The countdown is on for the gala event which will see one of the biggest pipe band parades the city has ever seen step off from the esplanade at Stirling Castle at 12pm.
Fittingly, around 900 people, including 350 musicians and local community groups and organisations, will march an iconic route from the Castle through the city centre and over Stirling Bridge to Stirling Rugby Club.
Stirling and District Schools Pipe Band will be among the leading bands on the parade and anticipation among members is growing as the event draws ever closer.
Historic event
Broden Daly of Bridge of Allan and an S3 pupil at Wallace High, said: “We can’t wait part to be part of this historic event as we celebrate 900 years of Stirling.
“We wouldn’t want it any other way than celebrating it with our tutors and friends in the band, and it will be a joy to perform with bands and pipers from all across the country as we make our way through the streets of Stirling."
Really proud
Callum Nellist of Cambusbarron and an S2 pupil at Stirling High, said: “As everyone in the band is from schools in Stirling, we’re really proud and honoured to be playing a leading role in this showpiece event for the city.
“There is going be a real carnival atmosphere in the city and it will be an amazing experience to play in front of our families, the people of Stirling and visitors as the 900 celebrations come to a fantastic finale.”
Residents and visitors are being invited to line the streets of Stirling for the family-friendly parade, which also include community groups and organisations from across Stirling, with lots of great vantage points along the route.
The parade is expected to take around 45 minutes to complete. Access to the Castle Esplanade will be restricted to parade participants on the day.
At its conclusion, parade participants will gather on the pitch at Bridgehaugh for a large group photograph and family members and friends are also welcome to enter the Rugby Club grounds, where there will be a range of food and drinks vendors available.
A full FAQs for the event has been compiled to signpost residents and visitors to key information on the parade.
The parade will follow a showcase of Stirling’s dynamic and diverse culture at the Castle on Friday, 28 March – with the Stirling 900 celebrations concluding at a special ceilidh at the Albert Halls on the Saturday night, with final tickets still available.
A celebration of Stirling and its people
Lord Provost Elaine Watterson said: “This anniversary is a celebration of Stirling and its people so it’s wonderful that so many of our talented young musicians, including Stirling and District Schools Pipe Band, are going to be at the forefront of the historic parade.
“There is going to be an incredible atmosphere as this huge musical processions weaves its way through our beautiful city and some of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks. I look forward to seeing you all there for this exciting event as come together as one on Saturday 29 March.”
The finale events are being supported by Persimmon Homes (East Scotland) who are the headline sponsors of the Stirling finale 900 celebrations.
For more details on all the Stirling 900 finale events, please visit: https://www.yourstirling.com/whats-on/stirling-900-finale/