More Marchers set to join city procession
Numbers taking part in ancient tradition set to grow
Crowds are expected to descend on Stirling for the annual Walking the Marches event next month.
There will be a procession through the city led by the University of Stirling re-enactment society along with music from Alloa and Bowmar Pipe Band and Tulliallan Pipe and Drums on Saturday September 16.
The event, which will start at 11am outside the Municipal Buildings in Corn Exchange Road, can be traced back to medieval times when the only way to protect land boundaries was to walk round them.
In Stirling it dates back to at least 1611 although a charter has been uncovered which suggests the tradition of inspecting and protecting the city boundaries could go back to the 12th century.
Traditionally the main inspectors of the Marches are known as Birlawmen, led by The Captain of the Birlawmen, and they used picks and shovels to mark certain points in the boundary which were later replaced by march stones.
Provost Christine Simpson said: “Walking the Marches is a great way to get involved in the history of Stirling; whether it is walking in the footsteps of your ancestors, understanding a bit more about the history of Stirling, or simply getting to see all the different communities and groups that make Stirling the great city it is.
“I am looking forward to my first Walking the Marches as Provost. It’s been great to be able to support this important part of Stirling’s history.”
The practice disappeared in the 1970s after council regionalisation but was brought back three years ago thanks to the efforts of Stirling Council and members of the city’s Seven Incorporated Trades and Guildry.
Stuart Campbell, deacon convener of the Seven Incorporated Trades of Stirling, said: “Since the Walking of the Marches revival in 2014 our ancient tradition has grown year-on-year and is now firmly fixed as part of our City and Royal and Ancient Burgh’s annual calendar of events.
“Each year the Marches have increased in numbers, with this year being no exception.
“In early 2017 a Marches committee was set up and now includes many different organisations and clubs within the community of Stirling. This new committee is already taking the Marches to new dimensions and is now successfully embracing many different areas of life within our city.”
The procession is organised from volunteers throughout the city and is supported by a number of businesses.
The route will take walkers along the Back Walk to the Smith before continuing to the Top of the Town and returning to the Municipal Buildings.