Your complete guide to festive events in the

Your
compl
ete
guide
to
festive
events
in the
Stirlin
g
area
OFFERS INSIDE FROM
AMF Bowling, Brucefields, Lumia Spa, Nature’s Corner, Sonas,
Stirling Libraries, The Tea Room
welcome
When I looked through what’s
in this Guide I noted the events
I don’t want to miss – and I
don’t see how I can fit them all
in! The macrobert pantomime
sounds like a load of fun and
there’s definitely more than a
few events at the Albert Halls
and Tolbooth that I’ve already
got earmarked. The Christmas
lights switch on is a family event
I don’t like to miss – always tied
in with some shopping and a
festive meal in the city centre.
And up at the Castle there is
always lots to see and do.
FESTIVE DIARY
PAGE 2
SHOPPING
PAGES 3 - 11
I’m sure you’ll find events that
you won’t want to miss too.
Hogmanay celebrations on the
Castle Esplanade? Shopping
at the Farmers’ Market? Taking
the children to see Santa? There
truly is something for everyone.
And for your Christmas
shopping or seasonal
celebrations, this Guide
is packed full of excellent
suggestions. So enjoy your
Christmas in Stirling. I know I’m
going to enjoy mine!
A sincere thank you to everyone
who has contributed to and
supported this Guide. We rely on
you for its continuing success.
Andy Kennedy
Stirling City
Centre Initiative
Manager
Follow me on Twitter @
citycentreandy
Cover and Contents Page photos
courtesy of: Historic Scotland; The
Albert Halls; The Red Hot Chilli
Pipers; Tolbooth; Whyler Photos.
Published by The House of Commas Ltd,
Ramoyle, Dunblane FK15 OBE
Tel: 01786 823627
e-mail: welcome@thehouseofcommas.co.uk
Web: www.thehouseofcommas.co.uk
Designed by The Write People
Tel: 01786 445022
Web: www.thewritepeople.co.uk
In compiling this Guide, every effort has
been made by the publishers to ensure
that information gathered and supplied for
inclusion is accurate at the time of going to
print but no guarantee can be, or is, given.
Therefore, the publishers cannot accept any
liability for errors or omissions discovered in
the printed Guide. Before making any plans
please check with the organisation or venue
concerned.
The House of Commas Ltd thank Stirling City
Centre Initiative, Stirling Council services and
all the many businesses and organisations who
have contributed to this Guide.
© The House of Commas Ltd 2011
SPORT AND
OUTDOORS
PAGES 12 - 13
FESTIVE CHEER
PAGES 14 - 16
Win
One of a selection of fabulous prizes from Wilkies. . . 19
Four tickets to Stirling’s Hogmanay celebrations . . . . 23
A play castle from Carter’s Toy Shop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
A Family Ticket to Jackie and The Beanstalk at
macrobert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
AdvertisersPage
Abbey Craig Restaurant. . . . . . . . . . . 3
Adamo Hotels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
AMF Bowling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Appliance Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Brucefields Family Golf Centre. . . . 13
Burgh Coffee House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Carter’s Toy Shop. . inside front cover
Central Scotland Police. . . . . . . . . . . 27
David Bennett & Son. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Dobbies Garden World. . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Forth Valley Alcohol & Drug
Partnership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Forth Valley College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Francis Masterson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Graham Robertson Sony
Centres. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . back cover
Hill & Robb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
House of Henderson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Kilted Kangaroo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
King Robert Hotel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Lumia Spa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
macrobert. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Mail Boxes Etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
McLaren Leisure Centre . . . . . . . . . . 12
ENTERTAINMENT
PAGES 17 - 23
AdvertisersPage
Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe. . . . . . 9
Mr Singh’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Nature’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Pembertons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Poppies Hotel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Scotfairs Antique & Collectors’
Fairs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Scottish Antique and Arts
Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Sheriffmuir Inn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Sonas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Sterling Homestore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Sterling Mills Outlet Shopping
Village. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Stirling Arcade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Stirling Castle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Stirling Farmers’ Market . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
The City Walls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
The Corn Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
The Roman Camp Hotel. . . . . . . . . . 14
The Tea Room. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Valet-Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Westerton Arms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Wilkies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
LOOK, LISTEN AND LEARN
PAGE 24
CHILDREN’S FUN
PAGE 25
OTHER INFORMATION
PAGES 26 - 27
DOING BUSINESS
IN 2012
PAGE 28
PARK AND RIDE
PAGE 29
www.visitstirling.org
1
shopping
festive diary
November
‘til 21 Dec Gilbert Scott/Grierson exhibition The Changing Room
‘til 8 Jan Christmas Tingles
Stirling Smith
11 Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown
Albert Halls
11 Bruce Molsky
Tolbooth
12 Edinburgh Quartet
Tolbooth
12 Stirling Schools’ Concert McLaren High School
12 Stirling Farmers’ Market Port Street
12 Charities Christmas Card Sale Albert Halls
12 Stirling Albion v Arbroath
Forthbank
12 Craft Fair Dunblane Cathedral Halls
12-19 Feb Spirit of the Celt Exhibition
Stirling Smith
13 Country Roads
Albert Halls
17 Tibetan Monks
Tolbooth
19 Reloaded 2 Tolbooth Attic
20 Christmas Lights Switch On City Centre
20 Dark Holler IV Tolbooth
20 Hot Club of Cowtown Tolbooth
20
Santa arrives at The Thistles
The Thistles Shopping Centre
20 Stirling Schools’ Concert Albert Halls
20 Rosenethe Singers Dunblane Cathedral
23-7 Jan Jackie and the Beanstalk macrobert
26 Reloaded: Rod Jones Tolbooth
26 Stirling Farmers’ Market Port Street
27 RNLI Reindeer Run Stirling University
29-31 DecPolar Molar macrobert
30 Jimmie MacGregor Tolbooth
December
2
3
3
3
4
6
7-24 8
10 10 10 10 11 11 11 15 16 17 17 17 21 22 28 28-29 31 31 St Andrew’s Ceilidh Albert Halls
The Chair Tolbooth
Antique & Collectors’ Fair Albert Halls
Stirling Albion v Airdrie United Forthbank
Christmas Craft Market Victoria Halls, Dunblane
Christmas Shopping Fayre Stirling Castle
Too Many Penguins? macrobert
Bella Hardy Tolbooth
The Bevvy Sisters Tolbooth
Heart of Scotland Choir Albert Halls
Stirling Farmers’ Market Port Street
Youth Jazz Orchestra Tolbooth
A Stewart Christmas
Stirling Castle
Stirling Orchestra Albert Halls
Carols at the Castle Stirling Castle
Festive Fayre Dobbies Garden World
Roddy Woomble’s Hootenanny Tolbooth
Christmas Ceilidhs Tolbooth
Stirling Farmers’ Market Port Street
Stirling Albion v Cowdenbeath Forthbank
Holly at Christmas Albert Halls
One Night of Queen Albert Halls
Skerryvore Tolbooth
Singing Kettle Albert Halls
Hogmanay Ceilidh Albert Halls
Stirling’s Hogmanay 2011
Castle Esplanade
January
2
7
12 14 14 17-21 21 Stirling Albion v Stenhousemuir Forthbank
Antique & Collectors’ Fair Albert Halls
Audience with Charles Dickens macrobert
Craig Hill macrobert
Stirling Farmers’ Market Port Street
Ring-A-Ding-Ding macrobert
Stirling Albion v East Fife
Forthbank
Information correct at time of going to print but may be
subject to change. If in doubt please contact venue to confirm.
2
The Stirling Festive Guide 2011
Sats 12, 26 Nov, 10, 17 Dec & 14 Jan
Weds ‘til
Christmas
10.00am – 4.00pm
Port Street, Stirling
10.00am – 1.00pm
Thornhill Community Hall
Stirling Farmers’ Market
Thornhill Village
Market
Here you’ll find a really tempting
choice of some of the most delicious
local produce that Scotland has to
offer. The stallholders take pride in
the food they bring to the Market
and want you to enjoy it and buy
with confidence so the emphasis is
on freshness, quality, provenance
and value for money. Buying at the
Stirling Farmers’ Market reduces food
miles and you can ask how the food
is grown and produced. It also puts
money back into the local economy.
With up to 25 stalls, you’ll
find there’s everything
from Highland Beef
to home-baking, fish
to fudge and tablet to
table decorations!
This popular weekly
market will embrace
the festive spirit with
local crafts and produce
along with baking, books
and gifts. The market
is bustling with people
looking to pick up a
bargain or enjoy some
delicious homemade food.
Get the festive taste - buy
local - eat local!
Christmas at The
Stirling Arcade
For a different atmosphere this Christmas, be sure to visit
The Stirling Arcade in King Street. It’s full of excellent
independent retailers and has a quality tea room and Italian
café. The beautiful Christmas decorations will be in place
from 19 November and there will be live entertainment
every Saturday in the run up to Christmas with local
primary school choirs, brass bands and much more.
