My Favourite Place
The Golden Lion, Stirling, by crime writer Steve Cavanagh
How did you discover it?
I first visited Stirling as a guest of the Bloody Scotland crime writing festival about 10 years ago. As a writer lucky enough to be invited to visit different countries to meet readers and promote my books, I get to see a lot of the world.
I knew from my first visit that Stirling was a place that I wanted to come back to again and again, not just for the old streets and friendly cafes and bars, but for the people. The crime festival uses a lot of historic sites such as the Church of the Holy Rude and Stirling Castle.
These are awe-inspiring buildings where you can feel the history leeching up and into you through the soles of your feet. This is a university city so every place you visit is geared towards people discovering it for the first time, making the history and culture so accessible.
The opening of the Bloody Scotland festival is one such example. A torch-lit procession of readers and writers set off from the castle through the streets. It really is a beautiful sight and embodies the inclusiveness of the city and the festival.
How often do you go?
As often as possible. I’ve been back to Stirling maybe half a dozen or more times since my first visit.
What’s your favourite memory?
I have far too many to be honest, but I think a quiet pint with a few crime writers in the Golden Lion bar, itself an historic site. Robert Burns once graffitied the windows on the second floor, in verse, of course. To my knowledge no crime writers have committed any such acts of artistic vandalism.
I make so many great memories in Stirling. The Curly Coo Bar is a must-visit for whisky fans. It is a small, intimate space with a horseshoe bar that just makes the atmosphere all the more friendly and welcoming.
What do you take?
I travel light. A change of clothes, toiletries, some rope to get up the hill from the town to the castle (get a taxi, seriously).
A spare oxygen tank for when I reach the top of the hill and the castle (I’m not joking, get a taxi) and some pens for signing books after my events at Bloody Scotland.
What do you leave behind?
A lot of laughs and good times that seem to be waiting there for me when I return the following year.
Sum it up in a few words?
History. Heart. Heritage. Heavenly views. Hills.
What other travel spot is on your wish list?
I’m looking forward to getting back to Glasgow at the end of July for the beginning of my UK book tour. It reminds me of home in Belfast, especially the people, who always make me laugh.
Steve Cavanagh will be appearing at Waterstones Glasgow Sauchiehall Street on July 29 to promote his new book Witness 8 (Headline, £16.99). Tickets from waterstones.com/events
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