Stuart Mcfarlane

Sing in the City will launch its 15th community choir at Bannockburn Community Centre in Stirling on September 10. Founder Kirsty Baird said the choirs welcome adults of all ages and abilities, with an emphasis on meeting people, improving mental wellbeing and escaping everyday stresses rather than musical experience. The first session will be free, followed by an £8 fee for members, and the initiative is expanding after establishing choirs in Edinburgh and Fife.

Perthshire Pride organisers described this year’s event in Perth as a major success, with crowds filling the North Inch and city streets for a parade, speeches, exhibitions and performances. The programme highlighted the Letters to My Younger Self initiative, which collected personal reflections on identity, belonging and self-acceptance. Co-chair Marysia Macfarlane praised the volunteer team, performers and public support, saying the event demonstrated strong local backing for the LGBTQ+ community and expressing enthusiasm for its continued growth.

Inspections conducted across Perth and Kinross during 2025–26 found strong performance in education, leadership, attainment, inclusion and pupil wellbeing. Dunbarney, Kettins, Murthly and Our Lady’s RC primary schools, along with Breadalbane Academy, received particularly positive evaluations. His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education highlighted nurturing relationships, effective support and opportunities for pupil development, while councillor John Rebbeck credited school staff, leaders and wider communities for the results.

Crieff stroke survivor Debbie Matthew marked ten years since her near-fatal stroke and her 50th birthday by taking part in a bungee jump at Killiecrankie with colleagues from Strathearn Pest Control. The challenge helped raise more than £1,300 for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, a charity that supported Matthew after her stroke and for which she is now an ambassador. Further fundraising is planned as part of a year of personal challenges.

Stirling Albion manager Steven Whittaker praised his team’s effort and discipline after a 2-0 League Two victory over Dumbarton. Jordan Allan scored both goals, while the team’s compact defensive shape produced a clean sheet and suggested progress after defensive problems in previous seasons. Whittaker also highlighted the squad’s ability to cope with injuries to several key players and expressed confidence that the team will strengthen when those players return.

An investigation is underway into reports of sewage or sludge entering the Allan Water in Dunblane. Scottish Water found that a suspected surface-water line is a culverted watercourse rather than part of its sewer network, and said a nearby storm overflow is operating as designed. SEPA officers have visited the site several times but have been unable to identify the intermittent source. Local councillor Alasdair Tollemache says residents are concerned by the lack of urgency and wants the pollution stopped. The incident follows a separate spring spill linked to a surface-water drain.

Stirling Pride will return to Stirling on 29 August 2026 for its third edition, featuring a Pride March and performances on King Street from Blu Hydrangea, Divina De Campo and Michelle McManus. Organizers expect a larger and more diverse program after 8,000 people attended the previous event, while 1,100 people took part in last year's march. A pre-party at The Tolbooth hosted by Karen Dunbar will also precede the main celebrations.

West Dunbartonshire MP Douglas McAllister has urged newly appointed Prime Minister Andy Burnham to reconsider the UK Government’s refusal to compensate WASPI women born in the 1950s. He says nearly 6,000 women in his constituency were harmed by inadequate notice of state pension age changes and calls for a fair compensation package that accounts for public finances. Local WASPI coordinator Liz Daly says campaigners remain angry after a decade of delays, warning that many affected women are growing older without redress.

The £7.2 million redevelopment of Dumbarton’s historic Glencairn House into a public library and local history museum has been postponed again because of unforeseen technical issues. West Dunbartonshire Council has not provided a new opening date and is working with contractors to resolve the problems. The existing library at Strathleven Place will remain open, while the completed project is expected to include expanded library facilities, children’s spaces, a garden and museum displays.

Stirling Albion has condemned reported intimidation of Dumbarton supporters after a small group of home fans allegedly threatened people near the away end following a weekend match. The club is working to identify those responsible and refer them to Police Scotland, with lengthy stadium bans promised. New measures include barring unaccompanied under-16s, introducing a registered youth membership and behavioural code, prohibiting face coverings, and potentially detaining groups after matches. The measures are expected to begin at the home game against Stranraer on August 22.

Jordan Allan scored twice on his Stirling Albion debut to secure a comfortable opening-day League Two victory over Dumbarton. The summer signing converted a first-half penalty and added a close-range second after combining effectively with on-loan teenager Lucas Fyfe. Allan said the move from Queen of the South has restored his enjoyment of football, while praising the close-knit squad and manager Steven Whittaker. He expects competition alongside Fyfe and Russell McLean to give Stirling tactical flexibility throughout the season.

Twelve-year-old Elsa McCabe from Cowie is walking the 96-mile West Highland Way with her mother, Kate, and family friend Arlene Ivatt to raise money for Scottish Autism. The challenge follows Elsa’s previous fundraising efforts, including climbing Ben Nevis and completing a month-long 5k-a-day challenge. She had raised £1,500 and increased her target from £1,000 to £2,000, with the group aiming to complete the route in four or five days.

