Here in LA people have generally heard of Edinburgh and Glasgow but not everyone has heard of Stirling. But take that as no insult, Stirlingers, as I’ve also been asked what part of England Scotland is in. (When that happens I smile and remember my late mother who told me to mind my manners even with idiots.)
Anyway in explaining Stirling, I always say if there were three sisters, Edinburgh is the know it all, Glasgow the mouthy one and Stirling is the wee magical one with millions of stories to tell, but only if you take the time to ask.
Last time we were all in the UK, our family took a trip to Stirling to see my great grandfather's diary which is in the castle. We didn’t get to see it because of the refurbishment, but that didn’t stop us having a brilliant time.
My youngest had the same reaction to Stirling as he did to fish and chips from a real chippy - which he viewed as some ambrosia of the Gods. He couldn’t believe it existed and in all of his 11 years of being on the planet he’d never heard of it.
“It’s like Narnia,” he claimed, “But better.”
Maybe Stirling should have that as their new motto. Stirling: Like Narnia but better.
Anyway, it completely reflects the theme of Storyland. Often the things we completely take for granted, turn out to be the best and most magical of all.
Lynn Ferguson brings her show, Storyland, to Macrobert on Fri 1 Sep, 7.30pm.
You can find more information and book tickets here.