In a surprising turn of events, a Stirling shopkeeper found himself dealing with an unexpected situation when a sparrowhawk and a pigeon made their way into his city centre store back in 2017. Saeed Khalily, the owner of Best One shop on Baker Street, was taken aback when the sparrowhawk swooped into his store, causing chaos by knocking over shelves and making a beeline for the ice lollies before heading towards the till. The hawk’s pursuit of the pigeon, which had also entered the shop, led to a comical yet dramatic scene captured on CCTV.
Mr. Khalily, assisted by his customers, armed himself with a broom and a shopping basket in an attempt to remove the birds from his shop. The shop boss described the surreal experience of trying to guide the hawk back outside safely as it flew erratically around the store. After a challenging yet amusing ordeal, the birds eventually found their way out, much to Mr. Khalily’s relief. Intrigued by the incident, he took to the internet to identify the sparrowhawk and learn more about its behaviour.
On another occasion in Stirling, a driver’s careless parking near the war memorial on Remembrance Sunday in 2013 caused a stir among the community. The driver left their car parked in front of the memorial, prompting police efforts to locate the owner amidst ongoing remembrance ceremonies. The incident drew mixed reactions, with some finding it disrespectful while others speculated that it may have been a tourist unaware of the significance of the day.
In a poignant moment of remembrance, the body of a young Stirling-born soldier, Lance Serjeant Robert Brand, who was believed to have fallen during the First World War, was finally laid to rest with full military honours in 2023. Lance Serjeant Brand, a member of the Highland Light Infantry, was buried at the CWGC’s Messines Ridge Cemetery in Belgium alongside two unknown soldiers from his regiment. The solemn occasion marked the end of a century-long journey to honour and remember a fallen hero.
These incidents serve as reminders of the unexpected events that can unfold in daily life, from encounters with wildlife in urban settings to moments of reflection and tribute to the sacrifices of the past. As the community navigates through diverse experiences, stories like these contribute to the rich tapestry of life in Stirling.