Every Sunday from 20 November ‘til Christmas enjoy
complimentary mulled wine and cake from the Arcade’s
Cibo E Vino and Ruby’s Cupcakes.
For full details visit www.stirlingarcade.com
Gift Idea
Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe
59 Port Street, Stirling Tel: 01786 358812
Buy some old and new favourites to put in
someone’s stocking this Christmas. There’s
everything from sherbet dips and flying
saucers to aniseed balls, jelly babies and even
chocolate pizzas and smart phones. And munch, munch, munch more!!
www.stirlingfarmersmarket.co.uk
‘til Sun 8 January
Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum
Christmas Tingles
An opportunity to buy real art and Stirlingshire crafts for that special
Christmas present. FREE
Tel: 01786 471917
www.smithartgallery.demon.co.uk
Featuring Live music by ‘the Occasionals’ Celebration Ceilidh Band
Hogmanay 2011
Abbey Craig Restaurant
New Year Party
Book now for the ever popular
Hogmanay Party at the Abbey Craig Restaurant.
Choose from these three options
Celebrate! Join the party
The party starts at 9pm includes ceilidh, disco and 2
glasses of fizz - at arrival and at midnight to bring in the bells.
Indulge! Dinner and party
Includes 3 course dinner, comprising of served starter,
buffet main course and served dessert, ceilidh and disco,
2 glasses of fizz - on arrival and with the bells.
Relax! Dinner, Party and B&B
Includes 3 course meal, comprising of served starter,
buffet main course and served dessert, ceilidh and disco,
2 glasses of fizz - on arrival and with the bells,
en-suite accommodation and full Scottish breakfast.
Bring in the Bells at the Abbey Craig
Restaurant - Call 01786 451712
www.smc.stir.ac.uk
£25
per person
£65
per person
£95
per person
Limited number
of places remaining
so book now!
www.visitstirling.org
3
shopping on to Christmas!
Switch
105 - 106 Capital FM breakfast presenters, Des and Jennie,
will be hosting the event while Capital FM weekend
breakfast presenter, Adele Cunningham, will be on stage
to get things off to a great start.
There will be fantastic competitions, gifts, goodies and
giveaways throughout the day.
l
Storm
a
Li
Competitio
ns,
giveaways
and
gift wrapp
ing
service
Highlights of the day are sure to be Scottish pop sensation,
Tallia Storm, Stirling’s very own Heart of Scotland choir
and the fantastic Stageworx.
See Santa and his reindeer when they arrive at the Corn Exchange at 12 noon
and then make their way down King Street and along to the entrance to The
Thistles Shopping Centre, outside Costa Coffee. The reindeer will be taking a
breather there until 2.00pm so remember to bring your camera.
Everything you could wish for.
W
in
a Gi
ft
to sp Voucher
The end in
Th
Sho istles
ppin
g
Cen
tre
ie
fro
al
m c apit
Get into the Christmas spirit at the
Stirling Christmas Lights switch on.
Ta
Outside The Thistles
Shopping Centre at the
bottom of King Street.
fm
Sun 20 November
SWITCH
ON AT
5.ooPM
A fun-pac
ked
day
– guarant
eed!
Des
en
an d J
n
See Sa
nta
in his
Thistle
s
Shopp
Centre ing
G
from 2 rotto
0 Nov
.
At Dobbies you’ll find one of the biggest and best selections of trees, decorations, lights, silhouettes and
animations to create the perfect festive ambience in your home this Christmas. Choose from a huge range
of fabulous gifts for all the family and gourmet gifts from our Farm Foodhall. Plus there’s hundreds of great
offers throughout the store and after all that shopping, treat yourself to a delicious meal in the restaurant.
Festive menu from 14th Nov, book in-store now
Planted Xmas arrangements in-store Tuesday November 15th
Fresh cut trees arrive in-store Friday November 25th
Santa’s Grotto in-store from November 20th until Christmas Eve
Also at Dobbies
Santa’s Grotto l Restaurant l Farm Foodhall l Gift Hampers l Gift Vouchers l Gift Wrapping Service l Free Parking
Dobbies Garden World l Drip Road l Craigforth l Stirling l FK9 4UF l Tel: 01786 458 860
See in-store for full details.
4
The Stirling Festive Guide 2011
shopping
Sat 12 November
Sat 12 November
10.00am
Albert Halls
Charities Christmas
Card Sale
An opportunity to support
local and national charities who
will be selling a wide range of
Christmas cards and gifts. 50p
No one has
Christmas wrapped
up like Sterling.
✳
10.30am - 4.00pm
Dunblane Cathedral Halls
Craft Fair
Some of Scotland’s finest craft
workers will be displaying a wide
range of quality crafts and art.
Tea room with cakes and light
lunches available all day. 50p,
accompanied children FREE
Mon 21 November – Wed 21 December
Light up a Life
Representatives from Strathcarron Hospice will be in the
Thistles Shopping Centre offering you the opportunity to
sponsor a light on a Christmas tree in memory of a loved one.
You will then receive a card to send to whoever you wish.
Gift Idea
Nature’s Corner
2a Cross Street, Callander Tel: 01877 330200
Enjoy these unique and relaxing Massage Candles with
three different essential oil blends – revitalising citrus,
relaxing lavender or balancing geranium. They illuminate
and scent any room and can be used for a sensual
massage and moisturiser. £9.99
✳
Festive Inspiration from
Sterling Furniture
Isabelle Greenwood, Homes and Interiors Buyer at Sterling
Furniture gives her top tips for bringing the festive feel to your
home with traditional handmade-style decorations.
✳
✳
Keep it simple
Go Nordic this Christmas and keep your décor fresh and simple.
Think alpine ski lodge touches and cosy warm fires.
Home is where the heart is
Spread festive cheer throughout the home with decorations that add a bit of personality, like heart-shaped cut out patterns and festive-themed door signs.
Go gingham
Update your sofa and inject personality into your dining room
linens with beautiful cushions in bright cheery ginghams and
ticking patterns to give a really Christmassy feel.
Bring the outdoors in
Decorate with natural décor, pile cake stands and fill vases with fir cones, tangerines with cloves and rosy red apples.
For more inspiration visit Sterling Furniture’s store in Tillicoultry
Tel: 0845 543 0469
www.sterlingfurniture.co.uk
Mobility Problems?
Shopmobility Stirling
Don’t let a mobility problem stop you getting around the city centre.
Instead try out Shopmobility Stirling on the ground floor of The Thistles
Shopping Centre next to the bus station. This free service loans out
manual and electric wheelchairs and scooters and you don’t have to be
registered disabled to use the service. Shopmobility Stirling operates
Monday to Saturday from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Tel: 01786 449606 for more information.
You’ll find great value gifts for all the family and
everything you need to make your home sparkle this
Christmas, all under one roof at the Homestore.
Dial-a-Journey
If you can’t use ordinary public transport and find getting out difficult
because of mobility problems, this subsidised door-to-door transport
service could be the answer. You can book a personalised journey
Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 10.00pm and at the weekends from
9.00am to 10.00pm. Fares start at £2.85. You may take an escort to travel
with you. Tel: 01786 465355 for more information.
SHOP ONLINE AT :
www.sterlingfurniture.co.uk
It truly is a winter wonderland of inspiration with a huge choice of giftware,
tableware, kitchenware, linens and accessories as well as Scotland’s
biggest choice of furniture. There’s also a delicious range of traditional
festive fare at the Hub Café and Butterfly Inn Restaurant. And now we’ve
made Christmas at Sterling even better with an impressive speciality food
section and outdoor country clothing area. The Sterling Homestore will
make all your wishes come true this Christmas.
COUNTRY
CLOTHING
CHRISTMAS SHOP
.
.
FOOD HALL
.
CHRISTMAS SHOP GIFTS INTERIOR ACCESSORIES LINENS
LIGHTING COOKSHOP GLASS & TABLEWARE FOOD HALL
COUNTRY CLOTHING HUB CAFÉ & BUTTERFLY INN
.
.
.
.
MOSS ROAD, TILLICOULTRY FK13 6NS. TEL: 01259 750 655
FREE PARKING | OPENING HOURS:
MON – FRI 10AM – 8PM, SAT 10AM – 5.30PM, SUN 11AM – 5.30PM
6
The Stirling Festive Guide 2011
HOMESTORE
shopping
We’ve picked you the
best ever Christmas,
for a lot less
Christmas at Sterling Mills
Outlet Shopping Village
Sats 3 Dec, 7 Jan & 4 Feb
For a refreshing Christmas shopping experience, head to Sterling Mills
Outlet Shopping Village in Tillicoultry. With huge discounts off favourite big
name brands it’s sale time all year round. There are hundreds of gift ideas
from M&S Outlet, Gap Outlet, Nike, Adidas, The Works, Claire’s, Past Times,
Trespass, Tefal Outlet and lots, lots more. So you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Not just a fair for collectors - you’re bound to find an
unusual gift or a treat for yourself. There are around
65 delightful and unusual stalls selling a wide range
of interesting antiques and quirky collectables
including pictures, jewellery, glassware, ceramics and
much, much more. And all this is just a 5 minute stroll
from the city centre.
