Green light for Stirling city trail that will transform visitor experience
Exciting plans to create a new interpretation and wayfinding trail that will transform the visitor experience in Stirling have been approved.
Article Source: Stirling Council
Last Updated: 17 March 2026 12:50
The £330,000 Scottish Government funded project will deliver a package of improvements that will take visitors on an engaging and immersive journey through the heart of historic Stirling and boost economic activity across the city.
Funded through the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal – a £214 million partnership between both Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils, the University of Stirling and the UK and Scottish Governments – the new Stirling trail will help people uncover the fascinating stories, people and history, connecting key heritage, cultural and commercial destinations.
It will encourage visitors to explore more of Stirling beyond primary attractions, such as Stirling Castle which attracts over 600,000 visitors annually, taking them to other attractions and businesses in the city centre.
Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Susan McGill said: “I am delighted that we have approved the city centre trail.
“Stirling has a wealth of wonderful attractions that reflects the area’s rich history and culture, but we know there is more we can do to bring the remarkable story of Stirling and Scotland to life and weave it together.
“This targeted investment in our tourism offering will make it easier and more inspiring for people to explore our world-class history and heritage, spend more time here and support our local businesses.
“The trail will improve the visitor experience by helping people discover the full richness of our city and beyond as they walk in the footsteps of the most famous figures in Scottish history.
“It is also expected to deliver a wide range of long-term economic benefits by attracting more tourists, creating jobs and increasing spending in the wider area.”
Business and Employment Minister Richard Lochhead said: "Stirling is one of Scotland's most iconic destinations and this trail, funded by the Scottish Government, will help more visitors discover the city's rich history and heritage.
"The trail will draw visitors beyond Stirling Castle and into the heart of the city centre, giving local businesses a real boost.
"It is part of our wider £45 million investment in the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal to create jobs, attract visitors and drive economic growth across the region."
The project will see the installation of new interpretative panels along a clearly defined walking route, supported by refreshed signage and digital enhancements.
Large ‘welcome to Stirling’ orientation boards will be introduced at key arrival points including Stirling bus station, opposite Stirling railway station, the Castle Esplanade, King Street, and Castleview and Springkerse park and ride sites. These will feature clear ‘you are here’ maps, directional guidance and suggestions on where to explore next.
Along the route, smaller thematic panels will reveal Stirling’s secrets, myths and historic moments through storytelling, artwork and interactive elements.
The panels will feature illustrated figures who are part of Stirlingshire’s story including William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, Robert Burns and Mary, Queen of Scots, alongside depictions of local landmarks. Selected panels will incorporate selfie opportunities to create engaging, shareable moments for visitors.
Accessibility will be embedded throughout the project, with high-contrast design, large print, Braille overlays and audio-enabled content developed in consultation with local sensory services.
The city centre trail is expected to attract around 12,000 users each year, with an estimated 8,000 visitors adjusting their routes to explore more of the city centre. This is projected to generate nearly £300,000 in additional tourism spending annually primarily benefiting hospitality and retail businesses near lesser-visited heritage attractions.
Nearly three quarters (72 per cent) of visitors to Stirling cite history and culture as their main reason for visiting which is significantly above the national average (48 per cent) underlining the city’s competitive strength as a heritage destination.
Installation will be delivered by Stirling Council and work on design and procurement will now begin.
The Business Justification Case for the project was approved by the City Region Deal Joint Committee on Tuesday 10 March.
The City Region Deal’s Culture, Heritage and Tourism programme seeks to invest in the development of culture, heritage and tourism assets across the region.
For more information on the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, visit: www.stirclacksdeal.com
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