Conservation Area
Character Appraisal
Stirling Town and Royal Park
Stirling Council Local Development Plan
Supplementary Guidance SG07
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – June 2014
June 2014
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – June 2014
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Cover: The Athenaeum at the head of King Street
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – June 2014
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Contents
1.0 Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………………………1
1.1 Background .............................................................................................................................…..1
1.2 Methodology................................................................................................................................. 2
1.3 Copyright ...................................................................................................................................... 2
2.0 Summary of Significance………………………………………………………………………………. 4
3.0 Location and Population
……………………………………………………………………………...9
3.1 Location........................................................................................................................................ 9
3.2 Population .................................................................................................................................. 11
4.0 Historic Context
……………………………………………………………………………………...12
4.1 Origins and Development........................................................................................................... 12
4.2 Archaeological Significance and Potential ................................................................................. 23
5.0 Character and Appearance ……………………………………………………………………………25
5.1 Setting ........................................................................................................................................ 27
5.2 Character Areas ......................................................................................................................... 41
5.3 Buildings and Townscape .......................................................................................................... 51
5.4 Open Spaces, Trees and Landscaping...................................................................................... 75
5.5 Public Realm .............................................................................................................................. 79
6.0 Conservation Area Management
…………………………………………………………………..81
6.1 Negative Factors ........................................................................................................................ 81
6.2 Summary of Vulnerability ........................................................................................................... 87
6.3 Buildings at Risk and Sensitive Areas........................................................................................ 88
6.4 Conservation Area Boundaries .................................................................................................. 88
6.5 Potential Listed Buildings ........................................................................................................... 92
6.6 Opportunities for Development .................................................................................................. 93
6.7 Opportunities for Planning Action............................................................................................... 93
6.8 Opportunities for Enhancement ................................................................................................. 94
6.9 Monitoring and Review............................................................................................................... 96
Bibliography
Appendices
……………………………………………………………………………………………….97
……………………………………………………………………………………………….98
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – June 2014
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Tables
Table 1: Conservation Area: Key Characteristics .................................................................................. 8
Table 2: Conservation Area: Buildings & Townscape: Old Town Sector (1)........................................ 61
Table 3: Conservation Area: Buildings & Townscape: Commercial Sector (1).................................... 67
Table 4: Conservation Area: Buildings & Townscape: Town House Sector (1)................................... 71
Table 5: Conservation Area: Open Space, Trees and Landscaping.................................................... 76
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – June 2014
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1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background
The purpose of this document is to provide an illustrated appraisal of the Stirling Town and
Royal Park Conservation Area following national legislation and governmental guidelines
(refer bibliography).
First introduced in 1967, conservation areas are defined in Section 61(1) (a) of The
Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997 as:
“…areas of special architectural or historic interest the character or
appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.”
More specifically, Historic Scotland’s Scottish Historic Environment Policy Annex 3 (2009)
stipulates that:
“It is the character or historic interest of an area created by individual
buildings and open spaces and their relationship one with the other which
the legislation covering conservation areas seeks to preserve.”
Under Section 63 (1) of the 1997 Act, local authorities are required to “formulate and publish
from time to time proposals for the preservation and enhancement of any parts of their
district which are conservation areas.” Furthermore, the Scottish Government’s policy
Scottish Planning Policy (SSP, Para. 115, 2010) states that designation provides the basis
for the positive management of an area.
In order to carry out the proper preservation and enhancement of the conservation area it is
necessary to first have a full and detailed understanding of all the factors which contribute to
the special character and interest of the area. This is the objective of the Conservation Area
Appraisal.
In accordance with Planning Advice Note: Conservation Area Management (PAN 71, 2005),
the appraisal is a vital tool to enable the active management of the conservation area and
aims to:
Identify factors and features which create the special interest of the conservation area;
Review and justify the boundaries of the conservation area;
Provide a basis for developing & implementing a conservation area management strategy;
Identify opportunities and priorities for enhancement;
Assist policy formulation and inform development plans;
Inform Development Control to ensure consistent decision making;
Form supplementary guidance in the protection and enhancement of the conservation area.
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – Revised by Stirling Council August 2012
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In turn this will:
Enable Stirling Council to fulfil its statutory duty to preserve and enhance its conservation
areas;
Increase public awareness on the special needs and characteristics of their area;
Assist owners and developers identify and formulate their development proposals;
Form supporting documentation for any future funding bids.
1.2 Methodology
The appraisal has been prepared by Sonya Linskaill RIAS RIBA, on behalf of Stirling
Council’s Planning Department. Research was undertaken in March and June 2011. The
appraisal reviews and updates the approved Character Appraisal for Stirling Town
Conservation Area produced by Stirling Council in January 1999. The following Stirling
Council personnel were consulted:
Peter Morgan: Chief Planner
Catherine Malley: Planning Officer (Conservation)
Fionn McIntosh: Planning Officer (Conservation)
Dorothy Irvine: Planning Officer
Minor revisions to update this document were made by Stirling Council in August 2012 and
May 2014.
1.3 Copyright
The appraisal is the property of Stirling Council. All Ordnance Survey maps in the
document are Crown copyright and reproduced under Stirling Council licence ref
1000020780 (2011). Historic maps marked © NLS are reproduced with the permission of
the Trustees of the National Library of Scotland. Roy’s map is reproduced with the
permission of the British Library Board. No map in this document should be reproduced
without the right holder’s permission.
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Stirling Town and Royal Park Conservation Area
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Fig 1A: Stirling Castle on the Castle Rock; B: Mar’ Wark; C: the Church of the Holy Rude; D: Darrow’s Lodging;
E: 1950s redevelopment on Baker Street; F: terraced town houses on Queen Street; G: Victorian buildings on
King Street; H: late Georgian reconstruction on Port Street & King Street.
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2.0 Summary of Significance
Stirling Town and Royal Park Conservation Area encompasses the hugely important
historic core of the modern City of Stirling. It can be defined and explained through three
related subjects:
1. Strategic location
Regional geography accounts for the origin and development of Stirling Town. The
defensive hilltop setting (the Castle Rock), the strategic location on the lowest bridging point
of the River Forth, and the position between the remote Highlands and agricultural
Lowlands of Scotland have ensured continued prosperity for the ancient settlement.
2. Historic development
Stirling is perhaps one of Scotland’s most historic burghs, receiving its Royal Charter from
David I in the early 12th century. The medieval town developed in the lee of the castle,
descending south eastward on the Castle Rock.
3. Architectural significance
Stirling Town Conservation Area reflects the transition of building design and materials that
occurred over a 500 year period, from the earliest surviving stone tenements and lodgings;
through 17th and 18th century rebuilding; to the 19th and 20th century expansion and
redevelopment.
The conservation area stretches from Stirling Castle in the north-east and on the summit of
the Castle Rock; through the historic core of the ancient Royal Burgh on the slopes of the
crag (Old Town Sector); to the Victorian and Edwardian commercial centre at the foot of Old
Town (Commercial Sector). In the east lie the villas and terraces of the burgh’s late
Georgian expansion (Town House Sector). To the north and west the Castle Rock creates
a natural boundary, with the historic royal parkland below. In summary, the conservation
area has considerable significance for a number of interrelated reasons, all of which
contribute to its character and appearance:
−
−
−
−
−
Stirling Castle and its historic landscape: buildings and landscape of national
importance representing some of Scotland’s finest cultural heritage dating to the 16th
century.
The fortified late-medieval Royal Burgh: the upstanding remains of the Town Wall
are the most extensive surviving example of a burgh fortification in Scotland.
The medieval burgh street pattern: with a number of significant buildings dating from
the 16th to 19th centuries.
Late Georgian residential expansion: a range of fine villas and terraces comprising
the first development beyond the old burgh.
Victorian and Edwardian redevelopment and expansion: a strong commercial artery
at the foot of the former burgh.
Stirling Town and Royal Park is one of 11 conservation areas designated in the City of
Stirling to safeguard the area’s distinctive historic form (fig 2).
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Fig 2A: Stirling Town and Royal Park Conservation Area indicating the western side of the conservation area
(shaded in orange) © Crown
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Fig 2B: Stirling Town and Royal Park Conservation Area indicating the eastern side of the conservation area
(shaded in orange) © Crown
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Stirling Town and Royal Park Conservation Area is characterised by:
Its setting
− Laid out of the volcanic outcrop in the surrounding flat carse lands of the
River Forth.
− Stirling Castle occupies the summit of the crag with the historic Old Town
lining the tail below.
− The crag is pronounced to the north and the west with wooded braes.
− The historic Royal parklands including: the King’s Park, Butt Park, the
Haining and the Royal Gardens incorporating the King’s Knot. An
important cultural landscape; vital in views to and from the castle.
− Gowanhill: important archaeological site and very important element in
the landscape setting north-east of the castle towards Stirling Old Bridge.
− The Old Town and Ballengeich cemeteries enhance the physical and
cultural setting around the Castle Rock.
Its landmarks
− Stirling Castle including the Palace and Great Hall.
− The Church of the Holy Rude: terminates the vista on Spittal Street; the
west tower is a prominent skyline feature.
− Mar’s Wark: closes the head of Broad Street.
− Argyll’s Lodging: courtyard building set off Castle Wynd.
− The Tolbooth: tall clock tower with distinctive Dutch roof.
− Old Town Jail: turrets very prominent of the Castle Rock skyline.
− Erskine Marykirk.
− Old High School: clock tower and observatory punctuate the skyline.
− The Athenaeum: tall clock tower and steeple at the head of King Street.
− Cowane’s House: historic landmark on St Mary’s Wynd.
− Municipal Chambers: a full street block with impressive clock tower.
− Central Library: prominent corner plot of the Back Walk.
Its buildings: early properties
− 3 and 4-storey tenements on narrow and long building plots, built on
street line.
− Scot’s slate roofs, pitched with prominent gable wall chimney stacks and
crowstepped gables.
− Traditional pedimented eaves dormers or later canted bay dormers.
− Local whinstone or sandstone rubble walls, often rendered (originally
lime harl with lime wash).
− Some finer ashlar fronted buildings.
− Turnpike stairs.
− Stone mouldings to doors and windows, carved stone plaques.
− Painted timber sash and case windows, divided panes.
− Whinstone boundary walls.
Table 1: Stirling Town Conservation Area: Key Characteristics
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Stirling Town and Royal Park Conservation Area is characterised by:
(cont.)
Its buildings: 19thcentury residential properties
− 2 storey, 3-bay terraced town houses; with some detached villas.
− Narrow and long building plots; some larger plots with rear gardens.
− Buildings on street line; some building set back with short front gardens.
− Whinstone boundary walls and short front boundary walls and railings.
− Local dressed whinstone or ashlar facades with harled gable and rear
elevations.
− Painted timber sash and case windows, divided panes.
− Panelled doors, fanlights and transom lights.
− Classical style with regular window and door openings; detail on door
pieces and window surrounds.
− Continuous slate roofs, no dormers
Its buildings: Commercial Sector properties
− 3-4 storey tenements with shops at street level.
− Broader building plots.
− Buildings on street line.
− Scot’s slate roofs, pitched with gable wall chimney stacks.
− ochre sandstone; some red sandstone.
− Variety of architectural styles from Classical to Italianate, Baronial, etc
− Work of local architects.
− Painted timber sash and case windows, divided panes; timber doors.
Its vulnerability
− Detrimental change and loss of traditional building fabric including original
windows and doors, roofscape, chimneys etc.
− Loss of original building fabric through lack of repair or inappropriate repair
− Introduction of inappropriate development (materials, colours, scale, plot
size, satellite dishes)
− Pressure for development leading to erosion of streetscape, loss of
historic plot sizes, including backland buildings and lanes.
− Pressure for development leading to inappropriately scaled extension to
existing properties and/or inappropriately scaled new development.
− Loss of historic fabric used for boundaries, particularly traditional stone
walling.
− Dilution of sense of place in the commercial sector through loss of
traditional shop fronts and introduction of generic modern replacements.
− Lack of appropriate management and maintenance of existing green open
space and trees, including the Back Walk, Gowanhill and the cemeteries.
Table 1: Stirling Town Conservation Area: Key Characteristics (cont.)
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3.0 Location and Population
This chapter places the conservation area in its geographical and regional context.
3.1 Location
“A fortress town at the crossroads of Central Scotland. Few other places have a
history more grounded in geography. Topography is decisive; indeed, it is visibly
and literally crucial”
(Gifford & Walker, 2002, 659)
Stirling Town and Royal Park Conservation Area is at the heart of the City of Stirling,
approximately 30 miles north-east of Glasgow and 35 miles north-west of Edinburgh; grid
reference NS 795935 (fig 3). Stirling is the major civic centre of the region and the largest
urban area in Stirling Council unitary authority (fig 3).
Fig 3: Map of Stirling Council area showing Stirling (Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park is shaded).
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – Revised by Stirling Council August 2012
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The city is located geographically in the heart of Scotland, at the southern edge of the
Highlands. Stirling Castle and the historic Old Town sit on a volcanic outcrop or crag, the
Castle Rock, high above the flat carse lands of the River Forth. The Ochil hills provide a
dramatic backdrop to the north with the distinct landmark of the National Wallace Monument
on the volcanic crag of Abbey Craig. The city is bounded in the west by the M90 motorway
with the Touch hills beyond (fig 4).
Ochil hills
National Wallace
Monument
M90
Stirling Town and Royal
Park Conservation Area
Touch hills
Fig 4: Stirling, showing the M90 and Ochil hills, and the location of the Stirling Town and Royal Park
Conservation Area.
© Crown
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3.2 Population
Stirling’s population witnessed steady growth from the late 1700s, and doubled in size from
1801 to 1851 and again to 1901. Growth and expansion continued during the 20th century
(fig 5).
The City of Stirling is the largest settlement in Stirling Council area, its current population is
around 33,700 with almost 46,000 living the greater urban area (2008). Stirling Town
Conservation Area is estimated to have a population of around 3,400.
Similarly to Scotland as a whole, the population of the Stirling Council area is predicted to
increase by 7% by 2033. Development pressures are therefore likely to increase,
compounded by the area’s close proximity to the centre of Stirling.
35,000
1: 1755 (3951)
2: 1801 (5256)
3: 1851 (10,006)
4: 1901 (18,403)
5: 1971 (29,776)
6: 2001 (31,514)
30,000
25,000
Population
20,000
15,000
Reference:
1& 2: NSA
3-5: Timms, 1974
6: GROS.
10,000
5,000
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Date
Fig 5: the population of Stirling.
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4.0 Historic Context
This chapter outlines the reasons behind the origin of the settlement and makes reference to key periods of
political or economic change, former uses and phases of development and their effects on shaping the physical
form of the settlement. The emphasis is on the survival of those elements which have determined the form of the
conservation area today.
4.1 Origins and Development
Mair’s ‘Stirling The Royal Burgh’ provides a detailed study of the history and development of
the area and is recommended for further information. Key events which reflect in the
conservation area are summarised below.
Early history: strategic crossing point and Royal Burgh
Stirling occupied a historically strategic location, posed on its volcanic outcrop above the
Carse of Stirling, at what was the lowest bridging point on the River Forth between the
Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland. Many important battles in Scottish history look place
in sight of the town including the Battle of Stirling Bridge (1297), the Battle of Bannockburn
(1314), the Battle of Sauchieburn (1488) and the Battle of Sheriffmuir (1715).
There is little known of the earliest settlement, but there are the remains of an Iron Age
vitrified hill fort on the north-east of the Gowanhill (SMR 768) and later evidence of Roman
activity (1st century AD) with the Roman road north to Ardoch Fort (near Braco) passing
through the King’s Park area and possibly crossing the Forth at Kildean (SCHT, 2005).
Tribal settlement after the Romans is thought to have re-occupied earlier defensive sites
such as Dumyat, and although no evidence has been found it is generally considered that
Stirling’s Castle Rock or the Gowanhill would have been a likely centre of power.
Medieval Stirling: the Royal Burgh
Stirling was established as a Royal Burgh by David I (1124-53). It was one of the first in
Scotland (between 1124 and 1127), giving trading rights and other privileges to the
burgesses (Mair, 1990, 16-17). It is probable that the burgh charter was granted to an
existing settlement already developed under the protection of Stirling Castle.
Early development concentrated on the sloping ridge below the fortified crag. Buildings
were deliberately set apart from the castle (for defence, social distance and aesthetics),
across the area today occupied by the Esplanade, Old kirkyard and Old Town cemeteries.
The form of the early burgh is thought to have comprised a large market place with
buildings on three sides: Broad Street, St Johns Street and Bow Street (Mair, 1990, 57; fig
6). The earliest buildings were constructed of timber frame and clay walls with thatched
roof coverings, as revealed by archaeological remains uncovered to the rear of the north
side of Broad Street (now Banks Court) which date to the 13th and 14th centuries (Mair,
1990, 58; SMR 3824.01). A church occupied the site of the Holy Rude from the 12th century
at the top of the market place. The current church was built in two phases from 1456 –
c.1470 and 1507 – 1555, constructed in natural stone from the Ballengeich and Raploch
quarries respectively (Mair, 1990, 64). There were two monasteries: the Dominican Friary
(the Blackfriars) founded by Alexander II in 1223 at the foot of Friars Street (destroyed in
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1559; SMR 823.01-.04); and the Franciscan Monastery (the Greyfriars) on the south-west of
the market place the later site of the High School (now the Stirling Highland Hotel).
To Doune
Castle
King’s Park
Gowanhill
King’s garden
or orchard
Church
To Stirling
Bridge
Franciscan
Monastery
Market
Place
Town burn
Possible
defensive ditch
Probable site
of Dominican
Monastery
To harbour and
Cambuskenneth Abbey
To
Linlithgow
Burgh
mill
Fig 6: Stirling around 1400; After Mair, 1990, 57
Stirling’s strategic location ensured that all main travel routes passed through the burgh.
Traffic entered in the south by the Barras Yett (approximately at the junction of Port Street
and Dumbarton Road) then passed along Port Street into King Street before climbing Spittal
Street and Bow Street to the foot of Broad Street. The very narrow route then descended
from the burgh passing through St Mary’s Wynd Port towards the crossing of the Forth at
Stirling Old Bridge. There are records of three further burgh gates: Dirt Raw Port, Friar’s
Wynd Port and New Port (fig 7).
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To Doune
Castle
Gowanhill
King’s Park
Town Wall
Park Loch
Church
To Stirling
Bridge
Franciscan
Monastery
St Mary’s
Wynd Port
Town burn
Market
Place
Possible
defensive ditch
Friar’s Wynd
Port
Barras Yett
To harbour and
Cambuskenneth
Abbey
Burgh
mill
Dirt Raw Port
Fig 7: Stirling around 1600; After Mair, 1990, 88
The burgh’s built form derived from the land holdings of each burgher. The land was known
as a tenement or toft. These were typically long narrow plots with houses facing the street
and a long rig of land stretching to the back until it reached the Town Wall or adjacent plot.
Over time the land was colonised with merchants’ workshops and warehouses, creating
narrow closes accessed through arched openings and pends, or occasionally forming back
courts. Whilst the majority of buildings in these backlands would have been narrow and
dark, on occasion the building at the very rear of the plot would have a favourable outlook,
such as Moir of Leckie’s House to the rear of Bow Street overlooking the carse of the Forth.
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During the 15th and 16th centuries the burgh developed under the presence of the Royal
Court (fig 7). A Town House or Tolbooth was constructed in the market place, possibly in
the late 15th century (SCHT, 2005), and short tofts were laid out to form the south side of
Broad Street and thereby reduced St Johns Street to a secondary route known as the Back
Raw. This was where the flesh market was located; fleshers originally slaughtered their
animals in the street or under forestairs until the burgh set up booths in the area now
occupied by the Youth Hostel and Old Town Jail.
Broad Street remained the main market place with the Mercat Cross in its centre and
enclosed on both sides by tall tenements. Early development to the north of Spittal Street
was augmented by Bakers Wynd (Baker Street) constructed on the tail of Spittal Street
plots.
Surviving buildings from this time are the Mar’s Wark (fig 1B), Bruce of
Auchenbowie’s House (fig 31), Darrow’s Lodging (fig 8) and parts of Argyll’s Lodging (fig
47E), notwithstanding the Church of the Holy Rude (fig 1C) and the Castle itself.
Fig 8: Darrow’s Lodging constructed in 1521, and adjoining Spittal’s House dating from 17th century.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, the burgh’s earliest timber houses were rebuilt, often as a
result of fire. A significant number of 17th century ‘stone and lime’ houses survive including
Norrie’s House (fig 47B), Darnley’s House (fig 47C), Spittal’s House (fig 8) and Cowane’s
Hospital (fig 47D).
Stirling occupied a naturally defensive site; nevertheless a massive Town Wall was
constructed from 1547 to the south and west of the burgh originally running from the castle
to the Barras Yett (and onto the bastion preserved in the Thistle Centre). Parts of this 16th
century wall, with sections of later rebuilding, are the most extensive surviving example of a
burgh fortification in Scotland (Stirling Council, 1999). To the north, defences appear to
have been less formal, possibly due to the inherent natural defence provided by the River
Forth; such defences probably comprised the rear boundaries of tofts, possibly with an
outer defensive ditch (Mair, 60, 74; fig 7).
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Pont’s map (fig 9) illustrates the significant elements which comprised Stirling in the late 16th
century: the castle, the burgh below and the park beyond, all clearly enclosed.
Fig 9: Pont’s map 32 (1585-1601) records the fortified Royal Burgh of Stirling (‘Starling’). The enclosed and
wooded Royal Park ‘Parck’ is clearly depicted extending beyond the castle. Note the gated entry to the burgh in
the south (the Barras Yett) and route to Stirling Bridge over the Forth in the east. © NLS
Stirling Castle
As with the Royal Burgh, records of a castle at Stirling date to the 12th century. The castle
now comprises buildings spanning five centuries with the 14th century Royal Mint being the
oldest standing survivor. The principal and favourite residence of the Stuart King’s, James
IV (1488-1513), James V (1513-1542) and James VI (1567-1625) the castle buildings
represent some of Scotland’s finest cultural heritage dating to the 16th century (McKean,
1985, 4). This includes The Great Hall (1501-3), The Palace (1540-42), The Chapel Royal
(1594) and the inner Forework (c.1500) although reduced in size during subsequent
alterations. Military demands dictated the use of the castle from the later 17th century and
outer defences were constructed in 1708 due to the Jacobite threat. The Esplanade was
constructed around 1808 as a parade ground on previous open space owned by the burgh.
Castle landscape and Royal Park
The following information is derived from recent unpublished work by John Harrison on
behalf of Historic Scotland (2007, 2008). It should be noted this is work in progress.
The Royal Park was first recorded between 1165 -1174 during the reign of William the Lion
(1165-1214). The park and its gardens had both practical and aesthetic functions: providing
food and sport; but also an attractive landscape for the castle to look out upon, and a
vantage point from which the magnificence and power of the castle could be appreciated
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(fig 17). The park was extensive and enclosed by the park dyke (fig 9). In 1501James IV
undertook a major redesign of the lands around the castle including building a new park
dyke, most probably on the existing boundary, and significant monies were spent in
anticipation of the visits of James VI in 1616 and 1671. It is thought that the current park
dyke closely follows the 12th century park boundary.
The park consisted of a number of distinct areas including the Butt Park, the Haining, and
the Royal Gardens. The Butt Park to the west below the castle was used for jousting
tournaments during the reign of James V with stables (close to the modern housing on
Ballengeich Road) and the Butt Well fed by a natural spring. The Haining comprised of land
bounded by the Royal Gardens in the south-west and the Butt Park in the north-west, and
extended up the brae as far as the rear of the garden of Mar’s Wark. The Haining was
controlled by the Earl of Mar from the 1580s and used as a garden into the 18th century with
terracing and orchards. Records of the Royal Gardens exist from the 15th century, although
the only remnant is the King’s Knot believed to have been laid out in 1620s. In 1506 the
Crown granted part of the Royal Park to the burgh (the area around Victoria Square) in
exchange for the Gowanhill providing control over the important sight lines to Stirling Bridge
(fig 22). Roy’s map (1747-55; fig 10) illustrates King’s Park, an extensive enclosed area to
the west of the castle and compact burgh; the King’s Knot is recorded as well as agricultural
uses to the south-east, the area in ownership of the burgh.
Fig 10: Roy’s map (1747-1755) illustrates King’s Park clearly enclosed. The King’s Knot is faintly recorded, as
are agricultural fields (in yellow) to the south-east section, presumably the area obtained by the burgh in 1506.
The tree lined avenue to the southern boundary was the principle route west from Stirling to Dumbarton (now
King’s Park Road). © British Library Board
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In the late 17th to mid-19th centuries the park was used for grazing cows; one of the major
landscape changes has been the withdrawal of grazing rights which has allowed extensive
tree growth particularly on the braes around the castle and Gowanhill. The changing use of
the castle and the burgh may be reflected in the creation of the Back Walk. The walk was
established in 1723 and demonstrates the burgeoning enthusiasm for tourism in the area; it
initially went from behind the former High School to the west side of Lady Hill and was
extended in the 1790s to Dumbarton Road and around the castle to the Gowanhill (High
Back Walk) and on to Stirling Bridge. The Low Back Walk, through the Haining and Butt
Park to the Raploch, followed in 1805.
Change and development: Georgian & Victorian 19th century expansion
In the 17th and 18th century development focused on rebuilding, colonisation of backlands
and encroachment onto street frontages. Historic images (taken at the turn of the 20th
century) illustrate the density and diversity of buildings in the late medieval burgh (fig 11).
Fig 11: Broad Street (north-east side) at the turn of 20th century ©RCAHMS
The burgh did not extend out with its medieval core until the late 1700s. In 1770 the main
burgh gate (the Barras Yett) was demolished enabling residential expansion southward
along Port Street and the raised terraces either side of the road to St Ninians. Dumbarton
Road was laid out as the turnpike road replacing the existing route via Cambusbarron
(1790s; compare figs 10 & 12). New residential streets were also laid out to the east at
Irvine Place, Queen Street and Upper Bridge Street. Wood’s map (1820; fig 12) captures
the early expansion. Improvements continued apace; a new road (Murray Place) was
created to connect King Street to a new bridge over the Forth (1833), largely to alleviate
traffic passing through the upper town. This resulted in redevelopment of the older
properties in King Street and the surrounding area (fig 34). The arrival of the railway in
1848 further stimulated Victorian development, and drew commercial activity away from the
historic market place of Broad Street. Port Street, King Street, Friars Street, Murray Place,
and later Barnton Street (1880-1910) became the retail centre (fig 13). In the later 1850s
part of the Town Wall at the back of the Corn Exchange was demolished and a footpath
was laid out to link to Dumbarton Road and the growing ‘suburb’ of King’s Park; the Corn
Exchange Road following in 1901.
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th
Fig 12: Wood’s map (1820) illustrates the early 19 century expansion from the medieval burgh © NLS
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Fig 13: Expansion of Stirling: 2nd Ed. Ordnance Survey (1895) illustrates the development of the town. © Crown
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – Revised by Stirling Council August 2012
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Into the twentieth century
Development beyond the medieval burgh walls continued into the 20th century, leaving the
remaining population with increasingly intolerable conditions. Proposals to improve the
buildings and infrastructure were agreed in 1913 but were not implemented until after World
War I, and not completed until the 1960s (fig 14). During the 1920s a number of buildings
were demolished in Broad Street and St Mary’s Wynd to widen roads and provide new
housing.
Some local residents objected to the demolition of historic buildings, and the Thistle
Property Trust was formed in 1928. The Trust rehabilitated a number of buildings in St
Johns Street with architect Eric S Bell (these were later demolished in the 1950s). A more
strategic approach developed during the late 1930s when a masterplan was prepared by Sir
Frank Mears, already known for his work in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Some rehabilitation and
demolition in Baker Street commenced, however World War II postponed work.
The most substantial redevelopment was enacted in the 1950s and 1960s under the
direction of Stirling’s first Burgh Architect, Walter H Gillespie. His work included the
demolition and rebuilding of a number of areas and the rehabilitation of key historic
properties. The work of Mears and Gillespie was rooted in Scottish traditional architecture
whilst creating housing to modern standards in a more spacious environment (fig 1E). Their
work predated conservation area and listed building legislation, in a time when sanitation,
housing improvement and road improvements were national priorities. The redevelopment
witnessed a dramatic reduction in population and reinforced the changing demographic of
the old burgh which started in the 19th century.
1920s-1933 by
burgh or Eric Bell
late 1930s by Mears.
1950-1960 by
Mears/ Gillespie
1961-1966 by
Gillespie
Fig 14: 20th century redevelopment of the historic Top of the Town area.
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The later 20th century focused on the foot of the town with the insertion of Goosecroft Road
(1970) to bypass the town centre, and Port Street and Friars Street were pedestrianised
diverting traffic from the retail centre. The development of the Thistle Centre in 1973 made
a fundamental change to the commercial centre with the enclosed mall accommodating a
significant part of the town’s retail offer. This was extended with the addition of The
Marches in 1998.
Tourism had attracted visitors to Stirling since the 18th century and has continued to play a
major economic role in the 20th century. The cultural significance and tourism potential of
Stirling Castle was fully recognised from the 1960s with a programme of restoration works
to the castle buildings over an extended period. The castle is now one of the most visited
tourist sites in Scotland.
In recognition of Stirling’s importance, the town was awarded city status in 2002 as part of
Queen Elizabeth II’s Jubilee celebrations.
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4.2 Archaeological Significance and Potential
This section identifies any Scheduled Monuments and information held on the local Sites and Monuments
Record (SMR).
The Stirling Burgh Survey: Historic Stirling: The Archaeological Implications of Development
was first published in 1978 and updated in 1996. Areas of the former burgh have been
identified according to their likely archaeological importance. The whole of the Stirling Town
Conservation Area, with only very small exclusions, is archaeologically sensitive and
consultation with the Council’s archaeologist and/or Historic Scotland is required prior to
any development.
There are six designated Scheduled Monuments in the conservation area (fig 15)
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Stirling Castle and its grounds
Royal Gardens including the King’s Knot
Stirling Town Walls and Bastions
Mercat Cross
Mar’s Wark
Argyll’s Lodging
Historic Scotland should be consulted in advance of any works in relation to Scheduled
Monuments. There are also numerous archaeological sites and objects recorded in Stirling
Council’s Sites and Monument Record (SMR). The early origin and historic significance of
the conservation area should be borne in mind as sites may contain buildings and artefacts
relating to previous uses. Any findings or inquiries should be reported to Stirling Council’s
Archaeology Officer.
The historic burgh is largely constructed on volcanic rock; outcrops are visible throughout
the town close to the modern ground level. Evidence from some excavations over recent
years (1990-99) has indicated that deep anaerobic midden deposits can survive in clefts in
the bedrock and every opportunity which arises to locate and evaluate such deposits should
be taken.
Any proposal which involves ground disturbance should be evaluated for its archaeological
impact. It should be noted that sub-surface disturbance within standing buildings may affect
archaeological remains and that some standing buildings may retain archaeological
features within the actual fabric.
In Stirling there is particular interest in following up opportunities to provide information on:
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Earlier street frontages.
The typology of early buildings including the possibility of timber-framed buildings
underlying existing stone buildings.
Evidence for the northern boundary of the town including the extent of the
Blackfriars’ yard.
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Fig 15: Scheduled Monuments in Stirling Town Conservation Area (outlined in purple) © Crown
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – Revised by Stirling Council August 2012
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5.0 Character and Appearance
This chapter will analyse and illustrate the key features and factors which contribute to the conservation area’s
special qualities and local distinctiveness.
The general urban structure of Stirling Town Conservation Area is illustrated in figure 16
(Lynch, 1977, Appendix A). This consists of three character areas largely derived from their
respective periods of construction:
1. Old Town Sector (Stirling Castle and Top of the Town)
The Old Town Sector incorporates Stirling Castle and the group of historic streets
loosely focused around Broad Street (termed ‘Top of the Town’) which were
unaffected by late 18th and 19th century interventions at the foot of the town.
2. Commercial Sector (Foot of the Town)
The Commercial Sector wraps around the foot to the original historic burgh and
expands from Port Street in the south through Murray Place to Barnton Street. This
ribbon of development reflects the late Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian
expansion of Stirling. Friars Street and King Street, whilst of ancient origin, are
included in this sector as they now connect the old burgh to its commercial artery.
3. Town House Sector (Out of the Town)
The Town House Sector consists of the early to mid-19th century expansion to the
east of the Royal Burgh, including Princes Street, Irvine Place, Queen Street, Upper
Bridge Street and Viewfield Place. The concentrated building period (mainly 18001840) has resulted in a coherent architectural form and style.
Traffic crossing the city now largely bypasses the conservation area; the Goosecroft Road
(to the east) and Dumbarton Road (to the south-west) form major routes adjacent to the
conservation area. The ancient route through the historic town is intact and remains a
significant pedestrian way connecting to the Top of the Town and Stirling Castle. The 19th
century route through the commercial heart of town remains an important thoroughfare. The
Back Walk is an important feature forming a green route around the Old Town walls and
Stirling Castle and extending to the Gowanhill.
The natural landscape surrounding Stirling to the west plays a significant enclosing role and
green setting. The conservation area itself is defined in large part by its green edges
including the braes of the Castle Rock and Back Walk, the kirkyard and Old Town
cemeteries and the Gowanhill. The Castle Rock is a major landscape feature set above the
King’s Park; with the King’s Knot and the Gowanhill forming green landmarks within the
conservation area.
There are many built landmarks within the conservation area most notably: Stirling Castle,
Argyll’s Lodging, the Mar’s Wark, the Church of the Holy Rude, Cowane’s Hospital, the
Tolbooth, The Old Town Jail, the Erskine Marykirk, the former High School and Old
Infirmary in the Old Town Sector; the Athenaeum, Municipal Chambers, Central Library,
Stirling Baptist Church and Stirling Station in the Commercial Sector; and the Viewfield
Church, Stirling Sheriff Court buildings and St Mary’s RC Church in the Town House Sector.
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1
3
2
Fig 16: the general urban structure of Stirling Town Conservation Area (pre-June 2014 boundary) using Lynch’s
methodology © Crown
Character Areas:
1. Old Town Sector
Character Area
2. Commercial Sector
Major path
3. Town House Sector
Green edge
Landmark
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The character and appearance of the conservation area will be described through the
following sections:
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Setting
Character Areas
Buildings and Townscape
Open Spaces, Trees and Landscaping
Public Realm
5.1 Setting
This section addresses the relationship of the conservation area with its surrounding landscape. The sense of
space dictated by the interplay of topography and street pattern is described including important landmarks and
views.
A number of key factors are described below which interact to form the special setting of
Stirling Town and Royal Park Conservation Area. These are:
-
Topography, Skyline and Roofscape
Approach
Landmarks
Street pattern
Activity and Movement
Topography, Skyline and Roofscape
The setting of Stirling is one of the most striking in Scotland. The local topography was
crucial to the origin of Stirling and remains one of its most outstanding characteristics. The
Castle Rock is one of three significant volcanic outcrops or crags in the area (Abbey Craig
and Craig Forth); each rising dramatically above the flat carse lands of the River Forth (fig
19). Stirling Castle occupies the summit of the Castle Rock (figs 17 & 18) with the historic
Old Town lining the tail below to the south-east, and sloping north-east towards the Forth.
The crag is pronounced to the north and the west with wooded braes rising to the rock face,
reinforced by the massive stone walls which encircle the castle. Below the castle, open
green space provides the setting: the historic Royal parklands to the west forming a vital
cultural landscape; and the Gowanhill to the north-east, a very important landscape setting
between the castle and Stirling Old Bridge (fig 22).
The crag, castle and urban skyline are prominent features and can be viewed from some
considerable distance, including the principle road approaches to the city: from the west on
the A811 from Dumbarton (fig 17); travelling both north and south on the M90; and on
routes from the east such as the A904 from Alloa. The view of the crag is also dramatic on
the rail approach, and from other important sites in the area such as the National Wallace
Monument on the Abbey Craig (fig 19), Cambuskenneth Abbey and Dumyat hill.
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Fig 17: Castle Rock is a prominent feature on the western approach on the A811.
Fig 18: Stirling Castle set high on the wooded braes and rocky outcrop of the Castle Rock.
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Fig 19: view north-east from Stirling Castle over the Ballengeich Cemetery; the National Wallace Monument is
prominent on the wooded Abbey Craig with the Ochil hills forming a dramatic backdrop.
Fig 20: view of the Castle Rock skyline from Victoria Square in the King’s Park Conservation Area. Stirling’s
historic buildings break the skyline above the wooded slopes (from the left): Stirling Castle, the west tower of the
Church of the Holy Rude, the chimneys of Cowane’s House just below this, and the turrets of the Old Town Jail.
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The castle is dominant on distant approaches, but is largely hidden from view within the city
where the skyline of the buildings climbing Castle Rock is the important feature. The large
public buildings which populate the south east side of St Johns Street create an important
skyline punctuated by towers, chimneys and spires. These include the tower of the Church
of the Holy Rude; the steep roof, tall chimneys and gables of Cowane’s Hospital; the turrets
of the Old Town Jail; and the high clock tower of the Municipal Chambers (fig 20).
Roofscape is an important component of views to, from and within the city and contributes
significantly to the character of the conservation area, as well as neighbouring conservation
areas: King’s Park Conservation Area in the west (fig 20), and Bridgehaugh and Bruce
Street Conservation Areas in the east. The steep topography creates vantage points from
which lower roof finishes and features are easily visible (fig 19). Roofs are predominantly
finished in slate, providing coherence across a variety of roof forms. On historic and
traditional properties the slating is predominately Scots slate, with later use of Welsh slate.
Roof elements such as original chimneys and cans, traditional dormers and skylights are
essential to the overall appearance. Chimneys are often harled or constructed in ashlar
sandstone; traditional roof dormers either project from the eaves with stone margins and
pediments, are swept dormers (for example Darrow’s Lodging; fig 8), or canted bays with
pitched roofs in 19th century houses or adaptations (fig 36).
The management of the urban form covering the Castle Rock is therefore crucial to the
appearance of the historic town cascading down from Stirling Castle. This includes the
considered management of the existing built environment and careful analysis of any new
development within the historic town. This includes consideration of building materials and
colours, scale of development (plot scale and building height) and the siting of any new
development to ensure that they are appropriate to the historic appearance of the
conservation area.
Approach
The approach to a place is important in creating a sense of arrival and giving the first
impression of its character. There are four principle approaches to the conservation area:
1. From the south on Port Street (fig 21).
The Port Street entrance follows the ancient route through the main burgh gate (the Barras
Yett) which stood at the junction of Port Street, Upper Craigs and Dumbarton Road. It is
recorded on the paving of Dumbarton Road by a brass plaque. This approach is marked
by a sudden change in building height from the 2-storey villa scale of the suburban
expansion of King’s Park, to an urban scale of 3- and 4-storey tenement properties on Port
Street. The junction of Port Street, Upper Craigs and Dumbarton Road is enclosed by
impressive corner buildings which articulate all four corner sites and mark the transition to
the pedestrianised section of the city centre.
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2. From the north over the River Forth and either along Cowane Street to the
commercial centre (fig 22), or south on Upper Bridge Street to the Top of the
Town.
The northern approach is dominated by Stirling Castle as it presides high above the wooded
slopes of the Gowanhill. The limewashed Great Hall is clearly visible in views from both the
road bridge and the pedestrianised Stirling Old Bridge (fig 22); the important historical view
between bridge and castle being maintained. The road approach is divided as it enters the
city centre, with the original route winding up towards the castle along Upper Bridge Street
and the later thoroughfare leading directly towards the commercial centre at the foot of the
Old Town. As with the southern entry, a similar change in scale is experienced on the
northern approach where the early residential expansion along Cowane Street and
Viewfield Place contrasts with the commercial heart characterised by tall 4-storey
tenements of Barnton Street, the narrow street further emphasising the sense of enclosure
(fig 23).
3. From the east from rail and bus stations of Goosecroft Road and Station Road.
The conservation area is bounded by Goosecroft Road and the modern retail centres which
have created an unattractive ‘back’ to Stirling centre (fig 52A; section 6.1). From arrival at
the train station, the centre is accessed across Goosecroft Road and up Station Road. The
façade of the former Carmichael Hotel (forming part of Stirling Arcade) is an important
closing feature to this approach with the tall spire of the Stirling Baptist Church to its right
rising above the low buildings on Murray Place (fig 24); in the gap between the buildings the
steeple and clock of the Athenaeum can be glimpsed.
4. From the west along Albert Place over the Corn Exchange Road
The western approach to Stirling is the most impressive passing through the historic Royal
Park with the King’s Park to the south and the Butt Park and King’s Knot to the north, with
the dramatic view of Stirling Castle high on Castle Rock (figs 17 & 18). The entrance to the
urban area is clear, marked by the Victorian terrace of Royal Gardens on the corner with
Albert Place. Albert Place is punctuated on its northern side by an ensemble of public
buildings. At the Albert Halls, the Corn Exchange Road leads to the Old Town through a
break in the Town Wall towards the civic heart of the city with the Municipal Chambers and
Central Library facing each other and forming major landmarks. The city’s war memorial
and a number of memorial statues as set out on landscaped banks either side of the road
(fig 25).
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Fig 21: southern approach on Port Street; the increase in building height and enclosure provides an immediate
urban setting.
Fig 22: approach from the north crosses the River Forth with views to the wooded Gowanhill and Great Hall of
Stirling Castle above. The historic sightlines between castle and bridge are maintained.
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Fig 23: approach on the north continues along Barnton Street, the building scale and density marking the
transition to the city centre. Note the steeple of the Stirling Baptist Church in the distance.
Fig 24: approach from the east; the vista on Station Road closed by the former Carmichael Hotel (Stirling
Arcade) and the tall spire of the Stirling Baptist Church.
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Fig 25: approach from the west ends with Corn Exchange Road making the connection into the civic heart of
Stirling with the Municipal Chambers (left) and Central Library (right); the landscaped area gives access to the
Back Walk.
Landmarks
The residential and commercial nature of many of the properties in Stirling Town has
created substantial sections which are broadly homogenous with buildings of similar scale
and architectural style. In contrast to these townscape buildings, the historic and cultural
importance of Stirling has left a significant legacy of landmark buildings including:
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Stirling Castle (fig 26D).
The Church of the Holy Rude: terminates the view up Spittal Street; prominent
skyline feature (fig 26F).
Mar’s Wark: closes the head of Broad Street (fig 26E).
Argyll’s Lodging: courtyard building set off Castle Wynd (fig 47E).
The Tolbooth: tall clock tower with distinctive Dutch roof (fig 26A).
A historic spine of major public buildings on the south-west side of Spittal Street:
• Old Town Jail
• Former Erskine Marykirk (fig 26G)
• Old Infirmary
• Old High School.
• The Athenaeum at the head of King Street (fig 26C).
Municipal Chambers, occupying a full street block; tower visible on skyline.
Central Library: prominent corner plot at the foot of the Back Walk (fig 25).
Cowane’s House: landmark on St Mary’s Wynd (fig 33C).
Stirling Station (fig 52C).
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In addition to these major landmarks there are other local landmarks which are important to
the identity of their immediate setting, some examples are:
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Mercat Cross in Broad Street adjacent to Norie’s House (fig 47B).
Portcullis Hotel: at the foot of the castle approach (fig 47G).
Darrow’s Lodging and Spittal’s House (fig 8).
Former Drill Hall: closes the vista of Princes Street.
Viewfield Church: punctuates the skyline at the foot of Irvine Place (fig 39).
Stirling Sheriff Court: terminating the terraced town houses on Viewfield Place (fig
49F).
St Mary’s RC Church: at the head of Queen Street elevated above Upper Bridge
Street.
No. 55 Bank Street/No. 1 Bank Street: distinctive brick and half-timbered tenement
(fig 47J).
No. 1 Dumbarton Road: unique brick building on corner site with elaborate roof (fig
48E).
Views of these landmarks, particularly from within the conservation area, allow orientation of
the organic street pattern, and often form attractive vistas.
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Landmarks
A
D
F
B
C
E
G
Fig 26A: Tolbooth steeple; B: tower of Cowane’s Hospital with statue of John Cowane; C: the Athenaeum;
D: Stirling Castle; E: Mar’s Wark; F: Church of the Holy Rude; G: former Erskine Marykirk.
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Street Pattern
The principal characteristics of the historic burgh street pattern were laid down several
centuries ago; buildings were constructed along the winding routes which navigated the
steep south-easterly slope of the crag and descended north toward the bridge crossing the
River Forth (section 4.1). These meandering routes are of ancient origin and highly
significant (fig 27). This response to local geography has created an organic street plan,
and much of the late medieval burgh street pattern remains today despite adjustments
through road widening and later development.
The expansion of the late 18th and 19th centuries introduced the commercial thoroughfare
(Port Street – Murray Place – Barnton Street) which cut through the edge of the earlier
burgh development at the foot of the crag. This did not significantly impact on the burgh
plan and adjacent areas, for example the area around Viewfield Street, Seaforth Place and
Maxwell Place which retained their organic street form. King Street, of early origin and a
medieval market place, was reconstructed during the 1830s but maintained its broad aspect
(fig 28).
The 20th century redevelopment of the Old Town Sector in large part retained the original
street pattern with some road widening (Bow Street and St Mary’s Wynd). More
significantly, large sections of buildings fronting the street were removed, for example the
creation of Baker Street Gardens and the removal of buildings on St Mary’s Wynd and St
Johns Street. New street plans were introduced for housing at the top of Irvine Place in a
20th century cul-de sac arrangement, which is both inappropriate as a termination of Irvine
Place and has not respected the historic pattern of housing along the street line of St Mary’s
Wynd. There is similar housing on the west side at the foot of Upper Bridge Street.
In addition to the principle medieval roads, a number of lanes formed secondary routes, and
closes accessed the developed backlands to the rear of the street, much of which has been
lost. Those that remain are a valuable part of the character creating confined intimate
spaces of detail and quality, for example King’s Stables Lane enclosed by high stonework
boundary walls (figs 46B-D). Views into pends and closes attract attention and increase the
interest and complexity of Stirling as a former medieval burgh.
The most significant elements of the street pattern are:
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The late-medieval burgh layout: Broad Street (figs 33 A & B ), St Johns Street /
Spittal Street (fig 27), Bow Street / St Mary’s Wynd,/ Upper Bridge Street, and Baker
Street.
Historic lanes, pends and closes: Tannery Lane, King’s Stables Lane (figs 46B-D)
and Crofthead Road; vennels between Baker Street and Spittal Street (figs 52D-F).
Victorian Expansion: the strong artery of Port Street, Murray Place, Barnton Street
(figs 23 & 29).
King Street: the broad civic connection between old and new (fig 28).
Corn Exchange Road: elevated civic space (fig 25).
Residential expansion: Princes Street, Irvine Place and Queen Street (fig 37).
Former Crawford Arcade (now Stirling Arcade): Victorian arcade linking Murray
Place and King Street, one of only five such arcades which remain in Scotland.
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−
Back Walk: 18th century promenade which skirts the foot of the Town Wall extending
from Dumbarton Road to Stirling Castle and beyond (figs 50C-F).
Fig 27: view south-west from the head of St Johns Street looking down Spittal Street; an ancient route
descending the crag from the Church of the Holy Rude.
Fig 28: the broad civic space of King Street, originally a market place, reconstructed in the early 19th century;
the vista closed by the clock tower and steeple of The Athenaeum.
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Activity and Movement
The character of the conservation area is not only derived from its built environment and
open spaces, but from their interaction and activity within the area.
Commercial activity is concentrated at the foot of the Old Town primarily along the linear
route of Port Street, Murray Place and Barton Road where street level shops predominate.
Vehicle access has been restricted to create pedestrianised areas in Friars Street and Port
Street (fig 29), and Murray Place is only partially accessible to traffic. Vehicular traffic is
concentrated on the southern section of Port Street (at the entry to the conservation area;
fig 21) and at Station Road, north of Murray Place and Barton Street (fig 23).
The large retail shopping malls of The Thistles and The Marches (not in the conservation
area) form the primary retail area, however there is a ‘secondary’ commercial area which
includes the linear route of Port Street, Murray Place and Barnton Road, as well as King
Street, Friars Street, the lower end of Baker Street, and the Stirling Arcade. This area has a
mixture of commercial uses including a number of public houses and cafes, shops and
residential properties above street level. The variety of small scale traditional retail units
and historic shop fronts adds interest and local distinctiveness.
Beyond this commercial core, the Top of the Town and the Town House Sector are both
largely residential. Tourist activity is focused on the castle, with other key sites at the top of
Broad Street (Tolbooth, Church of the Holy Rude, Mar’s Wark, Argyll’s Lodging) and Spittal
Street (Old Town Jail) despite the lack of supporting commercial services (fig 30).
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Fig 29: view of the pedestrian section of Port Street which forms part of the commercial artery at the foot of the
Old Town.
Fig 30: view down Broad Street (left) and across to St Johns Street; the Top of the Town area below the castle
has some tourist activity but is largely residential.
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5.2 Character Areas
This section introduces each character area before more detailed description in the remainder of this chapter.
As identified in section 5.0 (fig 16) Stirling Town and Royal Park
consists of three character areas:
Conservation Area
1
Old Town Sector (Stirling Castle, Royal Park, and Top of the Town)
2
Commercial Sector (Foot of the Town)
3
Town House Sector (Out of the Town)
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Character Area 1: Old Town Sector
The Old Town Sector (figs 16 & 47; table 2) comprises Stirling Castleand Park, and the Top
of the Town extending south to the foot of Baker Street and Spittal Street. This incorporates
areas of the medieval burgh which were not affected by late 18th and early 19th century
interventions at the foot of the town.
Fig 31 Stirling Castle viewed from the Old Town cemetery: the sculptural massing of the defensive walls
dominates alongside the Palace and the gleaming Great Hall. The cemetery provides a green buffer to the
castle and unique cultural and historic setting.
Stirling Castle stands elevated at the crag summit, set apart from the historic burgh across a
broad Esplanade (now used for car parking). The castle is buffered by the Old Town and
Ballengeich cemeteries to the north-east and south-west respectively, creating a unique
cultural setting and context for the historic town beyond (fig 31). The predominantly Scots
Renaissance architecture of the castle buildings contrasts with the townscape below. Views
from the castle over the immediate and distant landscape, and from the Esplanade over the
city, are a fundamental aspect of the character of Stirling (fig 19).
Below the Esplanade, Castle Wynd connects to the heart of the medieval burgh with steps
leading down adjacent to the Portcullis Hotel (fig 47G). Two highly significant buildings line
the wynd: Argyll’s Lodging (fig 47E) and Mar’s Wark (fig 26E). The carved stone mass of
Mar’s Wark closes the head of Broad Street, a remarkable contrast to the simple traditional
tenements. Further to the west the medieval Church of the Holy Rude faces St Johns
Street (fig 26F), its gates providing access to a quiet precinct with the 17th century
almshouse Cowane’s Hospital (fig 47D). There is access into the kirkyard, or down onto the
Back Walk.
The Top of the Town is characterised by the organic medieval street pattern and enclosure
of space with tall tenement buildings. Broad Street (figs 33A & B), the original market place,
is lined on both sides with buildings dating from the early 17th century to the 20th century.
Redevelopment from the 1920s to 1960s aimed to conserve the best buildings and rebuild
in a traditional Scots style. Norie’s House (fig 47B) stands out with its fine ashlar frontage,
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as does Darnley’s House closing the vista on Bow Street (fig 47C). The Tolbooth, adapted
as a gallery and venue in 2001, retains its prominence with a modern walkway projecting
into Broad Street and rear extension largely hidden from view. Its tower with distinctive
Dutch roof can be glimpsed in many views within the Old Town (fig 47A).
St Johns Street runs almost parallel to Broad Street, possibly the earlier boundary on the
medieval market place (fig 6). A group of historic buildings remain at the head of St Johns
Street including Bruce of Auchenbowie’s House (fig 32). They provide an important context
for the Church of the Holy Rude, Cowane’s Hospital and the approach to the castle. St
Johns Street meanders back down the crag continuing as Spittal Street (fig 27). On the
south-west side of this route there is a spine of landmark public buildings of historic interest
and value; including the Old Town Jail, Erskine Marykirk (now a Youth Hostel), the former
Stirling High School (now the Stirling Highland Hotel), the original Commercial Bank (later
Old Infirmary), and Allan’s Primary School. These landmark buildings are all executed in
different architectural styles, creating an interesting and unique ensemble. Opposite the
Old High School, the 16th century Darrow’s Lodging and adjoining Spittal’s House (fig 8) are
very important survivors which address the approach from the Back Walk on Academy
Road and mark the short connection back to Bow Street.
Fig 32: St Johns Street: Nos. 31-41 form an important group on the approach to the castle, and the setting of the
Church of the Holy Rude and Cowane’s Hospital. The uppermost house, originally built for Bruce of
Auchenbowie in 1531, has a circular entrance stair with swept roof and interesting large stepped gable; it was
restored by Sir Frank Mears in the late 1930s.
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The area to the north-east of the castle retains few historic buildings, the character largely
deriving from the earlier street pattern creating winding routes descending towards Stirling
Bridge. There are a small number of traditional houses at the junction of Crofthead Road
and Barn Road including a former Smithy. The most prominent feature on St Mary’s Wynd
is the ruined façade of Cowane’s House (1603; fig 33C). The adjacent inn, possibly dating
to the 17th century, marks the entry to King’s Stables Lane, an attractive historic route
leading to the Castle Court, two ranges of former barracks now in private residential use.
The early 18th century Settle Inn terminates St Mary’s Wynd, and exhibits typical features
reminiscent of the period, with a steep pitched roof and crowstepped gables (fig 33D).
A
B
D
C
Fig 33A & B: Broad Street, the historic market place of the Royal Burgh; note the Tolbooth tower (A); C: the
ruinous Cowane’s House, the adjoining inn may date to the 17th century; D: the early 18th century Settle Inn,
typical of this date with a steep pitched roof and crowstepped gables; the roof dormer is a later adaptation.
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Character Area 2: Commercial Sector
The Commercial Sector (fig 16 & 48; table 3) extends from Port Street in the south (fig 21)
through Murray Place and Barnton Street (fig 23). This ribbon of development comprises
the late Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian expansion at the foot of the crag. Included in
this sector are the medieval streets Friars Street and King Street (fig 28) which connect the
old burgh to this commercial artery and have experienced considerable redevelopment over
the same period (fig 34).
The sector is enclosed to the south by Upper Craigs and Port Street, with the earliest
buildings dating from the 1770s. This area remains fairly densely packed, with backlands
containing a variety of workshops and small businesses. The pend leading off Port Street
provides a glimpse of the town’s historic atmosphere and remains an important and
interesting enclosure.
In contrast, the west side of Port Street largely comprises of tenements dating from the turn
of the 20th century (fig 43). The tall imposing tenements align the street, the block
terminated by the distinctive red brick corner building known as the Wolf Craig (fig 48E).
The variety of architectural styles and building materials (red sandstone, brick, timber) are
unified by their common scale and proportion and provide an impressive street façade.
The sense of enclosure continues in the pedestrianised part of Port Street. The area was
redeveloped in the 1830s, notably along the west side of Port Street aligned with dignified
4-storey classical ashlar fronted tenements with shops at street level. The architectural
style continues along the south side of King Street creating a strong and attractive
uniformity (fig 34).
Fig 34: the coherent 4-storey late Georgian tenements forming the west side of Port Street and continuing into
King Street; their classical grandeur a result of reconstruction of the area in the 1830s.
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However, many of the other buildings in the commercial town are varied in style, partly due
to the diversity of architectural styles during the Victorian period along with on-going
development of individual sites over an extended period. The north side of King Street is a
good example of this (figs 35 & 48B): climbing the slope from the 18th century Golden Lion
Hotel is a late Victorian red sandstone tenement in the individual style of local architects
McLuckie and Walker (1898); the palazzo style façade of the former Commercial Bank
(Nos. 22-24; 1840) with ornate carved stonework and porches; and beyond the entrance to
Stirling Arcade, a narrow iron fronted building at No. 36 (c. 1861) with decorative ovoid
windows at the eaves level.
At the head of King Street, the classical Athenaeum impressively occupies the narrow
corner site where Spittal and Baker Streets meet. The former Clydesdale Bank contrasts
with a highly decorative red sandstone façade wrapping the corner from King Street into
Corn Exchange Road, its elaborate roof level sculptures adding skyline detail (fig x). Corn
Exchange Road is dominated by the Municipal Chambers (1914-18) which occupies the full
north side. The robust Central Library continues the civic grandeur on the south side
turning into the Back Walk (fig 25).
At the foot of King Street, Murray Place retains a degree of streetscape cohesion despite a
number of modern interventions, such as the Thistle Centre entrance and the block
continuing to Station Road which interrupts the scale and character of the area. Beyond
Station Road a number of substantial Victorian buildings (fig 48H) maintain the scale before
Barnton Street creates a uniform wall of tenements and shops (fig 23). At the southern end
of Barnton Street, Friar Street makes the short connection back the head of King Street.
The ancient route retains an organic quality although there has been much redevelopment
with early tenements sitting alongside Victorian and Edwardian buildings.
Fig 35: the north side of King Street is a good example of the diversity of architectural styles during the Victorian
period: right, the late Victorian red sandstone tenement built for the Cooperative Society by local architects
McLuckie and Walker (1898); adjacent the palazzo style façade of the former Commercial Bank (Nos. 22-24;
1840).
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Character Area 3: Town House Sector
The Town House Sector (fig 16 & 49; table 4) comprises the early to mid-19th century
expansion along Princes Street, Irvine Place, Queen Street, Upper Bridge Street, Viewfield
Place and south-east side of Cowane Street.
The concentrated building period (chiefly 1800-1840) has resulted in a coherent
architectural style and building form. Variety is introduced by individual house types, size
and details, from the grand 2-storey detached villas on Irvine Place (with basement and
attic; fig 42), to the simpler flatted properties on Cowane Street. The terraced properties
find prominence in their group massing and repetition of symmetry (windows and doors),
forming a whole grander than the individual component parts. In general the building quality
is high with ashlar facades and refined details such as eaves cornices, decorative door
pieces, window cornices and fanlights.
The earliest properties are on Upper Bridge Street and Queen Street following a feu plan by
the Cowane’s Hospital in 1804. The early terraced properties on the east side of Upper
Bridge Street comprise a varied building style with sandstone, whinstone and some harled
buildings (fig 49A). St Mary’s Church occupies higher ground and forms a dominant
landmark, with Bellfield House and Nos. 11 and 15 Upper Bridge Street providing examples
of substantial detached villas. The north-west of Upper Bridge Street comprises later 20th
century redevelopment, which detracts from the area’s historic character. A short row of
shops with canted dormers provide an important group at the foot of Upper Bride Street,
with an old vennel connecting to Crofthead Road (fig 36).
Fig 36: important row of traditional properties at the foot of Upper Bridge Street, note the route on the right which
gives access to Crofthead Road.
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Queen Street (fig 37) was constructed from 1820 by local architect and builder Allan
Johnstone, and is, “An object lesson on how to achieve variety within the one type of
classical format…” (McKean, 1985, 46). Houses differ in the architectural details (e.g.
fanlights, door pieces) and building materials (dark whinstone with contrasting sandstone
dressings, ochre ashlar). The accommodation also differs, with some buildings having two
or four flats carefully disguised to appear as terraced town houses. The Methodist Church
forms the single interruption in the terrace streetscape; originally the Wesleyan Chapel, it
sits back from the street behind a low boundary wall, railings and original ornate lamp
standards. The adjacent house (No. 21; fig 49B) was used as the manse until 2010.
At the foot of Queen Street, No. 2 turns its façade to address Viewfield Place, its height
raised to 4-storeys to accommodate the drop in ground level turning into Cowane Street; it
is an important and prominent frontage on routes north from the city centre (fig 49G). The
remainder of Cowane Street is more modest with 2-storey and 3-storey tenements but
maintaining classical features such as rusticated stonework. Tannery Lane connects
Cowane Street to the head of Queen Street on the line of an old medieval route. Traditional
boundary walls remain, although the housing is of late 20th century design and not
characteristic of the area.
Fig 37: Queen Street constructed from 1820 presents a unified terrace frontage of fine sandstone and whinstone
classically detailed house facades. Tannery Lane (on the left) descends to Cowane Street.
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Irvine Place runs parallel to Queen Street forming a steep approach road with greater
diversity in its building type, contrasting with the unified terraces such as Queen Street and
Viewfield Place. Three Regency villas (fig 42) are set out in large plots constructed in strict
accordance with feu conditions dating from 1835, to build,
‘…a neat dwelling-house and offices of stone and lime, covered with good blue
slates, the front thereof to be either of hammer-dressed whinstone or dressed or
polished freestone with regular hewn doors, windows, skews and tops of vents,
and shall lay out the remainder of said lot in a garden or pleasure ground. That
the dwelling-house shall be built fronting Irvine Place exactly 18 feet back from
the front wall delineated on the said plan and shall be not less than 30 nor more
than 40 feet in length, two storeys high in front, similar to the houses built in
Allan Park by Dr Galliers.’
(referring to No. 2 Irvine Place, in McKean, 1985, 45)
Directly opposite the Regency villas there are two flatted late Georgian tenements: Nos. 9,
11 and 13 Irvine Place. No. 13 rises to 3-storeys over a basement and is topped by a
pediment over the central bay (fig 38). Both tenements have attractive details such as the
curving entrance stairs at Nos. 9 and 11 and the broad steps to No. 13.
Fig 38: the substantial late Georgian tenement at No. 13 Irvine Place grandly designed with sweeping entrance
steps, door piece and pedimented central bay.
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The residential scale is interrupted at the foot of Irvine Place by the tall and elegant spire of
the Viewfield Church (fig 39), a landmark on the entry to the commercial centre. Its
elevated position is emphasised by the low single storey shops on the west side of Viewfield
Place. The Sherriff Court sits opposite on Viewfield Place, bringing a distinct civic grandeur
to the area (1864; fig 49F). Adjoining the Court to the north, Nos. 1-10 Viewfield Place
(1835, fig 49E) comprise a refined ashlar terrace of 2-storey town houses (some now in
commercial use) behind short front gardens.
Princes Street was the last street to develop and is short and truncated by the slope of
Castle Rock, with steps linking to the Top of the Town. The majority of the street follows the
classical style with carved details to windows and doors, with some later Victorian
properties. The street is terminated by the former Drill Hall (1892), built for the Argyll &
Sutherland Highlanders and designed in baronial style with twin towers with conical roofs.
Fig 39: Viewfield Church, a landmark on an elevated position on the slopes of Irvine Place, emphasised by the
low single storey shops lining Viewfield Place.
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5.3 Buildings and Townscape
This section describes the significant architectural and historic qualities of the buildings and the contribution
made by scheduled monuments, listed buildings and key unlisted buildings of townscape value. Any dominant
architectural styles, prevalent types or periods of buildings are identified and their essential characteristics
including prevalent and traditional building materials, textures, colours and local details are outlined.
“The retention of character of individual buildings in the Conservation Area is
essential to retain the variety of detail and visual interest of the area. Each street
and every building has its own character and influence on its surroundings.
However, it is useful to consider the general character of the area.”
(A Character Appraisal for Stirling Town Conservation Area, 1999, 14)
A significant part of the special character and appearance of the conservation area is
provided by its buildings and other townscape features. Tables 2 to 4, and figures 47 to 49
below will detail key characteristics of the character areas identified in section 5.0 (fig 16)
and described in section 5.2.
Buildings considered to be of special local, regional or national importance are given
statutory protection as listed buildings. Listed buildings in the conservation area are
indicated on figure 40 and listed in Appendix B. The conservation area contains a very high
level of listed buildings, over 200, of which 27 are Category A listed.
The following tables indicate ‘key’ listed and unlisted buildings. Key buildings are assessed
on their contribution to the character of the conservation area and therefore not necessarily
on their individual merit as historic buildings. Omission from the table does not mean a
listed building is not important, or that an unlisted building makes no contribution to the
conservation area. Key unlisted buildings should be considered in preparation of a local list
of buildings by Stirling Council (section 6.5).
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Fig 40a: Stirling Town and Royal Park Conservation Area outlined in orange with listed buildings (Category A:
red; Category B: blue; Category C(S): green) © Crown
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Fig 40b: Stirling Town and Royal Park Conservation Area outlined in orange with listed buildings (Category A:
red; Category B: blue; Category C(S): green) © Crown
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General townscape characteristics
Stirling Town and Royal Park Conservation Area reflects the transition of building design
and materials that occurred over a 500 year period, from the earliest surviving stone
tenements and lodgings, through 17th and 18th century rebuilding to the 19th and 20th century
expansion and redevelopment. The streetscape is generally held together by an overriding
understanding of traditional Scottish townscape features: building and storey heights, bay
widths and verticallity in windows, facades addressing the street, all observed to produce a
varied and interesting streetscape which retains coherence. Street facades are articulated
to add depth and interest through detailing of stonework, window margins, doors and
chimneys.
Height and plot size
Historically, there were few large plots, construction favouring long tofts with narrow houses
fronting the street and rigs to the rear. Key exceptions include large mansions such as
Argyll’s Lodging. Later 20th century redevelopment has removed earlier backland structures
and in some instances (for example in Broad Street) hollowed out back courts to create
communal space for drying greens. However, the majority of street frontage has retained
the original plot widths. Vertical emphasis, a key component of traditional Scottish
architecture, is particularly evident in the early buildings on Broad Street and pervades
throughout the conservation area and replicated by the 20th century redevelopment of the
Old Town.
Building height reduces as the streetscape meanders towards the foot of the town, with tall
4-storey properties in Broad Street and 3 or 4-storey properties in Baker Street, Port Street
and Murray Place (fig 41). Houses in the Town House Sector are generally 2-storey, with a
basement over the sloping site and an attic in the roofspace. Generally, building heights
continue to diminish outwith the historic burgh, with peripheral buildings being
predominately 2 storey. This pattern of maintains the integrity of the historic core.
Fig 41: view east: Baker Street in the foreground, with 3-storey buildings stepping down the slope. Note the tall
steeple of the Stirling Baptist Church punctuating the skyline.
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Materials and Colour
Construction materials were originally sourced locally. Building stone was quarried from
several locations, often from the rock itself (local whinstone) and local quarries such as
Ballengeich (used for the Church of the Holy Rude). Slate was used from the 18th century,
primarily from the Highland boundary fault quarries (generally termed Aberfoyle slate). The
arrival of the railways permitted transportation of materials from other areas; materials such
as Welsh slate and red Locharbriggs sandstone were used in the second half of the 19th
century alongside the local materials.
Architectural Style and Detail
Stirling Town incorporates many differing architectural styles and details, reflecting its
historic development. A range of architectural movements are represented dating back to
the 16th century Scottish Renaissance style of the Stirling Castle buildings. However, the
majority of the buildings in the conservation area are either late 18th to early 19th century
(Georgian – Regency style) or mid-19th to early 20th century (Victorian - Edwardian style).
Georgian and Regency buildings tend to be uniform in their use of architectural paradigms
(or elements). They are largely symmetrical, often 3 bays wide with a central entrance and
simple window openings usually with timber sash and case windows with 6 over 6 panes.
The façade was of prime importance; this is reflected in the use of materials such as ashlar
masonry in contrast to rubble construction on the gables and rear elevations, often
designed to receive a lime harl. Roofs were subordinate to the façade, often with raised
parapets and no dormer windows. Architectural detailing (decorative fanlights, moulded
door surrounds) is elegant and delicate. The subtlety of such design can easily be
compromised by poor replacement or repair of these elements. Good examples of late
Georgian and Regency buildings in the conservation area include the Town House Sector
(fig 42) and the reconstruction of Port Street and King Street in the 1830s (fig 34).
Victorian and Edwardian buildings express the technological advances of the age (transport
of materials, bay window construction, elaborate carved stone work) but also the great
variety of architectural styles revived and adapted during this period. The Commercial
Sector provides numerous examples such as Italianate, Renaissance and Scots Baronial
style. More elaborate design is introduced to articulate facades and express window and
door openings, cornices, chimneys and rooflines. Such architectural details are often
vulnerable to natural weathering yet are crucial to the rich architectural language and quality
of these buildings.
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Fig 42: one of three Regency mansions (c. 1835) built on Irvine Place. The house displays the key architectural
elements of this style: a flat fronted symmetrical 3-bay elevation with expressed door and window margins and
pilasters framing the ashlar façade. The gable walls are constructed of whinstone rubble which would originally
have been harled in lime. The roof (now with some modern interventions) would have had a flush continuous
slate finish with no rooflight or dormers. The tall chimney stacks complete the vertical emphasis of the
composition.
Fig 43: Nos. 52-56 Port Street (right) and Nos. 58-70 (left) were constructed at the end of the Victoria era and
illustrate the rich detail and embellishment common to many of the Victorian buildings in the Commercial Sector.
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Local Architects
It is important to recognise the contribution of local architects, whose interpretation of
general architectural movements has added individuality and distinctiveness to Stirling.
Some of the more prolific architects in the conservation area were:
Gideon Gray: extension to the Tolbooth (1785); possibly the Golden Lion Hotel (c 1786);
former Grammar School (1788; now Portcullis Hotel).
Allan Johnstone: The Athenaeum (to designs of William Stirling, 1816-17); Erskine Marykirk
(1824-6); Queen Street (1820s). Johnstone also designed similar properties out with the
conservation area in King’s Park: Nos. 12 &14 Allan Park (c.1818); Nos. 13 & 14 Melville
Terrace (c.1821).
Francis Mackison (1822-1884): in practice with his nephew William from 1851.
Reconstruction of the Cowane’s Hospital to the Guildhall (1852); Viewfield Church (1860).
The practice contributed much to the design and layout of the King’s Park suburb producing
the feu plan for Spittal’s Park (1856) and Southfield (1867) as well as a number of houses.
John Allan (c.1847-1922): known for his idiosyncratic style on buildings such as No. 42 Port
Street (1897-8) and Nos. 29-31 Friars Street (1902); and also for the use of the revivalist
Tudor style at No. 55 Baker Street/1 Bank Street (1890). He also designed a number of
houses in King’s Park as well as the impressive Batterflats mansion off Polmaise Road.
Andrew McLuckie (1843 –1911) and Ronald Walker (1959-1911) formed partnership
McLuckie & Walker c.1885. The practice was prolific in Stirling contributing tenement
buildings to the commercial centre and substantial residences in the expanding suburbs,
such as those in Manse Crescent and Randolph Terrace. Their buildings in the
conservation area include: Allan’s Board School (1888-91 Ronald Walker); No. 55 King
Street (1894); Nos. 53-71 Barnton Street (1897); No. 12-18 King Street (1897-8); Nos. 2125 Baker Street/ No. 32 Spittal Street (1899; 1903); No. 1 Friars Street (1900); extension to
former Old High School (1905-7); Nos. 19-39 Barnton Street (1905); Nos. 7-11 Port Street
(1905-6; former Woolworth building); Nos. 40-48 Upper Craigs (former Stirling Observer
print works and tenement 1906); No. 15 Port Street (1906); No. 18 Princes Street (1906);
Nos. 13-19 Barnton Street (1908); No. 52 Upper Craigs (1908).
Ebeneezer Simpson (1854-1934), worked under the partnership of Simpson, McMicheal
and Davidson: Nos. 52-56 Port Street (1901); Nos. 38-40 Port Street/ 2-4 Dumbarton Road
(1900-1); No. 61 Port Street/Upper Craigs (1914); Nos. 58-70 Port Street (c 1901); shop
front No. 19 King Street (1908).
Eric S Bell (1884-1973): the Boy’s Club (1929); restoration of tenements for the Stirling
Thistle Property Trust (1928).
Walter H Gillespie (1913-1983): Stirling Burgh architect 1953-1975. Responsible for
implementing the post-war redevelopment of the Top of the Town including the design of
new buildings (e.g. Bow Street; St John’s Street) and reconstruction of major landmark
buildings such as Norie’s House and Darnley’s House.
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Other non-resident architects of note are: Sir Frank Mears (1880-1953) who produced the
old town redevelopment masterplan in 1938 including the redesign of Baker Street and
rehabilitation of No. 41 Broad Street and Nos. 39-41 St Johns Street. Liverpool practise J,
WH and JM Hay designed a number of landmark buildings including the first phase of the
former High School (1854-6); the former Snowdon School (1855); No. 1 Murray Place
(1862-3) and the former South Church (now Stirling Baptist, 1851-3).
Shop Fronts
There is a wide range of historic shop fronts, from the 19th century to the pre-war and early
post-war period. Many original shop fronts have been lost through business renewal and
development. However, in some circumstances the replacement shop front is now of
historic value; for example No. 19 King Street has an attractive Edwardian shop front dating
from 1908 (designed by Ebeneezer Simpson) although the building dates from the 1830s.
Other shops in King Street date to the 1930s, for example Nos. 36 and 40, when shop fitting
was popular and designs executed in new materials and Art Deco designs. There are also
good examples of late Victorian and Edwardian shop fronts for example at Nos. 52-56 Port
Street and in Barnton Street. Nos. 2-12 Friars Street comprise a row of ‘bungalow’ shops
constructed in two phases (1930 and 1938), the latter designed by local firm Bruce &
Marshall. In some instances replacement shop fronts may cover historic elements and this
should be considered during any alterations or reinstatement.
Shop fronts make
considerable contribution to the vitality and distinctiveness of the conservation area, and the
city centre as a whole, but possibly represent one of its biggest challenges.
Fig 44: traditional shop fronts at (left) No. 8 King Street and (right) the ground floor of the Athenaeum
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Walls
Stirling’s whinstone boundary walls form one of the most striking features of the built
environment, ranging from the massive protective Town Wall to those which define house
plots or enclose routes. Many walls have survived for over two centuries, largely built of
local whinstone from the crag and often built directly onto the rock. The walls perform a
functional role, to protect and enclose plot grounds, often retaining ground above. They
also add considerable character to the conservation area and should be retained. Some of
the most significant walls are:
−
−
−
−
−
The Town Wall: fortifications of the former burgh (from 1547); the most extensive
surviving example of a burgh fortification in Scotland; original sections are a
Schedule Monument (figs 15, 45 & 46A).
Queen Street: walls to the west side.
Lanes: walls rise over ten feet high in places enclosing lanes at Harvey Wynd;
Tannery Lane; King’s Stables Lane; and Crofthead Road. In King’s Stables Lane
there are remains of doorways and windows from the former King’s stables
buildings (fig 46B-D). There are records of stables in this area from the late 16th
century (Harrison, 2008, 10).
Private gardens and plots: whinstone walls are a feature of many boundary walls
particularly in Town House Sector.
The Park Dyke: historic wall enclosing the royal parkland, partially in the
conservation area (fig 55).
Fig 45: section of the scheduled Town Wall on Dumbarton Road; part of a number of original sections which
enclose the former burgh.
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A
B
C
D
Fig 46A: circular bastion on the Town Wall behind Allan’s School, on the Back Walk; note how the wall has been
constructed directly onto the rock; B-D: walls create enclosure and character in Stirling’s lanes, for example
King’s Stables Lane; B: looking east from Castle Court; C: earlier openings in the wall, possibly to stables; D:
looking west along King’s Stables Lane.
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OLD TOWN
SECTOR
BUILDINGS AND TOWNSCAPE
th
Stirling Castle (from 14 C; figs 26D & 31) Great Hall (1501-3), Palace
(1540-42), Chapel Royal (1594) and inner Forework (c. 1500). All Category A.
and Scheduled Monument.
th
Valley Lodge (18 C) Category B; 3-bay house with skewed gable, Venetian
windows to rear, porch.
Mar Lodge (c 1817) Category B; single storey cottage frontage disguises 3storey house with projecting bays to rear, dark whinstone.
Portcullis Hotel (1788; fig 47G) Category B by Gideon Gray; former
Grammar School converted in Victorian era; a prominent feature on the
approach to the castle, with adjacent steps to the Esplanade.
Church of the Holy Rude (from 1456; alts 1818; fig 26F) Category A; one of
Scotland’s most important medieval churches; west tower prominent on city
skyline (fig 20); buttressed east end closing St Johns Street.
Mar’s Wark (1570-72; fig 26E) Category A, Scheduled Monument; ruined
gatehouse of a Renaissance palace of exceptional interest; 2 octagonal
turrets flanking a heavily moulded round arched gateway, beautifully cut
stone with string courses, carvings, armorial panels, gargoyles.
Key Listed Buildings and
Scheduled Monuments
Argyll’s Lodging (mid16thC; c.1600, c1630, c1670; fig 47E) Category A,
Scheduled Monument; ‘Scotland’s finest surviving Renaissance mansion’;
screen wall and rusticated entrance gateway on Castle Wynd; harled and
limewashed walls, conical roofed corner turrets, carved stonework.
Cowane’s Hospital (1637-48; figs 26B & 47D) Category A by John Mylne
Jnr; now Guildhall; late medieval almshouse funded by John Cowane. E-plan,
2-3 storey on a sloping site, tall crowstepped gables with apex chimneys, 4storey projecting stair tower and entrance with ogival roof, in freestone from
Elphinstone & Plean quarries. Reconstructed as a Guildhall by Francis and
James Mackison (1852) adding SE gable window and rear windows to double
height hall. Dormer windows, pediments above windows, figure of John
Cowane in niche. Terrace with open balustrades dating to the 1660s. Dutch
Garden with pedestal sundial (1727).
Mercat Cross Category B, Scheduled Monument; finial unicorn (the Puggy)
th
only surviving element of 16 C cross removed in 1792; reinstated (1891).
Town Wall (from 1547 figs 15, 45 & 46A) Category A, Schedule Monument;
fortifications of the former burgh, the most extensive surviving example of a
burgh fortification in Scotland.
Broad Street: spanning 3 centuries (figs 33A & D).
Tolbooth (1703-5; figs 33A & 47A) Category A, design by William Bruce; tall
narrow 3-bay building with projecting square tower capped by one of the few
surviving ogee-shaped Dutch pavilion roofs. Jail Wynd elevations in rubble.
Extended (1785, Gideon Gray) 3-bays to east. Linked to the Former Jail and
Court House (1806-11) Category A. Converted by Richard Murphy Architects
2001 to auditorium and cultural centre.
Table 2: Stirling Town Conservation Area: Buildings & Townscape: Old Town Sector (1)
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OLD TOWN
SECTOR
BUILDINGS AND TOWNSCAPE (cont.)
Broad Street SW side (fig 33A): other than the Tolbooth, no buildings on this
th
side predate the 19 C. There is homogeneity in storey heights, massing and
materials.
No. 39 (e.19th C) Category B; classical with keystoned doorway,
reconstruction with circular tower added in 1972-3 by Walter Gillespie.
No. 41 (1937) Category C(S) by Sir Frank Mears; wraps the corner to Kirk
Wynd in 17th C Scots style, moulded ogival panel taken from demolished
Lawrie’s turnpike in Baker Street; rescued dormer tablet.
Key Listed Buildings and
Scheduled Monuments
th
th
Broad Street NE side (fig 33B): important buildings group from 17 – 20 C.
Nos. 14- 26 rehabilitated from 1959-66 by Walter Gillespie.
th
Mar Place House (e.19 C) Category B; detached classical 2-storey tripartite
windows, raised quoins, adjoining gate piers, now restaurant.
No. 26 (lt. 17th-e. 18thC) Category B; tall, arched pend, stair tower to rear.
No. 24 (18thC) Category B; 5-bay rubble tenement.
th
Nos. 20-22 (e. 19 C) Category B; elegant stone front huge arched doorway
and regular recessed windows.
No. 18 consists of 2 buildings: lower building: Graham of Panholes
th
Lodging (poss e.17 C; Walter Gillespie 1959) Category B; very
distinguished harled block dominated by 2 crowstepped gables which
address the street, pedimented doorway is a modern innovation replacing
central one.
No. 16 Town Clerk James Norie’s Lodging (1671; Walter Gillespie, 1959;
fig 47B) Category A; 4-storey fine ashlar front with crowstepped pediment
windows are capped with simple pediments which enclosed carved stone
initials or Latin texts. Ground floor has 2 diamond-cut facetted columns
support entablature carrying the upper storeys. Originally doorways in
ground floor now windows. Carved head tops gable.
Nos. 12-14 Provost Stevenson’s Lodging (17th C; refaced in 19th C; Walter
Gillespie 1963) Category B; to rear of Norie’s House, harled wing with
crowstepped stair tower on the corner and round headed dormers.
Bow Street
Nos. 1-3 (1960) Category C(S) by Walter Gillespie; redeveloped site in Scots
revival style; moulding stonework, crowstepped gables, circular stair tower.
No. 18 Darnley’s House (lt. 16th/e.17th C poss for Erskine of Gogar; Walter
Gillespie, 1958; fig 47C) Category A; tall 3 storey ashlar fronted land with
stone pedimented dormers; addresses Broad Street. To the rear No. 16 Moir
of Leckie’s House (1659; Walter Gillespie, 1958) Category A; L-plan with e.
th
18 C Venetian windows.
St Johns Street
Nos. 39-41 Bruce of Auchenbowie’s House (poss 1520, altered; fig 32)
Category A; large stepped Netherlandish gable, round entrance tower with
swept roof, moulded door piece.
th
Nos. 35-37 (18 C; converted 1939; fig 32) Category C(S); on site of the
house of Adam Spittal of Blairlogie, the doorway of which was reused in High
School extension. Important part of group.
th
No. 33 (mid-lt. 18 C; converted 1939; fig 32) Category B; large 5-bay, 3storey townhouse (now flatted) with projecting Tuscan doorpiece and
pediment. Important part of group redefining the street north of the spine of
public buildings.
Table 2: Stirling Town Conservation Area: Buildings & Townscape: Old Town Sector (2)
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – Revised by Stirling Council August 2012
62
OLD TOWN
SECTOR
BUILDINGS AND TOWNSCAPE (cont.)
St Johns Street (cont.)
No 36, Stirling Boys’ Club (1929) Category C(S) by Eric Bell; possible
reconstruction of former 17th C Buttery reusing walls; pediments of dormers
said the come from former buildings at Nos. 21-25 Broad St. Carved
inscriptions and motifs.
Old Town Jail (former County Jail; 1845-7) Category A; whinstone rubble
with crenelated ashlar parapets to street. Set back from street through a
castellated gateway; prominent on the city skyline (fig 20). Converted to
interpretative centre and offices 1994-6.
Erskine Marykirk Church (1824-6; fig 26G) Category B by Allan Johnstone;
fire 1980, only façade remains, now a youth hostel. Ebenezer Erskine
Monument 1859 in gardens covers site of Erskine’s tomb in former chapel.
Enclosed by a high boundary wall; rear entrance from the Back Walk. Set
back from street; prominent to Castle Hill skyline.
Former Old High School (1854-6) Category A by J, WH & JM Hay; heavy
Gothic style front to Academy Road in dark whinstone with Bannockburn
stone dressings, main entrance to courtyard 2-storey oriel window double
height windows and dormers. Extension to Spittal Street (1887-90, JM
MacLaren) grander quality with 5-storey observatory tower with copper dome
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which houses a revolving observatory. Cusped archway containing late 16 C
ceremonial doorway from demolished house of Adam Spittal’s house (No.
37). Primary High School (1905-7) by McLuckie & Walker; now hotel.
Key Listed Buildings and
Scheduled Monuments
Baker Street (fig 41)
th
th
Nos. 10- 14, 18, 24-30 (lt. 18 -e.19 C) Category C(S); stone fronted, plain
classical windows, occasional details, pilastered shop front at Nos. 28-30.
Nos. 11 & 13 (lt. 18th C- e.19th C) Category C(S); 3-bay, 3-storey houses and
shops. At 11a small narrow pend leads into the cobbled Sma’ Vennel to
Spittal Street (figs 52E & F).
Nos. 21-25 (1899) Category C(S) by McLuckie & Walker; striking red
sandstone tenement with curved parapet details (former wash house on roof
removed). Designed with its neighbour No. 32 Spittal Street.
Nos. 27-29 Castle Vaults (poss. e.18th C) Category C(S); steep roof and
Elphinstone heraldic panel.
Nos. 49-53 (1891) Category B; reconstruction of 1715 house crowsteps and
cornices.
No. 55 / No. 1 Bank Street (1890, fig 47J) Category B by John Allan; neoTudor Business Chambers and tenement; black & white half-timber jettied
upper storey, red brick. Distinctive in contrast to traditional properties and low
cottages on Bank Street.
Sauchie House (1830) Category B; former National Bank elegant ashlar
fronted classical 3-bay villa, door piece, entrance gate piers and wall
balustrading to parapet, dentilled cornice.
Dalgliesh Court (c.1810) Category B; small classical house with Doric
entrance and fanlight above.
Nos. 52-78 & 2-8 Bow Street (designed 1938 Sir Frank Mears, constructed
c. 1956 Walter Gillespie; fig 47F) Category C(S) except No. 70-74 Category
B; ‘a studied attempt to try to reproduce the accidental picturesqueness of the
random buildings which jostle together in historic Scots streets’ (McKean
1985, 39). Part of the redevelopment of the old town, articulated street
frontage, varied building heights and materials including ashlar, squaresnecked and rough faced stonework, roughcast. Nos. 70-78: curvilinear
gable and carved date panel 1956. Baptist Church (former Hermon
Evangelical Church) turns corner into Bow Street.
Table 2: Stirling Town Conservation Area: Buildings & Townscape: Old Town Sector (3)
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – Revised by Stirling Council August 2012
63
OLD TOWN
SECTOR
Key Listed Buildings and
Scheduled Monuments
BUILDINGS AND TOWNSCAPE (cont.)
Spittal Street
No. 32 (1903) Category C(S) by McLuckie & Walker; striking red sandstone
tenement with curved parapet details (former wash house on roof removed).
Designed with its neighbour Nos. 23-5 Baker St.
No. 56 Darrow’s Lodging (1521; restored 1959, Robert Naismith; fig 8)
Category A; town house of Sir James Darrow, projecting circular stair tower
with conical roof, crowstepped gables and swept dormers; Gothicised stair
windows adapted for part of the building was used as an Episcopal chapel.
Interesting survivor with painted finish with neighbour: No. 54 Spittal’s
House (17th C; restored 1959, Robert Naismith; fig 8) Category B; circular
stair reinstatement of original, Spittal’s carved panel though to come from the
Nether Hospital (formerly in Irvine place; demolished 1751).
No. 33 Old Infirmary(1825-7) Category B by James Gillespie Graham;
Commercial Bank, neo-Classical style dominated by Greek Doric portico;
converted Peddie & Kinnear 1874 to Royal Infirmary; extended wings 1878,
1883, 1913. Closes the short vista of Bank Street.
Snowdon School (1855) Category C(S) by J, WH & JM Hay; Gothic
corbelled turret and trefoil windows.
Allan’s Board School (1888-91) Category B by Ronald Walker; replacing
original 1836 school; fine Edwardian baroque, tall 3-storey, with mullioned
and transomed windows, pedimented outer bays.
Bank Street (fig 47J): cottages poss. 17th C; No. 3 Category C(S); No. 5
Category B.
St Mary’s Wynd
John Cowane’s House (1603; fig 33C) Category A; ruins of former U-plan
house address the street and are a rare survivor on this route.
The Settle Inn (1733; fig 33D) Category C(S); steep pitched roof, crow
stepped gables.
Castle Court (1870; fig 46B): formed military barracks, tall chimneys and
important roofscape viewed from castle Esplanade.
Key Unlisted Buildings
of Townscape Value
Nos. 1-23 St Johns Street (1962) by Walter Gillespie; cul de sac
development of 2 and 3-storey houses, very wide scale and lack of enclosure
but sensitivity of location. In Scots style with corbels, crowsteps, rolled door
mouldings and modern armorial panels with symbols of Stirling’s 7
incorporated trades.
Nos. 40-50 Spittal Street: short 2-storey block; No 50 dated 1892.
Nos. 73-75 St Mary’s Wynd (fig 33C): inn adjoining Cowane’s House
provides traditional context and defines the entrance King’s Stables Lane;
th
may date to the 17 C (McKean, 1985, 40).
No. 6 Barn Road: possibly late 18th C, one of few historic buildings surviving
in this area with adjoining gate piers; may have been associated with
adjacent Bellfield House.
th
Former Smithy: characterful stone building, dating to at least the e.19 C, on
prominent site with views to the castle beyond.
Nos. 9 & 11 Crofthead Court: adjoin the listed No. 30 Barn Road and
appears to be contemporary to it. This small group of earlier houses with
crowstepped gables are rare survivors in this area.
Table 2: Stirling Town Conservation Area: Buildings & Townscape: Old Town Sector (4)
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – Revised by Stirling Council August 2012
64
OLD TOWN
SECTOR
Key Views
Landmarks Major
BUILDINGS AND TOWNSCAPE (cont.)
Distant views from Stirling Castle and Esplanade over the flat carse land on
to the National Wallace Monument of the Abbey Craig with the Ochil Hills
beyond (fig 19).
Long views from the castle and Back Walk west over the King’s Knot, King’s
Park and King’s Field, Craigforth and the carse beyond.
Views to and from Stirling Castle and Esplanade over the surrounding green
space and cemeteries (fig 31).
Oblique views and closed vistas within the Old Town to prominent landmarks
(fig 47A).
Glimpsed views into pends and closes.
Stirling Castle
Argyll’s Lodging
The Church of the Holy Rude
Mar’s Wark
Cowane’s House
The Tolbooth
Old Town Jail
Erskine Marykirk
Old High School
Old Infirmary
Cowane’s Hospital
Landmarks Minor
Portcullis Hotel
Norie’s House
Darnley’s House
Stirling Boy’s Club
55 Bank Street/1 Bank Street
Allan’s Primary School
Prevalent Building Types
Tenements; former large public buildings (St Johns Street)
Dominant Architectural
Styles or Periods
th
th
Traditional Scots vernacular from the 17 - mid19 centuries, with
redevelopment largely in this mode.
Key Characteristics
Building plot size
Historically narrow and long plots; larger plots on west side of St John Street.
Prevalent Building Height
4-storey in Broad Street and Bow Street; 3-storey in Baker Street and Spittal
Street. General decrease in height as crag is descended.
Skyline and Roofscape
Pitched roofs with continuous slate finish and prominent gable chimneys;
some traditional eaves dormers with stone pediments (figs 47C & E);
crowstepped gables or flat skews.
Prevalent Building Materials,
Textures and Colours
Architectural Features
and Local Details
Predominately Scots slate.
Local dark whinstone, ochre/grey sandstone ashlar, rendering (originally harl
and lime wash).
Timber sash & case windows, often with 6 over 6 panes. Timber doors.
In addition to detail above, a number of buildings display salvaged carved
stones from earlier buildings, adding character and are important historic
th
records. Buildings from the 20 century redevelopment replicate this with
contemporary date stones and plaques.
Traditional backland buildings & stone boundary walls.
Table 2: Stirling Town Conservation Area: Buildings & Townscape: Old Town Sector (5)
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – Revised by Stirling Council August 2012
65
Buildings and Townscape: Old Town Sector
A
D
F
B
C
E
G
H
J
Fig 47A: view from the Church of the Holy Rude to the Tolbooth steeple; B: Norie’s House, Broad Street;
C: Darnley’s House, Bow Street; D: Cowane’s Hospital; E: Argyll’s Lodging; F: 1950s redevelopment on Baker
Street; G: the Portcullis Hotel; H: north side of Broad Street; J: Bank Street with its distinctive corner house.
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – Revised by Stirling Council August 2012
66
COMMERCIAL
SECTOR
BUILDINGS AND TOWNSCAPE
Corn Exchange Road
Municipal Chambers (1914-18) Category B by J Gaff Gillespie; good
example of Scots Edwardian design. The 3-storey wings are reminiscent of
Holyrood Palace, with tall clock tower a landmark on the Stirling skyline, SW
wing and central portion of a symmetrical design, the SE wing never
completed. Bay added to right of central porch; with later contemporary
extension by Walter Gillespie (1965-8).
Public Library (1903-4; fig 25) Category B by Harry Ramsay Taylor;
Carnegie financed; refined Scottish Renaissance style with dominating corner
tower marking the Back Walk. Crow stepped gables, dormer windows,
parapets, mullioned windows.
No. 1/ No. 61 King Street, former Clydesdale Bank (1899; fig 48D)
Category B by James Thomson; red sandstone tall building curving corner
building, windows are framed with pilasters, continuous first floor balcony,
lavish carvings, rich sculpture over the dormer windows; the Clydesdale
Horse with unicorn’s horn capping the bank and addressing the Athenaeum.
King Street (fig 28): originally the Meal Mercate, an impressively broad urban
space, also known as Quality Street until it was named after George IV in
1821. King Street connects the Old Town to the commercial centre.
Key Listed Buildings and
Scheduled Monuments
The Athenaeum (1816-17, figs 26C & 28) Category A; design by William
Stirling I, built by Allan Johnstone on site of the Meal Mercate, originally
merchants’ meeting house with library and reading room. Finishes the tight
curve of Baker and Spittal Streets and closes the vista up King Street and
addressing the Victorian commercial heart of the Stirling. Prominent slender
square tower with columned belfry, clock and spire. 1859 porch added with
statue of William Wallace by Handyside Ritchie.
King Street SW side (fig 34): late Georgian/early Victorian build, classical in
design with pilasters, cornices and architraves and pediments – good
example of this Nos. 1-15 (1830s) plain and elegantly classical, ochre
sandstone ashlar, 4 -storeys. All Category B.
Nos. 21-25 (1863) Category B by Peddie & Kinnear; former Royal Bank in
Italianate style.
King Street NE side (fig 48B)
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No. 4 (e.19 C) Category C(S); former Clydesdale Bank.
Nos. 6-10 Golden Lion Hotel (c1786; fig 44) Category C(S); poss. by
Gideon Gray; pedimented central bay, Aberdeen bond masonry. Shops with
fluted mullions and lead glass.
Nos. 22-24 (1840; fig 35) Category B; former Commercial Bank, Italian
palazzo style, carved stonework, balustrade porches with Corinthian columns.
Nos. 26-28 (c. 1830; fig 35) Category B; plain 3-bay ashlar.
Crawford’s Arcade (1879-82) Category B by John McLean; links King Street
to Murray Place. 2-storey interior walks with 3-storey central court. Anchored
at King Street and Murray Place by former hotels (fig 24).
Nos. 36-38 (c 1861; fig 46B) Category B; unusual iron framed building, ovoid
dormer windows, 1930s shop front for former Thomas Menzies; decorative
Menzies window to rear extension in pend.
Nos. 42-48 (1833) Category B by William Burn; turning into Baker Street with
the former Bank of Scotland set back on the corner of Friars St.
Table 3: Stirling Town Conservation Area: Buildings & Townscape: Commercial Sector (1)
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – Revised by Stirling Council August 2012
67
COMMERCIAL
SECTOR
BUILDINGS AND TOWNSCAPE (cont.)
Friars Street
No. 1 (1900; fig 41) Category C(S) by McLuckie & Walker; on corner with
broad squat conical tower.
Nos. 29-31 (1902) Category C(S) by John Allan; good example of the
originality of his work, 4-storey red brick with deeply recessed balconied
central bay.
No. 33 (1862) Category B; Victorian, renaissance style.
Port Street: east side (figs 21, 29 & 48G).
Nos. 65-67 Category C(S); gableted attic dormers one of three e.19th C
ranges.
Nos. 75-81 Category C(S); traditional pend behind No. 75.
Nos. 83-91 (mid 19th C) Category C(S).
Nos. 23-27 (c.1840) Category C(S); plain 3 bay 3-storey façade precisely
detailed.
Key Listed Buildings and
Scheduled Monuments
Port Street: west side (figs 21, 34 & 48F).
No. 80 (1770s; fig 21) Category B; 2-storey former town house, dignified by
pediment, cornice urns and moulded doorway.
Nos. 58-70 (1900-1; fig 43) Category C(S) by E. Simpson; broad dark red
sandstone block which complements adjacent Nos. 52-56 (1901; fig 43)
Category B by E. Simpson; unusual Queen Anne Style tenement with
concave shop fascias and decorative carved timberwork to bays, stained
glass casement windows.
No. 42 Wolf Craig (1897-8; fig 48E) Category C(S) by John Allan; former
grocers’ shop, steel frame, Welsh red Ruabon brick, carved wolf set in niche
on Dumbarton Road, unusual corner roof capped in hat like structure with
heraldic beasts. Original shop fronts with inverted ‘egg & dart’ capitals.
Nos. 38-40 (1900-1; fig 48C) Category B by E. Simpson; carved corbelled
panel on Dumbarton Road ‘Wolf Craig’.
th
Nos. 10-18 (mid 19 C; fig 34) Category B; classical buildings with pediments
above windows, good proportions and cornices.
Murray Place (feus from 1842)
No. 1 (1862-3) Category B by J, WH & JM Hay; former British Linen Bank.
Italian palazzo on corner with King Street, splayed corner entrance
addressing the meeting point of 3 streets, sculpted stone balustrade at first
floor level, pediments and hoods over windows.
Former South Church, now Stirling Baptist Church (1851-53; fig 24)
Category B by J, WH & JM Hay; spire is a landmark in Stirling, broad gable
elevated above the street.
Nos. 77-79 (1872) Category B; originally Commercial Bank, Italian
renaissance style, balcony removed to Murray Place.
Nos. 80-82 (1854) Category B by J Dick Peddie; former National Commercial
Bank; strongly projecting cornice and hooded and consoled doorways. Still in
use as a bank. Makes strong statement with the Former Post Office (18945) Category B by W W Robertson; ashlar palazzo with symmetrical end
entrance bays carried through to a strong projecting dormer heads; converted
2009. Closes vista to Friars Street and addresses the widen space where 3
streets converge.
Table 3: Stirling Town Conservation Area: Buildings & Townscape: Commercial Sector (2)
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – Revised by Stirling Council August 2012
68
COMMERCIAL
SECTOR
BUILDINGS AND TOWNSCAPE (cont.)
Stirling Railway Station (1913-16; fig 52C) Category A by James Miller.
“one of the loveliest of surviving Scottish railway stations” ( McKean, 1985,
49); crowstepped gabled and crenelated façade. Low and spacious
concourse with gently curving stairs. Interesting railway buildings survive to
SE including a now rare large signal box (not in conservation area).
Key Listed Buildings and
Scheduled Monuments
Key Unlisted Buildings
of Townscape Value
Barnton Street
Nos. 1,3,5 / No. 35 Friars Street (1840) Category B; former Royal Hotel,
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remodelled for the Cooperative Society 1905-6; good e. 20 C shops at street
level and arch headed close doors.
Nos. 19-39 Category C(S) by McLuckie & Walker; tall 4-storey wall of
coherent tenements with unusual detailing.
Nos. 2-24 on corner with Maxwell Place Category C(S); rounded shop with
cast iron fretwork parapet, octagonal roof with wolf weathervane.
Nos. 12-18 King Street (1897-8; fig 35): by McLuckie & Walker; 4-storey red
sandstone tenement with conical roofs, for the Cooperative Society.
Nos. 17-19 Friars Street: late medieval plot width.
Nos. 2-12 Friars Street: (c 1938) unusual row on 1930s bungalow shops set
back from the street line. Nos. 8-12 by Bruce & Marshall.
No. 1 Port Street, Burton Building (1928): white faience art deco closing
view down King Street.
Nos. 7-11 Port Street (1905-6) by McLuckie & Walker; former Woolworths,
red stone tenement canted bays and tall chimney stacks rising from
projecting second floor.
No. 61 Port Street (1914) by Ebeneezer Simpson; corner to Upper Craigs.
No. 42 Upper Craigs (1906): former Stirling Observer buildings; 4-storey,
central gabled chimney.
Nos. 60-64 Upper Craigs: flat roofed drying green.
Key Views
Open views of the Ochil hills and National Wallace Monument beyond Stirling
train station from Station Road (fig 52C);
Approach up Station Road toward Stirling Arcade, the spire of the Stirling
Baptist Church, and the Athenaeum spire in the gap between (fig 24).
View up King Street to the Athenaeum on the gushet between Baker and
Spittal Streets (fig 28).
Landmarks Major
The Athenaeum
Stirling Baptist Church
Municipal Chambers
Central Library
Stirling Train Station
Landmarks Minor
Wolf Craig (No. 42 Port Street)
Golden Lion Hotel
Stirling Arcade
Prevalent Building Types
Tenements with street level shops; significant public buildings.
Dominant Architectural
Styles or Periods
Early 19th century classically designed properties;
Mid to late Victorian in a variety of architectural styles;
Edwardian.
Table 3: Stirling Town Conservation Area: Buildings & Townscape: Commercial Sector (3)
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – Revised by Stirling Council August 2012
69
COMMERCIAL
SECTOR
BUILDINGS AND TOWNSCAPE (cont.)
Key Characteristics
Building plot size
Narrow and long plots in earlier areas: Port Street, Upper Craigs, King Street;
broader plots on Murray Place and Barnton Street.
Prevalent Building Height
Generally 4-storey with some 3-storey.
Skyline and Roofscape
Prevalent Building Materials,
Textures and Colours
Architectural Features
and Local Details
Pitched roofs with continuous slate finish and prominent gable chimneys; flat
skews. Some traditional eaves dormers and turrets adding detail to the
roofline (figs 48B, C & D).
Predominately Scots slate.
Local dark whinstone and ochre/grey sandstone ashlar; some red sandstone
to later Victorian properties.
Timber sash & case windows, with a variety of astragal patterns depending
on date; often with 6 over 6 panes (earlier properties).
Timber doors; a number of panelled stair entrance doors with lay lights.
Brass plaque recording the site of the burgh gate Barras Yett.
Bannerman Statue (fig 50F) on Corn Exchange Road.
Traditional backland buildings and stone boundary walls.
Table 3: Stirling Town Conservation Area: Buildings & Townscape: Commercial Sector (4)
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – Revised by Stirling Council August 2012
70
Buildings and Townscape: Commercial Sector
A
C
F
B
D
E
G
J
H
Fig 48A: west side of Barnton Street; B: north-east side of King Street; C: Nos. 38-40 Port Street by Ebeneezer
Simpson; D: former Clydesdale Bank at the top of King Street; E: No. 42 Port Street, unique corner building by
John Allan known as the Wolf Craig Building; F: west side of Port Street constructed in the 1830s; G: east side
of Port Street; H: prominent tenement at No. 64 Murray Place; J: south side of Upper Craigs.
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – Revised by Stirling Council August 2012
71
TOWN HOUSE
SECTOR
BUILDINGS AND TOWNSCAPE
Sherriff Court (1874-76; fig 49F) Category B; design Thomas Brown,
modified & built Wardrop & Reid. Baronial detail, projecting crowstepped
wings, carved panelling above first floor windows, decorative ironwork at
ridge.
Upper Bridge Street
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No. 9 Bellfield House (lt. 18 C) Category B; substantial villa with later
augmentation to add classical porch and alter window arrangement.
No. 11 (1824) Category B; columned door piece with fanlight.
No. 15 St Mary’s Roman Catholic Presbytery Category B; prominent villas
on elevated site with large walled garden; pedimented façade with oculus.
Nos. 26- 50 (pre 1820; fig 49A): terraced houses; Nos. 48 & 50 have
interesting doorways. All Category C(S).
St Mary’s RC Church (1902) Category B by Pugin & Pugin; heavily coursed
red sandstone rubble; tracery window faces down Queen Street.
Key Listed Buildings and
Scheduled Monuments
Princes Street (fig 49C)
Drill Hall (1892) Category B; former HQ for the Argyll & Sutherland
Highlanders, baronial style twin towers with conical roofs.
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Nos. 5, 9 &11, 13-17 (fig 49C) & 10-16 Category C(S) refined early 19 C
terraced houses, several with retaining original 6 over 6 laying pane windows;
Nos. 15 & 17 a little later with entrance porches with decorative ironwork
cresting.
Irvine Place
Nos. 2, 4, 6-8 (1835; figs 42 & 49D) Category B; steep hillside villas with
Doric columned porches.
Viewfield Church (1860; fig 39) Category C(S) by Francis Mackison; slender
spire and vertical proportions very fitting to its site.
Nos. 13 & 15 (fig 38): Category B; grand 3-storey house with pedimented
projecting bay.
Former Trinity Church (1838) Category C(S); miniature turrets, Dutch gable;
later St Mary’s RC school, now residential.
Nos. 1-10 Viewfield Place (1835; fig 49E) Category B; 2-storey with
basements scale and front gardens terrace pilastered doorways and fanlights
fine quality build with classical ashlar facades.
Queen Street (fig 49H)
Constructed from 1820; terraced houses which form a coherent street
frontage; all Category B listed except Nos. 1, 3 & 5 (unlisted).
Nos. 2 & 4/ 1, 3 & 5 Cowane Street (fig 49G) Category B; splayed corner
building forming a local focal point addressing Viewfield Place.
Methodist Church (fig 49B) Category B; former Wesleyan Chapel with
original lamp standards, railings and stone boundary walls.
Key Unlisted Buildings
of Townscape Value
Queen Street: Scout Hall (former malt barn) converted in 1920s.
Nos. 18 Princes Street (1916) by McLuckie & Walker and No. 24; both later
Edwardian tenements
Nos. 1, 3 & 5 Queen Street: at the foot of the street, contemporary to the
remainder of the buildings but not listed.
Nos. 71-93 Barnton Street (fig 39): row of single storey shops, some
retaining traditional shop front details; provide uninterrupted views to the
Viewfield Church.
Table 4: Stirling Town Conservation Area: Buildings & Townscape: Town House Sector (1)
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – Revised by Stirling Council August 2012
72
TOWN HOUSE
SECTOR
BUILDINGS AND TOWNSCAPE (cont.)
Key Views
Viewfield Place looking north with No. 2 Queen Street marking the entrance
to the street and addressing the main thoroughfare (fig 49G)
View of the steeple of the Stirling Baptist Church especially on Barnton Street
(fig 23).
Glimpsed views north between properties in Irvine Place.
Landmarks Major
Viewfield Church
St Mary’s RC Church
Stirling Sheriff Court
Landmarks Minor
Wesleyan Chapel
Former Drill Hall
St Mary’s Presbytery
Nos. 2 & 4 Queen Street / 1, 3 & 5 Cowane Street
Prevalent Building Types
Residential properties.
Dominant Architectural
Styles or Periods
Early - mid 19th century terraced houses; some detached villas.
Key Characteristics
Building plot size
Narrow and long terraced plots on Queen Street, Viewfield Place and Upper
Bridge Street; larger villas plots on N side of Irvine Place.
Prevalent Building Height
2-storey (often with basements on sloping sites).
Skyline and Roofscape
Prevalent Building Materials,
Textures and Colours
Architectural Features
and Local Details
Pitched roofs with continuous slate finish and prominent gable chimneys; no
dormers (originally); some traditional canted bay dormers as later adaptations
(fig 49A); flat skews.
Scots slate roofs
Predominately Scots slate.
Local dark dressed whinstone, ochre/grey sandstone ashlar, rendering
(originally harl and lime wash).
Timber sash & case windows, generally with 6 over 6 panes, some with
laying panes
Timber doors panelled doors with a variety of fanlights and lay lights above.
Jubilee Fountain (1887)
Stone boundary walls to front and higher to rear and side gardens
Some historic iron work: boundary railings and to entrance steps, boot
scrapers.
Stirling Sheriff Court (fig 49F): ironwork finials and brattishing to elaborate
roofscape.
Stone outbuildings to rear of some properties.
Low stone boundary walls to front gardens; high whinstone boundary
walls to rear gardens defining plots.
Table 4: Stirling Town Conservation Area: Buildings & Townscape: Town House Sector (2)
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Buildings and Townscape: Town House Sector
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Fig 49A: lower section of terraced properties on Upper Bridge Street; B: former Wesleyan Chapel and manse on
Queen Street; C: view of south side of Princes Street; D: early villas on Irvine Place; E: terraced town houses on
Viewfield Place; F: Stirling Sheriff Court; G: prominent corner at No. 2 Queen Street, with Cowane Street
extending to the right; H: terraced town houses on the north side of Queen Street.
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5.4 Open Spaces, Trees and Landscaping
The section addresses the role of open space, trees and landscaping on the townscape structure and its effect
on the character and relationship of spaces within the conservation area. This includes the contribution made by
both public and private green space; natural or cultivated elements; woodlands; individual trees; hedges and
other landscaping. Similarly to the built environment, these features may also have historical and cultural
significance.
Trees
All trees within conservation areas are protected through the Town and Country Planning
(Scotland) Act 1997; any lopping or cutting must first be notified to the planning authority. In
addition, a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) can be placed on any individual tree within or out
with the conservation area. There are no TPOs in the Stirling Town Conservation Area.
However mature trees make a crucial contribution to the area’s setting and appearance.
Trees enclose the braes of the Castle Rock; planting was part of the design of the Back
Walk in the 18th century and the subsequent withdrawal of grazing rights during the 20th
century has caused an increase in tree growth. There are a number of attractive mature
trees in the Valley and Old Town Cemeteries, and a prominent tree in the Queen Anne
Garden of the castle (fig 31).
There are few trees within the urban area, and they generally have limited influence on the
character of the area. The approach to the Holy Rude and Cowane’s Hospital is lined with
mature trees on the south side around the bowling green and gardens. These trees
reinforce the sense of enclosure and frame the buildings. A small number of trees provide
greenery which softens the urban townscape, notably along Jail Wynd and Broad Street.
Trees, such as those planted in Broad Street, are unlikely to have been a feature of the
historic townscape, but are an accepted improved amenity of modern streetscapes (fig 30).
Similarly trees have been introduced in the pedestrianised area of Port Street (fig 29).
Urban open space
There was no opportunity for public green space in the medieval street plan of the former
burgh. Open space was limited to public trading markets; these spaces are still evident at
Broad Street (fig 30) and King Street (fig 28). A lack of open space was a concern during
20th century redevelopment resulting in the clearance of backlands and the introduction of
public green space, for example the Baker Street gardens and the play park to the rear of
Bow Street.
The Back Walk
The Back Walk (figs 50D-F) was first established in 1723 and comprises a network of paths
on the Castle Rock braes. It was initially constructed from the rear of the former High
School to the west side of Lady Hill, and Edmonstone’s seat is inscribed to commemorate
its foundation (above Cowane’s Hospital; fig 51D). The Back Walk was extended in 1791 to
the Dumbarton Road and around the castle to the Gowanhill in the 1790s (High Back Walk)
to reach Stirling Bridge. The Low Back Walk through the Haining and Butt Park to Raploch
was established around 1805. The Valley Cemetery was laid out in 1857-8, and was
connected to the existing walks.
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Historic castle landscape
The open green space of the surrounding landscape is crucial to the setting of both the
historic City of Stirling and the castle. There are several key elements to this:
1. The braes of the Castle Rock: a vital component in the setting of both Stirling Castle
and the historic town. They form a barrier between the fortified town and the 18th
century suburban expansion on the flat lands below (fig 50A).
2. The former Royal Park incorporating:
a. The King’s Park: the King’s Park has considerable historic significance as the
former Royal parkland of Stirling Castle. The park remains Crown land and
is in use as a public park and private golf club. Although not in the Stirling
Town Conservation Area, the park’s contribution to the town cannot be
overstated in terms of setting and amenity (refer section 6.3).
b. The Butt Park: the former jousting park of James V. The wall running northsouth was constructed sometime between 1820 and 1858, separating the
field from the brae above. The Butt Well, thought to originate from at least
the 16th century, is fed by a natural spring; it was closed off some years ago.
In 1842 a new stone well was built by the Town Council (Harrison, 2008, 30)
and the existing well may date to that time (fig 51E). The prominent tree
projecting over the terrace approach is featured in a late 19th century
illustration (Fleming, 1898; fig 50C).
c. The Haining: the land bounded by the Royal Gardens in the south-west and
the Butt Park in the north-east, and extending up the brae towards the rear of
the Old Town cemeteries. It was formerly used as a garden, with orchards
and terraces on the slope. It is thought that the path leading to the Butt Well
runs along former terrace remains (Harrison, 2008. 33; fig 50C).
d. The Royal Gardens incorporating King’s Knot: a remnant of the former King’s
Royal Gardens set out from 1628. It survives in the form of two gardens:
raised octagonals to the east and (less distinct) penetrating squares to the
west. The Knot may be on the site of earlier structures and research is ongoing (SLHS, 2011).
e. The Park Dyke: the stone boundary wall to the former Royal Park. The
boundary is thought to date from 1501, and most probably as far back as the
12th century (Harrison, 2007). It is known to have been rebuilt or repaired on
several occasions (1616, 1671). Only a small section of the wall (running
west from the castle’s Nether Battery) currently lies within the conservation
area boundary (refer section 6.3).
3. The Gowanhill: important natural green space to the north-east of the castle. There
are remains of a vitrified hill fort of significant archaeological importance. As with the
braes of the Castle Rock, the Gowanhill makes a vital role in the immediate setting
of Stirling Castle and its separation from urban development (fig 22).
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The Kirkyard, Old Town Cemeteries, and Ballengeich Cemetery
The historic kirkyard and Old Town Cemeteries provide a unique and dramatic setting for
Stirling Castle and the Church of the Holy Rude. The kirkyard of the Church of the Holy
Rude was extended from the 19th century to occupy the open space below Stirling Castle
between Castle Wynd and the Back Walk (figs 31 & 50B). Collectively known as the Old
Town Cemeteries, construction took place in three stages: the Valley Cemetery including
the Mar’s Wark garden (1857-58); the Drummond Pleasure Ground (1862-63) and the
Snowdon Cemetery (1923) built on the former site of Snowdon House (home of Allan
Johnstone). They contain a wealth of cultural history; two of the most significant
monuments being the Martyr’s Monument (1858) and Star Pyramid (1858).
Ballengeich Cemetery was set out on the south-west boundary of the Gowanhill at the turn
of the 20th century on the site of a former quarry. It is prominent in views form the castle
north toward the National Wallace Monument and Ochil hills (fig 19).
Cowane’s Hospital Bowling Green
The historic bowling green lies adjacent to the Cowane’s Hospital (fig 47D). It was set out
in 1712. Adjacent there is a small area of ornate hedging known as the Dutch Garden.
Private Gardens
In the later expansion of the Town House Sector, gardens were designed to the rear of
properties and provide a striking contrast to the streetscape.
The following table identifies the key open spaces, trees and landscaping which contribute
to the character of Stirling Town Conservation Area:
STIRLING TOWN
Open Space
Public Green Space
and Woodlands
Private Green Space
Landmark Trees
Landscaping Features
OPEN SPACES, TREES AND LANDSCAPING
Former market places: Broad Street (fig 30) and King Street (fig 28).
The Esplanade.
The former Royal parkland including the Royal Gardens
(incorporating the King’s Knot), the Butt Park, the Haining and the
King’s Park (latter not in the conservation area).
The Back Walk (figs 50D-F).
Baker Street gardens.
Play park to the rear of Bow Street.
Kirkyard, Old Town and Ballengeich cemeteries (figs 31 & 50B).
The bowling green and Dutch garden at Cowane’s Hospital.
Rear gardens of individual houses.
Rear courts of tenements.
Trees opposite the Church of the Holy Rude.
Trees in the Valley Cemetery and Queen Anne Garden of Stirling
Castle (fig 31).
Tree on approach to the Butt Well (fig 50C)
The King’s Knot.
The park dyke (only partially in the conservation area).
Table 5: Stirling Town Conservation Area: Open Space, Trees and Landscaping
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Open Spaces, Trees and Landscaping
A
C
B
D
E
F
G
Fig 50A: Stirling Castle on Castle Rock from the King’s Knot; B: the Old Town Cemeteries; C-E: The Back Walk,
features along the route including: distinctive mature tree on route to the Butt Well (C); old stairs to access
properties (D); the walk is more rural north of the castle (E); F: approach to the Back Walk from Corn Exchange
Road, with the Bannerman statue on the left; G: views of the wooded braes of the Back Walk with buildings
punctuating the skyline.
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5.5 Public Realm
This section describes street and road finishes; street furniture; signage; and associated issues such as car
parking. Existence of original and traditional surfaces and elements is stated.
Stirling became the first town in Scotland to lay asphalt on its main streets (1921), and lost
most of its historic streetscape features during the 20th century. Small areas of original road
surfaces survive including:
−
−
−
−
−
The ‘flinting’ (whin slips set on edge) in Upper Bridge Street outside the Scout Hall
and in King Stables Lane.
The rough laid setts in King Stables Lane on the section from St Mary’s Wynd to
Knockhill House (fig 53F).
The original granite kerbs and drainage channels, often surviving below modern
pavement finishes (tarmac or concrete paviors; fig 51A & B).
The original coping stones and granite sett drainage channels, on sections of the
Back Walk.
Sections of rough setts on Queen Street and Cowane Street adjacent to the
pavement (fig 51A).
Where these finishes survive they should be retained and restored. The contribution of
historic streetscape features is now recognised, and reinstatement is an important aspect of
conservation area management. For example, surviving ‘flinting’ has been restored, and
new areas introduced within the Old Town Cemetery as part of the restoration programme.
Traditional finishes have also been reinstated in Broad Street, and new high quality finishes
have been introduced in the pedestrianised areas of Port Street, Murray Place and Friars
Street. A further phase of works is currently underway (2011) to reintroduce and repair the
traditional stone setts in Baker Street and lay Caithness paving in Corn Exchange Road.
There are several items of historic street furniture which are important individually and add
interest to streetscape:
−
−
−
−
−
The Mercat Cross and canons in Broad Street.
The Jubilee Fountain (1887) outside the Stirling Sheriff Court.
The historic lampstands outside the Municipal Chambers and Methodist Church in
Queen Street.
The original architectural ironwork railings to the Stirling Sheriff Court, the Methodist
Church in Queen Street and terraced properties in Upper Bridge Street.
The Back walk: various features including the Edmonstone’s Seat, the Butt Well,
tree carvings, stone steps, remains of terraces and stone seating area on the Back
Walk (fig 51D & E).
There has been some work to reinstate traditional railings for example at No. 2 Irvine Place
and on Viewfield Place. The remainder of street furniture is of modern design: road and
pedestrian area signage, tourist guide blades and historic interpretation plaques, flag and
banner poles, parking meters, seating, lighting, bollards, CCTV cameras, litter bins, refuse
bins for collection and public recycling bins. In the Commercial Sector many shops also
display A-boards during the day.
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Public Realm
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
Fig 51A: rough granite setts on the roadside on Cowane Street; B: setts and stone steps leading down from
Crofthead Road; C: tourist information blades in the Old Town; D: Edmonstone’s seat on the Back Walk; E: the
Butt Well; F: reinstated traditional road and pavement finishes at the Top of the Town; G: new modern stone
finishes in the pedestrian area of the Commercial Sector.
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6.0 Conservation Area Management
The Conservation Area Appraisal is a tool in the future management of the area: it is neither a full
‘conservation area study’ nor ‘management plan’. Further specific studies may be required in some
areas dependant on their individual conservation needs. As such this section identifies these and
provides a basis for formulating and implementing a conservation area management strategy.
This chapter will address the following issues:
−
−
−
−
−
Identify negative factors and vulnerability of the area
Identify buildings which may be at risk
Review of existing conservation area boundaries and suggest refinements
Identify unlisted buildings which may require statutory protection
Assess the effects of Permitted Development and identify the requirement for
planning action including the implementation of Article 4 directions
6.1 Negative Factors
This section addresses the extent of loss, intrusion or damage in the conservation area. Most conservation
areas will contain buildings, gap sites and inappropriate street furniture that have a negative impact on the area
detracting from its special character and represent opportunities for change or enhancement.
Negative factors are set out with reference to descriptions provided in Section 5.1 and 5.2
where relevant.
1. Setting
Generally
Whilst it is recognised that Stirling Castle and its setting, views to and from the castle, are
important, it should also be recognised that the whole of the conservation area is of historic
importance and should be considered in a similar manner in order to retain its character and
appearance. This includes the landscape topography, with crag and tail development
forming a unique medieval street pattern with roofscape skyline. Buildings outwith the
conservation area should recognise this historic setting; for example, building height should
always be carefully considered in the context of the streetscape and its effect on the wider
conservation area setting, skyline and views. New development on Forthside has broken
with this convention and now interrupts the skyline in views from the Old Town, and dilutes
the definition between city centre and suburban areas (fig 52C).
Approach
The conservation area is bounded to the east by Goosecroft Road and The Thistle and The
Marches retail centres. These modern interventions frame the entrance to Stirling city
centre; arrival from public transport is dominated by the imposing scale of their rear
elevations. This unattractive vista is compounded by vacant sites and the low 1980s
development of the corner of Murray Place. The area has a disordered and neglected
appearance with no coherent street frontage or consistent built form (fig 52A).
The approach from Stirling Bridge along Cowane Street is marred by the poor condition of
many of the buildings and inappropriate repair and replacement in others. There is also a
plethora of satellite dishes, accentuating the poor streetscape.
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Street Pattern
The medieval street pattern was compromised by the removal of secondary connections
during the redevelopment of the Old Town Sector. The remaining closes, lanes and back
courts are at risk due to their very poor condition, especially the stability of traditional stone
walls. This is particularly evident in King’s Stables Lane where the poor condition of walls
and traditional paving setts place the historic lane at risk. Repairs and replacement of the
boundary enclosure to the rear of the public house on St Mary’s Wynd in inappropriate
materials detracts from the character of the lane (fig 53F). Similarly, the vennels (fig 52D-F)
between Spittal Street and Baker Street are poorly maintained yet form an important
contribution to understanding the organic historic street pattern.
Activity and Movement
The opening of The Thistles Centre and The Marches (1998) has reduced the amount of
commercial and retail activity in the traditional shopping district. Whilst the artery of Port
Street, Murray Place and Barnton Street remains generally busy during working hours, King
Street, Friars Street, Baker Street and Stirling Arcade appear to have suffered as a result of
reduced footfall. There are a significant number of vacant premises at street level in King
Street. There are various reasons for this, which do not solely relate to the shopping malls.
However, it is important to sustain the vibrancy of historic city thoroughfares to ensure their
economic vitality and to strengthen their unique character and appearance.
The Top of Town is the original heart of the pre-19th century burgh, yet is predominantly
residential. The proximity of key visitor attractions such as the Stirling Castle would suggest
there is potential to increase services and activity in this area. There is scope to improve
connectivity with the foot of the Town, to improve activity and movement through the city
centre.
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Negative Factors: Setting
A
B
D
C
E
F
Fig 52A & B: the poor approach to Stirling on the Goosecroft and Station Roads; C: the train station is a
landmark in the centre set in front of the dramatic backdrop of the Ochil hills; however new development of
Forthside now interrupts the skyline, the building height too high for its location; D -F: the vennels between
Spittal Street and Baker Street, important remnants of the medieval street plan but in very poor condition.
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2. Buildings and Townscape
Height and plot size
It is important to maintain the traditional urban pattern, dominated by narrow plot widths and
vertical emphasis of facades. A number of modern 20th century buildings have broken this
convention, creating breaks in the historic urban grain (figs 53A-D). Examples include the
large plot at No. 8 Spittal Street which splits the Athenaeum from the remainder of the
street, and Wallace House on Maxwell Street which is out of scale with a dominant mansard
roof.
Materials and Colours
The materials and colours of the built environment are largely derived from traditional local
materials, providing a coherent urban fabric. Conservation area designation need not
exclude modern materials but their use must be carefully considered, especially in the
repair and replacement of traditional buildings. Modern materials can have a detrimental
effect on the area’s character and appearance, for example the replacement of original
timber windows with plastic uPVC and metal windows. This is also unsustainable in relation
to the ability to repair, and the lifespan of products.
Condition of the built fabric
In general the buildings of the conservation area appear to be in fair condition. Grant
assistance has been available for over 10 years in various forms and locations in order to
assist in the appropriate repair of external fabric. Areas such as Viewfield Place and Irvine
Place had benefited from this, as have tenements on Port Street. However, the type of the
properties and their use makes repair difficult. There are a large number of flatted
properties with multiple owners, a high percentage of which are let by private landlords.
Stirling Council has no provision to enforce maintenance and repair other than when a
building becomes dangerous, and even then there is only a requirement to make good the
immediate problem. Poor condition of the built environment not only affects the individual
property but has wider negative social and economic effects.
Architectural style and detail
The strength of the character and appearance of Stirling Town Conservation Area derives
from the coherence of layout, design and materials of its buildings, as well as their individual
architectural details and quality of traditional materials. A large percentage of the area’s
buildings are listed, giving additional protection and control. However, incremental change
has occurred which has had a negative effect. A significant number of properties have
replacement windows and doors. Windows have been replaced with inappropriate
fenestration, materials and/or opening mechanisms. This has a detriment effect on the
appearance not only of the property itself, but its neighbours and the quality of the
conservation area as a whole. This can be particularly damaging in buildings of multiple
ownership, terraces and tenements.
For example, the character and appearance of Queen Street largely derives from the
cohesion and quality of its architectural details. However there has been considerable loss
of historic fabric and introduction of inappropriate replacement materials, despite many
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buildings being Category B Listed.
Similarly, many buildings have suffered from
inappropriate repair, and in some circumstances poor maintenance has led to the loss of
architectural details and features.
Shop Fronts
Many historic shop fronts have been lost and others obscured by modern signage.
Generally, modern shop signs, frontages and colours do not respect the historic character
of Stirling or parent buildings which in the large part are listed buildings.
Modern shop
fronts are constructed of low quality, unsustainable materials not suitable for use on listed
buildings. Large fascias and modern glazing systems have altered the proportions and
appearance of the buildings. Signage is often oversized, jutting out from the building line
and their mass-produced appearance dilutes Stirling’s special sense of place.
Walls
Boundary walls are an integral part of the character of Stirling Town. They are either in
public or private ownership and are often in poor condition and vulnerable to inappropriate
repairs (fig 53G). The maintenance and improvement of traditional walls is essential to
maintain the character of the area.
3. Open Spaces, Trees and Landscaping
The Back Walk and braes of the Castle Rock
There has been considerable tree growth on the braes during the 20th century, forming an
important natural environment. Historically trees were integral to the Back Walk scheme
and the Haining orchards. Careful management of the woodland is required to ensure that
the essence of the original design is preserved – to provide views out over the spectacular
Stirlingshire landscape. It is also important to maintain a clear view of Stirling Castle from
the surrounding carse lands.
Gowanhill
Gowanhill is of considerable archaeological importance, not only for its association with
Stirling Castle but also through the remains of an Iron Age vitrified fort (Mote Hill, SMR ref
768). Concern has been expressed that the importance of the fort has been ignored and
paths formed through its ramparts without consideration of its significance or an associated
archaeological watching brief (Harrison, 2008, 36-38). Tree growth has also compromised
both the archaeological and the landscape heritage.
4. Public Realm
Considerable work has been undertaken to enhance the public realm through introduction
of new road and pavement finishes. However, in other locations original finishes have been
removed or are in poor condition for example King’s Stables Lane.
There are areas of inappropriate modern pavement finishes and the proliferation of other
elements in the streetscape which detracts from the historic character of the area. In
addition, there are examples of poor repairs to original surfaces.
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Negative Factors
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Fig 53A-C: inappropriately scaled development which breaks the historic urban grain; D: flatted development
beyond the former Stirling Observer building which is unsympathetic in terms of building height , materials and
colours; E: inappropriate windows in Queen Street; F: poor quality boundaries on King’s Stable Lane (left)
detract from the traditional setting created by its high stone walls; G: inappropriate boundary wall repair;
H: tarmac patching to reinstated paving finishes in the Top of the Town.
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6.2 Summary of Vulnerability
The strength of character of the Stirling Town and Royal Park Conservation Area is outlined
above; its principle vulnerability is:
−
Detrimental change and loss of traditional building fabric including original windows
and doors, roofscape, chimneys etc.
−
Loss of original building fabric through lack of repair or inappropriate repair
−
Introduction of inappropriate development (materials, colours, scale, plot size,
satellite dishes)
−
Pressure for development leading to erosion of streetscape, loss of historic plot
sizes, including backland buildings and lanes.
−
Pressure for development leading to inappropriately scaled extension to existing
properties and/or inappropriately scaled new development.
−
Loss of historic fabric used for boundaries, particularly traditional stone walling.
−
Dilution of sense of place in the commercial sector through loss of traditional shop
fronts and introduction of generic modern replacements.
−
Lack of appropriate management and maintenance of existing green open space
and trees, including the Back Walk, Gowanhill and the cemeteries.
−
Poor development management/enforcement in the conservation area.
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6.3 Buildings at Risk and Sensitive Areas
This section highlights vulnerable buildings, areas, or issues. Buildings which are vulnerable through vacancy,
condition or development threat should be notified to the Royal Commission for Ancient and Historic Monuments
of Scotland (RCAHMS) for consideration on the Buildings at Risk Register.
There are 8 Buildings at Risk on the Buildings at Risk Register within the conservation area.
These are:
−
−
−
−
−
−
−
−
The Alhambra: part of the Stirling Arcade complex.
The Athenaeum
Former Blacksmiths, Barn Road: vacated in 2010 after many year without repair.
Cowane’s House: now a Scheduled Monument.
Former Drill Hall, Princes Street: Council owned property for sale.
Former Holy Trinity Primary School: adapted in 2010 and no longer at risk.
Former Commercial Bank (Old Infirmary): conversion works on site.
Nos. 22-24 King Street: conversion works on site.
6.4 Conservation Area Boundaries
This section explains recent changes to the conservation area boundary.
The boundary of the conservation area was amended in June 2014, as per the
recommendations made in earlier versions of this document, to include the Royal Park
beneath Stirling Castle, and some smaller inclusions within the city centre at Pitt Terrace
and Murray Place. Small areas omitted from the conservation area included the former
Allan Park cinema, Allan Park House and associated modern housing which have been
more appropriately included within the King’s Park Conservation Area.
The historic Royal parkland associated with the castle is highly significant to its history and
setting. Historic landscape of the King’s Park (fig 56). Stirling Castle is recognised as
one of Scotland’s most important architectural and cultural monuments. The castle
buildings, former Royal Gardens including the King’s Knot, the Butt Park and the Haining
and Royal Park represent an historic collection unique to Scotland. Much of this is either
scheduled and/or listed and all encompassed within the conservation area, properly
reflecting the original historic landscape associated with the use of the castle and its cultural
context (section 4.1).
The significance of the Royal Park is twofold:
1) It’s historic and cultural importance in association with the castle and;
2) It’s role as an essential landscape buffer to the castle setting and the unique
topographic feature of the Castle Rock:
“Amongst the park’s many functions was to provide another vantage point from
which the castle could be appreciated and an appropriate setting onto which it
looked.”
(Harrison, 2008)
The area of the former Royal Park includes the Park Dyke, listed category B (figs 54- 56).
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Fig 54: Stirling Castle viewed from the historic Royal parkland of King’s Park.
Fig 55: Park Dyke: originally laid out in 1501, older sections include the wall from St Thomas Well by Back o’
Dyke (Harrison, 2008).
The conservation area now also includes the King’s Park Farm, the public King’s Park and
golf course. In the King’s Park there are significant areas of woodland including Broad
Wood (southern edge) pox or Fox Wood (northern cliff), parts of which appear to contain
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‘ancient woodland’ (Harrison, 2008, 50). Conservation area designation extends protection
to these trees.
1
Fig 56: Stirling Town and Royal Park Conservation Area: boundary extension 2014 to include the former royal
parkland (outlined in red). © Crown
The late 20th century buildings on Murray Place have been included within the conservation
area since the site is part of the historic burgh and forms a vital location connecting the
approach road with the commercial centre and railway station. The detached part of Pitt
Terrace on the north corner with Wellgreen Road has been included within the conservation
area boundary due to its prominence as part of the townscape and to extend management
over any future development.
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2
4
3
Fig 57: Stirling Town and Royal Park Conservation Area: boundary changes implemented June 2014: inclusions
(outlined in blue); exclusions (coloured in red). © Crown
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6.5 Potential Listed Buildings
This section identifies any buildings which may merit additional protection through listed building legislation or
inclusion on a local list.
The first buildings were listed by Historic Scotland in 1965 with a significant number added
in 1978; the last additions being made in 2003 (refer Appendix B for full list). Many the
buildings in the conservation area are listed; however there are a small number of buildings
which are of local interest and may require further recognition and protection.
Old Town Sector
St Mary’s Wynd: Nos. 73-75 (fig 33C), building adjoining Cowane’s House provides context,
defines the entrance to King’s Stables Lane and may date to the 17th C (McKean, 1985, 40).
Barn Road: No 6: possibly late 18th century, one of few historic buildings surviving in this
area, adjoining gate piers indicate a connection with Bellfield House.
Former Smithy: characterful stone building, dating to at least the early 19th century, on
prominent site with views to the castle beyond; now at risk.
Crofthead Court: Nos. 9 & 11 adjoin the listed No. 30 Barn Road and appear to be
contemporary to it. This small group of earlier houses with crowstepped gables are rare
survivors.
Butt Well: with origins dating to the 16th century the present well was probably constructed
further to instruction by the Town Council in 1842.
Commercial Sector
Friars Street: Nos. 2-12 (c 1938): unusual row of 1930s bungalow shops set back from the
street line.
No. 1 Port Street: Burton Building (1928): white faience art deco closing view down King
Street.
Nos. 7-11 Port Street: (1905-6; McLuckie & Walker): former Woolworths, red stone
tenement canted bays and tall chimney stacks rising from projecting second floor.
No. 61 Port Street (1914; E. Simpson): corner to Upper Craigs.
No 42 Upper Craigs (1906): former Stirling Observer buildings; 4-storey, central gabled
chimney.
Maxwell Place: early 19th century town houses.
Town House Sector
Queen Street: Scout Hall (former malt barn) converted in 1920s.
Nos. 1, 3 & 5 Queen Street: at the foot of the street are contemporary to the remainder of
the street.
Notwithstanding this, buildings identified either through this appraisal, or by other means, as
having some architectural or historic interest, but which do not meet Historic Scotland’s
criteria for inclusion in the statutory List of listed buildings maybe included in a local list
compiled by Stirling Council.
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – Revised by Stirling Council August 2012
92
6.6 Opportunities for Development
This section identifies where development could enhance the character of the conservation area.
“Designating a conservation area does not mean a prohibition on development. It does
mean carefully managing change to ensure that the character and appearance of these
areas are safeguarded and enhanced for the enjoyment and benefit of future
generations.”
(PAN 71: Conservation Area Management, 2005, 1)
“Physical change in conservation areas does not necessarily need to replicate its
surroundings. The challenge is to ensure that all new development respects, enhances
and has a positive impact of the area.”
(PAN 71: Conservation Area Management, 2005, 4)
The Planning Authority should promote the use of development briefs for key sites and
encourage applicants to provide design statements for significant sites within or immediately
adjacent to conservation areas.
Development should respect the scale, building line, and character of the existing buildings
and ensure views from the conservation area are preserved.
6.7 Opportunities for Planning Action
Stirling Council, primarily through Development Management and Enforcement, should
ensure that the special interest created by the historic form and special qualities of the
conservation area outlined in this report are not eroded by poor quality development,
unsympathetic alteration and replacement, and inappropriate repair.
Recent changes to the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) that took effect on
6th February 2012, have resulted in the need for planning permission for most development
within conservation areas including alterations and extensions to buildings, walls, gates and
railings, creation or alteration of hardstanding areas, satellite and micro-renewals equipment
related to dwellinhouses. The previous version of this appraisal recommended Stirling
Council review the current Article 4 Direction in respect of current legislation and request a
new Article 4 Direction, to cover the entire conservation area, and in relation to those issues
outlined in sections 6.1 and 6.2. The need for Article 4 Directions across Stirling Council’s
conservation areas to further control development that is of a non-householder nature will
be assessed on a priority basis.
Whenever required statutory consents are not obtained for development, enforcement
action should be taken to ensure the protection of the special character and appearance of
the conservation area.
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – Revised by Stirling Council August 2012
93
6.8 Opportunities for Enhancement
This section makes recommendations for enhancement to relevant areas and aspects
identified in section 6.1.
1. Setting
Approach
Goosecroft Road and Station Road: would benefit from a strategic approach to
enhancement.
Street Pattern
There is opportunity to enhance the historic lanes such as King’s Stables Lane with
appropriate repair of the walls and increased use of the lanes within the network of historic
streets. The vennels between Spittal Street and Baker Street would benefit from repair and
maintenance.
Activity and Movement
There is generally a lack of activity and movement through the city, with limited services and
facilities to encourage through traffic and interconnectivity. The secondary retail area (King
Street, Friars Street, Baker Street and The Arcade) appear to suffer from reduced activity.
In particular, King Street has a number of vacant premises at street level but offers huge
potential.
Similarly, at the Top of Town, the proximity of Stirling Castle and other visitor attractions
there would appear to offer greater potential to increase services and activity in this area.
Planning solutions will require both public and private intervention. The public sector
initiative depends on collaboration between planning, building standards, tourism initiatives
and the City Centre Manager. It is recommended this would best be achieved through an
adopted City Centre Action Plan.
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – Revised by Stirling Council August 2012
94
2. Buildings and Townscape
Height and plot size
It is important that redevelopment opportunities respect the traditional pattern of plot size,
height and proportion. Where poor examples exist their characteristics should not be
repeated and the design taken back to first principles.
Materials and Colours
The materials and colours should be carefully considered in the context of the conservation
area and the historic buildings. The use of inappropriate and modern materials and colours
should not be used as a precedent. Opportunities should be taken to encourage the use of
good quality sustainable traditional materials which are appropriate to the historic
environment.
Condition of the built fabric
Grant assisted repair schemes have had a positive effect on the built environment over a
number of years. However there remains considerable need for repair particularly in
properties with multiple owners and absentee landlords. Financial assistance should
continue to assist owners and encourage investment in the built fabric; all available routes
to lever in grant funding should be pursued.
Architectural style and detail
The strength of the character and appearance of Stirling Town Conservation Area derives
from the coherence of layout, design and materials of its buildings, as well as their individual
building details and quality of traditional materials. However, incremental change has had a
negative effect, for example the inappropriate replacement of timber sash and case
windows and traditional timber panelled doors.
Opportunities to repair and/or reinstate lost building elements and detail should be taken
when they arise through statutory procedures and through grant assisted schemes. Where
work is undertaken without statutory permission it is vital that enforcement action is taken to
address the specific case and also to prevent further on-going loss and erosion of the
historic environment.
Shop Fronts
Many historic shop fronts have been lost and others obscured by modern signage; modern
shop signs, frontages and colours do not respect the historic character of Stirling or their
parent buildings.
Local planning policy and supplementary guidance, as part of the Stirling Local
Development Plan June 2014, should be used effectively to direct and control the renewal
of shop fronts and signage. This should include design, materials and colours. It is vital
that policy and enforcement action support the retention and repair of historic shop fronts
and the improvement of inappropriate shop fronts over time.
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – Revised by Stirling Council August 2012
95
Walls
Boundary walls are an integral part of the character of Stirling Town. A conservation repair
strategy is required to address the various challenges such as condition, ownership, and
accessibility to ensure these historic walls continue to be a key feature of the conservation
area.
3. Open Spaces, Trees and Landscaping
The Back Walk and braes of the Castle Rock
There has been considerable tree growth on the braes during the 20th century. The natural
environment is hugely important to the setting of Stirling Town and requires careful
management to balance all aspects of both the natural and built heritage.
Gowanhill
The Gowanhill is of considerable archaeological importance, but little investigative work or
information is available.
Opportunities to undertake watching briefs and provide
interpretative materials should be taken.
4. Public Realm
Considerable work has been undertaken to enhance the public realm through new road and
pavement finishes. However, the proliferation of other elements in the streetscape often
detracts from the historic character and appearance.
A streetscape audit should be
undertaken to review the current provision of street furniture, signage etc and produce an
integrated management plan of these elements. This should include a road repair and
management strategy, which seeks to conserve remaining original and traditional finishes.
Key points to address would be:
-
appropriate reinstatement of traditional pavement finishes
appropriate repair of new reinstated finishes
control of other streetscape furniture
appropriate repair of original surfaces
appropriate enhancement and repair of medieval vennels and lanes.
6.9 Monitoring and Review
As outlined in PAN 71 (2005) consideration should be given as to how to “put in place
appropriate monitoring indicators and agree a mechanism for review”. Regular review of
the conservation area should set management priorities and seek to identify opportunities
for enhancement. Justification for designation and validation of boundaries should be
reviewed on a regular basis.
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – Revised by Stirling Council August 2012
96
Bibliography
National Policy and Advice
The Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006
The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997
Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997
Historic Scotland (2009): Scottish Historic Environment Policy (SHEP)
Historic Scotland: Managing Change in the Historic Environment guidance notes series
The Scottish Office (2010): Scottish Planning Policy (SSP)
Historic Scotland (1998): Memorandum of Guidance on Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas
Scottish Executive Development Department:
Planning Advice Note 52 (PAN 52): Planning Advice Note: Planning in Small Towns The Scottish
Office (1997)
Planning Advice Note 65 (PAN 65): Planning and Open Space.
Planning Advice Note 68 (PAN 68): Design Statements
Planning Advice Note 71 (PAN 71): Conservation Area Management (2005)
Publications
Aitken P, Cummingham C, McCutcheon B (1984): Notes for a New History of Stirling: King’s Park,
Stirling: Aitken, Cummingham & McCutcheon.
English Heritage (1997): Conservation Area Appraisals
Fleming (1898): Old Nooks of Stirling, Stirling
Gifford G (2002): Stirling and Central Scotland, Yale University Press, London
Groome F H (1883): Ordnance Gazetter, Vol.IV, Edinburgh: Grange Publishing Works
Lynch K (1977): The Image of the City MIT Press
McKean C (1985): Stirling & the Trossachs, An illustrated architectural guide, Rutland Press,
Edinburgh.
NSA (1834-45): ‘New’ Statistical Account for Scotland, Vol. 8 (Stirling Parish & St Ninians Parish)
available at http://stat-acc-scot.edina.ac.uk
RCAHMS (1963): Stirlingshire: An inventory of the Ancient Monuments Vol. 1 & Vol. 2, HMSO, Edin.
Ronald J (1899): Landmarks of Old Stirling
OSA (1791-99): ‘Old’ Statistical Account for Scotland, Vol. 8 (Stirling Parish), Vol. 18 (St Ninians
Parish) available at http://stat-acc-scot.edina.ac.uk
Stirling Council (1999A): Document 2- A Character Appraisal for Stirling Town Conservation Area.