Visiting the new additions at Sterling Mills is a must! The Brand Centre is
like a Santa’s grotto, filled with famous name
brands. Head to the Card Factory for all
your Christmas cards at a fraction of the
price, whilst the Alexon Outlet has
something for every taste including
Sterling Mil
Kaliko, Ann Harvey, Minuet, Dash,
ls
fe
stive openin
Eastex and Alexon brands.
g
With free car parking, extended
shopping hours over the festive
period and the popular Santa
weekends, it’s the ideal festive
destination.
Open 7 days a week, 10.00am to
6.00pm.
For information tel (24 hours):
01259 752100 or visit
www.sterlingmills.com
10.00am
Albert Halls
Scotfairs Antique & Collectors’ Fair
£1, accompanied children FREE
Sterling Mil
ls will be op
en
until 7.00p
m on 24/25
November
and 1/2, 8/9
,
15/16 Dece
mber.
Christmas E
ve and New
Year’s Eve o
pening is fro
m
10.00am - 5
.00pm
and Boxing
Day an
from 11.00am d 2 January
– 6.00pm.
Sterling Mills, Tillicoultry,
Open 7 days, 10am to 6pm
S
RE
STOIFTS
W
G
NE E
R
MO
Please see website for Christmas
opening hours & Santa visits
sterlingmills.com
www.visitstirling.org
9
shopping
shopping
Festive Shopping in Stirling
Choose Stirling this Christmas and you’ll be delighted by
the quality, quantity and choice of shops on offer. There
are far too many great shops to list here so we have
highlighted the ones which have supported this Guide.
In King Street Carter’s
Toy Shop is perfect for
quality toy favourites
like Lego as well as
fabulous stocking
fillers. Stirling Arcade offers a
wide variety of individual retail
outlets including jewellery,
motorbike clothing,
furniture and fashion.
Visit Wilkies for a wide
range of fashion and
accessories – and they
now have a cookshop and linens
department too.
It’s House of Henderson in
Friars Street if you’re looking
for quality menswear or to
hire a kilt or dinner suit. And
at Pembertons sewing and
craft centre you’ll discover
10
some great gift ideas for crafty
people from embroidery kits to
daylight work lamps.
Mail Boxes Etc in Baker Street
sell a range of stationery and
packaging materials and can
send your gifts anywhere
worldwide. Stop at Sonas for
luxurious skin care products,
gift vouchers or for a spot of
pre-Christmas pampering.
For a huge choice of everyone’s
favourite sweets make
straight for Mr Simms
Olde Sweet Shoppe in
Port Street – for special
gifts or stocking fillers.
The Stirling Festive Guide 2011
If you have someone on
your shopping list who
likes their car to look good
they’d probably love a gift voucher
from Valet-Tech in Springbank
Road, Springkerse.
Appliance Services in Raploch
Road are fully independent
stockists of domestic appliances
and offer repairs and spares as
well as friendly service and aftersales support.
Dobbies Garden World in Drip
Road is a Christmas wonderland
at this time of year full of gifts,
decorations and festive food.
Graham Robertson’s Sony
Centre in Bridge of Allan stocks
a wide range of electronic gifts,
gadgets and gizmos as well as the
latest Sony TVs. Take
advantage of one of
the many fabulous
treatments on offer at
Lumia Spa or pop in to
buy a Gift Voucher.
Head for David Bennett & Son,
butchers, in Dunblane to be sure
of quality turkeys, Scottish beef
and award winning pies.
The Scottish Antique and Arts
Centre outside Doune is full of
fascinating antiques, unusual
collectables and contemporary
gift ideas.
Shop in Callander for your
health, skincare and pet welfare
needs as well as speciality
honeys at Nature’s Corner in
Cross Street.
At Sterling Homestore in
Tillicoultry you’ll find some
stunning decorations, a superb
range of deli and
gourmet produce
as well as lots of
gift ideas. Don’t
miss Sterling Mills
Outlet Shopping Village for
a whole range of fabulous
shopping outlet stores including
Marks and Spencer and Gap.
As well as the places
mentioned here make sure
you explore the whole of the
city centre and also visit Upper
Craigs, Murray Place, Barnton
Street and Dumbarton Road.
Sun 4 December
11.00am – 4.00pm
Victoria Halls, Dunblane
Gift Idea
Christmas Craft Market
Wilkies, 44 King Street
Select your carefully made Christmas gifts in a
relaxed and friendly atmosphere direct from talented
local crafters where all items are hand made by the
stallholders. And afterwards enjoy lunch and delicious
home baking at the Victoria Tea Room. FREE
www.dunblanecraftmarket.co.uk
Tel: 01786 473133
Wear the WonderBoa with everything and in every
way! This versatile scarf wraps and twists and comes
in lots of colours. At £11.99 it’s this season’s must have
accessory! There are lots of other great gift ideas in
Wilkies winter wonderland this Christmas!
Tues 6 December
6.30pm - 9.00pm
Stirling Castle Great Hall
Christmas Shopping
Fayre
With log fires, mulled wine and
unique Christmas gift ideas, this
popular event brings together a unique
mix of suppliers you won’t find anywhere
else. Enjoy cooking demonstrations and
browsing a wide variety of high quality
gifts at your own pace in the beautiful
surroundings of the Great Hall. £5
(includes parking), under 16s FREE if
accompanied by an adult.
www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/festive
Thur 15
December
5.00pm – 8.00pm Dobbies Garden World,
Stirling
Festive Fayre
Visit Dobbies Farm Foodhall
for an evening of festive
inspiration – discover the
best produce to make the
perfect Christmas dinner
and indulge in samples of
locally sourced produce. £1 (all proceeds will be donated
to Action for Children). www.dobbies.com
www.visitstirling.org
11
sport and outdoors
sport and outdoors
Sun 27 November
University of Stirling
RNLI Reindeer
Run
Take part in this 10k or 5k fun run and
support the work of RNLI crews. There are
free antlers and t-shirts
for all runners and a
medal at the finish.
Starting at the sports
centre, the run follows a
mix of roads, pathways
and grass through the University grounds.
Runners’ family and friends are welcome to
join in the festive fun. Tel: 01738 642999
www.rnli.org.uk/reindeeer
Sun 4
December
David Marshall Lodge
Visitor Centre, Aberfoyle
12 noon – 4.00pm
Winter Birds Day
Sat 19 November
9.00am - 3.30pm
Bridge of Allan
Learn all the different
things you can do to help
birds during the winter.
There will be displays,
advice, activities and
crafts. Small charge for
some craft activities.
Drystane Dyking
Tel: 01877 382258 www.forestry.gov.uk/
scotland
National Tree Week is a great chance for
communities to do something positive for their
local environment. Each year upward of a quarter of a million people
together plant around a million trees. Stirling and Clackmannanshire
Rangers need your help to plant hundreds of trees in this area.
Every Friday Night
7.30pm - 9.15pm
Stirling Council Ranger Service Events
Raploch Community Campus
Twilight Basketball
Open to all young people aged from 10 – 25, the
sessions include games, educational time-outs, prizes
and coaching from the Scottish Rocks pro basketball
players. FREE
For more information contact Kirsty Turner at Stirling Council, Youth
Services on 01786 442719 or turnerk@stirling.gov.uk
Join an expert Dyker to learn some of the skills of this ancient craft.
Tools and refreshments provided. £10
Sat 3 December
10.00am – 3.00pm
Tree Planting
Wed 14 December
10.00am – 3.00pm
Plean Country Park
Action Day
Calling all volunteers! Get some fresh air, meet new people and help
with the control of the invasive Rhododendron Ponticum, which is
smothering the ground vegetation and needs to be managed.
Booking is essential for all these events. For further
information and bookings Tel: 08452 777 000
50+ Fitness
Programme
Active Stirling’s 50+ fitness
programme has been created
specifically for the over 50’s
to help them feel younger,
healthier and more able to
enjoy life to the full. It
can improve physical
fitness and energy and
offers a great social
life. Choose from a
wide range of free
and low cost exercise
activities including Zumba,
Gentle Exercise, Pilates, Tai Chi,
Yoga, Line Dancing and walking
groups to suit your level of
fitness and experience – all you
have to do is go along and try!
£2 per class.
Contact Active Stirling on 0300 028 0101 or email:
askus@activestirling.org.uk or
visit www.activestirling.org.uk
to download the timetable
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
National Park
While the mountains are there for the
experienced, you’ll find loads more places
that everyone can enjoy throughout the
winter.
The new footbridge over the spectacular
Bracklinn Falls is a short walk from the centre
of Callander. Or the nearby Glen Finglas has several great woodland trails.
