Forth Valley iCentre stories

Staff at the Stirling and Aberfoyle iCentres share their local stories

Visitors and locals in Forth Valley are being urged to delve into the rich history and local legends of the region, as part of this year’s Themed Year celebrations.

The Year of Stories 2022 aims to spotlight, celebrate and promote the wealth of stories inspired by, written, or created in Scotland.

Our staff at the Stirling and Aberfoyle iCentres are encouraging visitors to unearth some of the best-known secrets, myths and legends associated with the local area.

An important part of the information centre’s role is helping visitors to enjoy the area responsibly, by linking visitors with local tourism businesses and sharing information on some of the hidden gems to be found.

Hear from some of our visitor service advisors about their love of Scottish history and folklore.

Visitor Services Advisor - Graham Hamilton

Visitor Services Advisor Graham Hamilton told us that Forth Valley is a region rich in history and folklore, with many fascinating stories and characters still celebrated across the region with associated visitor experiences.

Graham, who is one of three visitor services advisors based in Stirling’s iCentre by the Old Town Jail, enjoys regaling the story of the Green Lady of Stirling Castle, believed to be the ghost of Mary Queen of Scots serving girl, who perished following a fire at the castle. She is now believed to be a harbinger of death and will curse anyone who looks at her.

His other favourite tale is of John Erskine, the 17^th Earl of Mar who is another local character with interesting ties to the region and the history of the nation. He was custodian of the infant James VI of Scotland (Mary Queen of Scots’ son) and Regent of Scotland until the young king came of age. He was also Keeper of Stirling Castle and wanted to build a mansion for himself as grand and is rumoured to have stolen bricks and stone from Cambuskenneth Abbey to do so.

View from Stirling Castle

Visitor Services Advisor - Colin McRae

Colin McRae from the Aberfoyle iCentre, located on the town’s main street, told of the Doon Hill where it is said that local minister, Reverend Robert Kirk, was killed by faeries in 1692 after publishing a book revealing their secrets. His body was found on the hill, which he had said was the gateway to fairy queen’s kingdom. Look out for the solitary pine on top of the hill, which some believe still holds the reverend’s soul.

Aberfoyle iCentre entrance

Year of Stories 2022 regional events

The delivery of an exciting programme of special events is an important part of the Year of Stories. There are more than 100 events taking place across the country as part of the Year of Stories events programme. Look out for events taking place in Forth Valley including Tales from the Castle which opens the gates to Scotland’s extraordinary stories at Stirling Castle after hours this Winter.

The ‘Woven Identities’ art exhibition at Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum takes place from 22 September - 30 October and Tanuki Tales – Stories from Japan and Beyond at the Japanese Garden in Cowden, Clackmannanshire starts in October.

Our iCentre network can offer a platform for tourism businesses to connect directly with visitors. They can also host supplier events and offer a range of ticketing services, sales of local artisan products, as well as onward booking advice for visitors across Scotland. 

Find out more about our network of information centres.