Stirling Doors Open Day 2016

Stirling’s Doors Open Days & Archaeology Month Sat 10th & Sun 11th September 2016 with events throughout September

2015 Art competition 1 winner details inside...

Part of European Heritage Days

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This year we are celebrating 22 years of Doors Open Day in Stirling, we hope you enjoy the many wonderful buildings which are opening their doors for us this year and the exciting events organised for Archaeology Month. All completely for free! Look out for the blue banners / balloons on participating buildings.

Doors Open Days and Scottish Archaeology Month (both supported

by Historic Environment Scotland www.historicenvironment.scot ), are Stirling’s contribution to European Heritage Days, which take place throughout Europe each September.

European Heritage Days have been happening annually since 1999, they were launched by the Council of Europe in 1991 and are now run by the Council of Europe and the European Commission. This year hundreds of thousands of people in and throughout the signatory States of the European Cultural Convention will celebrate Europe’s cultural heritage.

Doors Open Days and Archaeology Month, as part of European Heritage Days, highlight local skills and traditions, the history of an area, architecture and works of art, but the broader aim is to bring citizens together in harmony even though there are differences in cultures and languages.

For further information on European Heritage Days please go to www.ehd.coe.int

Doors Open Days in neighbouring areas; Clackmannanshire – 24th & 25th September East Dunbartonshire – 10th & 11th September Falkirk - 17th & 18th September South Lanarkshire – 10th & 11th September North Lanarkshire – 24th & 25th September Perth & Kinross – 24th & 25th September

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Last Year’s Competition Winner

Stirling Bridge by Samarjit Santhosh

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Doors Open Day 2016

1. Secrets of the Old Town Monday 5th September, 12.00 – 2.00pm Meet outside Central Library Corn Exchange, FK8 2HX Explore Scotland’s best preserved Medieval City, steeped in blood and battles with Dr Murray Cook, Stirling Council’s Archaeologist.

Duration 2 hours.

Easy going but steep hills. Booking essential, contact Murray Cook cookm@stirling.gov.uk

2. Celts: Art and Identity Tuesday 6th September, 1.00 – 2.00pm Smith Museum, Dumbarton Road, FK8 2RQ Join Dr Fraser Hunter, Principal Curator: Iron Age & Roman Collections, National Museums of Scotland in a lecture exploring Stirling’s Celts and their art!

Free entry, no booking required, though donations to the Smith appreciated!

3. Three Towers Tour 1: Kirk of the Holy Rude Thursday 8th September, 7.00 -7.30pm; 7.30 - 8.00pm Church of the Holy Rude, St John Street, FK8 1EA An extremely rare chance to explore the Kirk’s medieval tower: from James IVth to Cromwell!

NB there are lots of steps. Booking essential, contact Murray Cook cookm@stirling.gov.uk

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Doors Open Day 2016

4. John de Graham’s Castle Saturday 10th September, 12.00 noon Carron Valley Sir John de Graham, Wallace’s ally, a veteran of The Battle of Stirling Bridge, who died at the Battle of Falkirk 1298, lived here! A guided tour of the medieval castle of one of Scotland’s heroes! Duration 1 hour.

Steep and uneven ground. Booking essential, contact Murray Cook cookm@stirling.gov.uk

5. Three Towers Tour 2: Cambuskenneth Abbey Tower Sunday 11th September, 2.00 - 2:30pm; 2:30 - 3.00pm; 3.00 - 3:30pm; 3:30 - 4.00pm Cambuskenneth Abbey Tower, Cambuskenneth, FK9 5NH A rare chance to have a guided tour of the tower’s interior: from Pictish logboats to 17th century snipers and secret masons’ marks!

NB there are lots of steps, Booking essential, contact Murray Cook cookm@stirling.gov.uk

6. Anthaneum/Steeple Saturday 10th September, 12.00 - 4.00pm Sunday 11th September, 12.00 - 4.00pm 65 King Street, Stirling FK8 1DT A rare chance to see inside one of the most photographed buildings of Stirling Town. The Steeple was designed by William Stirling as a gentlemen’s club and completed in 1816/7, the porch surmounted by a 6

Doors Open Day 2016

statue of William Wallace was added in 1859. See the beautiful original staircase and learn about the history of this prominent building at the top of King Street.

