Latest news with #StirlingObserver
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Hundreds of shoppers queue at Stirling shopping centre as new Sostrene Grene store opens
The first 100 shoppers received free gifts when the store opened at Stirling's Thistles Shopping Centre on Friday morning. Hundreds of shoppers have been queuing at a Stirling shopping centre since before it opened at 9am this morning ahead of the grand opening of the Danish homeware retailer Søstrene Grene's newest Scottish store. The store at Stirling's Thistles Shopping Centre opened today (Friday) at 10am – with the first 100 customers being handed freebies. That led to queues of shoppers at the centre, eagerly anticipating the opening. The Stirling Observer understands that the first customers in the queue to access the shop were four students from Stirling University. The Danish retailer has brought its 'signature Scandinavian design, ever-changing seasonal collections and calm, curated shopping experience to the heart of Scotland'. The outlet stocks homewares, kitchen accessories, furniture, gifts and craft supplies. To celebrate the launch, the first 100 customers through the doors received a voucher for a free large, tufted rug worth over £60. Visitors also received a canvas tote bag filled with Søstrene Grene goodies. Stirling marks the company's seventh Scottish store. It comes after the opening of the Livingston store late last year. Prior to the store opening, Mikkel Grene, CEO and co-owner of Søstrene Grene, said: 'Opening our seventh store in Scotland, Stirling is a further step towards our expansion goals. We're incredibly proud of and a testament to the strong connection people in Scotland have with our brand. 'Stirling's rich history, with historic landmarks makes it a perfect location to share our Scandi-inspired products and calming shopping experience. We're excited to welcome both new and loyal customers to explore what Søstrene Grene has to offer and continue to grow throughout Scotland.' UK Partners Norma Jacob and Richard Power run Søstrene Grene shops throughout Northern Ireland, Southern England, Scotland and Wales. Norma Jacob said: 'Opening in Stirling means bringing Søstrene Grene's unique blend of simplicity and creativity to a community that truly appreciates both. We're offering more than just products; it's about creating a space where customers can find inspiration and a moment of calm in their busy day. Stirling's character fits perfectly with what we stand for and we're excited to connect with the local community through every visit.' Thistles Centre Director, Gary Turnbull, previously expressed his enthusiasm for the new addition to the shopping centre, saying: 'Søstrene Grene will be a welcome addition to Thistles. The unique blend of Scandinavian design and affordability will bring a homely feel to our range of offerings, and we're sure shoppers will love discovering its charming, ever-changing selection. Excitement has been building as we approach opening day, and we know our shoppers are just as eager as we are to welcome Søstrene Grene to Stirling.'
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Blair Drummond Safari Park bosses brand route near attraction 'not fit for purpose' after crashes
Campaigners are calling for action to be taken to make the A84 at Blair Drummond Safari Park safer following three road crashes there in a week. Renewed calls have been made for safety measures to be introduced on a section of the A84 near Blair Drummond Safari Park after three accidents in just a week. Two collisions happened at the entrance to the safari park – at the A84's junction with Sommer's Lane – with a third incident at the Blair Drummond Smiddy Farm Shop junction, where the A84 meets the A873. This has led to fresh calls for more traffic calming measures from campaigners, with safari park management backing this call saying the road is 'no longer fit for purpose'. The local community council fears it will 'take a death on the road before anything changes'. The first crash saw the A84 closed at around 1.30pm on Tuesday, July 29. Police received reports of a two-vehicle crash and four people were treated at the scene. Just four days later, another incident occurred at the same location. A driver was arrested and charged following a three-vehicle collision near the entrance of the safari park at around 3.50pm on Saturday, August 2. The crash involved a Mercedes Vito Tourer, a black Seat Leon and Ford Focus Zetec. A 40-year-old woman, who was a passenger within the Mercedes vehicle, was taken to hospital for treatment and a 38-year-old woman and a 46-year-old male, both passengers within the Seat Leon, were also taken to hospital. The occupants of the Ford Focus were uninjured. A 37-year-old man was subsequently arrested and charged in connection with road traffic offences. The third incident occurred on the A84 at the Blair Drummond Smiddy Farm Shop junction on Wednesday after noon. Blair Drummond Safari Park says that it has 'repeatedly raised concerns' with Transport Scotland about the safety of the A84 outside its entrance, but their requests for action have 'consistently been denied'. Park manager Gavin Hughes told the Stirling Observer his staff have stepped in to help when there are crashes outside the visitor attraction. He said: 'Over the years, we have asked for a range of safety measures to be considered – including a reduced speed limit, a slip road, a roundabout, and a pedestrian crossing to help people safely cross from the other side. 