It is hard to believe that we are approaching the end of a year which has been very exciting, incredibly busy and brought lots of changes to Stirling Castle. The highlights for me were obviously the public opening of James V’s Palace in June and the official opening by HM the Queen in July. We have welcomed over 300,000 visitors since the opening and have had a very positive response to the work undertaken. It has been a great addition to the Castle experience to have the team of costumed characters on site to tell the stories of intrigue from the 16th century Royal Court and currently with our artist in residence, Iona Leishman, the castle maintains the tradition as an artistic centre. There is still a chance to view Iona’s exhibition at the Castle untill 22nd January.

Thanks to all who have supported Stirling Castle by visiting and for all the positive feedback and also to the team here who provide such a warm welcome and contribute to the overall experience.

Don’t forget we are open through the Christmas and New Year period (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day) so take the chance to come and visit.

Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

Gillian Macdonald
Stirling Castle Executive Manager

‘the hosts gift to the artist’

Throughout December Iona Leishman, as Artist in Residence at Stirling Castle, shows the results of her work to date. Iona has occupied a studio on the premises since last summer and  will remain at the Castle until March 2012.



“Sense of Place” is a fitting title for a show that exhibits numerous sketches, drawings and paintings made by a resident artist. New work on display shows an exciting reflection of artistic growth and experience, fuelled by Iona’s passion for the Castles history.  Images include those that grasp the Castle’s physical forms, showing how ‘the castle’s forms lock together ‘and those arising from ‘fleeting imaginings’ in memory of’ life and lives’ the Castle has previously known. Overall, the exhibition gives a fascinating taste of personal and social histories explored in a contemporary way.

Since the opening of the exhibition last week many pieces have already been sold.  Even Historic Scotland have purchased one of Iona’s paintings to be hung permanently in the Princes Tower for the enjoyment of visitors and staff who have greatly appreciated Iona’s work and contribution to the castle experience.

Sense of place will run until 31st December 2011 and is included in castle admission price

A  catalogue to accompany the exhibition priced at £6.95 is available in Castle Shops, Waterstones in Stirling, and the Watermill in Aberfeldy.

For more information visit www.ionaleishman.co.uk