Cowane's Hospital

Historic Buildings & Homes

49 St John Street, Stirling, FK8 1ED

Tel: +44 (1786) 472247

Cowane's Hospital

Built by rich local merchant John Cowane in 1637 as an Almshouse for 'decayed members of the Guild of Merchants', this former guildhall commonly hosts concerts.

Referred to as ‘Auld Staney Breeks’, John Cowane was one of Stirling’s richest merchants during the mid 17th-century. Dean of the Merchant Guild, he left funds to build Cowane’s hospital, which originally acted as a place for Guild members to meet. It was constructed between 1637 - 1649 next to the Church of Holy Rude.

After its time acting as a Guildhall, Cowane’s served as a school and a hospital during epidemics. Today, it is used for concerts, town meetings and ceilidhs. To remind everyone of the building’s past, a statue of Cowane is perched above the entrance, while portraits of old Guild Deans pepper the walls. According to local myth, people say the statue comes to life on Hogmanay and does a jig.

Additionally, there are tartans displays and a family history centre, where you can enquire about your local ancestors via the extensive computer database.

Opening Times

Open All Year

2013 Opening Times (01/01/2013 - 31/12/2013)

Information Line

For Accommodation and information, please call:

0845 859 1006

Open Mon to Fri: 0900 - 1700

Closed on Saturday & Sunday

*Calls may be recorded

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