Follow in the footsteps of writers and artists like Sir Walter Scott and John
Ruskin - look out for the Great Trossachs Forests’ panels at Brig O’Turk, Loch
Katrine and Inversnaid. Or try the Millennium Forest path at Balmaha, which
leads through soft woodland to breathtaking views of Loch Lomond.
Winter cycling is also rewarding. Vistas across hills and lochs open up at every
turn on the National Cycle route 7 as it crosses the full length of the Park.
Visit www.lochlomond-trossachs.org for more ideas.
McLaren Leisure Centre
Mollands Road, Callander
Want to improve your fitness in 2012? McLaren Leisure Centre has a fitness
suite to help you do just that. The range of classes includes boxercise,
spinning, aerobics, aquacise and circuit training. There’s
a swimming pool with a special area for young children,
a full specification sports hall and even a climbing wall.
Find out more at www.mclarenleisure.co.uk or
Tel: 01877 330000
Stirling Albion FC
Go along and give the boys a
festive cheer at these home
matches.
12 Nov Arbroath
3 Dec Airdrie United
17 Dec Cowdenbeath
2 Jan Stenhousemuir
21 Jan East Fife
4 Feb Forfar Athletic
www.stirlingalbionfc.co.uk
Stirling
County RFC
The team is sure to welcome
your support over the winter
so visit www.stirlingcountyrfc.co.uk for all the latest
fixture information.
Stirling Rangers on Facebook
The Stirling Council Rangers are now on Facebook. By
choosing to ‘Like’ their page, you can keep up to date on
the work of the Ranger Service, events and other news and links you
might be interested in. www.facebook.com/stirlingcouncilrangers
Brucefields Family Golf Centre
Despite the worst of the winter weather Brucefields
is almost always open –often even when the range is
covered in snow! There’s a floodlit driving range, a 9 hole
main course and a smaller one for juniors and learners.
The large American Golf Store is full of perfect gift ideas
and there are two professionals offering club fitting and
re-gripping services. www.brucefields.co.uk
12
The Stirling Festive Guide 2011
www.visitstirling.org
13
festive cheer
festive cheer
For festive fun, Christmas celebrations or a snack while
shopping, Stirling offers some fabulous options. Here
we have focused on the many great venues which have
advertised in this Guide. There is sure to be something to
suit every taste and pocket.
The Kilted Kangaroo
9 Upper Craigs, Stirling
Leny Road, Callander Tel: 01877 330329
Poppies has lots going on over
the festive season – murder
mystery nights, Christmas lunches
and dinners up until Christmas Eve
and a sumptuous 4 course lunch on
Christmas Day. And don’t forget their
popular traditional Sunday lunch.
Also, see their advert on page 17 for
details of their November offer!
14
Bridge of Allan and Stirling
The Tea Room
www.adamohotels.com
Both hotels offer stylish, yet relaxed surroundings for the
perfect festive lunches and dinners throughout December.
There are also fabulous Christmas Day and New Year’s
Day lunches as well as a celebration Hogmanay Dinner. And in Bridge of
Allan you can party into the night in the Eva night club. Lots of choice with
guaranteed quality and friendly service.
Millhall Road, Stirling
Mr Singh’s Restaurants
Indian Cottage, India Brasserie,
India Gate
www.mr-singh.co.uk
Whichever of these three
fabulous fully licensed restaurants
you choose you are guaranteed
the finest Indian cuisine cooked
to the highest standard and
served in a comfortable, stylish
and welcoming atmosphere.
The Stirling Festive Guide 2011
Tel: 07774 043805
An award-winning tea room, it’s perfect for a
refreshing break from shopping, a festive meal with
friends or family or the office Christmas lunch. Parties of any size are
welcome and there’s 10% off your total bill if you book before 21 November!
King Robert Hotel
Tel: 01786 451130
This is the place for a fabulous Christmas party night in
a fantastic atmosphere at a great price – and right in the
city centre. And, not to be missed are the special Christmas Eve and
Hogmanay party nights. Best to book early! See the festive menu on www.kiltedkangaroo.com
Poppies Hotel
Adamo Hotels
Glasgow Road, Stirling
AMF Bowling
Forth Street, Stirling
www.amfbowling.co.uk
A great venue if you’re planning a fun time with
friends or colleagues. As well as the 28 bowling lanes,
there’s a bar and diner, pool tables, big screen sports
and amusements. There are also some great Christmas party packages
which can be tailored just for you. And it’s family friendly too – see the
great offer on page 22. Open every day ‘til midnight.
The City Walls
Back Walk, Stirling
Tel: 01786 451063
Whatever you’re looking for this festive season, The
City Walls has got it! There’s live entertainment every
Thursday, Friday and Saturday throughout December,
excellent value Christmas celebration menus and a 5 course feast on
Christmas Day. You can celebrate Hogmanay with a 4 course meal, enjoy
the piper bringing in the bells and dance into the wee small hours of 2012.
Tel: 01786 811666
Full-on fun is guaranteed at The King Robert’s party
nights. There’s wine and canapés on arrival, a 4 course
festive meal, an after-dinner show and then dancing to
the resident DJ until 1.00am. There are a number of tribute nights to choose
from including Neil Diamond, Freddy Mercury, Meatloaf and Rod Stewart.
Unicorn Café
macrobert
Stirling Castle
University of Stirling
Enjoy a scrumptious
3-course Christmas lunch
prepared by awardwinning caterers between
8 and 23 December. Entry
to the Castle is included
in the cost so get
together with friends and
family and make a festive
day of it. £29
Check out macrobert’s VIP
Panto Party on Saturday
17 December - the most
perfect office party in the
whole pantosphere! First see
the hilarious show then meet the cast
afterwards. There’s an after show party, DJ,
champagne, canapés, hot food and loads
of fun to make it one of the hottest nights
out this Christmas. £50
www.macrobert.org/pantoparty
The Sheriffmuir Inn
The Corn Exchange
Sheriffmuir, By Dunblane
Tel: 01786 823285
11-13 Corn Exchange, Stirling
Tel: 01786 451904
What could be nicer than
enjoying a delicious festive
meal in an atmospheric
17th century inn complete
with roaring fire and a warm
welcome? The tempting preChristmas menu is served from
5 December. And, in this setting
just 10 minutes from Dunblane,
the Christmas Day lunch
promises to be an occasion to
remember in every way.
Two floors of fun are on offer
here this Christmas. There
are popular party nights with
a DJ every Thursday, Friday
and Saturday throughout
December. Or, celebrate in
style with a classic cocktail and
dinner. The 4 course Christmas
meal is very reasonably priced
and you can round off your
night on the dance floor.
Perfect!
Roman Camp Hotel
Callander
With its open fires, luxurious comfort, lavish Christmas trees and
spectacular grounds, this award-winning country house is a wonderful
place for a festive celebration. Here, you can dine
in style then relax awhile in splendid surroundings.
Whether it’s a meal for two, or one hundred and
two, there’s a menu and package to suit – Christmas
lunches, Hogmanay celebrations, Murder Mystery
dinners or fun Christmas parties. And it’s delightful
for afternoon tea or a gourmet dinner.
www.visitstirling.org
15
entertainment
festive cheer
The Green
Brucefields Family Golf Centre
Tel: 01786 358285
The Green serves meals every day from 10.00am. And whether you
want breakfast, lunch or dinner you’re guaranteed a warm welcome and
delicious food. The Brucefields’ special festive menu is available throughout
December ‘til mid January. Pre-booking for the festive menu is essential.
Burgh Coffee House
King Street, Stirling
www.burghcoffee.com
Perfect for a cup of coffee or tea and a mince pie on a cold
winter’s day. At this independent coffee house they’re
passionate about their Braithwaites of Dundee coffees and
best quality teas from around the globe. You’re also guaranteed fabulous soup,
snacks and pastries - all served in a relaxing atmosphere. Until 8.00pm daily.
The Westerton Arms
34, Henderson Street, Bridge of
Allan Tel: 01786 833999
There’s a tempting Christmas
menu available from 5 - 30
December with a varied
choice for each course as well
as seasonal favourites. The
full regular menu will also be
available giving you even more
to choose from in this popular
venue where you’re guaranteed
a warm, festive welcome.
The Abbey Craig
Restaurant
Stirling Management Centre, Stirling
University Campus Tel: 01786 451712
Enjoy a Hogmanay to remember
with three optional celebration
packages on offer. You can simply
party the night away or enjoy a meal
before joining the party or really get
into the Hogmanay spirit by booking
the meal and party package and
then enjoying bed and full Scottish
breakfast.
Travelling to Stirling
Car – Leave the M9 from Junctions 9 or 10 and follow signs for
the city centre or Park and Ride. There are over 5,000 car parking
spaces in central Stirling including the NCP Wellgreen, the Thistles
Shopping Centre and Forthside.
