Stirling Council is holding a drop-in event on Saturday, 5 April, for the public to share feedback on proposals to enhance medieval pedestrian routes.
The proposals are aimed at enhancing and revitalising Kingstables Lane, along with the Upper and Sma’ Vennels. Thes are located in the centre of historic Stirling.
The drop-in event will take place at Made in Stirling, 44 King Street, on Saturday 5 April from 10 am to 2 pm.
The project is part of the Stirling Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS).
The medieval period spans from 1500 to 1600, and the medieval routes date back to the 16th century.
The proposals include improving the surfaces and adding better lighting, making these important pathways more accessible.
A recent archaeological dig and historical research will inform the design and interpretation of the lanes, ensuring that the work preserves the unique character of these medieval streets.
Convener of Stirling Council’s Finance, Economy and Corporate Support Committee, Cllr Gerry McGarvey, said: “These medieval routes date back to the 16th century and are part of Stirling’s remarkable history.
This project is an exciting opportunity to improve these under-utilised historical gems, which are brimming with character, and to enhance the heritage experience of both residents and visitors.”
The project is a collaboration between Stirling Council, Historic Environment Scotland (HES), and private building owners.
It forms part of a larger £2 million initiative to regenerate Stirling’s historic environment over a five-year period, running from 2021 to 2028. This funding will go towards building grants, public realm improvements, training, and project delivery.
In preparation for this initiative, archaeological test pit excavations were carried out in April 2024, gathering valuable information about the historical remains in each of these locations.
In a historical report to Stirling Council, John Harrison said: “Stirling’s vennels and Kings Stables Lane really start to appear in the records during the 16th century, and located records continue to about 1900.
They have two main functions – they link places, and they provide a focus for interaction between the buildings and the world.”
People and goods pass through the vennel on their way in and out of the premises and through the town; they were important short-cuts for people carrying heavy loads, such as water. The fire-break function may well have been significant.”
Featured Image Credit: Brig Newspaper.
I am a third-year Politics and Journalism Studies student at the University of Stirling (2022-) and a writer and sub-editor for the Brig for over a year (Nov. 2023-), focusing mainly on political topics.
