Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum
The Smith Institute first opened to the public on 11 August 1874. It was an occasion for great celebration in Stirling, and the shops in the town closed at 12 noon to allow people to attend the opening. Nevertheless, there were some mixed feelings, for Thomas Stuart Smith, had died in 1869 and the location of the building was felt by many people to be too far away from the old town.
Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum
"In 1996 the Plant Sale was again one of my main concerns, and during July, August and September, the Denovan Adam Exhibition’s success was supplemented by the presence of Highland cows and rare breeds of sheep and goats in what is now Ailie’s Garden. I got much pleasure from assisting with the care of the animals – “mucking out”, feeding and grooming, particularly Hamish, officially appointed PRO of the Smith, and teaching the goats to dance during evening feed time."