss this unique opportunity to delve into the past! The free guided tours are organised under the auspices of the Society of Friends of Dunblane Cathedral. Use the links below to book your place for the tour you wish to join.
Sunday 6 July (2pm start or 3pm start): https://tinyurl.com/GraveyardTour6July
Sunday 17 August (2pm start or 3pm start): https://tinyurl.com/GraveyardTour17Aug
Logie Old Graveyard Group
Well summer is here again and that means that once again there will be guided tours at Old Logie Kirk on Sunday afternoons
This year there is another treat because New Logie Kirk is also going to be open - with rumours of tea/coffee… and cakes
Old Logie is one of the oldest sites in Stirlingshire with a story that goes back to the Picts. The Kirkyard has a fascinating collection of medieval grave stones. There is a LOT to see and enjoy in this beautiful and peaceful spot .
The New Kirk is a lovely church from the early 1800’s with some beautiful stained glass and carved wood - amongst other things to see
And was partly built with stones from the Old Kirk !
Old Logie is open 14.00 - 17.00, with the last
tour starting at 16.30
Tours are free( donations are always welcome )
Dog friendly
The New Kirk is open 14.00-16.00
Parking/ Bus stop at New Logie Kirk
FK9 4LB
Old Logie is a short walk up the road
Dates for the diary….
November 1st Stirling Rocks 3: our annual celebration of recent discoveries and Stirling’s history and heritage!
15th November Forth Naturalist and Historian annual conference…celebrating 50 years of research into the Forth Valley
Joke and Poem!
What do you say to a hitch hiking frog? Hop in!
and the poem as I’m going on holiday in Scotland…..
The Rain
W. H. Davies
I hear leaves drinking rain;
I hear rich leaves on top
Giving the poor beneath
Drop after drop;
’Tis a sweet noise to hear
These green leaves drinking near.
And when the Sun comes out,
After this Rain shall stop,
A wondrous Light will fill
Each dark, round drop;
I hope the Sun shines bright;
’Twill be a lovely sight.
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When we decided to walk Hadrians Wall 15 years ago it was in part because that was so well established a thing while it seemed knowledge of the Antonine Wall was so much more vague and even sketchy. I’m delighted at how much we seem to have learned in the intervening years. Looking forward to your report.
Thank you Murray. I do hope you get nice weather for your holiday!