'Unfortunately, none of these proposals have been taken forward. 'This is a fast-moving road with poor visibility at our junction. It's used by significant numbers of visitors travelling to both Blair Drummond Safari Park and Briarlands Farm, and it has become busier year-on-year. The A84 is also one of the key routes taken by tourists heading to the north of Scotland, and interest in visiting the Highlands has increased dramatically in recent years. 'On top of that, the local area has seen the arrival of several new businesses, further increasing traffic and pressure. Quite simply, the road is no longer fit for purpose in its current form, and we believe it urgently needs to be re-evaluated. 'Accidents on this stretch occur far too frequently. Just last week, members of our team were first on the scene at a collision, stepping in to make sure everyone was safe, move vehicles off the road, and direct traffic until emergency services arrived. 'We do not have any jurisdiction over the road, which is frustrating both for us and for our customers, many of whom have raised concerns. We believe more must be done to improve safety in this area, and we will continue to push for action on this increasingly busy stretch of road.' Transport Scotland published a safety study on the stretch in March 2019 which said a 'preferred option' to calm traffic would have been the creation of a roundabout there, but said at the time that it was 'not a priority'. A new roundabout to include the A84 and A873 – at the junction of the Blair Drummond Smiddy Farm Shop - was estimated to cost approximately £3.5 million at the time. A Transport Scotland spokesperson this week said the junction outside the safari park main entrance 'has not been identified for safety focused investment based on the collision history over the last three years'. They added: 'But we will discuss the details of the most recent collisions with Police Scotland to understand the circumstances behind them.' Thornhill and Blairdrummond Community Council says that the issue has been a hot topic on their agenda for many years. A spokesperson said: 'The community council have long advocated for a traffic management solution for both the Safari Park and Smiddy junctions. It will take a death on the road before anything changes at this rate.' Trossachs and Teith ward councillor, Martin Earl, said: 'There's a very good reason why councillors, residents and MSPs have been raising this location with Transport Scotland for so long – it's dangerous and will remain so until money is spent and changes are made. 'This must surely now be accepted by them.' Stirling's SNP MSP Evelyn Tweed has written to Transport Scotland and the Transport Secretary, Fiona Hyslop, over the matter, calling for action to improve road safety. She said: 'I have reiterated the desire for a roundabout to be put in place at the junction into the safari park and improvements to be made at the Smiddy and Gargunnock junctions. I'm awaiting a response. I hope that all those who have been involved in these incidents make a full recovery.' Mid-Scotland & Fife Conservative MSP and shadow Minister for Local Government and Public Finance, Alexander Stewart said: 'For a great many year years, local residents have been extremely concerned at the sheer level of accidents, many of them serious, and near-misses at this junction of Sommer's Lane at the entrance to Blair Drummond Safari Park.' He added: 'Many years ago, my Scottish Conservative colleagues were heavily involved in this issue and convinced Transport Scotland to carry out a safety survey of the junction, however whilst the Scottish Government's transport agency conceded that a roundabout at the junction was its 'preferred option', bafflingly they ruled that it wasn't priority 'at this time' and it did not, in their opinion, represent value for money. 'It's easy to speculate that were a roundabout now in place here, maybe these awful accidents may never have happened, however what is absolutely crystal clear now, is that something decisive must be done.' Mr Stewart 'strenuously urged' Transport Scotland to undertake 'urgent action to address this problem' and vowed to write to Transport Scotland to request they implement the report's recommendations. Stirling and Strathallan Labour MP Chris Kane echoed the calls for urgent action, saying: 'This has been a long-standing issue that has been continuously ignored. 'This area has seen far too many accidents, and recent events only confirm that the situation is getting worse. It is clear the current layout is no longer fit for purpose.' Mr Kane has asked Transport Scotland to confirm what steps are being taken to improve safety at these junctions and has requested updated accident statistics to better understand the scale of the problem. 'I will continue pressing this issue until meaningful action is taken. These are preventable risks, and it's time we put public safety first', he added.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Stirling hotel manager voices support for tourist tax if funds are used wisely
