Off the Page listings
See culturestirling.org for timings and tickets.
Thursday May 5
A World of Books, St Ninians Library A fun opportunity for new and existing English learners to talk in small groups about reading and their favourite books and authors.
Friday May 6
Robbie Fotheringham, Bridge of Allan Library Traditional fairy stories are great favourites and Robbie likes to use finger puppets to help tell the story. Clive Smith - Stirling Makar, The Smith Clive was appointed Stirling’s Makar in March 2016 and is currently working currently on a collection of pieces about the city, Faces of the Rock. Tour of the Archive, Stirling Council Archives The friendly and knowledgeable staff will be on hand to provide a guided tour and discuss the records held within. Ken MacLeod, Central Library Central Library are starting a new Science Fiction Book Group and Ken MacLeod will be along to launch this new venture. The Boy from Nowhere - Gregor Fisher with Melanie Reid, Tolbooth Gregor Fisher is one of television’s most recognisable actors. He first became a household name with his portrayal of the character Rab C. Nesbitt.
Saturday May 7
Billy Letford, Bannockburn Library Join poet Billy Letford for a writing workshop on the theme of Secrets and Confessions. John Allan and Billy Letford, The Smith As part of the celebrations to mark Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design in 2016, this talk examines an underused local historical resource. The plans of Stirling’s Dean of Guild court give a fascinating insight into some of Stirling’s best known buildings. Dragonese Day, Dunblane Library If you are a fan of the How to train your Dragon books, Dragonese Day will give you all the tools you need to make like Hiccup and start talking to dragons yourself as well as learning loads of cool stuff about Vikings. Village Walk and Display, Balfron Library The history of the built environment in Balfron is not easy to see as it has mostly been demolished but over the years the people of the village have made many notable contributions to the world of aircraft design, architecture, religion business and even American politics.
Monday May 9
Bi-lingual Family Story Book Session, Central Library This fun session will include crafts, games, reading and information. Ajay Close, Doune Library Ajay Scott will talk about her latest novel, A Petrol Scented Spring, published by Sandstone Press. Lisa Ballantyne, Cambusbarron Library Lisa will discuss her experience on the road to getting published and the success of her debut novel.
Tuesday May 10
Creative Notebook Making, Cowane Centre Come along and find out how to make a variety of booklets from simple sheets to paper. Talk of the Toun - Helen MacNiven, St Ninians Library Helen MacKinven writes contemporary Scottish fiction, with a particular interest in exploring themes such as social class and identity, using black comedy and featuring Scots dialect. Design your own Coat of Arms, Bannockburn Library Explore how a Coat of Arms is constructed and look at some of the genuine examples held in Stirling Archives. Macastory, Mayfield Centre Fergus McNicol and Ronnie Fairweather are Macastory: they are registered storytellers with the Scottish Storytelling Centre and have worked with The National Museum of Scotland. Tony Black, Bannockburn Library Born in Australia and growing up in Scotland and Ireland, Tony Black has authored 12 novels, which are all modern masterpieces which have been widely translated and optioned for feature film. Chris Townsend, Dunblane Library Author Chris Townsend will, in this event, describe the landscapes and wildlife, the walkers and climbers, and the authors who have influenced him in his lucid and beautiful book. Colur Me Calm, Strathblane Learn the benefits of colouring with Yvette Walker and Martin Stepek. Wednesday May 11
Story and Crafts, Balfron Library Bring your wee ones along for a story and a cuddle. Stick around afterwards and have fun with icky sticky glue and make something special together in the craft session. Millie Gray, Callander and Fallin Libraries Millie Gray is a writer and professional storyteller who only began writing novels in her seventies. Teddy Bears Picnic Session, Central Library Join us for a special Bookbug Session at Central Library with songs, stories and rhymes. Hiw to get Published, Tolbooth Hear tips from Allan Guthrie and Gill Tasker. Mallachy Tallack, Thornhill Community Hall Here from this talented travel writer.
Thursday May 12
Design your own Coat of Arms, Bridge of Allan Library Explore how a Coat of Arms is constructed and look at some of the genuine examples held in Stirling Archives. Denise Mina with Helen Fitzgerald, Central Library Denise has published 12 novels and also writes short stories, plays and graphic novels. Helen is the bestselling author of Dead Lovely (2007) and nine other adult and young adult thrillers. Raising Awareness of Dementia, Drymen Church Hall Professor June Andrews and Tommy Whitelaw will talk about their personal experiences with the condition. Creating Stories, Cowie Library A fabulous family session for parents and children to create their very own story book together. Bookbug Session, Balfron Library Come along to Balfron Library to join us for stories, songs and rhymes in a fun, interactive Bookbug Session. Lin Anderson, Plean Library Lin is best known as the creator of the forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod series of crime thriller novels, and is a co-founder of the ‘Bloody Scotland’ crime writing festival.
Friday May 13
Caro Ramsay, Bridge of Allan Library Caro is an osteopath by day, a crime writer by night – writing dark and gruesome crime thrillers set in Glasgow. Lari Don, Drymen Library Lari is an award-winning author and storyteller who loves sharing traditional tales from all over the world. Special Effects Creature Workshop, Cowie Library Come along and learn how to be transformed into a cyborg, zombie or any creature from your imagination using face paints and liquid latex. Walter Stephen, St Ninians Library Walter, author of A Dirty Swindle: True Stories of Scots in the Great War, takes a uniquely Scottish perspective on the hardships of World War One. Tour of the Archive, Stirling Council Archives The friendly and knowledgeable staff will be on hand to provide a guided tour and discuss the records held within. Vintage Reminiscine Tea Party, Cowane Centre Come along for tea and cakes, and spend some time chatting to others about your favourite childhood story or book.
Saturday May 14
Mairi Hedderwick with Martin McCardie, Tolbooth The Story of Katie Morag. The author and illustrator, talks about her most famous creation, Katie Morag, and offers some wry insights and observations from behind-the scenes of the multi-award winning TV series. Nick Sharratt, Tolbooth Meet the award-winning author and illustrator Nick Sharratt – pick up your pen and board and draw along. Mairi Hedderwick, Balfron Library Join Mairi this year for some storytelling and hear all about our favourite island girl, Katie Morag.
Monday May 16
Alex Norton, Tolbooth Alex Norton’s journey from the streets of Glasgow’s notorious Gorbals to blockbuster Hollywood movies has hardly been smooth, but in a career that has spanned five decades he has pretty much seen and done it all. Bookbug Week Flagship Event, Bannockburn Visitor Centre Join us for storytelling, Bookbug Sessions, crafts, games and activities as we spend the day exploring with Bookbug.
Thursday May 19
Cosgrove and Spiers - Football in Five Images, Tolbooth A discussion on the state of Scottish football featuring Stuart Cosgrove and Graham Spiers, two of Scotland’s most outspoken commentators.