Stirling Albion began their League Two campaign with a 2-0 home win over Dumbarton at Forthbank. Jordan Allan opened the scoring from the penalty spot after being fouled by Ali Omar, then added a second from close range after Lucas Fyfe broke the offside trap. Dumbarton created early and late opportunities but failed to convert them, while Stirling’s organised defending and set-piece threat secured Steven Whittaker an ideal start as manager.

Stirling Albion have signed 20-year-old defender Ali Gould, formerly of Ballymena United, Motherwell and Watford, as they complete their summer rebuild. The Binos are joint favourites for promotion from League Two and begin their campaign at home to Dumbarton, but must manage injuries to Josh Mullin, Craig Brown and possibly Barry Hepburn. Steven Whittaker is still weighing up his midfield and defensive selections, while Stirling will look to extend an unbeaten home record against Dumbarton dating back to 2012.

Rabbit Hill Bike Park, a new £200,000 bike park and pump track in Aberfoyle, Stirling, has officially opened. The facility is intended to give local residents and visitors a dedicated place to develop cycling skills, warm up and ride socially, complementing the area's established gravel, road and mountain-biking routes. The project was supported by a £100,000 sportscotland grant, around £35,000 from Forth Valley and Lomond CLLD, and additional backing from Shimano's Trail Born Fund, Tradstocks, the Scottish Government, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and Scottish Cycling.

Firefighters from Capita Fire and Rescue and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are due to compete in a charity football match at Dumbarton East pitches. The annual event, which has become a local tradition, aims to raise £1,000 for the Fire Fighters Charity, building on around £4,000 raised through previous matches. Families and local residents will also be able to enjoy activities, view a fire appliance and attend a post-match gathering, with local businesses and Dumbuck Bowling Club supporting the event.

The Bannockburn visitor centre in Stirling will close on 1 October 2026 for an approximately £3 million modernisation project and is expected to reopen in mid-2028. The National Trust for Scotland says the work will refresh the visitor experience, carry out repairs and improve sustainability, while the surrounding grounds will remain open and access to the Grade A listed rotunda may be restricted during conservation work. The closure follows earlier disputes over rejected proposals for a trotting track and later plans for a golf range, clubhouse and community facility near the battlefield.

VisitScotland and Sony Pictures Television have launched Scotland: The Home of Outlander, a guide featuring 48 locations associated with the television series. Stirling attractions Doune Castle, which serves as Castle Leoch, and Duncarron Medieval Village near Denny are included. Doune Castle's visitor numbers have risen 168% since 2014, while overall visits to featured locations increased 41% between 2014 and 2025. The campaign aims to capitalize on Outlander's global popularity, promote Scotland's history and landscapes, and strengthen the country's visitor economy.

Stirling-based athletes made a major contribution to Scotland’s medal haul at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Duncan Scott and Angharad Evans won swimming golds, while Katie Shanahan and Keanna MacInnes claimed silver medals. Gymnast Cameron Lynn added bronze in the pommel horse, but boxer Alan Perrie lost to Australia’s Paul Trainor after a controversial stoppage that drew boos from the Glasgow crowd.

West Dunbartonshire MP Douglas McAllister has urged newly appointed UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband to make the release of Dumbarton man Jagtar Singh Johal an immediate priority. Johal has been detained in India since 2017, was acquitted in one case involving alleged support for a terror group, and remains held in connection with eight further cases that campaigners describe as duplicates based on an allegedly coerced confession. Reprieve and UN experts have called for the charges to be dropped, while the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office says it continues to press India for progress and a full investigation into Johal’s allegations of torture.

The ninth Stirling Photography Festival will run across August and September 2026 under the theme “Journey,” featuring headline exhibitions by music photographer Jill Furmanovsky and fashion photographer and filmmaker Fabrizio Gianni. Furmanovsky’s “Rebels and Renegades” will showcase decades of images of major music artists, while Gianni’s “Fab! A Life in Cinema and Fashion Photography” will draw on his five-decade career. The programme also includes exhibitions by Margaret Mitchell, Charles McGuigan and Ted Leeming, a poetry path by Lynda Gairns, and community work supporting Strathcarron Hospice. Organised through collaborations with cultural institutions, volunteers and local sponsors, the festival aims to expand opportunities for emerging artists ahead of its tenth anniversary.

The Recovery Olympics marked its tenth anniversary at Forthbank Stadium in Stirling, bringing together 150 participants and 188 spectators from 18 recovery communities and support organisations across Scotland. Organised by Active Stirling and the Forth Valley Recovery Community, the event used inclusive sports, entertainment and social activities to promote recovery, resilience, wellbeing and connection. Participants and organisers described how peer support and activities such as swimming, walking and badminton help people rebuild their lives and reduce the stigma associated with addiction.

