John Cowane is one of the best-known figures from Stirling's past, as founder of the Hospital or Alms House which bears his name. Less well known is that his house survives as a stabilised ruin St Mary's Wynd.

Sadly, this house, one of the oldest surviving in Stirling, is rarely accessible to the public. There are presently efforts to undertake some restoration work - particularly in the garden area to the rear.

Volunteers are working on the last Thursday each month. There is a series of talks about the site's potential (the next one is by Buglife on 9th October at 5pm to 6.30 pm.

You can find out more at the project website, www.transitionstirling.org.uk.

Many local people were born in Airthrey Castle, which functioned as a maternity home for many years, until the opening of the University in the 1960s. However, written records for the twentieth century history of this  important building appear to be sparse and Sara Munton is keen to plug some of the gaps. She writes:


"Search for Airthrey Castle's missing history.

I am a dissertation student at the University of Stirling who is very keen to recover and write about the history of Airthrey Castle as a maternity home during the Second World War and the years following. I feel it is important that the history of this beautiful building is preserved, and so would love to hear or receive any information you know about it during this period. I am especially interested in first hand accounts, however any information provided is much appreciated. Please contact me at slm00017@students.stir.ac.uk 

Many thanks.

Sara Munton"

As part of Scottish Archaeology Month Stephen Digney will lead another bout of survey work on the Nissen Huts at the Haining, below Stirling Castle - 10 am - 4pm.

Back in early April Stephen and other staff from the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland led a previous day's survey work. A dozen or so people enjoyed a good day and learned a great deal, both about surveying and about the history of the area and of Nissen Huts in general.

The Haining is the field 'behind' the King's Knot with access from Royal Gardens or from the Knot enclosure.

Previous participants are welcome to return - but no experience is necessary.

It is essential to book in advance = contact Stephen Digney stephen.digney@rcahms.gov.uk.

Sensible clothing and footwear are advised - the area can be muddy and weather is always uncertain. There will be a break for lunch (own arrangements).

We understand that the walk around the King's Knot area, previously advertised for 12-noon, will not now take place.

For further details of Scottish Archaeology Month local events see
http://www.stirling.gov.uk/__documents/temporary-uploads/economy,-planning-_and_-regulation/doors-open-day/dodam-booklet-2014-.pdf

Dr Michael Penman, of Stirling University, is to run a lecture series on the Wars of Independence, the background, the course of the wars and their later mythologising.

the series will run on Tuesday nights, 7pm – 8.30pm in the Pathfoot Building at the University of Stirling, from 7 October. The cost is £100 for all 11 sessions if paid in advance; or £10/lecture, collected each week of attendance.

The income from the series will go to support the publication of The Battle of Bannockburn, 1314-2014, a collection of conference essays on the battle and its later history: the names of those enrolled for the lectures will appear in the volume cf Tabula Gratulatoria. A certificate will also be provided to those attending more than two-thirds of the lectures as proof of cpd. The series will require at least twelve enrollments to run.

Lectures – each will have a PowerPoint slides, accompanying primary source documents, basic recommended reading and time for Q&A.

1. The Scottish Kingdom and Anglo-Scottish Relations before 1286 [7 Oct]

2. The Interregnum and ‘Great Cause’, 1286-92 [14 Oct]

3. The Kingship of John Balliol and the outbreak of war, 1292-6 [21 Oct]

4. William Wallace and Scottish military resistance, 1297-1304 [28 Oct]

5. Scottish Diplomacy, 1298-1304 [4 Nov]

6. Bruce’s revolution, 1305-9 [11 Nov]

7. The road to Bannockburn, 1310-14 [18 Nov]

8. After Bannockburn: patronage and propaganda, 1314-29 [24 Nov]

9. Military Hegemony? The Scots in Ireland and northern England 1314-28 [2 Dec]

10. Peace and war again, 1322-57 [9 Dec]

11. The Aftermyth of the Wars – from Barbour and Blind Hary to Braveheart and Bannockburn Live!; Dissertation topics [16 Dec]


Anyone wishing to enroll should contact Dr Penman directly
m.a.penman@stir.ac.uk<mailto:m.a.penman@stir.ac.uk>; 01786 467575. An invoice can be prepared if your institution will fund your attendance.