Stirling residents are being asked to join in with the city’s special celebrations. Stirling’s Walking of the Marches will take place on Saturday, May 25. It will mark the 900th anniversary of the Burgh of Stirling.
The Marches is a tradition that dates back to the 17th century, as the oldest reference of the March can be found in Burgh records dating back to 1611.
The Walking of the Marches in Scotland is an annual exercise that involves the Council, the Incorporated Trades and the Guildry coming together to go around the city’s Marches. They inspect the March Stones to make sure that they are all intact.
In Stirling the main inspectors were called Birlawmen. They followed “The Captain of the Birdmen” and used picks and shovels to turn over grass in order to mark points in the city’s boundaries. As time went on, this was replaced by March stones.
The March is rich in history and is open to all members of the public. Anyone who may wish to take part in celebrating the rich heritage of the city should come along.
Stirling Walking of the Marches will leave from the rotunda at the foot of King Street at 10.45am.
The procession will make its way through the city centre, towards the Smith Art Gallery and Museum. It will then go onto Cowane’s Hospital where there will be entertainment at the bowling green.
The march will be accompanied by a pipe band throughout the journey.
Lunch is also available at the 17th-century Cowane’s Hospital for £25pp, alongside speakers Bill Hanson and Professor Richard Oram.
Stirling archaeologist, Dr Murray Cook said: “The Walking of the Marches was started in the 12th century (we think) to mark the boundaries of the Royal Burgh and to make sure they were intact, it became a celebration of civic pride which slowly fizzled out in the 1970s.
“This new version of the Marches Court has been slowly but surely expanding over the years and it’s really easy to get involved, as a steward or a Birlawman (or Birlawwoman) or simply to join in the march – and most of it is free.
“We are swearing in the Birlaw Officers on May 18 in the Chapel Royal in the castle (open to all but places must be booked).
“The march itself from 10.45am at the Rotunda on King Street is open to all to watch or join in and we have six pipe bands and re-enactors.
“Finally the lunch in Cowane’s Hospital costs £25 per head, and places are running out.
“This is a chance to take part in a unique occasion and to help make it bigger and better.”
Featured Image Credit: Stirling Walking the Marches
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