Culture Night Stirling has just announced it’s plans for 2026, the Carnival of the Wolf. Inspired by the tale of the Stirling Wolf, the night will showcase Stirling’s creative voice and talent. Collection’s volunteer Spencer has recently been interested in our Collection’s own Stirling Wolf and in this blog tells us a bit about Stirling and the Wolf.
Nestled in the back corner of one of the Pathfoot Courtyards, you will find a wee terracotta wolf sculpture nestled between the concrete paving stones and some glorious greenery.
Stirling Wolf (2013) was donated to the University by the artists Ballie Brown (b.1931). Brown Trained at the Glasgow School of Art and Esculla De Massana in Barcelona and has had her work displayed across Europe but primarily her artwork is based in Scotland. Brown Trained at the Glasgow School of Art and Esculla De Massana in Barcelona and has had her work displayed across Europe but primarily her artwork is based in Scotland. The sculpture was inspired by a winning work that Browns granddaughter, Esme Rankin, created as part of her Film and Media degree while at the University of Stirling. Brown’s work is in honour of the history and legends that connect Stirling to Wolves.
According to legend, during the 9th century, the small settlement that is now known as Stirling had passed through the hands of the Picts and into those of the Anglo-Saxon Northumbrians as the Viking invasions began. The legend goes that the Vikings came to the town at night. They crept past the sleeping guard, waking the pack of wolves. The howling of the wolf alerted the city to the invaders’ presence, successfully scaring the Vikings away.
The earliest record of the tale can be found in William Nimmo’s A General History of Stirling, which dates back approximately 900 years after the events would have taken place. While details from the story are likely untrustworthy, there was Viking activity in the area at the end of the 9th century. Archaeological digs in Dollar (about 12 miles east of the University) and Abbey Craig (where the Wallace monument now stands) have revealed great battles between the locals and Invaders.
The Battle of Dollar took place in 875, between the local Scoti people (Scoti being the term The Scottish Chronicle uses, being the Latin term for people from Scotland and northern Britain). Historical and archaeological evidence indicates a clear win for the invading Vikings. Still, the events of Abbey Craig are more ambiguous.
Archaeological evidence of a hill fort found at Abby Craige was decimated in the 7th century by a fire so intense that the stone melted. The cause of this fire was likely an invasion. However, the blaze made it impossible to determine with certainty. Some form of refortification is evident before the 9th century, but the identity of the builders remains unknown.
Abbey Craig is more likely to be home to wolves, so perhaps this myth was transported a couple of miles into town with a different set of invaders. Or maybe the wolves were on the side of Stirling all along.
The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum; http://www.artuk.org/artworks/the-stirling-wolf-127778
Wolves lived in Scotland until King James I of Scotland ordered them to be killed in the 15th century. While records are iffy, with one suggesting that the last wolf was killed in Stirling, it is generally believed that the last Scottish wolf died in 1743 (notably long after James I reign).
Regardless of the accuracy of the myth or lack thereof, the wolf has persisted in Stirling scattered about the town. The wolf is featured on the Council’s coat of arms, a sculpture on the Back Walk, and sitting above TJ’s Restaurant and Bar on Dumbarton Road and many more. On your next wander through town, keep an eye out, and try looking for the wolf or other elements of Stirling’s mythology and history. Ballie Brown’s Stirling’s Wolf is a continuation of the tradition and memory of the wolf, as well as a proud symbol of her family’s efforts at the University.
We’re looking forward to celebrating the Stirling Wolf, as part of Stirling Culture Night 2026 and encourage you to get involved!
Currently our friends at Scene Stirling are looking for local groups, venues and artists to support the night and even have some funding available!