Stirling Council Environmental Services (1999B): Local Plan
Timms D (1974): The Stirling Region, University of Stirling
Other Documents
Harrison J (2007): King’s Park and the Park Dyke, Stirling, unpublished draft.
Harrison J (2008): Stirling Castle Palace Archaeological and Historical Research 2004-08, King of
the Castle: Stirling Castle’s Landscape Setting, unpublished report for Historic Scotland.
SCHT (2005): Baseline Assessment for Stirling City Heritage Trust with Stirling Council.
Maps
Ordnance Survey (1858): 1st Edition Ordnance Survey, Stirling Council license
Ordnance Survey (1895): 2nd Edition Ordnance Survey, Stirling Council license
Pont T (1585-1601): The East Central Lowlands, Pont 32 permission of the NLS
Roy (1747-1755): Military Survey of Scotland, permission of The British Library Board
Wood J (1820): Plan of the Town of Stirling, permission of the NLS
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – Revised by Stirling Council August 2012
97
Appendices
Appendix A
Lynch K (1977): The Image of the City MIT Press
4 categories from Lynch’s analysis have been adapted for use in the appraisal to describe
the basis urban structure of the conservation area.
1. PATH or route
a) most influential factor in our ‘image’ of the environment
b) channels along which the observer moves e.g. motorways, streets,
pedestrian streets, residential pathways etc
c) traditional focus of major urban design projects
d) importance of land use and spatial qualities
2. EDGE (urban)
a) linear elements not used or considered as paths e.g. railway tracks, city
walls, edges of development areas
b) act as boundaries between two distinct areas i.e. can cause isolation
c) most dominant are continuous in form and impenetrable to cross
movement
Green Edges have been used to indicate strong areas of open green spaces and /
or strong enclosures created by green space, trees or other landscaping features.
3. DISTRICT or Character Area
Smaller parts of an area which can be differentiated by
a) physical character – layout –design – architectural style or period
b) land use – residential – commercial – industrial
4. LANDMARK
a) External points of reference
b) Usually vertical built form which can be seen throughout the area or
beyond
c) Prominent natural features
d) Local townscape features
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – Revised by Stirling Council August 2012
98
Appendix B
Listed buildings (July 2011) within the conservation area boundary are:
HBNUM
41247
41249
41250
41252
41254
41273
41274
41284
41293
41327
41330
41331
41332
41333
41335
41336
41337
41338
41339
41342
41343
41346
41363
41365
41423
41424
41425
41426
41427
41428
41429
41432
41436
41438
41442
41445
41447
41449
41462
41466
ADDRESS
18 BROAD STREET (PART), EAST SECTION OF GRAHAM
OF PANHOLES LODGING
20 AND 22 BROAD STREET
24 BROAD STREET
26 BROAD STREET WITH GATEPIERS
CASTLE WYND VALLEY LODGE
COWANE STREET 13-23
DALGLEISH COURT (OFF BAKER STREET) YOUTH
HOUSE, STIRLING AND DISTRICT BN BB
ESPLANADE AND UPPER CASTLEHILL, VISITOR
CENTRE (FORMER CASTLE HOTEL)
FRIARS STREET 29, 31
KING STREET 17, 19
KING STREET 33, 35
KING STREET 37, 39, 41
KING STREET 43, 45
KING STREET 47, 49, 51
KING STREET 61 AND 1 CORN EXCHANGE ROAD
CLYDESDALE BANK BUILDINGS
KING STREET 4 CLYDESDALE BANK LTD
KING STREET, 6-10 GOLDEN LION HOTEL
KING STREET 22, 24 BANK OF SCOTLAND BUILDINGS
KING STREET 26, 28
KING STREET 42-48 (EVEN NOS)
KING STREET 50, 52 AND FRIARS STREET, BANK OF
SCOTLAND BUILDINGS
LOWER BRIDGE STREET 1-9
MURRAY PLACE 1 AND 2 KING STREET
BRITISH LINEN BANK.
MURRAY PLACE 9, 11
PORT STREET 10, 12, 14
PORT STREET 16, 18, 20
PORT STREET 38, 40 AND 2, 4 DUMBARTON ROAD
PORT STREET 42 AND 1, 3, 5 DUMBARTON ROAD
PORT STREET 80
PRINCES STREET 5
PRINCES STREET 9, 11
PRINCES STREET 10, 12
QUEEN STREET 15, 17 (S. SIDE)
QUEEN STREET 21 (S. SIDE)
QUEEN STREET 6, 8 (N. SIDE)
QUEEN STREET 20, 22 (N. SIDE)
QUEEN STREET 26, 28 (N. SIDE)
QUEEN STREET 36 (N. SIDE)
33 ST JOHN STREET
ST MARY'S WYND JOHN COWANE'S HOUSE
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – Revised by Stirling Council August 2012
CATEGORY
LIST DATE
B
B
B
B
B
C(S)
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
03/02/1978
B
04/11/1965
B
C(S)
B
C(S)
C(S)
B
B
04/11/1965
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
B
C(S)
C(S)
B
B
B
04/11/1965
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
04/11/1965
28/10/1976
04/11/1965
B
C(S)
04/11/1965
03/02/1978
B
B
B
B
B
C(S)
B
C(S)
C(S)
C(S)
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
A
04/11/1965
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
03/02/1978
99
41467
41484
41490
41491
41492
41493
41496
41499
41500
41502
41084
41098
41105
41107
41110
41122
41125
41126
41131
41132
41133
41135
41140
41143
41204
41209
41210
41213
41216
41217
41219
41227
41229
41232
45375
45378
45379
45382
45387
45369
45371
45372
45374
91, ST. MARYS WYND ,SETTLE INN
56 SPITTAL STREET, GLENGARRY LODGE
OR DARROW LODGING
UPPER BRIDGE STREET 11 (W SIDE) MANSE
UPPER BRIDGE STREET 15 (W SIDE)
ST MARY'S RC PRESBYTERY
UPPER BRIDGE STREET 26 (E SIDE)
UPPER BRIDGE STREET 28 (E SIDE)
UPPER BRIDGE STREET 36-40 (E SIDE)
UPPER BRIDGE STREET 48 (E SIDE)
UPPER BRIDGE STREET 50 (E SIDE)
UPPER CASTLEHILL MAR LODGE
CHURCH OF THE HOLY-ROOD CHURCHYARD
SOUTH CHURCH 67 MURRAY PLACE
MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS
PUBLIC LIBRARY, CORN EXCHANGE ROAD
35, 37 BROAD STREET, JAIL WYND AND 32 ST JOHN
STREET, TOLBOOTH
CAMPBELL BANNERMAN SIR HENRY, MONUMENT TO,
CORN EXCHANGE ROAD
BEHEADING STONE GOWANHILL
THE OLD TOWN CEMETERIES
STIRLING RAILWAY STATION, NORTH AND MIDDLE
SIGNAL BOXES & ASSOCIATED SEMAPHORE SIGNALS
COWANE CENTRE (CENTRAL SINGLE STOREY SECTION
ONLY) COWANE ST
ACADEMY ROAD, STIRLING HIGHLAND HOTEL, OLD
HIGH SCHOOL
31 SPITTAL STREET SNOWDON SCHOOL WITH
BOUNDARY WALLS AND GATE PIERS
STIRLING CASTLE CHAPEL ROYAL (1594)
STIRLING CASTLE THE KING'S OLD BUILDING
ARCADE 1-43, 2-50 AND 32, 34 KING STREET AND 65
MURRAY PLACE
31, 33 AND 35 BAKER STREET
37, 39A, 39B, 41A AND 41 BAKER STREET
49 AND 51 BAKER STREET
10 AND 12 BAKER STREET
14 BAKER STREET
24 AND 26 BAKER STREET
5 BANK STREET AND 52 SPITTAL STREET
BARNTON STREET 1, 3, 7 AND 35 FRIARS STREET
11-39 (ODD NOS) BARNTON STREET
78 BAKER STREET
3 BOW STREET
2 BOW STREET, HERMON EVANGELICAL CHURCH
6 AND 8 BOW STREET
21 BROAD STREET
56 AND 58 BAKER STREET
62 BAKER STREET
70 AND 72 BAKER STREET
76 BAKER STREET
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – Revised by Stirling Council August 2012
C(S)
03/02/1978
A
B
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
B
C(S)
C(S)
C(S)
C(S)
C(S)
B
A
B
B
B
04/11/1965
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
A
04/11/1965
B
C(S)
A
04/11/1965
03/02/1978
19/11/2003
A
03/02/1978
C(S)
03/02/1978
A
04/11/1965
C(S)
A
A
03/02/1978
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
B
C(S)
C(S)
B
C(S)
C(S)
C(S)
C(S)
B
C(S)
C(S)
C(S)
C(S)
B
C(S)
C(S)
C(S)
B
C(S)
28/10/1976
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
04/11/1965
03/02/1978
16/01/1996
26/03/1998
26/03/1998
26/03/1998
26/03/1998
26/03/1998
26/03/1998
26/03/1998
26/03/1998
26/03/1998
100
50207
49577
41294
41319
41323
41324
41368
41431
41435
41444
41446
41497
41498
41100
41138
41139
41141
41145
45368
45376
45383
41196
41205
41218
41226
41231
41245
41246
41253
41087
41091
41093
41094
41115
41136
41142
41144
41208
41215
41220
41235
41320
41341
41366
41419
IRVINE PLACE, VIEWFIELD CHURCH INCLUDING
BOUNDARY WALL
52, 54, 56 PORT STREET
FRIARS STREET 33
IRVINE PLACE 2
IRVINE PLACE 12
KING STREET 1 AND 4, 6, 8 PORT STREET
MURRAY PLACE, 80, 82
NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANK BUILDINGS.
PRINCES STREET 15, 17
QUEEN STREET 11, 13 (S. SIDE)
QUEEN STREET 14, 16, 18 (N. SIDE)
QUEEN STREET 24 (N. SIDE)
UPPER BRIDGE STREET 42 (E SIDE)
UPPER BRIDGE STREET 44, 46 (E SIDE)
2 SPITTAL STREET AND 65, 67 KING STREET,
ATHENAEUM
STIRLING CASTLE PALACE (1539-42)
STIRLING CASTLE GREAT HALL (1503)
STIRLING CASTLE THE MINT (14TH CENTURY)
STIRLING CASTLE REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS
52 AND 54 BAKER STREET
1 BOW STREET
10 AND 12 BOW STREET
ALLAN PARK 21 ALLAN PARK HOUSE
9 AND 11 BAKER STREET AND SMA' VENNEL
18 BAKER STREET
3 BANK STREET
9 AND 9 AND A HALF BARNTON STREET
12 AND 14 BROAD STREET, PROVOST STEVENSONS'
LODGING
16 BROAD STREET, EAST SECTION OF JAMES NORRIE'S
LODGING
58 BROAD STREET, MAR PLACE HOUSE
29 ST JOHN STREET, ERSKINE MARYKIRK
METHODIST CHURCH 19-1/2 QUEEN STREET
ST MARY'S RC CHURCH 15 UPPER BRIDGE STREET
ST MARY'S PARISH HALL, IRVINE PLACE AND 17 IRVINE
PLACE (FORMERLY TRINITY RC CHAPEL)
BROAD STREET, MERCAT CROSS
STIRLING CASTLE (COMPRISING): OUTER DEFENCES
THE COUNTER GUARD(1708-14)
STIRLING CASTLE KITCHEN RANGE & GRAND BATTERY
STIRLING CASTLE SUNDIAL
27 AND 29 BAKER STREET
8 BAKER STREET
28 AND 30 BAKER STREET
52-56 (EVEN NOS) BARNTON STREET
IRVINE PLACE 4
KING STREET 40
MURRAY PLACE, 77, 79
PORT STREET 65, 67
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – Revised by Stirling Council August 2012
C(S)
B
B
B
C(S)
B
03/02/2006
21/11/2003
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
B
C(S)
B
B
B
C(S)
C(S)
04/11/1965
03/02/1978
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
A
A
A
A
A
C(S)
C(S)
C(S)
B
C(S)
C(S)
C(S)
C(S)
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
26/03/1998
26/03/1998
26/03/1998
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
04/11/1965
16/01/1996
B
04/11/1965
A
B
B
B
B
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
03/02/1978
C(S)
B
03/02/1978
04/11/1965
A
A
A
C(S)
C(S)
C(S)
C(S)
B
B
B
C(S)
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
16/01/1996
03/02/1978
28/10/1976
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
101
41419
41422
41430
41433
41437
41439
41440
41465
41494
41495
49656
45390
41088
41090
41101
41104
41112
41221
41228
41241
41244
41255
41318
41325
41328
41334
41348
41367
41448
41463
41464
41483
41489
41102
41103
41106
41108
41111
41113
PORT STREET 65, 67
PORT STREET 83-91
PRINCES STREET 13
PRINCES STREET 14, 16
QUEEN STREET 19 (S. SIDE)
QUEEN STREET 23-29 (S. SIDE) (ODD NOS)
QUEEN STREET 31, 33 (S. SIDE)
36 ST JOHN STREET BOY'S CLUB
UPPER BRIDGE STREET 30 (E SIDE)
UPPER BRIDGE STREET 32 (E SIDE)
21, 23, 25, BAKER STREET
SPITTAL STREET, ALLAN'S SCHOOL WITH BOUNDARY
WALLS
ST JOHN STREET, EBENEZER ERSKINE MONUMENT
53 BAKER STREET AND 1 BANK STREET
COWANE'S HOSPITAL (NOW GUILDHALL) INCLUDING
TERRACE TO BOWLING GREEN & LAMPSTANDS
31 ST JOHN STREET, STIRLING OLD TOWN JAIL WITH
BOUNDARY WALLS, GATEPIERS AND GATES
BACK WALK, TOWN WALL AND BASTION, BOUNDARY
OF MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS, 27-33 (ODD NOS) SPITTAL
STREET AND OLD HIGH SCHOOL
84 BAKER STREET, SAUCHIE HOUSE WITH GATEPIERS
AND BOUNDARY WALLS
BARN ROAD 30
20 BOW STREET
41 BROAD STREET, CHURCH WYND AND 38 AND 40 ST
JOHN STREET
CASTLE WYND ARGYLL LODGING (INCLUDING GARDEN
WALL.) NOW YOUTH HOSTEL.
IRVINE PLACE 13, 15
KING STREET 3, 5, 7
KING STREET 21, 23, 25 ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND
KING STREET 53, 55, 57, 59
MAR PLACE MAR'S WARK
MURRAY PLACE 16-24
QUEEN STREET 30, 32 (N. SIDE)
35 AND 37 ST JOHN STREET
39 AND 41 ST JOHN STREET, BRUCE OF
AUCHENBOWIE'S HOUSE
54 SPITTAL STREET, SPITTAL'S HOSPITAL
9 UPPER BRIDGE STREET, BELLFIELD HOUSE
INCLUDING BOUNDARY WALLS AND GARDEN STEPS
COWANE'S HOSPITAL SUNDIAL
DRILLHALL PRINCES STREET (FRONT BUILDING ONLY)
POST OFFICE 84 MURRAY PLACE
SHERIFF COURT BUILDINGS VIEWFIELD PLACE
BACK WALK, TOWN WALL, SOUTH BOUNDARY OF
ERSKINE MARYKIRK AND ST JOHN STREET HOUSING
DEVELOPMENT TO ACADEMY STREET
PUBLIC LIBRARY TO 16 DUMBARTON ROAD BEING S
BOUNDARY OF 16 DUMBARTON ROAD, 2, 4 BACK WALK,
51 KING STREET 15 AND 19 CORN EXCHANGE ROAD
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – Revised by Stirling Council August 2012
C(S)
C(S)
C(S)
C(S)
B
B
B
C(S)
C(S)
C(S)
C(S)
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
23/02/2004
B
B
B
26/03/1998
04/11/1965
15/09/1993
A
04/11/1965
A
04/11/1965
A
04/11/1965
B
C(S)
C(S)
03/11/1965
03/02/1978
04/11/1965
C(S)
04/11/1965
A
B
B
B
C(S)
A
B
B
C(S)
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
04/11/1965
03/02/1978
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
A
B
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
B
B
B
B
B
03/02/1978
04/11/1965
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
04/11/1965
A
04/11/1965
A
04/11/1965
102
41117
41120
41146
41230
41239
41240
41256
41321
41322
41329
41364
41420
41421
41434
41441
41443
41450
41501
41526
43574
41526
41526
45370
41083
41137
41206
41214
41233
41234
45363
45373
45381
41243
41248
41326
41340
41347
45386
45388
45389
41418
41451
ESPLANADE, PRINCESS LOUISE`S XC1 BATTALION
SOUTH AFRICAN WAR MEMORIAL
BRUCE STATUE ESPLANADE
STIRLING CASTLE, MARRIED QUARTERS ON KING`S
STABLES LANE AND BARN ROAD
BARNTON STREET, FOUNTAIN
16 (PART) AND 18 BOW STREET, ERSKINE OF GOGAR'S
HOUSE (COMMONLY KNOWN AS DARNLEY'S HOUSE)
16 BOW STREET (PART, WITHIN CLOSE), MOIR OF
LECKIE'S HOUSE
CASTLE WYND THE PORTCULLIS HOTEL FORMERLY
OLD GRAMMAR SCHOOL
IRVINE PLACE 6, 8
IRVINE PLACE 10
KING STREET 27, 29
MURRAY PLACE 3, 5, 7
PORT STREET 69-73
PORT STREET 75-81
QUEEN STREET 7, 9 (S. SIDE)
QUEEN STREET 2, 4 (N. SIDE) AND 1, 3, 5 COWANE
STREET ROYAL HOTEL
QUEEN STREET 10, 12 (N. SIDE)
QUEEN STREET 38, 40 (N. SIDE)
UPPER BRIDGE STREET 52, 54 (E SIDE)
1-10 (INCLUSIVE NOS) VIEWFIELD PLACE WITH
BOUNDARY WALLS
33 SPITTAL STREET, (FORMERLY OLD INFIRMARY)
1-10 (INCLUSIVE NOS) VIEWFIELD PLACE WITH
BOUNDARY WALLS
1-10 (INCLUSIVE NOS) VIEWFIELD PLACE WITH
BOUNDARY WALLS
60 BAKER STREET
CHURCH OF THE HOLY ROOD ST JOHN STREET
STIRLING CASTLE FOREWORK (1500-1510)
13 AND 15 BAKER STREET
4 AND 6 BAKER STREET
2-24 (EVEN NOS) BARNTON STREET AND MAXWELL
PLACE
36-42 (EVEN NOS) BARNTON STREET
2 BAKER STREET & 1 FRIARS STREET, PUBLIC HOUSE
74 BAKER STREET
4 BOW STREET
39 AND 39A BROAD STREET
18 BROAD STREET (PART), W SECTION OF JAMES
NORRIE'S LODGING
KING STREET 13, 15
KING STREET 36, 38
LOWER BRIDGE STREET 43-47
1 AND 3 BROAD STREET
10 BROAD STREET
32 SPITTAL STREET
PORT STREET 25, 27
QUEEN STREET 42, 44 (N. SIDE)
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – Revised by Stirling Council August 2012
C(S)
C(S)
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
C(S)
C(S)
04/11/1965
16/01/1996
A
04/11/1965
A
04/11/1965
B
B
B
C(S)
B
C(S)
C(S)
B
04/11/1965
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
03/02/1978
04/11/1965
B
B
B
C(S)
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
03/02/1978
B
B
03/02/1978
04/11/1965
B
03/02/1978
B
C(S)
A
A
C(S)
C(S)
03/02/1978
26/03/1998
04/11/1965
04/11/1965
03/03/1978
03/02/1978
C(S)
C(S)
C(S)
B
C(S)
B
16/01/1996
16/01/1996
26/03/1998
26/03/1998
26/03/1998
04/11/1965
B
B
B
C(S)
C(S)
C(S)
C(S)
C(S)
B
04/11/1965
03/02/1978
28/10/1976
03/02/1978
26/03/1998
26/03/1998
26/03/1998
03/02/1978
04/11/1965
103
49599
50203
58,60,62,64,66,68,70 PORT STREET
60, 62, 64, 66, 68 MURRAY PLACE
C(S)
C(S)
18/12/2003
31/01/2006
For further information, or updates on current listed buildings refer to Historic Scotland
website www.historic-scotland.gov.uk or Stirling Council’s Planning Department.
Stirling Town Conservation Area Appraisal – Revised by Stirling Council August 2012
104