Stirling Rocks 2025 - The City that Defined Scotland!

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.

Info: 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's Hospital in time for the start of the programme.

10:00 AM – Event Begins
Venue: Cowane's Hospital
The programme will kick off promptly at 10:00 AM with opening remarks and the first session of the day.

Info: 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 Cowane's House (Queen Mary's Palace).

Info: 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 excavation of a number of illicit whisky bothy sites on NTS land, including examples on Ben Lomond and Ben Lawers. It also featured the excavation of the original site of The Glenlivet distillery which was in production from 1824-1859 before moving to its current location.

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

Info: 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.

Info: 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, the company has six offices across the UK and a team of over 100 highly skilled professionals. Their work covers every aspect of heritage management, grounded in precise planning, careful risk assessment, and cost-effective delivery. In this session, Kevin Paton will discuss the excavation of the historic town ditch in Stirling, while Cullen Cockburn will present findings from a prehistoric roundhouse uncovered at Cuchenquarter.

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

Info: 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 ordered by Roman Emperor Septimius Severus.

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

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Church of the Holy Rude, Saint John Street, Stirling, United Kingdom