Kippen

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Not to be confused with Kippens, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Kippen is a small village approximately 10 miles west of the city of Stirling, Scotland. It lies between the Gargunnock and Fintry hills and overlooks the strath of the River Forth. The name likely comes from Gaelic, and means "Place of the little stump", "outcrop" or "block". ^[1]

The village of Kippen commands enviable views over some of Scotland's finest scenery. Kippen and the nearby Kippen Muir are steeped in some of Scotland's most colourful history.

Kippen is an ideal base from which to explore the heartlands of central Scotland - the village is only 40 miles from Edinburgh and 35 miles from Glasgow. Also, Scotland's first National Park, around the beautiful Loch Lomond, is only a few miles to the west.

1 Early history
2 Kippen vine
3 King of Kippen
4 Inn at Kippen
5 The Cross Keys Hotel
6 Street Fayre
7 Drugs Raid
8 Population
9 References
10 External links

[edit] Early history

In 1454 a James Lawedre (Lauder) is recorded as Vicar, or parish priest. (National Archives of Scotland (GD112/1/8).

[edit] Kippen vine

In 1891, Duncan Buchanan planted a vineyard here and one of its vines grew to be the largest in the world. The Kippen Vine covered an area of 5000 square feet, spreading across four greenhouses. Not surprisingly it became a famous tourist attraction, until the Kippen Vinery had to close in 1964.

[edit] King of Kippen

John Buchanan became proprietor of Arnprior, and afterwards the noted "King of Kippen", a phrase which originated in a whimsical episode between himself and James V--who, it may be explained, was fond of travelling in disguise under the title of "The Guid Man o' Ballengeich", after the steep path leading down from the Castle of Stirling.

The story has been variously put. It is shortly this: The King, with his nobles, residing in Stirling Castle, sent a party for some deer to the hills in the neighbourhood of Gartmore. On their return to Stirling with the venison they passed through Arnprior, where they were attacked by the chief and relieved of their burden. Berated by the party for so ruthlessly taking from them what belonged to the King, Buchanan replied that if James was King in Scotland, he was King of Kippen. When the messengers reported the circumstance to the King, he, relishing a joke, resolved to wait on his neighbouring majesty of Kippen, and rode out one day with a small retinue from Stirling.

Demanding admittance at the palace of Arnprior, he was refused by a fierce-looking warrior standing at the gate with a battle-axe sloped on his shoulder, who told him there was no admission, as his chief was at dinner with a large company and could not be disturbed at that time. "Tell your master," said James, "the Guidman o' Ballengeich humbly requests an audience of the 'King of Kippen'." Buchanan, guessing the quality of his guest, received His Majesty with the appropriate honours, and became so great a favourite that he had leave to draw upon the carrier as often as he pleased, and was invited, as "King of Kippen" to visit his brother sovereign at Stirling.

[edit] Inn at Kippen

The Inn at Kippen, which was previously the Crown, was taken over by James Fletcher in 2003, when it was completely refurbished to offer stylish surroundings and a friendly ambience for guests. The Inn offers a fine dining restaurant with fresh local produce and home-cooked bar food, a wine list to suit all tastes and pockets, and entertainment including whisky tastings, wine evenings, beer festivals and live music. A little beer garden is open in the summer for drinks and lunch al fresco. A function suite accommodates up to 80 people for wedding receptions, birthday parties and family celebrations. Facilities are available for conferences, private dinners, staff training or business meetings. Four bedrooms are available for overnight stays.

[edit] The Cross Keys Hotel

Formerly a coaching inn dating from 1703, The Cross Keys echoes that function to this day. Built on the slope of the main street, the ground floor is on three levels. The main bar is on the upper level and features an open fire, with access to a beer garden at the rear. The middle level has its own bar and on the lower level is the cosy Cottage Restaurant, serving evening meals in front of a fireplace.

[edit] Street Fayre

Kippen hosts an annual Street Fayre, an event which brings a few tourists to the village and boosts the local economy. The Fayre features stalls which line the streets, games, musical events and a fun run. The Fayre is officially opened following the children's fancy dress competition. On the evening of each Fayre the Village Hall hosts a ceilidh which is seen as the final closing event of the Fayre.

[edit] Drugs Raid

The quiet, sleepy village of Kippen hit the headlines in April 2008, when police arrested a young male aged 24 for possessing more than 400 cannabis plants.^[2]

Hai Ping Chen was arrested at his home on Friday, 18 April 2008, after Central Scotland Police raided his home following a recent intelligence report. Estimates put the price of the find in the range of £125,000 to £400,000. Hai Ping Chen appeared in court the following Monday, pleaded not guilty to four alleged offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act and was released on bail. He is due to reappear for a hearing on 13 June 2008, with a trial date set for 26 June 2008.

Central Scotland Police’s Stirling area commander superintendent David Flynn said: “We are determined to root out drug activity wherever it may occur and this was a significant result."