Stirling Traders get back to business as restrictions ease

Go Forth Stirling Business Improvement District is welcoming business owners and shoppers back to the city and has launched reopening guidance to help traders navigate mandatory requirements.

Article Source: Issued by Blackburn Communications on behalf of Go Forth Stirling.
Last Updated: 26 April 2021 11:12

Stirling’s traders are returning to business this week as Covid restrictions ease and retail and hospitality premises reopen.

Go Forth Stirling Business Improvement District (BID) is welcoming business owners and shoppers back to the city and has launched reopening guidance to help traders successfully navigate mandatory requirements.

The guidance document, which focuses on travel, hospitality and retail outlets, provides useful advice and support for business owners.

Go Forth Stirling BID Project Director Danielle McRorie-Smith said: “We’re delighted to see Stirling return to life as Covid restrictions ease and we’re able to welcome traders, shoppers and visitors back into our wonderful city.

“The BID team are doing everything we can to ensure economic recovery and keep Stirling thriving and hope the guidance document helps businesses work their way through all the mandatory requirements needed.

“We don’t want businesses to feel overwhelmed as they return and urge BID members to contact us if they have questions or need reassurance.”

The BID unveiled its Street Stories project, which has transformed eight of Stirling’s empty shops into animated works of art, recently – just in time for reopening - and is launching a free Wi-Fi service covering the city centre next month.

Ms McRorie-Smith added: “We’re pleased with the public’s response to Street Stories and have received positive feedback which indicates the art trail is helping make Stirling a more visually appealing place.

“We’re now focused on looking at security in the city centre, addressing anti-social behaviour and dealing with concerns around improving the waste situation which can sometimes blight the city’s appearance.”

Meanwhile, business owners are looking forward to welcoming customers back to their premises – many of which have been given a revamp during lockdown.
The team at Fletcher’s bar and restaurant on Upper Craigs have been busy creating a beer garden so customers can enjoy outdoor drinks.

Director Adam Binnie said: “We’re super excited to be reopening and delighted that our customers will be able to enjoy our brand-new beer garden offering extra seating to enjoy cocktails al fresco.

“We already tried to place an order for some extra sunshine although for some reason a delivery could not be guaranteed!

“We also used our time while closed to freshen up our accommodation and we look forward to reopening our rooms at the end of May.

“The team at Fletcher's wish all Go Forth Stirling businesses a happy and successful reopening.”

The owners of Hotel Colessio have also invested in a refurbishment programme renovating the hotel’s dining room and decorating the bedrooms.

General Manager John Stirrat said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming back guests and seeing all our staff come back in.

“Everyone is excited about getting back to the job of looking after people which is what we are all about.

“We had a great bounce back when we reopened last August so we’re hoping for the same again and are fully prepared for everyone coming back.”

Christine Montgomery, who owns children’s boutique Kids @ Baker Street, is planning some giveaways for the shop’s reopening.

She also recently held a photoshoot for customers’ children and has been displaying their photos on social media to promote the store’s clothing range.

She said: “I’m excited to reopen – a bit nervous as well – but I’ve got a positive feeling about it and it will be great to have people back in the shop.

“We’ve been lucky that our website and social media kept us going with online sales during the lockdown and I have so much gratitude to our customers whose support has been fantastic.

“We did a photoshoot with about a dozen of our customers’ children near Stirling Castle - it was a great day which the kids enjoyed and we’ve been using their pictures on social media.

“We’re going to have some fun days as we welcome people back this week with some random giveaways and cupcakes and I’m just looking forward to seeing everyone.”

Stirling’s BID was set up in September 2017 following a vote and currently represents more than 600 local businesses with a key objective of delivering projects and services which improve the area’s trading environment to benefit businesses, shoppers and visitors.

Recent projects have included delivering online training programmes; digital grants and shopfront improvement grants; installing attractive flower displays throughout the city centre; PR and poster campaigns; Street Stories and the launch of a Facebook group to engage business owners and keep them informed about what’s happening in the city.

Plans are also currently underway for the launch of Independent Stirling as a brand to highlight the city’s flourishing independent scene and promote the stories and personalities behind these unique businesses.

For more details about Go Forth Stirling BID, visit www.goforthstirling.co.uk

Image: Go Forth Stirling BID Project Director Danielle McRorie-Smith with Michael Corr's Robert Burns mural.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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'.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Popular Listings

Macrobert Arts Centre Stirling Castle The Albert Halls Stirling The National Wallace Monument Tolbooth Stirling

Stirling Traders get back to business as restrictions ease

Go Forth Stirling Business Improvement District is welcoming business owners and shoppers back to the city and has launched reopening guidance to help traders navigate mandatory requirements.

Sponsored Links

Latest Stirling News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings