Hidden medieval Stirling street opened up for guided tours
A medieval Stirling street that has been hidden under Thistles shopping centre in Stirling for over 40 years is to be opened up for special guided tours in June.
Article Source: Stirling Council
Last Updated: 20 May 2024 11:47
Dirt Raw ran along Stirling’s formidable city walls, which are some of the best preserved in Scotland and played a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of the nation.
When Thistles was being constructed in the 1970s, it was built over the Dirt Raw sealing it away from the public – until now.
As part of Stirling’s 900th anniversary celebrations, visitors will have the opportunity to secure special access to this fascinating part of the city’s rich history and heritage on guided tours.
The tours will also feature access to the hidden section of the Thieves' Pot – the 16th century jail located in Thistles – and will be led by Stirling Council Archaeologist, Dr Murray Cook.
He said: “Dirt Raw used to lie outside the Royal Burgh and was sealed in 1970s as the Thistles was built. It’s an incredibly atmospheric disorienting place and I can't wait to explore it and the outside of the Thieves’ Pot.”
Tickets cost £20 per person, with all proceeds going to support Start Up Stirling’s services as the charity celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Andy Ireland, General Manager for Start Up Stirling, said: “Start Up Stirling would like to thank Dr Cook for all of his help in devising this amazing and unique event, which will help to support our services. We would also like to thank Thistles Stirling management team too, for their help.”
Gary Turnbull, Centre Director at Thistles, said: “Stirling is a city with such a rich heritage and it just so happens that Thistles was built atop the Thieves’ Pot. The museum in the centre always catches the eye of tourists and shoppers alike and we’re excited to be taking part in opening the Dirt Raw to uncover the city’s history whilst helping to raise vital funds for Start Up Stirling.”
Stirling’s City Walls were built during the ‘Rough Wooing’ in the 16th century to deter the English from forcing the infant Mary Queen of Scots into marrying Henry VIII's heir.
Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Chris Kane said: “These guided tours will provide a rare opportunity to see part of Stirling’s remarkable history that’s been hidden away for more than 40 years.
“As we mark Stirling’s 900th anniversary, this is a fitting moment to open up this medieval street to the public whilst supporting a fantastic local charity in Start Up Stirling as it celebrates its special milestone. I’m sure there will be huge demand so please book early.”
There are only 20 tickets from each tour, on Wednesday 12 and 19 June, so booking via ticketsource is essential: www.ticketsource.co.uk.
Please note that this tour is not suitable for people who dislike tight, enclosed spaces. Appropriate footwear is required as some areas are uneven.
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
Roblox hits the big screen at Vue Cinemas
British kids will go head-to-head on Roblox to be crowned the Gaming Challenge UK champion.
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland Announces CHAS as the Official Charity Partner for its 2025 Supermarket Sweep
Aldi Scotland has proudly announced Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) as the official charity partner of its long running and hugely popular Supermarket Sweep initiative for 2025.
READ MORE
Homebuilder announced as headline sponsor of Stirling 900 finale celebrations
Persimmon Homes (East Scotland) has been unveiled as the headline sponsor for the Stirling 900 finale celebrations.
READ MORE
Hop along to Dobbies this Easter
Dobbies Garden Centres is welcoming families and four-legged friends to hop along and get set for spring at its brand-new Easter-themed events, taking place across the UK.
READ MORE
Thousands of preloved books for children to find new homes through Asda instore donation points in Scotland
The initiative enables customers across the UK to donate pre-loved children's books in-store, for onward gifting to families with fewer books of their own.
READ MORE
Marstons is going marmalade mad in celebration of Paddington in Peru
To celebrate the Home Release of Paddington in Peru, Marston's has created a limited-edition marmalade-inspired children's menu, which will be available in over 250 Marston's pubs nationwide!
READ MORE
Scots charity calls on young Scottish poets for national campaign
Communities across Scotland are being invited to make a visible show of support for LGBTQ+ young people this Purple Friday.
READ MORE
From Barra to Buenos Aires: Worldwide Gaelic celebration just around the corner
The Gaelic language is set to be celebrated around the world in less than two weeks' time as Seachdain na Gàidhlig, World Gaelic Week, gets set to return from 24th February - 2nd March.
