IT IS a cultural centre often overshadowed by its larger neighbours to the east and west, but next year Stirling is determined to place itself firmly in the artistic spotlight.
Taking as its focus the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn, a year-long series of events is being planned that will include fashion shows, a book festival, concerts and art exhibitions.
The initiative is being led by Stirling Council, which hopes the programme will attract tens of thousands of tourists to the city, from Scotland and further afield.
Full details of the events will be unveiled later but it is understood an international fashion show will form a centrepiece to the programme.
Pupils from the city's schools are also in the process of designing pieces for a sculpture trail, which will be established permanently in the city.
Over the Past year Stirling – with its impressive medieval castle dominating its historic Old Town – has made a huge effort to capitalise on its rich heritage and stunning setting.
Visitors flocked there last June when youngsters from Sistema Scotland's Big Noise orchestra, based in the city's Raploch estate, performed with 200 Venezuelan musicians from the Simon Bolivar Orchestra.
The concert marked the official start of the London 2012 Festival, which counted down to the Olympic Games.
And in September last year Stirling launched the Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Festival with Scots authors Ian Rankin, Val McDermid and William McIlvanney.
"During the Renaissance Stirling was a leading European cultural centre," said Provost Mike Robbins. "Sadly, that legacy has been lost through the mists of time. We are determined to rejuvenate that energy and creativity in a contemporary setting, with our 2014 programme of events as a backdrop."
He added: "During our 2014 programme we hope to attract major arts and fashion events, as well as new musical and literary events, while adding to our support of the annual Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Festival."
Iona Crawford, a leading artist and fashion designer, has taken up the role of creative director for the 2014 celebrations and her first task was to create a new image for Stirling, which was awarded city status by the Queen in 2002 as part of her Golden Jubilee celebrations.
"Stirling has always been regarded as a small city with a big heart," said Ms Crawford.
"The rebranding of the city – and the programming of a series of events and projects within it and its surrounds – reflects the desire for Stirling to place itself at the heart of Scotland's burgeoning creative and cultural infrastructure."
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "It is exciting to see Stirling's plans for 2014, which will position the city as cultural centre for fashion and literature.
"Stirling already plays a fundamental role in telling the country's cultural story. Its ambitious agenda for next year will see it develop this reputation further, bringing benefits to this beautiful part of Scotland, while helping to attract more tourism from across Scotland and overseas."
The Battle of Bannockburn in June 1314 saw Robert the Bruce defeat King Edward II, despite the Scots army being outnumbered almost three to one.
Edward had more than 2000 battle-hardened knights to Bruce's 500 horsemen, while 6000 Scots foot soldiers faced Edward's force of 16,000 infantry.
But the Scots used the natural terrain at Bannockburn to counter the threat of Edward's heavy cavalry and dug small pit traps, or "pots", to defend their flanks and force the English to fight them head on.
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