Penguin Trail in Stirling hailed a success

Stirling’s first Penguin Trail has been hailed a success after increasing footfall around the city and offering festive fun for shoppers.

Article Source: Go Forth Stirling
Last Updated: 23 January 2025 12:16

The Trail, organised by Go Forth Stirling BID (Business Improvement District), gave participants the chance to pick up a map and discover the story of Chilly the Penguin who, along with members of his colony, had drifted away on an iceberg.

They took part in `Chilly’s Family Reunion’ by following the map and finding the missing penguins which had been hand-painted in the windows of 15 Stirling shops by talented local signwriter Ross Hastie.

A range of city centre businesses hosted a penguin-themed window including Amore Hair, Indian Cottage, Café Aina, TJ’s, Nationwide and Stirling Property while other businesses offered penguin or Christmas-themed promotions and offers.

Laura McClintock, who runs Nevermore Tattoo Studio in Friars Street, offered Christmas-themed temporary tattoos to youngsters and created 77 tattoos across the festive season including a number of penguins.

She said: “We were a stop along the Penguin Trail and it was lovely to have lots of families call in, tell us how they were getting on with finding the penguins and take up the offer of a temporary tattoo.

“This was a successful initiative which involved many of us in the business community and helped bring people into the city centre to visit the shops and cafes along the Trail. We enjoyed it and are looking forward to the next Trail!”

More than 500 Penguin Trail maps were distributed and 225 downloaded from the Go Forth website throughout December.

Those who took part were surveyed afterwards with 56.3% of respondents noting they had discovered a new business during the Trail with these including Clan Artisan on Port Street and Toast at Forthside.

One family wrote: “We didn’t realise how many independent shops Stirling centre has. The Trail sent us all over the town which we really enjoyed and it was a wonderful way to help get everyone into the Christmas spirit.”

It took an average of two hours for families to finish the Trail with many completing it over a couple of days.

Meanwhile, 75% of respondents said they spent money in local businesses while taking part in the Penguin Trail and several mentioned how they now look forward to trying more of the BID’s seasonal Trails.

Pupils from Allan’s Primary School also completed the Trail during their outdoor lessons and Chilly the Penguin accompanied one of the classes during their walk around town.

Meanwhile, Central Library was one of the map pick-up points and staff were pleased to see Chilly the Penguin pop in to visit youngsters enjoying a Bookbug session.

Deborah McFadzean, Stirling Council Community Library Officer, said: “It was a lovely surprise for the children at our Central Library Bookbug session to have a special visit from Chilly the Penguin.

“There was an increase in families visiting to pick up their trail maps and spending time in the library too during the initiative. We’ve also had many great comments about the trail and how it allowed families to enjoy some free festive fun and visit local businesses they’d never been to before.”

Jen Preston, Vice Convener of Stirling Council’s Finance, Economy and Corporate Support Committee, added: “It’s great to hear that this fun and creative festive project helped boost footfall in the city centre and promoted Stirling’s wide range of independent businesses and community facilities, including Stirling Central Library, to families.”

Go Forth’s Event Co-ordinator Josie Brown was delighted with the success of the Penguin Trail and is now working on plans for the next seasonal trail at Easter.

She said: “We’re pleased with how our first Penguin Trail went and we’ve had great feedback from families and traders who took part.

“As with all our seasonal Trails, we wanted to offer families some fun during their visits to the city centre and promote all the fantastic shops, cafes, attractions and restaurants we have in Stirling.

“As always, the business community embraced the initiative and enjoyed having their windows painted with penguin scenes by Ross.

“We were also delighted to see traders getting into the spirit of the season by handing out free candy canes and hot chocolate drinks to families taking part.”

Three lucky winners were selected at random from all the correctly completed Trail competition entries and they received prizes of a goody bag featuring penguin- themed books, toys and treats.

The Penguin Trail is one of many initiatives devised by the BID to support Stirling’s independent businesses.

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

For more details visit www.goforthstirling.co.uk

Image: Chilly the Penguin with Laura McClintock from Nevermore Tattoo

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

Latest Stirling News

DF Concerts summer events generate 164.5million for Scottish economy

DF Concerts has today announced that its programme of summer 2025 live music events generated £164.6 million in total economic impact for Scotland.

The Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story Competition returns

The official glass for whisky, the Glencairn Glass, is once again raising a toast to crime fiction with the return of its popular annual Crime Short Story Competition.

