2 festivals in one weekend in Stirling
Every September Stirling plays host to the international crime writing festival Bloody Scotland.
It usually takes place over the middle weekend of the month and has all sorts of talks, Q & A sessions, awards and a Scotland v England charity football match which we usually win.
The whole thing kicks off with a torchlight parade through the historic top of the town.
The parade starts in front of Stirling Castle then goes down the hill past Mar's Wark, the Church of the Holy Rude which also hosts a drinks reception.
Then down Spittal Street past the Tolbooth and the Old Town Jail. Round Corn Exchange road and down to finish in front of the Albert Halls.
It is a very visible focal point and draws a fair amount of attention from the public. It’s a shame that this was such a horrible day. So wet it was like standing under a shower.
I do realise that starting a sentence while casually mentioning a castle might seem bizarre to those who come from towns and cities that do not have castles. Or even countries that do not.
Growing up in this part of the world and it's all routine to us.
Cool admittedly but still routine.
Bloody Scotland has become a fixture since it was first run back in 2012.
It attracts a lot of interest and brings a lot of visitors to the City.
There's also a spin off for local business. The book shops have shelves of features authors. There are some local suppliers involved in the festival and no doubt the patrons of the festival will also spend time in the coffee shops, food places and bars.
But it's not the only show in town.
The one that you probably don't know about is called One Weekend in Stirling and has run since 2017.
This one is a mix of music, poetry and art.
With workshops, slam poetry and performances.
All events free to attend but ask for donations.
I managed to catch Falkirk band Taz and the Maniacs playing in the Settle Inn.
The Settle is the hub of this whole thing.
The oldest pub in Stirling with a cavernous room at the back. It's a great atmospheric venue.
I really enjoyed this band. they're not just another guitar based indie rock band. They genuinely have something to say. Their original songs are skilfully crafted. And the few cover version thrown in were either fun songs that brought audience participation or touching.
And on that latter point one of those cover versions was a Runrig song. A band that are often overlooked but one that has a huge part to play in the story of music in Scotland.
Of course we lost Bruce Guthro recently. Their singer of 20 odd years.
They could do with putting some more music out there and playing some more gigs.
It is very hard to make things work in Stirling. Trust me I speak from experience here.
I moved away because I couldn't get things to work here.
It's great that there are two festivals happening at once.
I do think they both need improvements, more effective promotion and some more joined up promotions.
But I really want them to be successful.
If you have grassroots festivals happening near you, go and support them.
They need your help.