Stirling Reindeer Trail Finishes With a Visit to Stirling Castle
Stirling’s herd of magical reindeer have flown home following the success of the city‘s first Reindeer Trail.
Article Source: Blackburn Communications
Last Updated: 10 January 2019 14:51
Stirling’s herd of magical reindeer have flown home following the success of the city‘s first Reindeer Trail.
A group of the animals, designed and decorated by local schoolchildren, paid a flying visit to Stirling Castle after leaving the city centre shops and cafes where they were homed during the festive season.
They have now returned to their secret location but will be back for the 2019 Stirling Reindeer Trail this winter after the initiative organised by Go Forth Stirling Business Improvement District was hailed a success.
Go Forth Stirling Director Jon Walton said: “We’re delighted with just how popular the Reindeer Trail proved with local families and the traders who took part.
“It created a real buzz and lots of smiles around the city and was great for sparking people’s curiosity.
“When you launch a new initiative like this you can never be 100% sure how it will go.
“Happily, the Trail proved a great success both in terms of the feedback we got from those involved and the amazing drawings which school pupils came up with for the reindeer in the initial design competition.”
He added: “I want to thank all the school pupils and teachers involved for their hard work and imaginative designs as well as the local authority.
“We couldn’t have achieved what we did or run this fantastic Trail without them.”
Schools across Stirling took part in the innovative project which will return later this year with a new theme for the 2019 festive season.
Councillor Susan McGill, Convener of Stirling Council’s Children and Young People Committee, said: “The Reindeer Trail was a fantastic initiative for Stirling’s schools to be involved in and it produced a real excitement among pupils.
“The reindeer they created were diverse, individual and imaginative. We set up the opportunity like a real design job, sending the schools a brief and asking the children to create a prototype design.
“This meant they drew upon skills including creativity, co-operation and critical thinking.”
Councillor Margaret Brisley, Vice Convener of the Children and Young People Committee, said: “We would like to thank Go Forth Stirling for the opportunity to participate in the Trail and look forward to it this year.
“The reindeer really added to the Christmas decorations across the city centre and to the festive spirit.”
Pupils were invited to come up with individual or group designs for the Reindeer Trail project with more than 160 entries submitted.
A total of 20 winners were chosen from 17 schools who were provided with paints to decorate the 1.7m high 3D reindeer.
The 20 life-size reindeer were then placed in the diverse range of shops and businesses across the city from Waitrose in the Burghmuir Retail Park all the way up to the Darnley Coffee House near the Castle.
Shoppers were encouraged to pick up a map complete with clues and find all the reindeer - naming the school which designed and painted the reindeer when they spotted each one - in a competition which could win them an iPad.
The aim was to increase footfall and circulation around Stirling city centre as well as create a fun and festive atmosphere for shoppers in the run up to Christmas.
More than 800 competition entries have been received by Go Forth Stirling and are currently being checked over by staff.
Over 9,000 entry forms were collected by shoppers and on top of this, many more were downloaded from the Stirling City website.
All entrants with the 20 correct answers will be placed into a prize draw and the iPad winner, plus five runners-up, will be announced later this month.
Meanwhile, one of the schools involved will win a prize for their design after competition entrants were asked to vote for the Best Reindeer Design.
For more information visit the website – stirling-city.co.uk
Image credit: Janie Meikle Bland
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
Dinosaur Day at Dobbies
Children attending Dobbies Little Seedlings Club will get the chance to travel back hundreds of millions of years to learn about prehistoric plants and talk about their favourite dinosaurs!
READ MORE
Summer long celebration of the 90s and britpop launched
PubLife, a UK-wide summer celebration of the '90s will take place in over 500 pubs, including 7 in Scotland.
READ MORE
Electric Boat Launch Event at the Falkirk Wheel
The much-loved Antonine passenger vessel, a trip boat serving one of Scotland’s top tourist attractions has received an electrifying makeover.
READ MORE
Family days out just got better with free entry for kids at Scone Palace
This summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a day out at Scone Palace with their Kids Go Free promotion.
READ MORE
Scone Palace International Horse Trials
The inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials will take place from 21st–24th August 2025 in the stunning grounds of Scone Palace and Perth Racecourse.
READ MORE
Countdown begins: The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run returns to Glasgow in October
Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow on Sunday 5th October and they want everyone to 'Be Your Greatest'.
READ MORE
BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue
BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.
READ MORE
Plenty of summer family fun at Vue venues across Scotland
Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holiday at Vue venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums
Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.
READ MORE
Innis & Gunn Joins Forces with Stirling Highland Games in a 3 Year Cultural Celebration
The Stirling Highland Games has proudly announced a new three-year partnership with one of Scotland’s most iconic brewing brands, Innis & Gunn.
READ MORE
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres
This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.
READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July
Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
July events at Dobbies Garden Centres
Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition
Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MORE
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!
Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MORE
25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway
Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.
READ MORE
Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland
Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.
READ MORE
Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland
The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.
READ MORE
Feedback sought on new Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling project
To mark Bike Week UK, people across Stirling are being encouraged to take part in a new survey that will help shape active travel in the area and support the shift to sustainable modes of transport.
READ MORE
Stirling BID team brighten up City Centre with Blooming Planters
Pollinator-friendly plants, funded and organised by Go Forth Stirling BID have added a welcome splash of colour across Stirling city centre.
READ MORE
Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM
Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.
READ MORE
Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores
Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.
READ MORE
Paws, play and heritage on parade
Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.
READ MORE
Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party
Dobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.
READ MORE
Stirling celebrates its rich history at the Walking of the Marches
Stirling’s rich history and heritage was celebrated at its annual Walking of the Marches, which dates back to at least the 12th century, on Saturday (31 May).
READ MORE
Have your say on plans for a sustainable transport system in Stirling
People will have the opportunity to shape a future transport system for Stirling that is fair, clean and affordable with the launch of a new consultation.
READ MORE
How to train your Dad in 4DX Cineworld enlists Gerard Butler
Cineworld is launching a brand new 4DX Father's Day gift experience, containing two 4DX tickets and ponchos, perfect for experiencing the new live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film.
READ MORE
Summer of Roses: Free gardening workshop at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.
READ MORE
William Wallace Running Festival seeks Teams of Bravehearts
Teams of runners have the chance to race through Scotland’s most historic battlefields and stunning landscapes during an exciting new event - the William Wallace Running Festival.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links