Stirling’s Royal Burgh is one of the oldest burghs in Scotland. The burgh was founded back in 1124 by King David I, 900 years ago. To celebrate this landmark occasion, Stirling is hosting a programme of events.
Celebratory events started on April 26, 2024 and will conclude in March 2025 – plenty of time for people to get involved if you haven’t already.
Back in April, events commenced with a ceremonial opening of Stirling Castle’s gates followed by the Church of the Holy Rude’s bells ringing for an hour.
Past events also included a walking of the Marches, the annual George Buchanan Creative Writing Competition, the Forth Valley food and drink festival, and a history and heritage of Stirling course – held at Stirling’s own university.
One ongoing event is the Stirling 900 Family Trail. Local artist, David Galletly, partnered with Stirling City Heritage Trust to deliver a drawn Family Heritage Trail. The trail can be found in Stirling’s city centre and takes you on a historical journey of Stirling that features some interesting characters – including Scotland’s national animal.
The trail booklet can be picked up for free at the following locations: The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, VisitScotland Stirling iCentre, Stirling Old Town Jail, Cowane’s Hospital, Tolbooth Stirling, The Albert Halls, and Stirling Central Library.
A Stirling 900 finale will be held from February 20 next year as the city counts down the 900 hours to the finale weekend. March 28, 2025, marks the end weekend for celebrations and more events relating to this will be announced on yourstirling.com.
A brief history
The 900-year anniversary is no small thing for the Stirling residents, proven by how many celebrations have been put in place.
King David I’s granting of Stirling’s Royal Burgh created a special bond between him and his people.
The Royal Burgh meant that the King’s Burgesses and Freemen could have privileges; “to hold their land and property directly from him, to elect a Council, to hold markets, to levy local taxes” among other things, according to yourstirling.com. With this freedom, Stirling began to prosper.
Sadly, historians believe that King David I’s instructions for the Royal Burgh were verbally executed. Therefore, no written documentation exists of the original granting of burgh status.
The full programme for 900 Stirling, alongside many other events in the area, can be found on yourstirling.com.
Featured Image Credit: YourStirling.com
Fourth year student journalist studying Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Journalism Studies.
Words at Brig, The Daily Evergreen, Alloa Advertiser, Discovery Music Scotland, and The Mourning Paper.