Park and Ride – See full details on page 29
Bus and Train – The bus station connects with the Thistles
Shopping Centre so couldn’t be better placed for direct access to
the city centre. The railway station is two minutes walk from the city
centre and has regular services to Bridge of Allan, Dunblane, Alloa,
Falkirk, Larbert and beyond. For bus and train times visit www.travelinescotland.com or call
0871 200 2233 for bus times and 08457 484950 for train times.
Taxi – the main taxi ranks are in front of the railway station
and outside RBS in Murray Place. There is another rank outside
Poundstretchers, also in Murray Place.
www.tactranconnect.com
This website is specifically designed to help you make
informed travel choices on all the options available to, from
and within Tayside and Central, including Angus, Dundee,
Perth & Kinross and Stirling. Whether you’re looking
for train times or traffic reports, lift sharing, cycle or bus
routes, you’ll find it all there... and more.
Fri 11 November
Sat 12 November
Thur 17 November
7.30pm
8.00pm
8.00pm
Albert Halls
Roy “Chubby” Brown
Get ready for a night of jokes,
banter and hilarious mickeytaking from Britain’s most
outrageous comedian but be
warned – if easily offended please
stay away! £19
Fri 11 November
8.00pm
Tolbooth
Bruce Molsky
Bruce Molsky is one of
the finest fiddlers of the
old-time style, a virtuoso
of Appalachia’s timeless
folk music traditions.
£10/£8
Sat 12 and Sun 20
November
7.30pm
McLaren High School,
Callander (Nov 12)
Albert Halls
(Nov 20)
Stirling Council
Children’s Concerts
The concerts showcase over 200
young musicians from all seven
Stirling Council High Schools in a
musical extravaganza that includes
a vocal ensemble, symphony
orchestra, wind band, pipe band,
string ensemble, pianists and
guitarists. £6/£4
16
The Stirling Festive Guide 2011
Tolbooth
Tolbooth
Edinburgh Quartet
Tibetan Monks
With its distinguished
international profile, the
Edinburgh Quartet is Scotland’s
premier string quartet. £12/£10
Recreating the mysteries of the Buddhist Monastery,
eight Tibetan monks from Tashi Lhunpo offer a dramatic
and colourful presentation of dance, music and chanted prayer with
traditional costumes and ceremonial masks. This performance offers a
rare opportunity to witness a unique and endangered culture. £12/£10
Sun 13 November
7.30pm
Albert Halls
Country Roads
This show will take you on a
magical journey through the
musical career of John Denver with
his best-loved hits performed by
the renowned Wayne Denton and
his incredibly talented live band.
£16/£14.50
Music at the
Church of the
Holy Rude
Sun 13 Nov 6.30pm
Stirling Keyboard and Organ Club
There will be monthly concerts over the winter at 7.30pm at
Cambusbarron Bowling Club. Non members welcome.
17 Nov Ian Griffin
8 Dec 19 Jan Alan McPike
Brett Wales
16 Feb David Harrild
£8, under 16s FREE if accompanied by an adult.
Tel: 01786 479996
Jail Wynd, Stirling
Tel: 01786 274000
Dumbarton Road, Stirling
University of Stirling
www.stirling.gov.uk/tolbooth
Tel: 01786 473544
Tel: 01786 466666
www.stirling.gov.uk/alberthalls
www.macrobert.org
Edinburgh Royal Choral
Union Anniversary Concert
Sun 11 Dec
7.30pm
Stirling City Choir Christmas
Concert
Tues 13 Dec
7.30pm
Concert in aid of Macmillan
Nurses
www.holyrude.org
www.visitstirling.org
17
Christmas 2011
at
macrobert
A treat for every age and taste
Jackie and the Beanstalk
Written, directed by and starring Johnny McKnight
Sat 19 November
Sun 20 November
Wed 23 November – Sat 7 January
7.00pm
8.00pm
Various times
Tolbooth Attic
Reloaded 2
Hot Club of Cowtown
Reloaded’s little brother is
back showcasing some of
the best young bands from
Stirling and the surrounding
areas. Standing. £4 in
advance/£5 on door
Western Swing and country honky-tonkin’
meets the Hot Club de France in this Austin
trio of Elena James on fiddle and vocals,
Whit Smith on vintage Gibson guitar and
Jake Erwin on double bass, with everyone
in glorious three part harmony. £17
Our classic family pantomime for ages 5+
Sun 20 November
Wed 23 Nov – Sat 7 Jan 2012
Tickets from £11
macrobert.org/panto
Rosenethe Singers
VIP Panto Party
For more information
on this special event on
17 December head to
macrobert.org/pantoparty
Polar Molar
Written by Abigail Docherty | Directed by Lu Kemp
A wonderful Christmas tale
for ages 3+
Tue 29 Nov – Sat 31 Dec
Tickets from £6
macrobert.org/polarmolar
Too Many Penguins?
Director: Heather Fulton | Dramaturg: Brenda Murphy
A fun theatrical experience
for 0 - 3 year olds
Tue 7 Dec – Sat 24 Dec
Tickets from £5.50
macrobert.org/toomanypenguins
Get your tickets now!
MACROBERT.ORG/CHRISTMAS
01786 466666
18
The Stirling Festive Guide 2011
Tolbooth
7.30pm
Dunblane’s Rosenethe Singers with the Scottish Bach Players
provide a choral evening featuring Beethoven’s masterpiece,
Mass in C, and CPE Bach’s 1749 setting of the Magnificat.
Tickets from: The Smith Art Gallery and
£12/£10
Museum; Smallprint, Dunblane; Strathallan Pharmacy, Bridge of
Allan or through the choir’s website www.rosenethesingers.co.uk
Dark Holler IV
Tolbooth
Enjoy a day of films, workshops and a performance exploring
western swing. The workshops and daytime performance are for
those aged 16+ of intermediate/advanced experience.
Workshops 2.30pm - 3.30pm
With fiddle tutor, Pete Clark, and guitar
tutor, Jack Evans. £6 or £10 for both the
workshop and daytime performance.
Daytime performance
4.00pm – 5.00pm
A performance by Pete Clark and Jack
Evans in the Tolbooth Attic. £6 or £10
for both the workshop and daytime
performance.
Fe Fi Fo Fum, you can see the details of this year’s
fantastic pantomime at macrobert on page 25 and
in the advertisement opposite.
Sat 26 November
7.00pm
Tolbooth
Reloaded: Rod Jones + Support
Dunblane Cathedral
Sun 20 November
macrobert
Jackie and the Beanstalk
Films
The approximate
film show times are
2.00pm, 3.30pm and
5.00pm. FREE
Idlewild guitarist and songwriter, Rod Jones, returns
to the noisy pop moments he first made his name with. Involving
friends and local musicians, Rod delivers some of his most passionate,
fiery and powerful material yet. Standing £7.50
Thur 8 December
8.00pm
Tolbooth
Bella Hardy
A traditional singer and fiddle player, Bella
Hardy is a firm favourite on the folk circuit,
renowned for her rich and true voice. Special
guests are Anna Massie on guitar and Chris
Sherburn on concertina. £12/£10
SEE PAGE 20 FOR DETAILS OF CONCERTS WITH A
SCOTTISH FLAVOUR CELEBRATING ST ANDREW’S DAY
A set of
bed linen
or cookware or a
pair of Hotter shoes!
To celebrate the new
departments in their
stores, Wilkies are
offering a fantastic selection of prizes – a
V&A bed set worth £80 rrp (Wilkies
price £40), a Sanderson bed set worth
£110 rrp (Wilkies price £55), a £50
voucher for Judge and Stellar cookware
and two pairs of Hotter shoes!
For your chance to win one of these five
fabulous prizes simply visit Wilkies to
find the answer to the question below,
complete the entry form and hand it in
to Wilkies, 44 King Street, Stirling by 24
December.
Which celebrity chef knife range does Wilkies
new cook shop stock?
Answer:
Name:
Address:
Postcode:
Tel:
Terms & Conditions: Entries must be handed into store by 24th December 2011. Five winners
will be chosen at random from correct entries and notified within 4 weeks after the closing date.
Full T&C on display in store.
Evening performance
Hot Club of Cowtown - see above.
For all of Stirling’s entertainment news and lots of ideas
for festive fun visit www.visitstirling.org
Celebrate safely
Don’t let too much alcohol spoil a good night out. See Forth
Valley Alcohol and Drug Partnership’s tips in their advert on
page 26 so that you have a night to remember.
Forth Valley ADP provides support if you are worried that drugs
and/or alcohol are affecting you or someone you care about. Tel: 0845 673 1774 www.forthvalleyadp.org.uk
Gift Idea
Valet-Tech
1, Springbank Road, Stirling
Tel: 01786 475022
Buying for someone who loves their car to look
showroom shiny? What about a gift voucher from
Valet-Tech? There are vouchers to suit all budgets –
starting at £10.
www.visitstirling.org
19
entertainment
Celebrating St Andrew’s Day
There will be plenty of ways to celebrate St Andrew’s
Day in Stirling and the surrounding area this year. Here are
some of the events happening.
