The Diary - upcoming news and events from 14th 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!
If you have an event or a group you’d like to promote please get in contact.
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Murray’s Meanders!
Yet another excellent weekend in the sun, a mixture of camping and hiking and then a trip to the beach.
We spent a warm day and a very cold night in the hills above Gargunnock and had a very refreshing swim!
I also found time for an hour’s litter picking on Saturday morning, a small bunch led by the BID!
A wee reminder about the bulk order of prints… £12 each. Would anyone like one, I need another 5 orders to make it worthwhile? email please m.j.cookstirling35@gmail.com
and a wee present for you the latest issue of Clish Clash the magazine of the Scottish Local History Forum
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: Burns, Byron and Bridgerton - the buried stories of Dunblane Cathedral Graveyard. 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 on Easter Sunday are organised under the auspices of the Society of Friends of Dunblane Cathedral. The free guided tours will be offered on Sunday 20 April at both 2pm and at 3pm. Use the link below to book your place for the tour you wish to join. Please note that booking is essential as numbers on each tour are limited:
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!
Explore IMHO the most important location in Scottish history with Dr Murray Cook May 11th
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!
So an important man, perhaps an MP or a CEO, its a little unclear at this point in the narrative walks into his private Drs appointment in Harley Street. His grey disapproving eyes sweep across the room and his lips familiar with command sneer a little. The Doctor however, is not to be flustered and asks the man to sit down. As the man does he takes his hat off to reveal a frog. At this point the doctor is a little aghast, but quickly regains his composure….what on earth is the problem?
To this the frog replies, well it started as a wart on my bum.
and the poem…..as I went swimming there is always a fear of what lies in the water, broken glass, a snagging branch to hold you under, perhaps an overhand or even something with teeth…. so Ted Hughes’ The Pike
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Thank you Murray. Lots for us to do. If it helps with the order, I can take 2 photographs for Stirling 900. If you get the numbers, one will be fine though. Thank you.