Celebrating Heritage, Music, Art, and Storytelling in the Heart of Stirling 

A Warm Welcome to the Visitor Season

We were pleased to kick off the season with the opening night of our first exhibition, featuring the stunning works of Iona Leishman – a captivating collection of Stirling-inspired scenes that vividly reflect the city and its surrounding landscapes. The evening was enriched by the enchanting music of harpist Moira Brew and a heartfelt performance by the Singing Hearts from Dunblane, setting a perfect tone for a season of cultural celebration.

Sounds of Stirling Series Begins 

In April, we welcomed Christine Kammerer for the first afternoon concert as part of our Sounds of Stirling series. This was followed in May by a beautiful performance from pianist Catherine Duncan. At the start of June, Kevin McLean impressed audiences with his bagpipe performance and a short talk on the history and craftsmanship of the Highland pipes.

Introducing Storytelling at the Holy Rude 

New this season, our Afternoon Storytelling Events have brought local voices and legends to life within our historic walls. We were delighted to welcome Caroline Carmichael and Joanne Dowd, at the start of the season sharing tales from Scotland and further afield!

Daily Tours at the Holy Rude 

We continue to welcome visitors for self-guided tours and are pleased to offer daily guided tours at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Our team is always ready to share the church’s remarkable history with you. 

Looking Ahead: June Highlights 

Saturday 7th June 
Aberdeen Music School Concert  19:30-20:45 Free, donations welcomed

Saturday 14th June 
Storytelling with Laura Fyfe 
Sessions at 13:30–14:00 & 14:30–15:00. Book Here 

Sunday 15th June 
Guided Walk of the Old Town Cemetery 
Led by Dr. Murray Cook, 13:30–15:00 
Book Here

Thursday 19th June 
Guided Walk: The Wars of Independence 
With Dr. Murray Cook 

Book Here

What’s Coming Up This Summer Tickets available soon

July 
Sunday 6th – Sounds of Stirling: Harpist Moira Brew 
Thursday 10th – Guided Walk: Scotland’s Best Preserved City Walls with Dr. Murray Cook 
Saturday 19th – Storytelling with James Fleming 

August 
Sunday 1st – Sounds of Stirling: Pipe Major Kevin McLean 
Saturday 16th – Storytelling with Joanne Dowd 
Sunday 17th – Guided Walk: Old Town Cemetery 

September

Sunday 7th – Sounds of Stirling: Pianist Keiko McAlpine 
Saturday 20th – Storytelling with Jim Fleming 

October

Sunday 5th – Sounds of Stirling: Harpist Moira Brew 
Saturday 18th – Storytelling with Christine Kammerer 
Sunday 26th – Guided Walk: The Darker History of Stirling 

  • Christine Kammerer
  • Catherine Duncan
  • Kevin McLean

Upcoming Exhibition: Royal Connections 

Stay tuned for our next exhibition, which will delve deeper into the Church’s connection with King James VI and Mary, Queen of Scots – two towering figures in Scotland’s royal history. 

We warmly invite you to join us throughout the season as we continue to celebrate music, stories, and history in one of Stirling’s most iconic sacred spaces. 


The Church of the Holy Rude Team 

What’s Happening in Stirling’s Top of the Town?

Stirling recently celebrated the 2025 Walking the Marches, with the Birliman leading a traditional parade around the town to check its boundaries. The event concluded at Cowane’s Bowling Green, where visitors enjoyed thrilling re-enactments and combat stunt performances.

Meanwhile, Legends at Cowane’s—located inside the historic Guild Hall of Cowane’s Hospital, just across from the Church—has officially opened for the season.

Now open daily, Monday to Sunday, from 10am to 4pm.