Booking is essential and places are limited, to book your place please call 01786 233 617 or email doorsopendays@stirling.gov.uk Limited disabled access, lots of spiral stairs to access interior.

7. The Battle of Bannockburn Saturday 10th September, 10.00am – 4.00pm Sunday 11th September, 10.00am – 4.00pm NTS The Battle of Bannockburn Glasgow Road, Whins of Milton, Stirling, FK7 0LJ Prepare for battle! 700 years after the Battle of Bannockburn, the multi award winning Battle of Bannockburn experience puts you right at the heart of the action. Stand shoulder to shoulder with medieval soldiers. Take command of your troops and control your own Battle of Bannockburn. Our comfortable café with mouth-watering menu, mini soft play and views to the surrounding countryside The centre will also be running Archery 11.00am - 4.00pm (small charge for charity), weapons handling and dressing up.

Important. The exhibition has a timed performance entry similar to a Cinemas or Theatre. Spaces on this occasion will be allocated to a first come first served basis. Each session lasts for around 80 mins. Session times are 10.00am, 10.45am, 11.30am, 12.15pm, 1.00pm, 1.45pm, 2.30pm, 3.15pm & 4.00pm.

The site is fully accessible.

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Doors Open Day 2016

8. Blair Drummond House Saturday 10th September, 1.00 – 4.00pm Cuthil Brae, by Doune FK9 4UT Take the access marked ‘’Cuthil Brae’’, near Kincardine parish church, off the A84 between Stirling and Doune.

This grand Category B Listed baronial mansion, designed by architect J.C. Walker dates from 1872 and is set in its own ‘natural style’ designed landscape which dates from the late 1700s. Since 1977 it has been run by the Camphill Trust and is a home-from-home environment providing residential care, meaningful activities and friendship for people with learning disabilities in a unique family setting.

There is good access to the mansion house and grounds. Have a guided tour of the house and grounds. Teas, coffees and delicious home baking will be available (funds for this go to Camphill’s Capital Development Appeal).

Limited Disabled access; stairs and gravel drive.

9. Bridge of Allan Parish Church Saturday 10th September, 10.00am – 4.00pm 12 Keir Street, Bridge of Allan FK9 4NP This Category B Listed building was built in 1860 to designs by James Henderson, it was later enlarged by Robert Baldie. The church contains furnishings designed in 1904 by the eminent Scottish architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. There is an attractive timber roof and excellent stained glass windows and an organ by Lewis dating from 1884.

Stirling Young Carers and Neuro Central will both take part in Stirling’s Doors Open Days in this venue, come along and find out about all the good work they do.

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Limited disabled access.

Doors Open Day 2016

10. Bruce Memorial Church Saturday 10th September, 10.00am – 4.00pm Sunday 11th September, 11.00am -12.15pm (church service only) and 1.00 - 4.00pm St Ninian’s Road, Cambusbarron FK7 9NU Designed by prominent local architects, McLuckie & Walker, and built in1910 of rough-faced Polmaise stone, this art nouveau gothic church was originally a United Free Church. Visit this beautiful church at the heart of the village and discover its historic connection with Robert the Bruce.

On Saturday and on Sunday afternoon enjoy the stunning Flower Festival with the theme: A Celebration of Village Life and take the opportunity to learn about all our church activities including our Connected Life vision and the projects we are running for the benefit of the whole community.

On Sunday morning, everyone is welcome to join us for a Back to Church Sunday service with a mix of traditional and contemporary worship led by our minister Rev Graham Nash. There will be tea, coffee and home baking in the Church Hall on Saturday from 10am-12noon and on Sundy from 1-4pm.

For more information visit http://www.cambusbarronchurch.org/ or send us a friend request on facebook.

