The Journey

How we got here.

A 10-year persistence, vision, and partnership.

The Journey so far

The story of The Burgh Meadows is a story of persistence. Since 2016, Ceangail CIC has worked to transform a decades-old, unused brownfield site into Stirling’s next major destination. It’s been a journey of conversations, studies, meetings, setbacks, and growing support. Here’s how we got here – and where we’re heading next.

2016

The First Conversation

Ceangail CIC approaches Stirling Council about its interest in acquiring Borrowmeadow Farm. The site has been unused since the 1990s – decades of lost potential.

2019

Proving the vision

Ceangail secures grant funding for an 18-month feasibility study. We commission researchers, engineers, and planners to answer a critical question: Is this vision realistic? The answer: Yes, with proper planning and investment.

2023

The breakthrough

After years of council transitions and administrative barriers, Ceangail’s Director finally meets with Stirling Council’s assets team. They confirm their interest in exploring a new development partnership. Council advises Ceangail to submit a formal pre-planning application.

2024

Building the case

June: Ceangail submits pre-planning application to Stirling Council, outlining the full 10-year vision.

July: Stirling Council response comes back – on the whole, positive. Key concerns flagged for detailed planning.

August: Ceangail reiterates the opportunity, highlighting potential funding through Community Ownership Fund (COF).

September: Stirling Council invites Ceangail to planning meeting to discuss pathway forward.

2025

Intensive Partnership

January: Ceangail meets with Stirling Council to discuss how the full-site project can move forward at pace.

Ceangail CIC commissions an independent Heritage Consultant to survey the site. Consultant confirms that the River Forth fjord – not the ruinous farmhouse – is of significant heritage interest and should be considered the key factor in preserving Stirling heritage. (The farmhouse, in ruinous condition, will need to be carefully leveled.)

March: Ceangail CIC meets with planning officials to address pre-planning feedback and agree on next steps.

September: Historic Environment Scotland (HES) conduct a site visit as Ceangail CIC has concerns about their reaffirmed designation B listing of the ruinous farmhouse. 

2026

The Final Push [now]

January: Ceangail CIC meets with Stirling Council to finalise terms.

June: Critical meeting to agree on schedule. Goal: a 50 to 99 year lease secured by end of 2026.

2027

Onwards Execution

Groundwork begins. Phase 1.1 and 1.2 construction launches. The vision becomes reality.

About Ceangail CIC

Ceangail CIC is a not-for-profit, asset-locked social enterprise, registered with the CIC Regulator and governed by a Board of up to 5 Directors.

Our Mission: Since 2014, we’ve been inspiring young people into tourism and hospitality. Our Skills Connect Academy provides vocational training and employability development to help young people launch careers in the tourism sector.

Our Challenge: We’ve grown impact, but we’re constrained by rising costs. Site hire for events has increased 550% (2024). We depend on external venues. To scale our training and event work, we need our own asset.

Our Solution: Own the land. Control the future. Build The Burgh Meadows.

Matt McGrandles - Founder

“I’ve had this vision on how we can improve the site for almost a decade now. Ceangail started with a simple idea: help young people build careers in tourism. We’ve done that, training hundreds of young people. But to really scale our impact and become sustainable, we need to control our own destiny.

The Burgh Meadows is that opportunity. By transforming Borrowmeadow Farm, we’re not just saving the Stirling Highland Games – we’re creating a hub where young people learn, where visitors connect with Stirling’s heritage, and where our community benefits for generations to come.

For this to happen, we just need Stirling Council to share our passion and recognize the community wealth building opportunity in front of us. That’s what we’re asking for: partnership to drive this vision forward.” – Matt McGrandles, Founder & Chair, Ceangail CIC

The Support Behind the Burgh Meadows

Since 2016, we’ve built support across business, politics, heritage, culture, and sport. Here are the voices backing The Burgh Meadows:

Political Support:

  • Alyn Smith – Former MP for Stirling, current MSP for Stirling
  • Bruce Crawford – 2011 SHG Chieftain, former MSP for Stirling (2007–2021)
  • Elected Councillors from across Stirling Council (cross-party)

Heritage & Community:

  • Alan Simpson OBE – Former Lord-Lieutenant of Stirling and Falkirk
  • Elizabeth Roads – Former Dean of The Guildry of Stirling
  • Elaine Watterson – Former Lord Provost of Stirling
  • Murray Cook – Stirling’s Archaeologist

Business & Tourism:

  • Lynsey Eckford – VisitScotland Regional Director
  • Pauline Skea & Julie Pritchard – Specsavers Stirling (event supporters since 2014)
  • Carolyn & Derek Jones – Anatomical Concepts (event supporters)

Sport & Culture:

  • Simone Lahbib – 2018 SHG Chieftain, TV/Film Actress
  • Alison McGrandles – 2022 SHG Chieftain, former Women’s International Rugby Player
  • Lesley Paterson – 2017 SHG Chieftain, GB Triathlete Champion, Oscar Winner
  • Michael Goodfellow – 2015 SHG Chieftain, Olympian GB Curler
  • Ian Bowie – 2007 SHG Chieftain, local businessman
  • Colin O’Brien – 2005 SHG Chieftain, former Provost of Stirling

Academic & Disability Sport:

  • David Dent MBE – Professor (Honorary), University of Stirling; Executive Director, Wounded Highlander

33+ signatures of support and counting.

new stirling destination

The Burgh Meadows

Heritage | Culture | Sport