Stirling shoppers invited to celebrate their furry friends in new Thistles photography competition
Thistles, shopping centre in Stirling, has teamed up with a local Community Interest Company, Paws for Progress, to launch a heart-warming photography competition.
Article Source: Thistles Stirling
Last Updated: 13 November 2025 13:39
Strike a Paws!
ThistlesThistles, shopping centre in Stirling, has teamed up with a local Community Interest Company, Paws for Progress, to launch a heart-warming photography competition as part of its #ThistlesHelps initiative.
From today, animal lovers are being encouraged to submit their favourite photo of their dog, along with a short bio about how their four-legged friend has made a difference in their life.
Entries will be judged by the young people that Paws for Progress work with at HMP & YOI Polmont, who will select a shortlist of images to go on display in Thistles’ community art gallery. Visitors will then be able to enjoy the uplifting stories and snapshots before an overall winner is crowned. The winning dog will receive a pampering package filled with treats and gifts to make tails wag.
Gary Turnbull, Centre Director at Thistles, said: “Our dogs bring so much joy, love and comfort to our lives, and we wanted to give shoppers the chance to celebrate that bond. Through our #ThistlesHelps initiative, we’re proud to support Paws for Progress in their incredible work, while creating something fun and heart-warming for the whole community to get involved in.”
Dr Rebecca Leonardi, Founder and Development Manager at Paws for Progress added: “We are thrilled to partner with Thistles on this wonderful project. Not only will it shine a light on the amazing relationships people have with their pets, but it also gives the young people we support the chance to inspire others and connect with the local community. Seeing the joy that dogs and people bring into each other’s lives is at the heart of Paws for Progress, and we can’t wait to celebrate that through this competition.”
The competition is part of Thistles’ #ThistlesHelps initiative, which was created as a way for the centre to give back to the local community in recognition of the support they have received over the years.
Paws for Progress is a local Community Interest Company specialising in dog-assisted learning and personal development programmes for young people and dogs.
They deliver unique projects in community settings, schools, and prisons, improving wellbeing for both people and animals. They are the pioneering founders of the UK’s first Prison Based Rescue Dog Programme at HMP & YOI Polmont, delivered in partnership with the Scottish Prison Service and Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home.
To take part, simply send your pet photo and a short bio, along with your contact details, to ThistlesCompetition@mucklemedia.co.uk before 28th November 2025.
Image: Youth Specialist Allison Moffat from Paws for Progress with Vito and Claire Barrie (Thistles)
Image credit: Mark Gibson
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
Stirling shoppers invited to celebrate their furry friends in new Thistles photography competition
Thistles, shopping centre in Stirling, has teamed up with a local Community Interest Company, Paws for Progress, to launch a heart-warming photography competition.
READ MORE
Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026
The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.
READ MORE
Medea to tour Scotland in 2026
Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).
READ MORE
Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland
Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!
READ MORE
Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026
Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep
Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.
READ MORE
Hidden treasures of Murrayfield
Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.
READ MORE
Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal
Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December
READ MORE
Festive days out to make the most of the season
From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.
READ MORE
SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu
Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.
READ MORE
National Wallace Monument wins Frankenstein approval from renowned filmmaker Guillermo del Toro
Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro made a personal visit to The National Wallace Monument before deciding to cast the iconic Stirling landmark in his new movie ‘Frankenstein’.
READ MORE
Time to Nominate Outstanding Companies for the 2026 Stirling Business Awards
The public has just two weeks left to nominate outstanding independent retailers for Go Forth Stirling BID’s annual Business Awards.
READ MORE
Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes
A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.
READ MORE
Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment
SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.
READ MORE
The Christmas tradition of the year is back...
Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!
READ MORE
First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets
First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.
READ MORE
Scotland Meats Germany
Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour
Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.
READ MORE
Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night
Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.
READ MORE
Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.
READ MORE
The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries
Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.
READ MORE
Sterling Home brings festive cheer with heartfelt Christmas donation
Leading furniture retailer Sterling Home is lighting up the festive season with a generous donation of Christmas decorations and furniture to children’s hospices and hospitals across Scotland.
READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids
Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.
READ MORE
Have your say on new active travel project for south of Stirling city centre
People are being encouraged to have their say in the second stage of a consultation on four proposed active travel routes for the south of Stirling city centre.
READ MORE
Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk
The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk.
READ MORE
Art Exhibition and Fashion Sale to Support Strathcarron Hospice
Strathblane artists are set to captivate the community with a charity art exhibition this weekend, aiming to raise funds for Strathcarron Hospice, Denny.
READ MORE
The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced
The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.
READ MORE
No tricks, just treats at Thistles Stirling this Halloween
Thistles, Stirling is set to host a spooky spectacular at the shopping centre this October half term.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links