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Doors Open Day 2016

11. Church of the Holy Rude Saturday 10th September, 11.00am – 4.00pm Sunday 11th September, 12.00 – 4.00pm 51 St John Street, Stirling FK8 1EA The highly visible Category A Listed Church of the Holy Rude is one of Stirling’s most important and imposing historic buildings. This beautiful building has been a place of worship for the past six hundred years and the dedicated staff will be happy to tell you all about its long and exciting history including the crowning of a king and why it has lots of shot-holes in the tower. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer have a chat with one of the staff while you’re visiting.

Disabled access to church only, no disabled access to kirkyard.

12. Cowane’s Hospital Saturday 10th September, 10.00am – 4.00pm Sunday 11th September, 10.00am – 4.00pm 49 St John Street, Stirling FK8 1ED Cowane’s Hospital, dating from 1637, is an amazing Category A Listed historic E-plan building with its own bowling green and gardens.

Saturday is not to be missed. This is your opportunity to see all your favourite Bloody Scotland crime writers take part in a competitive football match on the bowling green!!! Kick-off is at 1.30.

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Doors Open Day 2016

Sunday is Cake Fest day. The national Festival of Architecture is in Stirling and the day will be spent at Cowane’s creating a huge progressive map with models of Scotland’s most iconic buildings - on Scotland’s oldest known bowling green – all made entirely out of cake!

As well as the history talks and a display all about the future restoration of this prominent Stirling building visitors can enjoy teas & coffees or stop for lunch if the cake fest and football make you hungry.

Disabled access to ground floor.

13. Historic Environment Scotland’s Engine Shed at Forthside Saturday 10th September, 10.00am – 4.00pm Sunday 11th September, 10.00am – 4.00pm The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ (over the spiky bridge footbridge from the train station) Currently undergoing conversion, The Engine Shed will become Scotland’s Building Conservation Centre. Once up and running, the centre will be a dynamic and creative space with a full programme of interactive activities and exhibitions to allow people to fully explore the historic structures around them.

Originally part of a late 19th century military depot, The Engine Shed has been empty and unused since the 1990s. Come along and learn how Historic Environment Scotland are maintaining and converting the building.

Children and adults of all ages can have a go at the techniques we use to protect Scotland’s historic structures. Visitors can also try their hand at traditional craft skills such as stain glass working and stone masonry, as well as discover what some of the artefacts recovered from Scotland’s most famous sites can reveal about our dynamic heritage.

Limited disabled access. See also Items 24 & 28.

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Doors Open Day 2016

14. Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Stirling Saturday 10th September, 10.00am – 4.00pm Sunday 11th September, 12.30 – 4.00pm Albert Place, Stirling FK8 2RG Holy Trinity, Stirling, dating from the late 1878 is a stunning Category A Listed church. Converted by Sir Robert Rowand Anderson in 1921 to commerorate the fallen of World War 1, the building and it’s interior are in near original condition. This church has particularly good examples of stained glass windows.

On Saturday 10th the church will be open to visit from 10.00 and there will be guided tours at 14.30, 15.00 & 15.30.

On Sunday 11th there will be guided tours every half hour.

Disabled access with ramp

15. Lecropt Church Sunday 11th September, 2.00 – 4.00pm Bridge of Allan, FK9 4NB (The entrance to the car park is just over ¼ of a mile west out of Bridge of Allan and ¾ of a mile from Junction 11 of A9/M9, Keir Roundabout) This landmark Category A Listed building, is seen daily by thousands of people travelling on the M9. The tower protrudes from the treetops just north of Stirling near the Keir roundabout. The church, designed by William Stirling, was built in 1826. Don’t miss this chance to visit and see the spectacular windows and learn about the interesting history of this lovely church.

Disabled access

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Doors Open Day 2016

16. Leighton Library Saturday 10th September, 11.00am – 3.00pm Sunday 11th September, 11.00am – 3.00pm The Cross, Dunblane FK15 0QA At the centre of Old Dunblane is Scotland’s oldest purpose-built library still in existence. This Category A Listed building dates from 1684, it retains original internal furnishings and houses a large collection of books and information. Visit beautiful Dunblane and come and talk to the friendly and knowledgeable volunteers and learn about this wonderful old building.