A community campaign in Raploch is making a final push to raise £10,000 needed to complete a war memorial and produce accompanying books of remembrance. Residents Mick Lowe and John Murie have researched local wartime service, identifying more than 80 people killed in action, 49 prisoners of war, nine wounded personnel and 29 who returned home. The project has raised £28,000 through grants and community fundraising, with further support planned through a GoFundMe campaign and events including bingo, concerts, quizzes and sales. The completed memorial will display the names of local servicemen and women and preserve their memory for future generations.

Roadworks on the A81 through Callander, running from July 20 until the end of the week, have angered 18 local businesses because they coincide with the busy Glasgow Fair holiday period. Traders say the closure was poorly communicated, reduced visitor numbers and caused lost takings, with Willow Botanic owner Neil MacFadyen reporting turnover 20% below the previous week. Councillor Martin Earl criticised the timing and called for greater scrutiny and possible overnight work, while Stirling Council defended the decision, saying the resurfacing was completed together and ahead of schedule to prevent further disruption.

Robbie McNab says Stirling Albion’s demanding Premier Sports Cup schedule will benefit the team ahead of their League Two opener against Dumbarton. The midfielder-turned-right-back has impressed under new manager Steven Whittaker, who is using the remaining training sessions and Arbroath match to refine the team’s approach, improve fitness and correct defensive errors. Stirling cannot qualify for the competition’s last 32 after losing to Montrose, while Arbroath have also been eliminated from the top-two race. Arbroath will include former Stirling loanee Scott Constable, signed from Dundee United on a season-long loan.

Paul Henke, the Conservative councillor for Stirling’s Forth and Endrick ward, has died, prompting tributes from Stirling Council and fellow councillors. Born in Wales to a Polish immigrant father, Henke served for about 25 years in the Royal Navy and Naval Reserve, including as a mine-clearance diving and explosives-disposal officer, before working in offshore diving and financial services. He later became a prolific author of historical family sagas, military thrillers and detective fiction. A long-serving Balfron community representative, he was elected to Stirling Council in 2022 after earlier political involvement with UKIP and the Conservatives. Colleagues remembered his dedication to road repairs, social housing and education, as well as his forthright and energetic style.

Stagecoach will withdraw the X56 bus between Perth and Edinburgh on August 24, citing a sustained decline in demand and the route’s lack of financial viability. Residents in Milnathort, Kinross, Glenfarg, Bridge of Earn and surrounding rural communities say the decision will harm people without cars and restrict access to work, education and essential services. Stagecoach points to its 56 service, Glenfarg Community Transport’s 55 service, Perth and Kinross Park and Ride connections, and Scottish Citylink coaches as alternatives. MSP Jim Fairlie and MP Pete Wishart are challenging the changes, while wider timetable and route revisions are also planned across Perthshire.

Recommendations from the Competition and Markets Authority seek to introduce regulatory protections for rural households reliant on heating oil amid volatility, price surges and delivery issues. The proposals include service standards, clearer pricing rules, improved dispute resolution and measures to protect vulnerable consumers. Around 1,700 customers may have been affected, and some suppliers have agreed to compensation. Stirling MP Chris Kane supports the findings, urging stronger safeguards to ensure fair treatment. Governments across the UK are considering the recommendations.

Stirling Council defended a 14‑month southbound closure of Cornton Road in Bridge of Allan required for a £16 million flood protection scheme intended to safeguard dozens of properties and key roads from the Allan Water. Residents and businesses expressed frustration over travel disruption, but the council said a temporary access road, coordination with bus operators and continued community engagement would limit impacts. The project remains on schedule for completion by winter 2027.

A Bridge of Allan shopkeeper, Rizwan Ashraf, is undertaking a six‑day, 230‑mile uphill cycling trek from Innsbruck to Lucerne with his cousin Bilal to raise funds for Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland in memory of his father, Mohammed, who died last year. A novice cyclist, he prepared with support from the local Stirling Bike Club and has already raised more than £700, with additional help from a charity raffle by the Westerton Arms. The ride serves as both a fundraising effort and a personal tribute to his father’s resilience.

Montrose secured a 2–0 win over Stirling Albion in the Premier Sports Cup after a controversial penalty converted by Ewan Loudon and a quick second from Blair Lyons. Stirling created several chances but failed to capitalise, despite key contributions from Russell McLean and new signings making their debuts. Strong defending preserved Montrose’s clean sheet as Stirling now look ahead to their final group match against Arbroath.

A Stirling puzzle enthusiast, Vicky Clifford, is leading a 15‑day effort to complete a 42,000‑piece Educa puzzle with help from volunteers, some traveling from abroad. The group is working out of the Stirling Highland Hotel and livestreaming their progress to her 31,000 YouTube subscribers, with the challenge nearing completion on day thirteen.

