Visit the Stirling 900 Photographic Exhibition at the Church of the Holy Rude – on display until the 26th of October 2025.
A visual tribute to Stirling’s community, heritage and spirit
In 2024, Stirling marked 900 years as a Royal Burgh, one of Scotland’s oldest cities. To commemorate this milestone, the Stirling 900: A Celebration of People and Place Photo Book brings together photographs submitted by the public and curated by the Stirling Photography Festival and Stirling 900 Steering Committee. The result is a rich, intimate portrait of Stirling – it’s people, places and enduring spirit.
On Wednesday the 6th of August the Church of the Holy Rude hosted the official book launch. The evening began with a wine reception, live music from pianist Keiko McAlpine, and the opening of a special exhibition featuring highlights from the book. The exhibition runs until 26th October and is included in the church’s admission.
Speakers included Dr David Mitchell (Stirling Heritage Alliance), the Lord Provost of Stirling Elaine Watterson, and Festival Creative Director Janie Meikle Bland, all reflecting on the power of community storytelling and the importance of preserving heritage through creativity.
Festival team member Zephrya Durkin said,
“After months of work, it’s a joy to see the book in people’s hands and hear this responses to the launch.”
Tom Astbury, whose iconic image is the cover of the book has generously donated a signed print being auctioned from now until the close of this year’s festival.
The evening concluded with a moving performance of Stirling 900, an original pipe composition by Pipe Major Kevin McLean, commissioned by Stirling Heritage Alliance.
Together, the book, exhibition, and event reflect Stirling’s pride in its past and optimism for its future – celebrating community, creativity and place.
“The Stirling Photography Festival is about the coming together of people with a passion for photography, young and old, hobbyist and professional. The Stirling 900 Book embodies all of this. Working as part of the team behind the Stirling 900 Book has been a joy, most of all, a privilege for all of us, to be part of the legacy of Stirling in the future. This would not have been possible without the enthusiastic support of the Stirling Heritage Alliance. The launch at the Church of the Holy Rude was a beautiful event and watching the contributors, curators and invited guests pour over their copies last night was a pleasure”.
Stirling Photography Festival 900 Book Team.
About the Stirling Photography Festival
An annual celebration of visual storytelling, the Stirling Photography Festival showcases emerging and established photographers while connecting people to place through exhibitions, workshops and events.
Website: www.stirlingphotographyfestival.co.uk
About Stirling Heritage Alliance (formerly Stirling District Tourism)
An independent charity committed to preserving and promoting Stirling’s history by managing the Church of the Holy Rude, Legends at Cowane’s, and Legends at the Monument, while also delivering a year-round programme of heritage-themed events.
The Stirling 900 Photo Book is available to purchase in the Church of the Holy Rude Gift Shop. £17.99