Stirling Council is currently seeking feedback on the draft Visitor Levy scheme for the area, after it launched a public consultation on the issue last month. The manager of one of Stirling's most popular hotels has suggested that the city's proposed ' tourist tax ' on overnight stays could be beneficial, provided the funds raised are used appropriately. Stirling Council is currently seeking public opinion on the draft Visitor Levy scheme for the area, following a public consultation launched last month. Under new powers granted by the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024, the draft scheme proposes a five per cent levy on overnight stays across all forms of paid visitor accommodation within the Stirling Council area. The scheme would include several exemptions specific to Stirling, including residents of Stirling Council, those receiving carers' allowance and visitors staying more than seven nights (through reimbursement), as well as a site exemption scheme for charitable and educational organisations, where the trip's primary purpose is charitable or educational. Barry Makin, the general manager of Sir Andy Murray's Cromlix Hotel, in Kinbuck, believes the move could be positive – provided the money is "well spent" and used locally. Speaking to the Stirling Observer, Mr Makin said: "I think the theory behind the levy is good in principle, if the money is spent well locally to improve things for visitors and also for local people." He further commented: "I've seen how it can work successfully in other European countries. In my opinion it's essential that the levy charge is clear to bookers at the point of booking and not just on the final bill so it's clear that this isn't a cost added by the hotel, but is something all travellers to Stirling would encounter." Local residents and other interested parties are invited to share their thoughts on the draft scheme via an online survey, with paper versions also available in Stirling Council libraries, until October 12. Businesses, accommodation providers, locals and tourists alike are also encouraged to provide feedback on the proposals at drop-in sessions scheduled across Stirling in September. The sessions include: Stirling's Albert Halls on September 9, from 11am-6pm; The John McLintock Hall, Balfron, on September 11, from 10am–6pm; Drymen Village hall on September 17, from 10am-6pm; Killin's McLaren Hall on September 23, from 10am-6pm; and Callander Youth Project Trust on September 29, from 10am-6pm. Last month, Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Gerry McGarvey, urged everyone, from accommodation providers to residents and visitors, to provide feedback on the scheme to ensure it reflects the needs of all of Stirling. If approved, the 'tourist tax' would come into effect from June 1, 2027, and would apply to bookings made on or after January 1, 2027. In May, we reported that a hospitality trade body had warned that the proposed 'tourist tax' could potentially damage tourism in the region. Leon Thompson, Executive Director of UK Hospitality Scotland, said: "Hospitality and tourism is so important to Stirling, as a major employer and driver of the local economy. "That economic and social contribution to our communities must be protected and we fundamentally believe that introducing a visitor levy could harm tourism in Stirling. "That's why Stirling Council should carry out a detailed impact assessment to understand the potential impact on visitors, tourism and the economy, before it embarks further on potentially introducing a levy." That came after the Association of Scotland's Self-Caterers (ASSC) said last December that the introduction of a visitor levy scheme on tourists in Stirling would mean that small businesses could become "de-facto unpaid tax collectors". Fiona Campbell, ASSC chief executive, said the implementation of the tax must "be done right". In April, a campaign group against the proposals warned the move could see the city's hospitality sector left with high levels of cancellations. The Back British Holidays campaign has issued a warning that up to 21% of potential holidaymakers might cancel their trips due to the extra tariff. They also stated that another 21% would cut back on their spending during their holiday. The council previously estimated that a five per cent levy could generate as much as £7.5million.
Daily Record
01-08-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Restoration set to begin on historic 127-year-old Bridge of Allan clock after crash damage
Work to repair The Paterson Memorial Clock, which was toppled in the town's Henderson Street after being struck by a car last December, is set to get underway. Restoration work on the historic Paterson Memorial Clock in Bridge of Allan is set to begin after council officials received the go-ahead from insurers. The iconic clock, a fixture in Henderson Street, was knocked over when a car hit it last December. This C-listed cast iron timepiece, which boasts design elements by the renowned Victorian architect Alexander 'Greek' Thomson, has been a feature of the town for 127 years. The incident in December marked the second time a decorative clock in the Stirling Council area had been damaged within 16 months, following the destruction of Stirling's Christie Clock from 1905 in September 2023 during botched repair work. Stirling Council has now confirmed that restoration of the Paterson Memorial Clock is on the horizon after reaching an agreement with the driver's insurance company. A spokesperson for Stirling Council told the Stirling Observer: "We have confirmation from the insurers involved that we can proceed to carry out works to the Paterson Memorial Clock and we are now planning the restoration of the structure, liaising closely with heritage engineers. "We will update the local community as soon as we have an update on this phase of the process." The clock met its unfortunate fate on Friday, December 6, 2024, at around 4.20pm, following an incident where it was hit by a vehicle leaving a nearby car park. A 78-year-old motorist, who was the only person in the vehicle at the time, was transported to Forth Valley Royal Hospital, in Larbert, for medical attention before being released. The driver was subsequently charged in relation to alleged road traffic offences. Following the incident, the clock was put into storage pending a survey to assess the extent of restoration works required. After its removal from Henderson Street, the clock was placed in to the care of Alloa-based firm JPS Restoration and Consultancy Ltd. The Paterson Memorial Clock, erected in 1898 through public donations, stands as a tribute to local doctor, medical officer, and Justice of the Peace Alexander Paterson. Dr Paterson, an advocate of the therapeutic properties of the area's waters, was instrumental in establishing Bridge of Allan as a spa resort. The base of the Paterson Clock is believed to have been designed by Thomson, born in Balfron in 1817. As per The World of Alexander 'Greek' Thomson (1817-1875) website, the clock's base "can be safely said to be by Thomson, with a pillar designed by [fellow Scottish architect] James Sellars."
Daily Record
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Scots grafitti artist brings walking route to life with new Pictish warrior mural
A mural created by artist Andy SGM of a Pictish warrior and his trusty dog has appeared on an underpass. Walkers between Tullibody and Menstrie have been flocking to see the village's latest art installation – a graffiti mural of a Pictish warrior and his trusty dog. The vibrant piece appeared on an underpass along the Tullibody- Menstrie pedestrian and cycle path following a week of work to create it. He created the piece on an area which had already been covered with grafitti. It was created by Scottish Graffiti Murals, run by street artist Andy SGM. Andy says he has been blown away by the reaction to the mural and he explained to the Stirling Observer how he created the piece. He said: 'It's a plan I have been mulling over in my head since around April last year. I had been making regular trips to the lochs and forests of the central belt and the west coast to serve as a bit of natural healing, as I was going through a bit of a rough patch – and I ended up doing these day trips where I would just sit beside lochs and in forests and get some down time to sort myself out. 'In the lead up to April last year, my mural business was on its knees and I was faced with a choice of continuing to just paint everything and anything for anybody, not be fulfilled artistically, be up against strong competition, quite possibly fail and have to give up – or actually starting to be a real artist and start painting what I want and make a real go of it. 'I chose the latter and chose to fight and try and carve my own path out. Sitting in the woods one day I asked myself 'what will I paint? what will I do?' and suddenly the answer was all around me. Nature, wildlife, the forest. 'I began to think of the animals we have here, then I thought of the animals we used to have – wolves, bears, lynx – and I thought these would be great to paint and also it kept it in this area of the world.' Andy then turned his attentions to people and Scotland's ancient ancestors, including the Picts, Gaels and Vikings. 'They all shared so much. I thought about their connection to the land, their connection to the wild animals, the myths they had, their religions, their style of carvings – and that coupled with the forest wildlife seemed like such a unique and interesting subject matter to paint murals of', Andy added. 'There was so much material there with depicting portraits of them, the mythology and lore they had and it all connecting back to nature. 'I began only uploading videos of the forest, and work that was nature based to my social media to start paving the way – with the thought of doing a huge tribute to an ancient Pict once I was ready to start painting these portraits. So that mural in Menstrie really is a benchmark for me to symbolise the start of something new. 'It also ties in with the history of the area, as it's a tribute to all of the ancient ancestors who lived across Scotland, Pictish, Viking, The Caledonian tribes." Andy, originally from the Stirling area, moved to Glasgow before living abroad. He then returned back to Glasgow before more recently settling back in Stirling 'for the foreseeable future'. He added: 'I started off with and continued to do calligraphic graffiti pieces up until about 2022, painting under the name 'As One' for years – but now I'm pushing myself in a new direction, simply using my name Andy – and SGM – so Andy SGM.