Unfortunately no disabled access as the building has forestairs

17. Mugdock Castle Saturday 10th September, 2.00 – 5.00pm Sunday 11th September, 2.00 – 5.00pm Mugdock Country Park, Craigallian Road, Nr Milngavie G62 8EL (Located within Mugdock Country Park.)

The lovely Mugdock Country Park is one of Scotland’s most popular visitor attractions.

Within the park is the ruinous Mugdock Castle which dates back to the 1300’s and is a scheduled ancient monument. Come and learn about the castle and find out about all the other on-site heritage or stop for a break and some lunch. There’s always lots going on. http://www.mugdock-country-park.org.uk/ Disabled access to grounds, there is no access to tower 13

Doors Open Day 2016

18. Port of Menteith Parish Church Saturday 10th September, 1.00 – 4.00pm Sunday 11th September, 1.00 – 4.00pm FK8 3RA on the B8034 next to the Lake Hotel Port of Menteith is a Category B Listed church with a small, friendly congregation who are enthusiastic about encouraging and maintaining a Christian presence by the Lake of Menteith. The Lake islands have been a center of Christianity since mediaeval times and the historic ruins have a strong sense of the spirituality which infused worship there. Conscious of this precious heritage, we keep the flame of faith alive in the Kirk. The Port Kirk has served the people of Menteith for hundreds of years and the present building dates from Victorian times.

Unfortunately no disabled access is available.

19. Raploch Fire Station Saturday 10th September, 10.00am – 2.00pm Raploch Road, Stirling FK8 1TH Come along and meet the local fire fighters and see the fire engines and other specialist equipment close up. Learn about Community Safety and, find out how to book a free fire safety check for your home.

This year will feature Team Noble - Kris Elliot, Blair Elliot, Iain Dickson and Allan Huntly - a team of four fighters who are training to row 3000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, in memory of another firefighter who died in a fire engine crash in 2008.

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https://www.facebook.com/teamnoble2017/

Doors Open Day 2016

The team hope to raise ÂŁ100,000 before the event which starts in December 2017. Come and wish them luck and make a donation too. The station will be operational throughout the Doors Open Days and visitors may get a safe opportunity to watch the fire personnel responding to an incident! In the event of an emergency Specialist Community Fire Safety Staff will remain at the station with visitors.

Disabled access

20. Recyke-a-bike Saturday 10th September, 10.00am – 3.00pm Alloa Road, Causewayhead, Stirling FK9 5LN (enter via Ladysneuk Road FK9 5NR) Stirling Doors Open Days are happy to welcome Recyke-a-bike into the event as part of our modern heritage.

Pick up your cycle map of all the Doors Open Days venues in Stirling and see how many you can pedal round.

Recyke-a-bike is a Fallin Community Enterprises initiative, which has been around since 2006. It began as a small recycling social enterprise that quickly grew into a job club using the bike recycling as work experience. It has grown to include training services and cycling outreach work, in addition to bike recycling and sales.

Recyke-a-bike aims are to help people, our local community and environment by: supporting people into employment, helping more people to choose cycling for low carbon transport, better health and fun and to stop bikes ending up in landfill. Put simply, Recyke-a-bike really want to get more people into work and more bikes into the community.

Reasonable access 15

Doors Open Day 2016

21. St Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Callander Sunday 11th September, 2.00 – 4.00pm Leny Rd., Callander FK17 8AL This stunning little Category B Listed Gothic church dates from 1857 is definitely worth visiting. The church is set back from the street and has a lovely lawn and large cedar tree with a sweeping driveway the main road. It has a cruciform-plan with a later 19th century half-octagonplan sanctuary.

Full disabled access

22. St Columba’s Church Saturday 10th September 9.30am – 12.30pm Sunday 11th September 2.00 – 4.00pm Park Terrace, Stirling FK8 2NA With its tall square tower, this church is a landmark feature of the King’s Park area of Stirling. Come and visit this beautiful Category B Listed building. Built in 1902 by Messrs B Reynolds, a number of alterations have been made to this building, most recently the main hall has been refurbished with aid of a grant from CCF and now has a wellinsulated hall with underfloor heating supplied from an efficient heat exchange system. This is a fine example of a well-loved church with an active congregation and local community.