Wed 30
November
8.00pm
Tolbooth
Jimmie
MacGregor
An evening of music and song
from the Scottish folk legend. £12
Wed 30
November
12 noon
Smith Art Gallery and
Museum
Scottish Stained Glass
The St. Andrew’s Day talk by
Michael Donnelly. £3.00
Fri 2 December
7.30pm
Albert Halls
St. Andrew’s Ceilidh
A ceilidh to celebrate our patron
saint with music from the
fantastically high energy Ceilidh
Minogue. Stovies will be
served at the interval. £10
Sat 3 December
8.00pm
The Chair
This Orcadian eight-piece
brings together fiddles, accordion, banjo,
mandolin, guitar, bass, drums and percussion to create an expansive
and full-blooded sound that is guaranteed to have people dancing.
£12/£10
Sat 26 November
Sat 26 November
7.30pm
Brig O’Turk Village Hall
7.30pm
Another chance to twirl the tartan
with Ceilidh Minogue. £8
Tickets from Brig O’Turk Post
Office or Tolbooth Box Office
Sun 11 December
Fri 16 December
8.00pm
7.00pm - 8.30pm
Stirling Castle, Great Hall
8.00pm
Albert Halls
Heart of Scotland Choir
Following the amazing sell-out
debut of Stirling’s funkiest choir
at the Albert Halls, the Heart of
Scotland Choir will be taking
to the stage again for another
fantastic, uplifting concert for all
the family. £10/£8
Sat 10 December
2.00pm
Tolbooth
Tommy Smith Youth
Jazz Orchestra
Featuring some of the most
talented and dynamic young jazz
players in Scotland. £8/£5
Tolbooth
And in rural Stirling
Ceilidh
Sat 10 December
Killearn Village Hall
Family Concert/Ceilidh
A fabulous Scottish event with
the Jenna Reid Trio. £8/£4
Tickets from Get Reel, Killearn
Pharmacy or Tolbooth Box
Office
Carols At The Castle
The National Youth Choir of
Scotland’s Stirling contingent
perform traditional carols in
the beautiful and atmospheric
surroundings of the Great
Hall. The Castle’s costumed
characters will also perform
scenes of Christmas past. A
lovely evening sure to leave
you feeling very festive.
£14/£10 Tickets from the Albert Halls.
Tolbooth
Roddy Woomble’s
Christmas Hootenanny
The Tolbooth’s annual Christmas
wonderland show features a oneoff gig by indie singer-songwriter
Roddy Woomble. The Idlewild
frontman has carved a name for
himself as a respected folk artist,
and this special festive performance
will see him backed by a full band
as he sings recently-written solo
material alongside best-loved
Idlewild hits and an array of
Christmas classics. £17/£15
Gift Idea
Sat 10 December
The Scottish Antique and Arts Centre
8.00pm
Doune
Tel: 01786 841203
There’a a huge choice of antiques, collectables and
curios and a range of modern gifts and accessories
so you’ll definitely find something a bit different here.
Tolbooth
The Bevvy Sisters
Edinburgh harmony trio, The
Bevvy Sisters, unite their richly
seasoned voices in a heady
cocktail of classy original songs
and artful contemporary covers,
combining
vibrant vintage
jazz, folk,
gospel and
Americana.
£12/£10
Sun 11
December
7.30pm
Albert Halls
History for free!
Sat 26 and Sun 27 November
The National Wallace Monument
To celebrate St Andrew’s Day why not take
advantage of the FREE entry being offered
by The National Wallace Monument?
www.nationalwallacemonument.com
Stirling Castle
Historic Scotland is giving away FREE passes for over
40 of its winter opening attractions on the above dates
including Stirling Castle. Register online to receive the
passes which are for two adults and up to three children.
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Stirling
Orchestra
Two powerful
works open the
orchestra’s new
season of concerts - Berlioz’s
Harold in Italy and Beethoven’s
Symphony No. 7.
£9/£7, accompanied
schoolchildren £2
20 The Stirling Festive Guide 2011
www.visitstirling.org
21
entertainment
Christmas
Ceilidhs at the
Tolbooth
Sat 17 December
What better way to spend the
weekend before Christmas than
celebrating the festive season with
friends and family in traditional
Scottish style? Even if you have
never been to a ceilidh before, the
Tolbooth’s excellent band will talk
you through the dances to ensure a
fun time for all.
Wed 28 December
Thur 12 January
7.30pm
8.00pm
7.30pm
Skerryvore
Featuring all of Buddy’s classics plus
the greatest hits from the legends of
the 50s and 60s including Elvis Presley,
Chuck Berry, Eddie Cochran, Jerry Lee
Lewis, Roy Orbison, The Everly Brothers,
Little Richard, The Beatles and much,
much more! This breathtaking show is
guaranteed to have everyone singing
along to the music and dancing in the
aisles. £14/£12
The ‘boyband’ of Scottish traditional
music return with a performance
bigger and better than ever before,
combining blazing bagpipes, fiddle
and accordions with urban rhythms
and funk to create a trad-rock fusion
for the 21st Century. Standing £14
in advance, £16 on door, under 18s
£10
Thur 22 December
Sat 31 December
One Night of
Queen
Performed by
Gary Mullen and
The Works, this
is a spectacular
live concert,
Afternoon Ceilidh recreating the look, sound, pomp and
3.00pm - 5.00pm, £8 or 4 for £24 showmanship of arguably the greatest
rock band of all time. Balcony £17.50/
Evening Ceilidh 8.00pm - 11.00pm, £10 or 4 for £32 Standing £15.50
22
Tolbooth
Holly at Christmas
7.30pm Albert Halls
The Stirling Festive Guide 2011
entertainment
Stirling’s Hogmanay
Wed 21 December
Albert Halls
“Awesom
e
Awesome venue.
cr
Awesome owd.
party.
The very
best plac
e
to celebr
ate in tru
e
Scottish s
tyle.”
The Red H
7.30pm for 8.00pm
Albert Halls
Hogmanay Ceilidh
Moira Kerr, the popular Scottish
singer/songwriter will host this
annual event. Enjoy a 2 course
supper and dance the night away
to the Ian McCallum Scottish Dance
Band and the Anita Mackenzie
dancers. The piper this year is
Andrew Caulfield. There will be the
usual quiz and spot prizes.
£49.50
macrobert
An Audience with
Charles Dickens
2012 sees the 200th anniversary
of Charles Dickens’ birth and
to celebrate, macrobert will
delve into the best works of
the author with the help of his
great, great grandson – Gerald
Dickens. Using diary entries,
punctuated by scenes and
extracts from some of Dickens’
greatest stories, Gerald tells the
story of Dickens’ life.
£12/£9, under 18s and
students £7
Sat 14 January
7.30pm
macrobert
Craig Hill
Craig Hill is back at macrobert
to kick start the year in a
hilarious fashion with his show ‘Blown by a Fan’. £15/£13
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers
Eddi Reader
Lots of other great entertainment
Fireworks
Sat 31 December
Gates open 8.30pm
ot Chilli P
ipers
Stirling Castle Esplanade
The Hogmanay celebration for all the family is back at Stirling
Castle’s Esplanade with a fantastic line-up of performers including
the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Eddi Reader all topped off with one
of the very best fireworks displays in Scotland.
There is no better place to see out the old year and bring in the new.
With a capacity crowd of 7,000 people you can be certain of a great atmosphere and
having plenty of friends - old and new - to wish a Happy New Year!
£15.00 under 16yrs £20.00 16yrs and over
£60.00 2 over 16yrs + 2 under 16yrs
Buy 10 and pay for only 9.
For tickets call 01786 274000 or 01786 473544 or visit www.stirlinghogmanay.com
Tickets to Stirling’s Hogmanay
worth £60!
Here’s your chance to win tickets so you can be one of the 7,000
people welcoming in 2012 on the Castle Esplanade ! Stirling
Council is giving away two sets of four tickets (2 for over 16
years and 2 for under 16 years) for this night of fantastic
entertainment, fireworks and fun.
All you have to do to be in with a chance to win one of the sets of
four tickets is to tick the box with the correct answer to the question
below, complete the entry form and send it to Eddie White, Tolbooth,
Jail Wynd, Stirling FK8 1DE in an envelope marked ‘Hogmanay
Competition’. Entries must be received by 1 December.
How hot are the Chilli Pipers who will be wowing the crowds
on the night?
Boiling Hot
Red Hot
White Hot
Name:
Address:
Postcode:
Tel:
Email:
www.visitstirling.org
23
children’s fun
look, listen and learn
Stirling Literary Society
Thur 1 – Sat 31 December
The Society hosts monthly lectures
at the Smith Art Gallery & Museum,
Stirling, from September to May.
