Chris Watson will be locked up in the Thieves’ Pot, the dark, cramped dungeon hidden beneath the Thistles Shopping Centre in the heart of Stirling.
Runner Chris Watson will spend a night in Stirling’s 16th century Thieves’ Pot – a dark, confined dungeon tucked away beneath the city – in a bid to raise cash for charity(Image: Thistles Shopping Centre)
Runner Chris Watson is trading his trainers for chains as he prepares for a charity sleepover in a 16th-century jail.
Watson is gearing up to spend the night in one of Stirling’s most unique and spooky spots, raising crucial funds for children worldwide.
He will be bedding down in the Thieves’ Pot, a dark, confined dungeon tucked away beneath the Thistles Shopping Centre in the heart of Stirling, where prisoners were once chained in the mid-16th century.
This brave overnight endeavour forms part of Chris’ fundraising activities leading up to the Tokyo Marathon 2026, with an aim to raise £3,750 for Save the Children.
“I’ve got months of training runs ahead of me for the marathon, but I never imagined a night in the Thieves’ Pot would be part of the plan,” Chris admitted.
“It’s got an atmosphere all of its own, and I doubt I’ll get much sleep knowing the history of who’s been locked up down there before me!”
The Thieves’ Pot, often referred to as a damp dungeon, is a rare remnant of Stirling’s medieval past.
As part of the city’s 900th anniversary celebrations, guided tours of the wider Bastion were opened to the public, illuminating this hidden piece of history.
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Gary Turnbull, director of Thistles Shopping Centre, said: “We’re delighted to support Chris with his incredible fundraising efforts for Save the Children.
The Bastion and Thieves’ Pot are such unique parts of Stirling’s heritage, normally visitors only get to peek in for a few minutes, so the thought of spending an entire night down there is truly remarkable.
Chris will brave a night in the 16th century jail ahead of his Tokyo Marathon bid next year(Image: Thistles Shopping Centre)
“It’s fantastic to see our local history being used to inspire something so positive.”
During his marathon quest, Chris hopes the spine-chilling challenge will encourage donations and highlight the vital work of Save the Children, which helps young people facing crises around the globe.
He will cover all costs for his marathon trip personally, ensuring every penny raised goes straight to the charity.
Speaking about the upcoming challenge, Chris said: “Running the Tokyo Marathon will be a huge challenge in itself, but spending a night in the Thieves’ Pot feels like the perfect warm-up, it’s a test of nerve rather than fitness.”
Save the Children aids children in over 100 nations to transform their futures.
Their goal is that by 2030 – no child perishes from preventable causes before their fifth birthday, all children benefit from quality basic education and violence against children becomes unacceptable.
In a bid to support Chris’s fundraising efforts and cater to the increasing interest in one of Stirling’s most concealed treasures, Thistles is set to reveal details of an exclusive auction for a unique dining experience within The Bastion.
The Thieves Pot, a glass-covered pit where prisoners were once chained for their offences, is part of this hidden gem.
To contribute towards Chris’ endeavour, click here.
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