To view this newsletter in a browser click here
 

Welcome

Is spring in the air at last? Let’s hope so. Here at the castle one sign that the seasons are changing is that we start making plans for a fun Easter event for the family. Just see below for what we have lined up in 2010. Before Easter we are giving visitors the chance to see a truly remarkable Scottish archaeological discovery, the Orkney Venus. We hope you’ll be able to join us to enjoy all this, and the many other things going on at the castle in March and April.

Best wishes,

Gillian MacDonald
Stirling Castle Visitor Services & Business Development Manager
News Events Header Image
Venus is a star - 13th - 26th March

A Scottish archaeological sensation is going to be on show at Stirling Castle - the Orkney Venus! Dating from around 3,000 BC she is the oldest representation of a human ever discovered in Scotland.

You will be able to see the Venus at the start of her Scottish tour in the Chapel Royal. As an extra bonus - kids go free!
 
 Archaeologist Jacob Kainz who discovered the Orkney Venus at a dig in Westray, with the Orkney Venus.
   
Spring into Easter- 3rd - 5th April

Enjoy three days of fun with our Easter Revelry. A colourful cast of costumed characters will be performing comedy, magic and puppetry whilst  visitors will have the chance to see and handle a range of owls as part of our World of Owls interactive display.

It's all included in the admission price so great value as well as great fun is guaranteed!
 Costume performers at Stirling Castle.



Gun Salute

A royal gun salute will take place on 21 April to mark the birthday of Her Majesty, The Queen. According to tradition the salute itself will take place at noon, with the guns being fired by members of the Glasgow and Strathclyde University Officer Training Corps.
 Members of the military at a gun salute at Stirling Castle.
   
Stewart Stamps

TV archaeologist and presenter, Neil Oliver, will be unveiling a new set of Royal Mail stamps featuring figures from the royal dynasty. The stamps will be available from 23rd March.
 Two of the new Royal Mail stamps, to be released on the 23rd March.
   
Ruth Paterson, eCommunications Officer, Historic Scotland with Chandra Pandey, Project Manager, Mimtech

Website Award

Stirling Castle website wins Communicators in Business (Scotland)Award for best website 2009!


John Donaldson with the replica Stirling Heads.
Competition Winners

Our thanks to everyone who has entered our competitions. Read on for information on the winning entries.
     
Actors at Stirling Castle filming Burke and Hare.
Burke & Hare

The infamous body snatchers were with us this month as filming began on the new movie due to be released next year.
 A jester at Stirling Castle.
Tell a joke & learn how to juggle!

Enter our new competition and you could win a one-to-one lesson from the court juggler!

 
Palace Updates Header Image
 
Detail from small sections of tent paintings which are reserved in wood panelling at Loseley Park. These pictures show the sort of paintings they originally come from.

It sounds a little unlikely, but a tent is being used as the inspiration for a Renaissance-style ceiling in the castle's royal palace... 


Whats On Header Image
MARCH 2010
 
CASTLE GUIDED TOUR
Daily 1030 - 1530

ARGYLL'S LODGING GUIDED TOUR
Daily 1130 - 1545

TAPESTRY TALK
Daily 1300

ORKNEY VENUS EXHIBITION
13th - 26th March
0930 - 1730, Chapel Royal

EASTER REVELRY
3rd - 5th April
1200 - 1600

GUN SALUTE
21st April, 1200

COSTUMED INTERPRETATION PROGRAMME, Great Hall
Sat & Sun, March - April
1000 -1200 & 1300 - 1500
Whats On Leaves Image

Did You Know Header Image
Scotland’s monarchs liked to be kept amused.  James V employed his own jester John Lowes, juggler James Atkinson and famously kept a pet parrot, the papingo that came with its own keeper, Thomas Kells.

For more facts on Stirling Castle visit our Timeline.

If you no longer wish to receive our emails, you may unsubscribe. To view this newsletter in a browser click here
If you wish to contact us please email hs.stirlingcastle@scotland.gsi.gov.uk