Stirling Rocks 2025 - The City that Defined Scotland!

Stirling Rocks 2025 - The City that Defined Scotland!

By Stirling Heritage Alliance

Join us for Stirling Rocks, a full-day celebration of Stirling's rich heritage.

Date and time

Location

Church of the Holy Rude

Saint John Street Stirling FK8 1ED United Kingdom

Agenda

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Doors Open for Ticket Holders


9:30 AM – Doors Open Venue: Church of the Holy Rude Guests are welcome to arrive from 9:30 AM for tea, coffee, and pastries before the event begins. Please check in and make your way across to Cowane...

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

John Cowane - Stirling's Generous Benefactor

Lorne Scott - Chief Executive Officer Cowane's Trust


Mr Lorne Scott, Chief Executive Officer and Master & Factor of the Cowane's Trust, will present a unique insight into John Cowane, his past, his legacy and the exciting new heritage project at John C...

11:10 AM - 12:10 PM

Pioneering Spirit - The Archaeology of Whisky Making in Scotland

Derek Alexander - National Trust for Scotland


The talk will focus on the results of our Pioneering Spirit Project which was undertaken as partnership between the National Trust for Scotland and The Glenlivet. The work included the survey and exc...

12:10 PM - 1:00 PM

Lunch


? Church of the Holy Rude A buffet lunch will be served inside the Church, offering sandwiches, tea, coffee, and cake.

1:10 PM - 2:00 PM

Choice of Guided Tour


Church of the Holy Rude or Stirling’s Old Town Cemetery Guests can choose between a tour of the historic Church of the Holy Rude or a guided walk around Stirling’s Old Town Cemetery.

2:10 PM - 3:00 PM

Hot off the Press: Recent Discoveries

Kevin Paton and Cullen Cockburn - AOC Archaeology


Join the team from AOC Archaeology Group as they share insights from their recent excavations and research. AOC is one of the most experienced heritage consultancies in Britain. Established in 1991, ...

3:10 PM

Short Interval


A short break with refreshments available for those who need it.

3:25 PM - 4:25 PM

Surviving Scotland's Only Recorded Genocide

Dr Murray Cook - Stirling's Archaeologist


An Update on Excavations in King's Park Dr Murray Cook discusses the recent excavation of a Roman period cemetery and hillfort in Kings Park, and what is reveals about the Maeatae and the Geocide ord...

4:30 PM

End of Event


The Event will be drawn to a close by Pipe Major Kevin McLean.

Good to know

Highlights

  • 6 hours, 30 minutes
  • ALL AGES
  • In person
  • Doors at 9:30 AM

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event

About this event

Community • Heritage

Stirling Rocks – The City that Defined Scotland!

Celebrating the history and geology of Stirling.

Time: 10am-4:30pm (Doors open from 9:30am)

Venue: Church of the Holy Rude and Cowane’s Hospital, Stirling

Tickets: Early Bird £25 | Standard £30

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT UNTIL SEPTEMBER 1ST 2025

Event Overview

Join us for Stirling Rocks, a full-day celebration of Stirling's rich heritage, set in the stunning and historic Church of the Holy Rude and Cowane’s Hospital. This unique event will explore the city's lasting influence on Scotland's history, with engaging talks, guided tours and special guests to entertain!

Whether you’re a heritage enthusiast, student, academic or simply curious about Stirling’s rich heritage, archaeology and untold stories join us for a day of discovery!

Programme Highlights (for guidance)

9:30 – Doors Open for Ticket Holders (Tea/Coffee and pastries on arrival)

10:00 – Lorne Scott 'John Cowane - Stirling's generous benefactor'

11:10 – Derek Alexander 'Pioneering Spirit - the archaeology of whisky making in Scotland'

12:10- Lunch (Sandwiches, tea/coffee & cake)

1:10 – Choice of Guided Tour: Cemetery Tour OR Church of the Holy Rude tour

2:10 – AOC Archaeology 'Hot off the Press: Recent Discoveries'

3:25 – Dr Murray Cook 'Surviving Scotland's Only Recorded Genocide'

4:30- Event Concludes

Thank you to this years sponsors AOC Archaeology and the Univeristy of Edinburgh.

Important information for Attendees

No on-site parking – please use Stirling town centre car parks

Historic venue – the church of the holy rude is over 600 years old and can be quite chilly please dress warmly.

Tours may involve outdoor sections – please wear suitable footwear.

Tours may involve outdoor sections – please wear suitable footwear.

Organized by

Stirling Heritage Alliance

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From £27.80