Over half of British holidaymakers to opt for touring holiday over flights abroad in 2026

Survey of 2,000 UK holidaymakers commissioned by Scotland's largest touring and holiday home show reveals shift in UK's holiday of choice.

Shortlist of finalists unveiled for Stirling Business Awards 2026

A shortlist of finalists for the 2026 Stirling Business Awards has been announced after more than 16,000 votes were cast during the selection process.

Tour de France unveils route for Scottish stage

The official route of the opening stage of the Tour de France in 2027, known as the Grand Depart, has been revealed with the event starting in Edinburgh on Friday 2nd July.

World Party: Celtic Connections lights up winter as global festival begins

Glasgow bursts into life today welcoming the world to the biggest traditional winter music festival on the planet - as Celtic Connections kicks off 18 days of music, culture and celebration!

The best of British theatre takes centre stage at Vue

There's lots for theatre lovers to be excited about at Vue, with several productions taking over the big screen in the coming months.

The Cool Hand Cup is back!

Marston's is calling on punters to step up to the oche in over 500 pubs, to be in with the chance of winning £10,000 and a game of 501 darts against champion Luke Humphries!

Viral Buckie Bomb beer returns after trending on Reddit across Scotland and Ireland

A cult Buckfast-inspired beer is making a comeback this January after fans demanded its return across Reddit.

Dobbies hosts free Little Seedlings Club this February

Children will learn what compost is, the difference between green and brown waste, and what can and can't be composted at February's Little Seedlings Club from Dobbies'!

World Gaelic Week grows as 2026 programme launched

Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) is set to grow for the fifth consecutive year as it launches its funded programme of events.

Inaugural Winterlight festival hailed as a huge success

Stirling's first-ever Winterlight festival has been hailed as a big success following a series of sold-out concerts held at the Albert Halls that attracted fans from across the globe.

Doddie Beir kicks off at Aldi in supermarket exclusive ahead of Six Nations Championship

The special-edition craft beer from Cold Town Beer raises vital funds for My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, supporting its mission to find a cure for MND.

Return to Middle Earth as The Lord of The Rings Trilogy celebrates its 25th anniversary at Vue

One of the most iconic and beloved fantasy trilogies of all time, The Lord of The Rings, is returning to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland, as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Young people at HMP & YOI Polmont crown top dog in Stirling

Young people at HMP & YOI Polmont crown ‘Captain Chaos’ Layton as Stirling’s top dog in Thistles’ photography competition

Celebrate love with your PAWfect Valentine at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting pet parents to celebrate Valentine's Day with their beloved furry friends in selected stores across the country!

Primary schools in Scotland given chance to win specifically curated Burns Supper from Aldi

Aldi Scotland is giving primary school pupils across Scotland the chance to enjoy a truly traditional Burns Supper, complete with all the trimmings, including a bagpiper.

Glasgow International Comedy Festival launches 2026 programme with over 100,000 tickets on sale

Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced the full programme for 2026's event with 560 shows in 40 venues across the city from 11th - 29th March, and over 100,000 tickets now on sale!

Celebrate Burns Night 2026 at Flight Club

If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Burns Night this year, head to Flight Club!

Everything you need to know about Celtic Connections 2026

The renowned festival which every year transforms Glasgow in January into a must-visit destination for music lovers is now just over a week away.

Zizzi launches their January Birthday Jackpot

Zizzi's January Birthday Jackpot guarantees a special gift for adults born in January, with some lucky birthday guests receiving the jackpot prize - £100 towards their bill!

Litter picking dog charity aims to remove 44 million pieces of rubbish in 2026

Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution are hoped to boost the ranks of the Paws On Plastic charity to over 30,000 in 2026!

Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.

Famous faces share their DofE Award memories in celebration of their 70th anniversary

Anyone with a connection to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is being invited to celebrate the charity's 70th anniversary by sharing their fondest DofE memories.

Dry or Try January: Flight Club is your go to January social spot

Whether you're ditching the booze and going dry for a month or embracing Try January with the goal of experiencing new things, Flight Club, ticks all the boxes!

Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year

Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!

DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy

DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.

Stirling Visitor Levy Scheme approved

Stirling Council has approved a visitor levy scheme that will enable major new investment in the area’s tourism offering.

DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events

DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.

Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled

The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.

Popular Listings

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

Penguin Trail in Stirling hailed a success

Stirling’s first Penguin Trail has been hailed a success after increasing footfall around the city and offering festive fun for shoppers.

Sponsored Links

Latest Stirling News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings