On Saturday 9th September, one week before the official “Walking the Marches”, Captain of the Birlawmen Andrew McEwan, swore them in before they commenced their walk to check and mark the March boundaries in the traditional manner. This is done so that the Captain can report before the start of the official “Walking of the Marches” that the City and Royal Burgh of Stirling boundaries are secure.

The start of the perambulation was just outside the Cowane Centre as there used to be a March Stone situated there and that is where the Marches walk traditionally began. The band of Birlawmen then walked to the Old Stirling Bridge where the turf was turned and the March marked.

Then off down to Riverside, across the bridge to Cambuskenneth Abbey where again the March was checked and marked.

The Birlawmen then made their way back through Riverside, enjoying the sunshine and walk to Historic Environment Scotland’s Engine shed where the second new March Stone dedicated to the Seven Incorporated Trades made by them was laid earlier in the year.

Here they were joined by Historic Environment Scotland staff and a toast was made to the Marches.

The Birlawmen then proceeded through Springkerse to just outside Teith House where the March was once again marked.

On again, up through Stirling past old View Forth and onto Stirling Golf Club where by courtesy of the club a Toast was again made to the Marches and the boundary ceremonially marked.

Finally down to the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum where the first new March stone cut by Historic Scotland and dedicated to the Stirling Marches was laid in 2014. A final toast was made and with the boundaries checked and secured the Birlawmen were dismissed.