READ MORE
Stirling to Host Sizzling Showcase of Food, Drink and Tourism
Stirling is turning up the heat this March with a dynamic line up of events designed to inspire, connect and showcase the region’s food, drink and tourism industry.
READ MORE
Multi level car park reopens at Thistles following refurbishment
Thistles, Stirling, today announces the reopening of its car park following an extensive £3.5 million investment as part of ongoing improvement plans.
READ MORE
Valentines Share The Love Campaign Launched in Stirling
Stirling residents are being invited to share their support for the city’s business community this month.
READ MORE
Creative organisations invited to take part in special Stirling 900 cultural celebration
Creative organisations are being invited to take part in a special cultural night on Friday 28 March as part of Stirling’s 900th anniversary finale celebrations.
READ MORE
Hostelling Scotland launches appeal for Gen Z board members to help put the youth back into hostelling
THE organisation behind one of Scotland's most historic travel traditions is calling for young people to join its board as it seeks to capitalise on a surge in interest amongst Gen Z travellers.
READ MORE
The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show returns to Glasgow
Here's everything you need to know about the biggest show of its kind in Scotland!
READ MORE
Stellar line up of leaders unite to influence a better future of work in Scotland
Award winning authors, a former SAS soldier, along with HR leaders from Scotland’s top employers are among the speakers for the CIPD Scotland Annual Conference, 2025.
READ MORE
Brand new experience to celebrate Mothers Day at Dobbies
This March, Dobbies Garden Centres is offering a new hands-on Mother's Day experience, combining a luxury Afternoon Tea with a seasonal planting workshop.
READ MORE
Stirling Castle set to host a belated Burns Night celebration
On Saturday 8 February, Stirling Castle will be hosting a belated Burns an' a' that, a celebration of the famous Scottish bard, Robert Burns.
READ MORE
New exhibition to celebrate the literary history of Stirling
Stirling’s remarkable literary history is being celebrated at a new exhibition to mark the city’s 900th anniversary.
READ MORE
Free and great value half term activities at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is offering great value entertainment for families this February half term.
READ MORE
itison Us charity call out
itison Us have thousands of free respite experiences available for small Scottish charities.
READ MORE
Pavilion Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup with James, Ewan McVicar, Annie Mac, Ben Hemsley, Happy Mondays and more
Pavilion Festival has today announced the huge lineup for its third year on Ayr Beach with James, Annie Mac, Happy Mondays, Ewan McVicar, Ben Hemsley and more playing live!
READ MORE
Warning of rogue traders following Storm Eowyn
Stirling Council is urging residents and businesses to be wary of rogue traders looking to take advantage of the damage to property caused by Storm Eowyn.
READ MORE
Trust launches storm appeal following extensive damage across Scotland
The National Trust for Scotland has launched an appeal to support emergency work needed to deal with the devastating destruction caused by Storm Éowyn.
READ MORE
Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show launches a mythical map of Scotland with lead Scottish tour company
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland has partnered with Andy The Highlander to create an Enchanted Map of Scotland's most enchanted locations.
READ MORE
Scottish hospitality group serves up new digital loyalty scheme to cut customer bills
Scottish hospitality group, Signature, has launched an innovative new digital loyalty scheme to help cost-conscious customers save money dining out.
READ MORE
Scottish Golf events go LIVE for 2025
Top amateurs and handicap golfers can now sign up for one or more of Scottish Golf's 33 championships in a packed 2025 schedule.
READ MORE
Live Music Now Scotland announces unparalleled new award
Live Music Now Scotland is delighted to announce a funding award of £150,000 from Elizabeth Lornie's Charitable Trust.
READ MORE
Pavilion Festival returns to Ayr Beach with Saturday lineup curated by Ewan McVicar
Pavilion Festival Presents: Ewan McVicar B2B Ben Hemsley, special guest Annie Mac, along with DJ Seinfeld, Sally C, Robert Hood (Floorplan) and more on Saturday 3rd May!
READ MORE
BBC Debate Night returns for 2025
BBC Scotland's topical TV programme Debate Night returns this month and they are searching for people to be part of the big studio audience.
READ MORE
Huge 90s pop dance stars heading to Royal Highland Centre for Forth 50 Live!
Forth 1 have today announced details of Forth 50 - Live!, a huge celebration to mark the station's 50th birthday with an epic line up of 90s pop dance acts at The Royal Highland Centre.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links