Dear Friends of Legends,
Enjoying the lighter nights as summer draws near? We sure are, and we’ve got some exciting updates to share this season! Indulge in our sweet treats at Legends Coffee House and explore unique finds at Legends Gift Shop. Join us for insightful events and guided walks, including the upcoming Midsummer Foraging Walk (22nd June) and the Bannockburn lecture (20th June). Your visit helps Stirling District Tourism to preserve and celebrate Stirling’s history. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Legends Coffee House
Whether you’ve scaled the heights of the Wallace Monument or seek a cozy rendezvous with family and friends, Legends Coffee House offers the idyllic sanctuary surrounded by the Abbey Craig.
Our team at Legends Coffee House as always are ready to welcome you Monday – Sunday 10am to 5:30pm, serving up an array of breakfast and lunch options, from hearty bacon rolls to delightful cream cheese bagels. Our current specials feature refreshing peach iced tea and wonderful, sweet treats including our cranachan cake. Our tasty, homemade soups are a great lunch option with lentil and cream of mushroom among our favourites!
Legends Gift Shop
While you’re here, be sure to explore Legends Gift Shop, where we proudly display fantastic items sourced from local Scottish businesses and artisans. From elegant Perthshire Toucan jewelry to literary gems penned by Stirling-born authors, our shop offers a diverse selection of gifts and souvenirs.
Exciting news! We’ve recently restocked with the highly acclaimed wildlife watercolor artist, Meg Hawkins, featuring the Meg Hawkins Collection. This exclusive line combines their distinctive recycled, food-safe aluminum bowls, coasters, and dishes with Meg Hawkins’ awe-inspiring wildlife paintings.
Immerse yourself in the literary heritage of Stirling with captivating reads like Jim Crumley’s “Seasons of Storms and Wonder” and “The Last Wolf.” Plus, following our enlightening lecture by Tom Bowser from Agraty Red Kites, why not delve into “A Sky Full of Kites”?
This month, we’re thrilled to showcase Goat Milk Soap as our product of the month, lovingly handmade just beyond the hills in Fife. With delightful scents and a commitment to ethical and natural ingredients, these soaps are a definite favourite among our team!
Legends at the Monument Events
It’s been a bustling couple of weeks with Murray Cook leading two fully booked-up guided-walks at the Old Kirk Cemetery near to the Church of the Holy Rude. Our sunset yoga and foraging walks have been an absolute hit in the sunshine (and threatening thunder!).
Upcoming Events
6th June 7-8pm: Guided Walk, Atlantic Wall (now sold out!)
Discover the top-secret research and training ground at Sherrifmuir with Dr. Murray Cook on the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Learn how the British prepared to breach Hitler’s defenses. Parking is available opposite the Clan MacRae Monument, followed by a 20-minute walk to the battlefield. Sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate attire are essential. Remember to bring water.
Tickets available by donation: Atlantic Wall Guided Walk Tickets
9th June 2-3:30pm: Guided Walk – Old Town Cemetery
Meet outside the Church of the Holy Rude entrance at 1:50 pm
Join Dr Murray Cook for a World War themed guided walk exploring the military graves within Stirling’s Old Town Cemetery 80 years after D-Day.We will be keeping to the footpaths but wear sturdy shoes and dress for changeable weather!
Please note, there is no parking at the Church. Street parking is available but parking meter charges apply.
Tickets available here: Old Town Cemetery Guided Walk Tickets
20th June 7-8pm: Lecture – Bannockburn D-DAY
Location, Location, Location! Where did the Battle of Bannockburn take place?
The Battle of Bannockburn is one of the key battles of the Wars of Independence, but where did King Robert the Bruce’s great victory take place? Join Dr. Murray Cook to explore the evidence around where the Battle took place.
Tickets available by donation here: Bannockburn Lecture Tickets
22nd June 5-8pm: Fables, Folklore and Foraging Walk
Meet in Airthrey Medical Centre Car Park
Join the team from Hushwing Ranger Service venturing into Hermitage Woods to explore the fables and folklore around Midsummer and to share some foraging hints for the season and some wonderful, foraged treats by the fireside.
Tickets priced at £12 pp are available here: Fables, Folklore and Foraging Walk Tickets
Updates in Stirling
Starting from the 27th May, explore the city like never before on the new Stirling Sightseeing open-top hop-on hop-off bus tour. In celebration of the Royal Burgh’s 900th anniversary year, the bus will operate every hour, every day, from May 27th to September 1st, 2024. The tour begins on Goosecroft Road, opposite Stirling rail station, and offers full commentary on board. Tickets are available on board or via the Midland Bluebird app. The tour includes stops at the Wallace Monument and near the Church of the Holy Rude and Legends at Cowane’s Coffee Hatch!
Exciting news for all our visitors! Our little sister, Cowane’s Coffee Hatch situated opposite the Church of the Holy Rude, is serving delicious sandwiches and toasties as well as delicious home-made soups from the 3rd of June. Don’t forget to stop by Legends at Cowane’s Coffee Hatch, open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM, where you can enjoy a selection of hot and cold drinks, cakes, and sweet treats. Take a seat outside and soak in the historic ambiance of the medieval quarter at Holy Rude Church or take a stroll through Cowane’s Hospital (free entry) to learn about John Cowane, Stirling’s most generous benefactor.
Additionally, the Stirling District Tourism has released a new ‘Stories in Stone’ leaflet to guide you through Stirling’s Old Town Cemetery. Discover the hidden stories within the churchyard and follow the map to explore the sites of interest.
A Charity with a Mission
Stirling District Tourism, an independent charity, helps to preserve and promote Stirling’s rich history by managing Legends at the Monument, Legends at Cowanes Coffee Hatch as well as the Church of the Holy Rude and runs heritage themed events throughout the year in the greater Stirling area. Your support by visiting the church or supporting via donations allows us to keep the doors open and to celebrate the vast history within these walls.
Thank you for your continued support.
