Meet outside Nationwide at 40 Port St. Stirling FK8 2LF and the walk starts in the Wallace Room at the Golden Lion, 8-10 King Street, Stirling FK8 1DQ.

How long is the walk and how far will we go?

The event runs about two hours and covers approximately one mile with hills, stairs and uneven surfaces.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent; the route has stairs and uneven ground that may be challenging for very young children.

What happens in bad weather?

Walks run in most weather; the operator will notify attendees by email if extreme conditions force a change or cancellation.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

Yes, booking is essential as group size is limited to 30 people; advance reservations secure your place.

Who should I contact with questions?

Email Dr. Murray Cook at m.j.cookstirling35@gmail.com for event details and accessibility queries.

Jacobite January: Burns, Jacobites, and Stirling's City Wall Walk | History Tour

Walk back into the roar of 18th-century Scotland on a brisk January afternoon in Stirling, where cobbled streets rise toward a ring of stone: the city wall. Jacobite January: Burns, Jacobites, and The City Wall is a two‑hour guided walking talk led by archaeologist Dr. Murray Cook that threads history, poetry, and urban fabric across roughly one mile of well‑preserved masonry. Meet outside Nationwide at 40 Port St. Stirling FK8 2LF and be ready to start in the Wallace Room at the Golden Lion (8-10 King Street, Stirling FK8 1DQ), a venue that has lent its room for this seasonal talk.

The tour follows the bones of the last siege of Stirling, peeling back layers of stone, lime mortar, and reused medieval fabric to explain how the city’s defenses shaped daily life, warfare, and politics during the era of the Jacobites. You’ll hear about skirmishes and strategy, Robert Burns’ connections to local memory, and how the Walking of the Marches tradition keeps civic identity alive; a suggested £5 donation supports that local procession. Dr. Cook’s archaeology-first approach highlights architectural details most guides skip—ashlar blocks, mortared junctions, arrow slits, and stair scars that map out both construction technique and conflict.

Practicalities are straightforward: the walk covers about one mile, includes hills, stairs and uneven surfaces, and runs rain or shine—dress accordingly. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent; groups are capped at 30 and booking is essential. Expect a mix of street-level scenes and short elevated stretches that offer compact views of Stirling Castle and the city beyond. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for narrow passages where the wall pinches against modern buildings.

This offering stands out because it’s led by an archaeologist who connects material evidence to story—less folklore, more fabric—while remaining visitor-friendly. It’s also one of the few guided experiences focused specifically on an urban defensive structure rather than a single monument, so you finish with a new sense of how the city evolved around its stone ring. Practical meeting details and booking are provided when reserving; contact [email protected] for questions. If you time it for late afternoon light, the aged stone takes on a warm glow that rewards photographers and history fans alike. Whether you come for Jacobite February lore, Burns’ local links, or to read the city in its masonry, this walk turns Stirling’s walls into a readable city atlas. Booking is essential because group sizes are limited and guides adapt commentary to weather and group interests; expect archaeology-rich anecdotes, street-level social history, and moments of quiet when the city’s exterior architecture speaks. Arrive early to check in—Golden Lion’s Wallace Room provides warm spot before stepping onto the walls for a dense history lesson.

About Bannockburn House

Bannockburn House is a heritage property in Stirling, Scotland, opened to the public as part of Scotland's largest community-led conservation project. The house dates to the 17th century and is being restored and interpreted by a partnership of conservation professionals and local volunteers.

The site offers guided experiences that explain restoration techniques, reveal historic fabric, and share the narratives of the building and its place within regional history. The Heritage Conservation Tour at Bannockburn House provides an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at active conservation work. Guests see repair methods, original architectural features, and curated displays of recovered materials.

Tours are designed to be informative for visitors with an interest in historic buildings, conservation practice, and community heritage initiatives. Bannockburn House presents a transparent approach to preservation: project plans, conservation principles, and community involvement are central to interpretation. The initiative highlights the role of trained specialists working alongside volunteers to protect and reuse heritage fabric.

Educational value, documented techniques, and local stewardship underpin the site's credibility. Location in Stirling places Bannockburn House within easy reach of regional transport links and other historic attractions. The site appeals to heritage travellers, conservation students, and community members seeking to learn about hands-on restoration and the outcomes of a large-scale, community-led conservation effort.

Visitors receive interpretive information during tours that explains the conservation decisions and restoration techniques used on site. Local community partners contribute knowledge and volunteer time to support long-term preservation efforts locally.