Cowane's Hospital

A little hidden gem in Stirling, just by the Church of the Holy Rude. We were lucky to find it open, so in we went. Absolutely stunning inside. I don't think we were meant to be in there, but nobody said anything Our visit was July 2024

Former almshouse dating back to the mid 17th century, funded by the legacy of John Cowane, a wealthy merchant. The building is characterized by crow stepped gables and a distinctive golden finish. It was constructed using stone quarried from Plean and Dunmore, as well as stone taken from the ruins of Cambuskenneth Abbey. The grounds incorporate ornately detailed lamps, a terrace and old bowling green with an ornamental garden. It's only possible to view the building's exterior. It was converted to a guildhall in the mid 19th century, and remains in public use today so is not open to visitors. Nonetheless it's worth a look as one of Stirling's most attractive buildings, situated close to the castle and Church of the Holy Rude.

Near this museum you can find a coffee shop which opens at 10 am. Good coffee and a very good service. Recommend this place!

A little gem of a building near Stirling Castle with a wonderful ceiling & lovely coffee shop, wonderful.

Out of the way spot with a small cafe close to the castle, with indoor and outdoor seating. Great place to have a quiet break.

Ancestor of my wife (long lost cousin?) Very interesting. Left his estate to form a trust so that merchants with no families would be taken care of.

Fantastic historical experience

No pudimos entrar, solo lo visitamos por fuera, una pena

Just minutes from Stirling castle, Cowane's Hospital's been around since the 17th Century and is filled to the brim with Scots history. I'm no historian but a swift Google search had me clued me in. I do like going to Cowane's Hospital for events and feeling all regal and fancy. - It certainly calls for some pearls and your best shoes. Portraits of important-looking people, beautiful architecture and some wonderful stained glass windows surround you in Cowane's Hospital. It's a stunning place to spend the evening and luckily enough, the hospital is becoming quite the cultural hot-spot with an increasing number of events taking place within the building. I'd previously been to a string quartet performance during the Stirling Fringe last year and most recently attended, local foodie favourite, Loving Food's first pop-up restaurant. The large seated balcony area upstairs is great for performances, whilst the bottom area is good for more informal social events. Just perfect for the pop-up restaurant. I do hope that the hospital continues to be used in this way, as it's just perfect for smaller-scale events and it certainly makes for a unique, hearty venue.

I went for dinner here with a friend as part of Lovin Food's pop up event, and I will be performing here in September with my folk band. A very unusual venue, this has played host to the Stirling Fringe Festival, and will do so again this year. It is truly beautiful, with period features intact. It has atmosphere and presence. A unique location and a hidden gem of a venue.