Achi news desk-
Now, to celebrate 900 years since King David I of Scotland decreed that Stirling would become a royal borough, a program of new and timed events has been created to mark the milestone over the 12 next month.
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What is happening today?
The gates were ceremoniously opened at Stirling Castle this morning at 9 am, including the current Earl of Mar, James Erskine, and the Provost of Stirling, Elaine Watterson.
At 11am, if anyone in the area is not aware of the incident, they will know by then. The bells of the Church of the Holy Rude will start ringing for one hour at that time.
Later today bookable events will take place at the Smith Museum from 1:30pm to 3:30pm before the Wallace memorial is lit at a private civic reception at 5pm.
Leader of Stirling Council, Cllr Chris Kane, said: “Stirling 900 is a celebration of our past but will also be an opportunity to look to the future, and the recent announcement of Stirling Studios shows our ambition to deliver a new transformative chapter at Stirling’s. a story.
“We have an exciting program of events planned to mark the next 12 months, from international stars in concert to plays, exhibitions and a wide range of special events.”
New artwork
Today’s main attraction is the unveiling of a brand new piece of art in the city center created by local artist David Galletly. He has created a colorful 30ft long painting which will adorn one side of the square across from Stirling’s busy railway station.
The artwork showcases some of the key moments in Stirling’s rich history over the past 900 years, from the Battle of Bannockburn to the opening of Stirling University, and intersperses it with legends from the Stirling area such as William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, Sir Andy Murray and Billy Bremner.
David’s design was inspired by suggestions submitted by local Stirling residents of all ages including children from Glan yr Afon Primary School.
Ayyub Rehman and Eilidh Patrick, P7 pupils at Glan-yr-affon Primary School, said: “We are very pleased with the final result, it will look fantastic to anyone visiting the area.
“We suggested that this should be creative, and we think our voice is reflected in this design. We love it!”
“I was born and raised in Stirling and, although I feel I know the city intimately, this project has enabled me to make countless new discoveries about my home town. Distilling 900 years into a single image is an impossible task but, by paying attention to a few selected characters, stories and tall tales. Hopefully the energy of the city is evident for everyone to enjoy.”
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What’s happening over the next year to celebrate Stirling 900?
Some of the events already confirmed include a special edition of Walking of the Borders, the Stirling Summer Sessions, the Stirling 900 art exhibition, a symphonic laser show at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and events at the Wallace National Monument.
The young people of Stirling will also have the opportunity to take part in the celebrations with a variety of activities planned in schools.
For more information on the Stirling 900 and the list of events, which will be added to throughout the next 12 months, visit: www.yourstirling.com/whats-on/stirling-900
