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Royal Stirling (clip 1)

The town of Stirling and its surrounding area

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Description

Credits. A shot of wheat fields shifting in the breeze under a dramatic sky. Then we see Stirling Castle. There are close-ups of the masonry figures, and detail of the architecture. A lion cub walks a passage, and we see oak carvings of royal figures. We look down onto the wide royal park, and see the River Forth flowing under an arched bridge, the bridge reflecting on the water. Some children come fishing on the bridge, and we see the Wallace monument. We see a stained glass window of Wallace. There is footage of Queen Elizabeth II paying tribute to those who fell at Bannockburn, unveiling a statue to Robert the Bruce, then shots of Cambuskenneth Abbey and the landscape around it. We then see masons at work restoring details of the Great Hall of Stirling Castle. We head into town and see the Church of Holy Rude, Cowand's hospital, and some Canadian backpackers visiting Mar's Wark. We see Argyll's Ludging, now a Youth Hostel, when a Ghanaian in native costume is shown around, and meets an Indian girl, also in traditional dress. There is an aerial shot of Stirling. The old town hall against the new. Children run in the street and we see rebuilt houses. We visit the old town, see the Mercat Cross, and wrought iron railings, then turn into the bustle of the new town to join the shoppers and the traffic.

Questions & Activities

Questions

  • What was the old name for Stirling and why was it called this?
  • What battle was fought at Bannockburn and why is it so important?
  • How does this film represent stereotypes?
  • How would you describe the tone of the narration?
  • What was particular about the location of Stirling Castle?

  • When were volcanoes last active in Scotland?

Activities

Media Studies: How is the music used to depict eras of history?

History: Discuss whether this film gives a good insight into the times and lifestyle of the people mentioned? How might one better construct a film about the history of Stirling?

Media Studies / History / Moving Image Education: Using the same footage, create your own film about Stirling. What would you focus on and what do you think is important to represent its history.

Social History: Research the origin of place names in your area.

Clip Details

Record Id 007-000-002-321-C
Resource Rights Holder National Library of Scotland
Project Ref 2379
Date 1972
Genre Documentary, Sponsored Documentary, Promotional
School Subject History, Geography, Moving Image Education
Who Campbell Harper Films (production company), Films of Scotland (sponsor), Mark Littlewood (director), National Trust for Scotland (sponsor), Stirling Town Council (sponsor), Stirling University (sponsor)
Where Cambuskenneth, Stirling
Attributes Colour, Sound
Clip Length 13:26
Film Length 23:00