Membership is £15 a year. Charge
for non-members is £5 including
refreshments.
Stirling Castle, Nether Bailey Exhibition Room
Iona Leishman Art Exhibition
A unique opportunity to view the work of this popular local artist who
is the Castle’s artist in residence, and perhaps treat someone to a very
special Christmas gift. Included in entry price.
www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/festive
Mon 21 Nov 7.30pm The Book of Mary: Fact and
Fiction in Writing History
Dr Donald Smith, author, storyteller
and director of the Scottish
Storytelling Centre.
Mon 19 Dec 7.30pm
Braw Books for Bairns
A talk by Matthew Fitt, author,
educator and co-founder of
ItchyCoo Books.
Mon 16 Jan 7.30pm
Unlocking the Treasure Chest
Archivists tell of stories and
surprises associated with the rare
books and special collections
which are part of Stirling
University’s archive collections.
Tel: 01786 870724
www.stirlingliterarysociety.org.uk
Until Wed 21
December
Sun 11 December
12.30pm - 3.30pm
Stirling Castle, Great Hall
A Stewart Christmas
Enjoy a light hearted and slightly
irreverent return to the period of
Mary, Queen of Scots and find out
what Christmas would have been
like in the Royal Stewart Court of the
16th century. What would Christmas
dinner have been? Were there
presents? Find out all the answers
and learn about how the royals
would have been entertained.
Included in entry price
www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/festive
Classes at The Tolbooth
Jail Wynd, Stirling
Tolbooth’s courses and classes run regularly through the year.
Here’s your chance to learn something new or improve your skills.
Topics include studio recording, fiddle, ceramics, singing, guitar,
harmonica, art and knitting.
For more information Tel: 01786 274000 www.stirling.gov.uk/tolbooth
Stirling Council Library Service
All libraries have a stock of books on festive activities including making
cards and presents, festive cooking and decorating houses and trees.
These will be on display, along with a wide selection of Christmas DVDs.
Or, request your favourite Christmas music on CD.
The Library Service offers a full range of services throughout the
Christmas period. Opening hours will be displayed in all the libraries, on
the website and in the local press. And even when the library is closed,
you can still access the online services through the website, where you
can renew your books or place requests for your New Year reading.
If you can’t get to the library the Housebound Service will make sure
that your books are with you in time for Christmas.
The revised opening hours for the Archives Service are Mon – Thur
9.00am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 4.30pm. The Archives are open, by
appointment only, on Fridays. www.stirling.gov.uk/libraries
And why not take advantage of the voucher
for a free DVD hire on page 17?
24
Normal Castle Opening
The Stirling Festive Guide 2011
The Changing Room, The Tolbooth, Stirling
Belinda Gilbert Scott
and Su Grierson
This exhibition brings together
two artists who live in Central
Scotland and run artist
residencies from their homes. Join the free mailing list for
Changing Room news, events
listings and invitations to
exhibition openings. Email
your details to changingroom@
stirling.gov.uk
www.stirling.gov.uk/
changingroom
Stirling Smith Art
Gallery and Museum
Children’s Workshops
Sat 10 Dec
10.00am - 11.30am & 1.30pm - 3.00pm
Dumbarton Road, Stirling
Sat 12 Nov – Sun 19 Feb
Spirit of the Celt
An exhibition from Turning Point, a
group of ten textile artists who have
been sewing and exhibiting together
for seven years. FREE
Mon 28 Nov 7.30pm
The 1884 Franchise
Demonstration in Stirling
A lecture by Mark Nixon. £3.00
Wed 30 Nov
12 noon
Scottish Stained Glass
The St. Andrew’s Day talk by
Michael Donnelly on Scottish
stained glass design and
production. £3.00
Sat 14 Jan – Sun 4 Mar
Not just Embroidery
The work of the Stirling
Embroiderers’ Guild. FREE
Tel: 01786 471917
www.smithartgallery.demon.co.uk
SEE SANTA!!!
Looks like Santa is to be really busy in the run up
to Christmas – here are some of the places you
should be able to catch up with him.
At Dobbies
At Sterling Mills
Santa arrives: A magical day
Children can visit Santa from 12 noon
until 4.00pm every Saturday and
Sunday from 26 November until 18
December at Sterling Mills Outlet
Shopping Village, Tillicoultry. You may
take your own photos to record the
visit. £3, including a gift.
www.sterlingmills.com
of family fun to celebrate the
arrival of Santa on Saturday 19
November at 11.30am.
Santa’s Grotto: Children are
invited to meet Santa in his
very own traditional grotto.
He’ll be there from Saturday19
November. Advance booking
is advisable. £5
Breakfast with Santa: At
weekends from Saturday 3
December join Santa for a
special breakfast and take part
in party-style entertainment.
Please check in-store for
specific dates and times.
Advance booking is advisable.
£9.95
Little Seedlings Club
Christmas Party: Go along
and have some fun at the
party on Sunday 4 December
– you might even get to meet
Santa. FREE
For further information
about all events at Dobbies
please visit www.dobbies.
com or contact Dobbies
Garden World, Stirling on
01786 458860.
At Sterling Furniture
Santa will be in his Grotto in the Hub
Café every weekend from Saturday 26
November until Sunday 18 December.
Children will be able to have their
photograph taken and receive a gift. A
small charge applies. www.sterlingfurniture.co.uk
At The Stirling Arcade
Santa will be at The Stirling Arcade,
King Street, every Saturday (11.00am
– 4.00pm) and Sunday (12noon –
3.00pm) from Saturday 26 November.
You can even get your photo taken
with him. £3
www.stirlingarcade.com
At The Thistles
Shopping Centre
See Santa in the run up to Christmas
from Sunday 20 November. Entry is
FREE and you are able to take your
own photographs.
Festive Fun
Find out about festive traditions in the past and enjoy some fun arts and crafts.
Places are limited and should be booked in advance. Sessions are aimed at
primary school children who must be accompanied by an adult. £2.50 www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/festive
The Singing Kettle
Wed 28 – Thur 29 Dec
1.00pm & 3.30pm (Wed), 11.00am & 2.00pm
(Thur), Albert Halls
The popular foursome return with a sensational
Christmas Fancy Dress Party and you are all
invited! Superb audience participation, non-stop
favourite songs and amazing costumes offer the perfect festive treat.
Remember to wear fancy dress! £12, Family £44, Adults with child under
12 months £14.00
Round the Houses!
Listen out for Santa in a street near you this December. The
Carse of Stirling Rotary Club will be out helping him raise
money for local charities.
6th Riverside/Shirras Brae 8th Torbrex 12th Bannockburn
13th Cambusbarron 15th Coney Park
18th Broomridge/Wallace Park 19th Braehead 20th Kings Park
Seasonal shows at macrobert
Jackie and the Beanstalk
Wed 23 November – Sat 7 Jan
Fe Fi Fo Fum,
this is the year
that Christmas
won’t come...
macrobert’s
family
pantomime is
hilarious fun for
young and old!
This is a great
Christmas treat not to be missed!
Polar Molar
Tue 29 Nov - Sat 31 Dec
Classes at The Tolbooth
Jail Wynd, Stirling
Courses and classes run
regularly through the year.
Topics for children and young
people include fiddle, drama,
art, pottery, traditional music,
jazz, harmonica, songwriting
and band development
For more information Tel: 01786 274000 www.stirling.gov.uk/
tolbooth
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Stirling Castle
It’s the year 2020 and Captain Scot
Scott is on a mission to find the
world’s last polar bear. The only
problem is that he doesn’t know
what a polar bear looks like, or
how to catch it. Can
you help? This
is a wonderful
Christmas tale for
ages 3+ and their
families.
For more information on
macrobert’s Christmas
shows, see their advert
on page 18
Too Many Penguins?
Wed 7 – Sat 24 Dec
How many penguins are too many
penguins? Polar Bear thinks that
one is more than enough. Penguin
wants someone to play with and
the arrival of penguin friends,
however many, will entertain and
delight. For ages 0-3 years.
Ring-A-Ding-Ding
Tue 17 – Fri 20 Jan 11.00am &
2.00pm, Sat 21 Jan 11.00am
An epic, though tiny, table-top
voyage of discovery presented by
the Oily Cart company, where your
fingers and noses will never be far
from the
action. For
children
aged 3 – 6
and their
families.
Tickets
from £5.50
www.visitstirling.org
25
other information
other information
Stirling Food & Drink Forum
Information Station
A group of local hotels, restaurants and cafés have joined together to form The Stirling
Food & Drink Forum which aims to raise the profile of Stirling food and drink outlets. The
Forum will focus on the tourism market and look at the opportunities to increase business
and exchange views, information and marketing possibilities.
The Forum would like more city centre food and drink retailers to become involved. If you are interested contact
Jason Clark, Stirling Council, Tourism Executive on 01786 442532 or email clarkj@stirling.gov.uk
The current members are:
Imperial Restaurant
No2 Baker St
Café Crema
King Street, Stirling Tel: 01786 474327
A popular, family-friendly
Chinese restaurant.
