The Summer School will be taking place at the University of Stirling.
The information below has been updated for the 2023 school.
Getting to Stirling
From the south, a frequent train service to Stirling runs from Edinburgh Waverley or Glasgow Queen Street, both operated by ScotRail. Those starting north of Stirling probably already know how to get there. Use the National Rail Enquiries website for timetable information and ticket prices.
Please be aware that UK rail services are subject to ongoing industrial action (strikes). No strike action is planned for 13th or 14th August, so travel to the school should be unaffected. Nevertheless, it is still possible for timetables to change at short notice, so we recommend checking the National Rail Enquiries website before embarking on your journey.
A strike has been announced for the 26th August, so we recommend getting as far as you can after the school finishes on the 25th .
Getting to the University campus from Stirling city centre
Bus services in and around Stirling are now operated by McGills.
The fastest bus from Stirling station to the University is the UniLink service, which runs every half an hour during the summer months. A slower and more erratic service is provided by the 54, but if it’s the first thing that comes you might as well get it.
Fares are a bit of a Rutherford scattering experiment, in that it’s a case of ask for a ticket and see what comes back. They can be around £3, but you may find you get a substantial reduction with a student ID (or even just look like a student). You can pay contactless, or even with cash.
The nearest stop to your accommodation at Willow Court is by the campus entrance on University Road West. From here, you should walk up Hermitage Road to Willow Court.
Other ways to reach the University campus
A comprehensive set of directions can be found on the University of Stirling website. Walking from Bridge of Allan station is do-able if you are not heavily encumbered with luggage.
Accommodation and check-in
All accommodation is in Willow Court which is the location marked on the map above.
Check-in is from 3pm on Monday 14th August at the Willow Court reception.
All rooms are single en-suite, and bedding and towels are provided.
Registration
A registration desk will be open from 6pm to 7pm at the entrance to the Stirling Court Hotel.
The school will formally begin with dinner and a drinks reception at 7pm on Monday 14th August. These take place in the conservatory at the Stirling Court Hotel.
Meals
Breakfast will be taken at Haldane’s Eatery (in the main University building, adjacent to the Macrobert Arts Centre) from 7.30-9am.
All other meals will be taken at the Stirling Court Hotel, apart from on the free day when you will be provided with a packed lunch at breakfast time.
Classes
All classes will take place in the Wallace and Monument rooms, also in the Stirling Court Hotel.
Facilities / Things to do
A range of facilities are on campus and available for us during the School. These include:
- Swimming pool
- Gym
- Arts Centre / Cinema (It’s pronounced Mac-Robert, not Macro-Bert)
- Bike hire
- Laundry (wash £2.60-£3 / dry £1.20: operated by contactless, detergent included)
- Pharmacy / Health centre
- On-campus convenience store
Information about other things to do is available. The Wallace Monument is right on the doorstep, and Stirling Castle is also worth a visit.
Departure
The School will end with lunch at 12.30pm on Friday 25th August. As noted above, there is a rail strike affecting long-distance journeys on the 26th. Please bear this in mind when planning the return journey.