Teas, coffee and cakes will be on sale during opening hours (any proceeds in aid of church funds).

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Doors Open Day 2016

23. St Saviour’s Church, Bridge of Allan Saturday 10th September, 10.00am – 4.00pm 21 Fountain Road, Bridge of Allan FK9 4AY St Saviour’s, Bridge of Allan started in 1854, when a handful of people came together to form a congregation of the Scottish Episcopal Church ( ‘Piskies’ ). John Henderson was the architect of the original church on a Tractarian ( Oxford Movement ) early decorated nave & chancel formula and even the rectory next to the church was designed in a matching neo-gothic style with trefoil headed windows. On entering the church there is a fine font, made by William Pirret of Glasgow in 1873 & St Saviour’s also has particularly attractive stained glass. The piece de resistance is the West Window, believed to be designed by Robert Anning Bell and made at Stephen Adam Studio, Glasgow in 1922. In 2006 a member of the congregation, Malcolm Allan, wrote a book called, St Saviour’s at 150 - these are available at the back of the church which gives considerably more information about St Saviour’s.

Unfortunately there is no disabled access.

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Doors Open Day 2016

24. Stirling Council Archives at the Engine Shed at Forthside Saturday 10th September, 10.00am – 4.00pm Sunday 11th September, 10.00am – 4.00pm Viewfield Place, Stirling FK8 1NH The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ (over the spiky bridge footbridge from the train station) Find out the history of your house? Learn about the past of your local area? Search for your ancestors? The friendly and knowledgeable staff from Stirling’s Archives will help you start, whatever you’re researching. This year we are showcasing some of the older building plans that we hold at the Archives. Staff there on the day will be happy to tell you all about what we hold and how you can get started on research into whatever interests you.

Limited disabled access

25. Stirling Council Play Services Sunday 11th September, 11.00am – 3.00pm The Boy’s Club, 36 St John Street, Top of the Town, Stirling FK8 1EA The Boys Club is a well-loved Category B Listed building. Stirling Council has just had some repair works completed to the small gabled pediment and an original carved lintel above the mullioned window to Spittal Street, go along and have a look at the work.

Play Services will be running a children’s event in the Main Hall and using the outside space. They will encourage the children to use photography & art activities to capture the child’s

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Doors Open Day 2016

perspective of buildings & architecture in the Top of the Town and create a presentation of the final images. They are currently researching the history of the Boys Club to be able to answer questions from visitors. Just drop in as all children’s activities are ongoing.

Disabled access.

26. Stirling Sheriff Court Sunday 11th September, 12.00 – 3.00pm Viewfield Place, Stirling FK8 1NH A great building for all ages, this impressive Category B Listed Gothic/ early Renaissance Sheriff Court building opened in 1875 and is always popular, especially with children (and big children).

Tours of the court building, including the courtrooms, cells and other areas not normally open to visitors will be available for small groups as and when required, tours will last approximately 30 minutes.

Disabled access

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Doors Open Day 2016

27. Stirling Youth Hostel Sunday 11th September, 10.00am – 2.00pm St. John Street, Top of the Town, Stirling FK8 1EA Take this opportunity to explore one of Scotland’s most popular hostels, a great base for discovering the Stirling area and meeting like-minded people with similar interests. This Category B Listed building was formerly the Erskine Church of 1824, which was destroyed in a fire, only the front facade remains.

For more information about the Scottish Youth Hostel Association visit http://www.syha.org.uk/ Limited disabled access

28. Traditional Buildings Health Check Scheme at the Engine Shed at Forthside Saturday 10th September, 10.00am – 4.00pm Sunday 11th September, 10.00am – 4.00pm The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ (over the spiky bridge footbridge from the train station) Do you own an old house or building in Stirling? If you’re looking for impartial advice on how to look after it, we can help.

