Living History Scotland Ltd

08/09/2026

From the Ladies’ Lookout today, the view across Stirling feels wonderfully familiar. As crews set up for the BBC Radio 2 Big Weekend (11th to 13th September), the bustle of tents, stages and equipment echoes the great gatherings of centuries past.

In the days of Scotland’s Renaissance court, this same ground would have been alive with colour, pavilion tents rising for jousts and holy fairs, jesters weaving through the crowds, acrobats tumbling, musicians rehearsing for royal celebrations. Horses and carts instead of trucks, greasy poles instead of big wheels, archery butts where carousels now stand, different tools, same excitement.

If you’re attending the Big Weekend, pop into magnificent Stirling Castle while you’re here.
Friday - enjoy the beautiful sounds of our lute and cittern player.
Saturday - hear the virginal, hurdy‑gurdy, and other wonderful period instruments filling the Royal Apartments with Renaissance music.

31/08/2026

31/08/2026

Ladies at work! Step into the Royal Apartments in Stirling Castle today and meet the ladies hard at work in the 16th‑century Stewart Court.

Discover the needlework and embroidery that filled their days, delicate stitches, rich colours and designs inspired by courtly life and European fashion.

Admire their artistry… and if you’ve heard any gossip from the other royal courts, they’ll be all ears.

30/08/2026

Today we mark the anniversary of the baptism of Prince Henry, son of James VI of Scots, right here at Stirling Castle, a moment of royal celebration that echoed through the kingdom.

Step into the Royal Apartments and meet the staff who would have been responsible for bringing up the babies of the court. Discover how royal infants were dressed, fed, soothed and educated, and learn what life looked like for the tiniest members of Scotland’s Renaissance court.

Join us throughout the day in the Royal Apartments.

29/08/2026

Step into the Royal Apartments at Stirling Castle today and meet John Kincaid, who’ll be sharing the noble art of venerie, the skills, knowledge and traditions behind hunting in the royal court.

Discover how hunters tracked, read and understood the landscape, and explore the tools and techniques that shaped this essential part of 16th‑century life.