Baker Street, Stirling
Tel: 01786 448722
Great food, drinks,
entertainment and
atmosphere in this
popular city centre
venue.
Murray Place, Stirling
Tel: 01786 464620
In the city centre and offering
a fantastic range of snacks and
sandwiches.
Café Nero
Port Street, Stirling
Tel: 01786 451577
A great place to relax with a
coffee when you’re shopping.
Golden Lion Hotel
King Street, Stirling Tel: 01786 475351
Drink and dine in comfort in this
historic city centre hotel.
La Ciociara Restaurant
Friars Street, Stirling Tel: 01786 451522
Homemade, authentic Italian
food and friendly service.
Legends Café
Wallace Monument,
Abbey Craig, Stirling
Tel: 01786 472140
Relax in this modern
café with fabulous
views of the Wallace Monument.
Terraces Hotel
Melville Terrace, Stirling
Tel: 01786 472268
For quality casual meals or
elegant dining.
The Burgh Coffee House
King Street, Stirling
www.burghcoffee.com
Their passion for
quality coffees and
teas shines through.
A perfect place to
meet up with friends.
The Streat Café
Ochils Restaurant
Alloa Road, Stirling
Tel: 01786 446606
Their speciality is
the great range of
traditional pizzas
from the wood
burning oven. They
also deliver locally.
Run by young people for young people, the Information Station provides impartial
advice, information and confidential support on a range of issues such as 16+
learning choices, health, careers, travel and benefits. It aims to make it easier for
young people to get the support and information they need.
The youth café offers a safe, confidential space to have a look at all the opportunities
open to you, have a chat about issues affecting you or simply have a coffee. The
atmosphere is relaxed, there’s Wi-Fi, various activities to join in and the chance to
get involved with how the Information Station is run. So, whoever you want to be or
wherever you want to go, the Information Station can help you get there!
The Information Station is on the corner of Corn Exchange Road & Back Walk, Stirling.
For more information: call Youth Services on: 01786 442719, find Information
Station on Facebook, text 07717 996884 or visit www.youngscot.org/stirling
A New Era for Forth Valley College
Forth Valley College is set to launch its new state-of-the-art
campus at East Kildean, Stirling in April 2012.The stunning
building will offer a wide range of learning and training
opportunities for those in the Stirling area and beyond.
Learners are already taking advantage of the latest
facilities and resources at the College’s new Alloa Campus
which opened in September.
The modern campuses are part of the College’s plans to
ensure they are meeting the needs of the 21st century
learner. For more information, please visit www.forthvalley.ac.uk/building_your_future
Church Services
The Thistles Shopping Centre
Tel: 01786 461652
Healthy, fresh food in
contemporary surroundings in
this popular shopping centre.
Various religious groups and organisations will be holding events
and services over the festive season. Here are details of some.
Please see local press for details of others.
West Plean House
24 December, 7.00pm
Denny Road, By Stirling
Tel: 01786 812208
A country house bed and
breakfast where quality is key.
24 December, 11.30pm Watchnight Service with community carol singing from 11.00pm, Church of the Holy Rude
4 December, 4.00pm Advent Carol Service, Church of the Holy Rude
18 December, 11.00am Christmas Nativity Service, Viewfield Erskine Church
Christingle Family Service, Viewfield Erskine Church
25 December, 11.00am Service of Holy Communion, Viewfield Erskine Church
1 January, 11.00am Service of Holy Communion, Church of the Holy Rude
Free Food Waste Caddies
All types of food waste are collected through
Stirling’s weekly domestic food waste
collection service, a convenient and hygienic
way of avoiding it being sent to landfill. For
more information or to order your free caddy,
visit www.stirling.gov.uk/waste or
Tel: 0845 277 7000
WIN Tickets to see
at macrobert
Here’s your chance to see this year’s
hilarious family pantomime at
macrobert for free! In this easy
competition, macrobert is giving
away two family tickets (each for
two adults and two children) for
the fun, festive show.
All you have to do to be in with a chance to win one of them is
answer the question below (you may find the answer on page 18),
complete the entry form and send it to macrobert, University of
Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA in an envelope marked ‘Pantomime
Competition’. Entries must be received by 20 November.
When is the VIP performance of Jackie and the Beanstalk?
Answer:
Name:
Address:
Postcode:
Tel:
Email:
macrobert does not sell, trade or rent your personal information to others. Your details will be
added to its database in order to process your entry and so that you can be kept up to date with
relevant details of special events and initiatives. If you do not wish to receive any further information
or offers from macrobert, whether by post, telephone or email, please tick the box.
26
The Stirling Festive Guide 2011
www.visitstirling.org
27
doing business 2012
Stirling Eye
Business Directory
Focus on the local economy
Has your company registered on Stirling
Council’s free online business directory?
Stirling Eye is Stirling Council’s business magazine,
providing local business news, features on businesses
and key facts and figures on Stirling’s economy. Stirling
Eye is distributed free of charge to over 3,000 businesses
across the Stirling Council area. You can also view the
publication online by visiting www.stirling.gov.uk/stirlingeye
To report business related news in Stirling Eye, please contact Joelle
Russell on 01786 442778 or email russelljl@stirling.gov.uk
Stirling Business Panel
Developing and growing
business together
Membership of the Stirling Business Panel now exceeds 700 businesses
from across the Stirling area and representing all industry sectors.
Membership is free and by joining, you will be joining a business group
committed to making the local economy stronger, more resilient and
prosperous.
The Panel supports local businesses by working with Stirling Council and
other partners in planning and preparing for a growing local economy.
As part of that process, we have carried out an Annual Business Survey for
the past three years.
The views and opinions expressed by our members in the Annual
Business Survey had a direct influence on Council policy in a number of
key areas, like business support, planning, parking, skills and training.
By adding your voice to the Panel membership, you can help to ensure
that the Business Panel can continue to identify and help address key
areas of concern to local business.
The Business Panel also hosts business events, including an Annual Trade
Fair, which provide clear networking opportunities for local businesses.
The Business Panel lobbies on behalf of its membership and aims to make
the Stirling area an even better place to live and in which to do business.
To register, go to: www.stirlingbusinesspanel.org or email
info@stirlingbusinesspanel.org
http://twitter.com/BusinessPanel
Property Search
Looking for properties
for business?
If you need commercial property in
Stirling then look no further than our
online search facility. With properties
and sites for business in city and rural
locations listed we have property
opportunities to suit most requirements.
You can do a property search online at
www.stirling.gov.uk/property and click
on the link to Property Search.
To find out more on Stirling’s
commercial properties and sites please
contact Iain Smith on 01786 442472 or
email property@stirling.gov.uk
28
The Stirling Festive Guide 2011
Inclusion in the directory is free to those
businesses located within the Stirling
Council area and registration is easy.
The directory provides up-to-date
information for local and national
businesses as well as residents and visitors.
Over 1800 businesses in the area are already benefiting from this
facility and the directory has the potential to help companies source
goods and services locally as well as generating new business from
outside of the area.
Local companies who have not yet registered are encouraged to sign up.
Please contact Laura Melville on 01786 443028 or email
melvillel@stirling.gov.uk for an application form. Alternatively, register
your details online at www.stirling.gov.uk/directory
Stirling4Funding
Stirling4Funding is a
web-based way to apply
for funding for your
business, community or
social enterprise.
Search online for information
about what funding support is available and how to access it.
Stirling4Funding can search through over 1500 funding opportunities
to pinpoint the right scheme for you. Whether you’re running a local
business, community group or other organisation, the funding help you
need could be just a few clicks away. Over £100m of grant funding goes
unclaimed in the UK every year. So don’t miss out.
To find out more visit www.stirling.gov.uk/funding
Forth Construction Club
Over 400 members and growing!
The Forth Construction forum was
launched in Stirling in 2005 to provide
support to construction related
businesses. The forum has recently
evolved into the Forth Construction Club.
The Club is inviting construction
related businesses from the Stirling,
Clackmannanshire and Falkirk areas to
join so that they can take advantage
of the many opportunities that over
400 existing members are already
benefiting from. Membership of the
Club is free.
For more information or to join, contact
Forth Construction Club on
01786 474476.
Discover Great offers
and Gift ideas in store
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Ask for details
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If you’re looking for that perfect gift this Christmas, then look no further than the Falkirk
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So pop into Sony Centre today - we’ve got Christmas all wrapped up!
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Bridge of Allan Sony Centre:
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FK9 4ET. Tel. 01786 832 246
Find us on Facebook: Sony Centre Bridge of Allan
*Ask in store for full terms
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Falkirk Sony Centre:
2-5 Galloway Court, Falkirk, FK1 1HQ. Tel. 01324 630 064
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Open Sundays 12 noon-5pm Find us on Facebook: Falkirk Sony Centre