WELCOME TO THE SONS OF THE ROCK WEBSITE
The Society operates as a grant making charitable trust which supports organisations and individuals within the Stirling and Falkirk area of central Scotland. Every year, it distributes several thousand pounds to help deserving causes, working in close partnership with local charities, NGOs, churches, educational establishments and local authorities to target help to those most in need. The work of the Society’s Board of Trustees today carries on a 200 year old tradition of helping citizens to help each other as well as celebrating the fascinating heritage of this area. In 2009 the Society celebrated its Bicentenary with a series of events to mark this unique achievement.
You can find out more about the Society’s aims and activities and grants programme, and how to join as a member. We welcome enquiries from potential grant applicants and partner organisations.
You can also download copies of our membership application, grant guidelines and application forms.
Registered Scottish Charity No: SC009124
HISTORY
In January 1809, a group of Glasgow merchants and tradesmen living in Stirlingshire got together to found a Society to give practical and financial assistance to people in the former county boundary whose needs were greater than their own and who would otherwise have been destitute. Living conditions for many at that time were harsh, with no social security of any kind, and strict conditions of residence were laid down on the eligibility of families to become pensioners of the Society. Within the new network of county benevolent associations established in the early years of the nineteenth century, the Society flourished and in 1871 amalgamated with its counterpart for the town of Stirling. Today the Society is the only surviving example of this type of charity in Scotland. It became incorporated in 1924, and in 2004 was reconstituted as a limited guarantee company. As Sons of the Rock, members of the organisation have always identified with the famous landmark of Stirling Castle.
AIMS OF THE SOCIETY
The Society gives grants to organisations working with people of any age group resident within the Stirling and Falkirk districts of central Scotland. To qualify, organisations must be actively engaged in activities which: address the welfare or other needs of individuals, families or communities living in necessitous circumstances by providing them with practical or financial help. meet the educational needs of the wider community in the area by providing training or other programmes.
Promoting greater local public awareness of the cultural, social and economic heritage of the area The Society also gives project specific grants to individuals engaged in activities which are relevant to the above aims. To qualify for support, you must be over 18 and normally resident within the Stirling and Falkirk districts of central Scotland. Your project should have clear educational or career development outcomes which will also benefit other people on an inclusive basis.
In addition, the Society organises periodic educational and social events open to members and the wider public featuring prominent authors, politicians and local community activists and designed to promote greater awareness of the rich heritage of the Forth Valley area. One highlight of this programme is the public lecture held on the same day as the Annual General Meeting on Auld Hansel Monday, by tradition the first Monday after 12 January, commemorating the date of the Society’s foundation.