Celebrate our heritage in Stirling

The Walking of the Marches is a tradition that is probably as old as Stirling, dating back to the days before accurate maps when it was necessary to check the burgh boundaries to ensure that no encroachment had taken place. As with other places across Scotland this tradition has developed into an inclusive community celebration of our heritage. Where most places ride their Marches, in Stirling we have always walked them; this was done by the Birlawmen, led by the Captain of the Birlawmen. Of course, it is no longer necessary to actually check all the boundaries but what we do is a modern interpretation of this tradition. The Birlawmen do check boundary points; the term Birlawman is no longer gender specific but it one of the many traditional terms that are still used and, like their predecessors, the Birlawmen still carry picks and shovels. Resplendent in their blue bonnets, the Captain takes reports from from the Birlawmen that the Marches have been checked, are intact and have been marked in the traditional manner by the turning of turfs. This report is then conveyed to the Lord Provost, Lord Dean of Guild and Deacon Convenor of the Seven Incorporated Trades who are then invited to accompany the Birlawmen in a colourful celebratory procession through the city to the historic Cowane's Hospital where entertainment is provided. The Walking of the Marches is a free event and open to all. It takes place on the last Saturday in May starting at 11am at the rotunda at the foot of King Street in the heart of the city centre. Please join us if you can.

 

Further information about the Stirling Walking of the Marches can be found on our facebook page.

 

If you would like more information or are interested in getting involved in the organisation of the event please get in touch with us using the send us a message link at the bottom of this page.