The parade, led on Saturday (29 March) by the City of Stirling Pipe Band, weaved its way down from the iconic Stirling Castle, through the city centre and crossed the historic Old Stirling Bridge before dispersing at the grounds of Stirling County Rugby Club.
Fittingly, around 900 people participated in the parade, including 350 musicians in addition to various community groups and organisations.
The dramatic spectacle capped off a year of festivities held across Stirling to mark 900 years since it was granted Royal Burgh status by King David I in 1124. The castle parade was the showpiece event of the finale weekend, which also saw an exciting night of art and culture held at Stirling Castle in addition to a ceilidh at the historic Albert Halls.
Stirling Lord Provost Elaine Watterson said: “We certainly didn’t let the rain dampen the mood on Saturday and it was a spectacular way to celebrate the history of Stirling.
“Everybody who played their part in making the day happen should be incredibly proud of themselves and I’d like to thank those who participated, not just in the parade but in all of the events that were held in the last year. Thank you to the people of Stirling for coming out to join in the festivities which will be remembered long into the future.”
Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Gerry McGarvey said: “It was a humbling sense of occasion to walk the historic route from Stirling Castle and over Old Stirling Bridge and contemplate the nine centuries that our city has existed.
“The weather simply added to the drama of the day which was scored by the evocative skirl of hundreds of pipers and drums beating the march of time. I hope that everybody who came along to watch the parade will hold the memories of the day as dearly as I will.”
The bands and groups who took part in the parade were as follows:
- SCOTS Military Band
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Civic Party & Burlewmen/women; Stirling Councillors
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City of Stirling Pipes and Drums
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Walking on the Marches & Hammermen
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Stirling Schools Pipes and Drums
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Merchant Guildry of Stirling
- Queen Victoria School Pipes & Drums
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The Seven Incorporated Trades of Stirling
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Scouts Scotland Pipes & Drums
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University of Stirling
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Stirling Boys Brigade Pipes & Drums
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Stirling Highland Games
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Army Cadets Pipes & Drums
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Army Cadets
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Glencorse Pipes & Drums
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SVE Stirlingshire Voluntary Enterprise
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Barrhead District Pipes & Drums
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Police Scotland Youth Volunteers
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Doune Pipes & Drums
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Inner Wheel Club of Stirling
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7 SCOTS/UOTC Pipes & Drums
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Royal Corp of Signals/SNIY Pipes & Drums
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Balaklava & Seaforth Highlanders Pipes & Drums
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Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Stirling Branch Standard and 10 Argyll Veterans
- Alloa Bowmar Pipes & Drums
- Stonehouse Pipes & Drums
- Cupar & District Pipes & Drums
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Cumbernauld Community Group Pipes & Drums
The finale events were supported by Persimmon Homes (East Scotland) who were the headline sponsors of the Stirling finale 900 celebrations.
Neil Parry, Managing Director at Persimmon Homes East Scotland, said:
"Persimmon Homes East Scotland is incredibly proud to have supported the 900th anniversary celebrations of this historic city.
"The parade was a fitting culmination to a year of remarkable events, showcasing Stirling's rich history and vibrant community spirit. It's inspiring to see so many come together, despite the weather, to mark this special occasion.
"We're delighted to have played a part in helping bring the city’s history to life and support its ongoing cultural and community initiatives."
Elsewhere, leading up to the weekend, over 100 of Stirling’s young people took part in an open forum event to present on the pressing issues affecting their lives. The Speak Up Stirling event was hosted by Capital’s Katy J and is led by Stirling Youth Forum, MSYPs and Stirling Youth Participation Team.
