Category: News

It’s a big night for Stirling tomorrow as Culture Night Stirling 2026 takes over the city and surrounding areas from 6pm.

Building on last year’s success at Stirling Castle, this year’s event is a celebration of everything that defines Stirling—creative, diverse, welcoming, and proudly rooted in its culture.

With over 40 free events happening across the city, there’s something for everyone. Highlights include:

• Cabaret of the Wolf at Stirling Distillery
• Dougie MacKay: A Wolf Shall Devour the Sun at The Golden Lion
• All or Nothing: The PACK at Baker Street Gardens
• A headline performance from Fatherson with Katie Gregson-MacLeod at The Albert Halls

From live music and comedy to immersive arts, the night is all about discovering something new around every corner.

Didn’t pre-book? No problem. Many events don’t require tickets, and others will have limited walk-up availability on a first-come, first-served basis.

To plan your evening, check out the full programme, digital guide, and event map on the official Culture Night Stirling page. You can also follow Stirling: Alive With on social media throughout the night for live updates.

Enjoy the festivities!

On April 28th, colleagues and Trade Union representatives gathered at the memorial tree in the grounds of Old Viewforth to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day. The ceremony offered a moment to quietly remember those who have lost their lives, or whose health and futures have been affected, through work-related injury or illness.

The wreath-laying, followed by a national minute’s silence, was opened by Chief Executive Brian Roberts, who spoke about the importance of not only remembering, but continuing to learn and care for one another in the workplace. He encouraged everyone to look out for each other and to speak up where something doesn’t feel right, so that lessons from the past can help shape a safer future.

Speakers from the Trade Unions reflected on this year’s theme of mental health and psychosocial risks. They gently highlighted that harm at work is not always visible, and can come in many forms, including stress, burnout, and workplace pressures. Their message emphasised understanding, compassion, and the need to create healthier, more supportive working environments.

There was also a reminder of the importance of balance — that wellbeing and family life should always come first — and that health and safety reaches beyond the workplace into our wider lives.

As a mark of respect, the Council flag flew at half-mast throughout the day, and in the evening, the Wallace Monument was lit in purple, a colour used to honour and remember those affected by workplace harm.

Location: Old Viewforth Stirling
Date and time: Tuesday 28 April 11:45

International Workers Memorial Day 2026 to honour workers who have died 
or been injured on the job and to promote workplace safety worldwide.

International Workers’ Memorial Day (IWMD) is the day that the trade union movement unites to remember workers at home and across the globe who have paid the ultimate price, those who left for work and never returned.

 The day emphasises both remembrance and prevention, highlighting the importance of improving workplace practices to reduce harm

Memorial events will take place across Scotland to commemorate those who lost their lives at work:

The Wallace Monument will be lit in purple in the evening to remember those we have lost.

More than 40 exciting *free events have been announced for a new spectacular cultural celebration that will transform Stirling and its surrounding areas on Friday 1 May.

The full programme has been confirmed for Culture Night Stirling, ‘Carnival of the Wolf’, a unique festival that will bring venues and unexpected spaces to life through a wide variety of events and activities for one night only.

The inaugural theme for the festival, ‘Carnival of the Wolf’, takes inspiration from one of Stirling’s most enduring legends – the tale of a pack of wolves whose howls alerted the people of Stirling to an attempted Viking invasion.
This legend will be reimagined across the city and the wider area through performance, music, art, and spectacle packed into one exhilarating night.
There will be something for everyone to enjoy as Stirling’s spirit, creativity and thriving culture scene is celebrated. Expect: live music, aerial dance and immersive performance; cabaret and standup comedy; bold theatrical drumming performances; a historical crime tour that brings Stirling’s darker stories to life; pop-up performances, workshops, installations, food and drink experiences, and much more as the May Bank Holiday weekend gets underway with a bang.
Among the Culture Night Stirling headliners is a homecoming performance by internationally acclaimed DJ and producer Sam Gellaitry. His special one-off DJ set will see him return to perform in his hometown after touring internationally and working with the likes of PinkPantheress and Kaytranada.
The full programme line-up is available to view by visiting: http://www.yourstirling.com/whats-on/culturenight

Tony Caleary – New Branch Secretary, Stirling UNISON

Tony Caleary is a long‑serving UNISON representative with more than three decades of service and a strong commitment to public service, community, and family.

Professional Background

Tony began his career with Stirling Council in 1991 working as a Senior Analyst in IT (Technology), marking over 35 years of dedicatedpublic service. He became a workplace representative for UNISON (then NALGO) almost immediately, beginning a lifelong commitment to supporting colleagues and strengthening the union.

His long service has given him a comprehensive understanding of Stirling Council, its workforce, and the issues affecting public service workers.

UNISON Leadership

As the newly elected Branch Secretary for UNISON in Stirling Council, Tony brings decades of experience in:

• Workplace representation
• Collective bargaining
• Branch governance

His leadership style is grounded in fairness, transparency, and a strong belief in public service values.

International Committee Co‑Chair

Tony serves as Co‑Chair of UNISON’s International Committee, helping guide the union’s work on global solidarity, labour rights, and international partnerships

Falkirk Pension Board Member

Tony chairs the Falkirk Pension Board, contributing to governance, oversight, and the protection of members’ pension interests.

Job Evaluation Expertise

With experience on over 300 job evaluation panels, Tony is recognised for his detailed understanding of job roles, grading structures, and fair pay systems across the council.

Knowledge and Reputation

Tony is widely respected for:

• Deep organisational knowledge
• Strong advocacy for workers
• Fair and principled decision‑making
• A calm, steady approach to complex issues

Personal Life

Tony is happily married, with one daughter, and lives locally in Falkirk. His strong community roots reflect the same commitment to people and place that he brings to his work in UNISON and Stirling Council.

Open Door Policy

Tony is keen to hear from our members so feel free to drop him a line and he can chat with you if you have any issues or concerns about your role at Stirling council.

International Women’s Day on 8 March grew out of early 20th‑century movements for women’s rights, beginning with employment protests and expanding into a global call for equality. It marks both the achievements of women and the ongoing struggle for social, political, and economic rights.

 Early roots in the United States (1908–1909)

• In 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter working hours, better pay, and voting rights.
• The first National Woman’s Day was held on 28 February 1909, declared by the Socialist Party of America.

 International adoption (1910–1913)

• At a 1910 international socialist women’s conference, German activists Luise Zietz and Clara Zetkin proposed creating an annual Women’s Day to promote women’s rights, including suffrage. Delegates from 17 countries supported the idea.
• Early observances varied by country, often held in late February.

Why March 8? (1914 onward)

• By 1914, many European countries began marking the day on 8 March, aligning with growing political activism and the push for women’s suffrage.
• Over time, 8 March became the standard date worldwide, commemorating women’s fight for equality and liberation.

Becoming a global movement

• Throughout the 20th century, International Women’s Day expanded into a broader word-wide celebrations.
• Today it is recognised by the United Nations and celebrated worldwide as a day to honour women’s achievements and call for gender equality.