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The Traditional Buildings Health Check Scheme is an exciting, proactive membership scheme available to anyone who owns an old building in Stirling. Your building doesn’t need to be Listed or in a Conservation Area. It only requires to be within the Stirling City boundary and to date from before or around 1919 to be eligible. By becoming a member, you will have access to an impartial building inspection service and advice from our team about the repair and maintenance of your building.

Doors Open Day 2016

Come and visit us at the Engine Shed at Forthside on Doors Open Day to find out more, or contact us on 01786 498 463 / or email www.traditionalbuildingshealthcheck.org This scheme is run by Stirling City Heritage Trust and is funded by Historic Environment Scotland and CITB Scotland Limited disabled access

29. Logie Old Kirk Saturday 10th September, 10.00am- 4.00pm

Sunday 11th September, 2.00 – 5.00pm Logie Old Kirk, FK9 4LB Logie Old Kirk has been a centre of christianity for over 1500 years: explore its history with the Volunteers of the Logie Old Graveyard Group. No booking required!

30. In Wallace’s Footsteps!

Sunday 11th September, 10.00am – 12.00 noon Meet at Legends Cafe, National Wallace Monument, Causewayhead, FK9 5LF. Explore The Battle of Stirling bridge on the Anniversary of Wallace’s most famous victory, with Dr Murray Cook, Stirling Council’s Archaeologist. Duration 2 hours, some rough ground and lots of steps, wear appropriate clothes. Booking essential, contact Murray Cook cookm@stirling.gov.uk

31. Three Towers Tour 3: St Ninian’s Kirk Thursday 15th September, 7.00 – 8.00pm St. Ninian’s Old Kirk, Kirk wynd, Stirling, FK7 9AY A rare chance to explore St Ninian’s Old Church Yard from ancient Celtic Christianity to Bonnie Prince Charlie! Booking essential, contact Murray Cook cookm@stirling.gov.uk

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Doors Open Day 2016

32. Rediscovering Stirling’s Lost Broch 16th - 19th September Help us rediscover Stirling lost broch, first identified by Scotland’s first female archaeologist, Christian MacLagan in the 19th century and then lost…join us in the hunt for it!

Places extremely limited and must be booked contact Murray Cook for more details cookm@stirling.gov.uk

33. Stirling’s Archaeological Highlights from 2015/16 Thursday 21st September 1.00 - 2.00pm Smith Museum, Dumbarton Road, FK8 2RQ Join Dr Murray Cook, Stirling Council’s Archaeologist in a review of recent archaeological discoveries across Stirling: from Romans and Celts to Vikings, Monks and Grave Robbers! Free entry, no booking required, though donations to the Smith appreciated!

34. Gowan Hill: Stirling’s Forgotten Jewel Thursday 29th September 12.00 - 2.00pm Meet at the Beheading Stone Join Dr Murray Cook, Stirling Council’s Archaeologist in a tour of the hill: from prehistoric War Crimes to Executions and Jacobites to the Homes Guard. Duration 2 hours, wear appropriate clothes. Booking essential, contact Murray Cook cookm@stirling.gov.uk

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Stirling Council would like to thank all those building owners and volunteers who have contributed to Stirling’s Doors Open Days / Archaeology Month 2016. Thanks also to the Scottish Civic Trust, Historic Scotland and the Council for Scottish Archaeology for their roles in organisation and sponsorship of the event across Scotland.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for next year’s Doors Open Days / Archaeology Month we would love to hear from you, please call 01786 233 670 or email mcintoshf@stirling.gov.uk For more information about Doors Open Days throughout Scotland please contact the Scottish Civic Trust - 0141 248 1188 / dod@scottishcivictrust.org.uk / www.doorsopendays.org.uk.

For information about Stirling’s Doors Open Days please contact Stirling Council - 01786 233 670 / mcintoshf@stirling.gov.uk.

For information about Scottish Archaeology Month please contact - 0131 225 7534 / www.scottisharchaeology.org.uk.

For information about Stirling’s Archaeology Month please contact Murray Cook – 01786 233 663 / cookm@stirling.gov.uk

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