THEY are the weird and unusual tales that most local authorities would like to keep under wraps.

But now Stirling Council is creating a list of 40 of the most mysterious and downright peculiar things to happen in the town down through the years and making it available to the public.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the council archives opening its doors, a new blog is being written by council staff to document the oddest stories found among the dusty records of yesteryear.

These include the savage killer that haunted the streets of Stirling in the 1830s, how aliens were routinely discovered living in Central Scotland around the time of the First World War, and the story of the Lascivious Laird of Kippendavie.

The public are being urged to vote on their favourite story, which will be found at www.stirlingarchives.scot, and an open day at the archives is also planned.

A Stirling Council spokesman said: "40 Items on our 40th Year" showcases the most fascinating stories that are hidden in the Archives' records."