Police in Bridge of Allan have increased security measures around the derelict former Royal Hotel following repeated break-ins by youths, conducting a security survey with the property’s owners and charging several young people with causing damage. Officers are coordinating with the community and issuing warnings to parents about dangers associated with entering unsafe buildings. Local councillor Thomas Heald has called for stronger site security and a long‑term redevelopment plan to prevent further deterioration of the prominent property.

Stirling Albion overturned an early deficit to defeat Spartans 3–1 in the Premier Sports Cup, with goals from Robbie McNab, Jordan Allan and Russell McLean securing the win after Bradley Whyte’s early opener. Strong second‑half play ensured Albion’s first points in the group as they look ahead to facing Montrose next.

Stirling Albion manager Steven Whittaker expressed frustration after a stoppage‑time penalty gave Dundee United a narrow Premier Sports Cup win despite what he considered a disciplined defensive display. The match also brought a major setback as player‑coach Josh Mullin suffered a jaw injury expected to sideline him for weeks, compounding the earlier loss of Craig Brown to a long‑term knee injury. With little time to recover, Stirling prepare for a different test against League Two rivals Spartans as they aim to reset and regain attacking momentum.

Stirling’s free city‑centre Wi‑Fi network, launched in 2021 by Go Forth Stirling BID and Stirling Council, has attracted more than 20,000 annual users, with most logging in via mobile phones and young adults forming the largest group. The service covers key outdoor areas and integrates with the Thistles network, supporting the city’s digital‑connectivity goals. Funding included £47,000 from Stirling Council and £10,000 from the Scottish Government’s Regional Recovery Fund. Officials highlight the network’s role in promoting local businesses and enhancing visitor experiences, with further improvements expected through the new In Stirling app.

A strong defensive display by Stirling Albion held Dundee United for nearly the full match until Zac Sapsford converted a stoppage‑time penalty after being fouled by Sam Denham. Dundee United created the majority of chances, with notable efforts from Lachlan Rose, Dario Naamo and Dylan Tait, while Stirling defended doggedly despite limited attacking threat. The late goal denied new manager Steven Whittaker a promising point as Stirling now look ahead to their upcoming match against Spartans.

A Stirling social enterprise, Green Aspirations Scotland CIC, received £30,000 to purchase a new kiln to support its sustainable charcoal production, which provides a key revenue stream for community woodland and outdoor learning projects. The new equipment will increase output, reliability, and supply consistency, helping fund workshops and activities aimed at young people facing challenges in mainstream education. Social Investment Scotland provided the funding, emphasizing its role in supporting enterprises that lack access to traditional finance.

Local and national politicians condemned Rupert Lowe for describing the Dunblane massacre as “one murder” during an appearance on the Joe Rogan podcast. Stirling MP Chris Kane denounced the comments in Parliament, calling them profoundly offensive and emphasizing the community’s dignity and the importance of strong UK gun laws. MSPs Keith Brown and Stephen Kerr also criticised Lowe, stressing the tragedy’s scale and the enduring impact on Scotland. Restore Britain stated Lowe was referring to a single incident, but criticism remained widespread.

An 18-year-old from West Dunbartonshire who co‑created a musical about experiences in the Scottish care system met King Charles at a Royal Garden Party. Lauren Boyle and Action for Children coordinator Kiera Irvine were nominated due to Boyle’s key role in the production Unheard Voices, Unbroken Spirits, created through a collaboration between West Dunbartonshire Council and Action for Children. The musical has been showcased at the Scottish Parliament and Care Experience Week events. Action for Children highlighted Boyle’s contributions to sharing care‑experienced voices, noting her commitment to The Promise, Scotland’s initiative to improve support for young people in care. The event was attended by senior royals, and the charity’s representatives are invited annually through its patron, the Princess of Wales.

Reported shoplifting in West Dunbartonshire has risen 57 percent in a decade, prompting concern from local MSP Jackie Baillie, who argues that Scottish Government plans to limit shorter prison sentences will weaken deterrence. Retail workers report increased violence, and Baillie calls for stronger policing and community safety measures. The Scottish Government acknowledges rising retail crime but notes national crime reductions and highlights funding for Police Scotland and the Retail Crime Taskforce, which has issued more than 6,400 charges in its first year.

Businesses in Dunblane have raised strong concerns over Stirling Council’s plan for a three‑month road closure to allow demolition of the fire‑damaged Chip Inn. Local shops and the Village Inn pub fear significant losses during the vital summer season and are urging the council to consider alternatives such as temporary traffic lights. Councillor Alasdair Tollemache is pressing officials to explore options that reduce disruption, while the council says it is engaging with the building owners and working to minimise impacts on residents and traders.

Perth Museum surpassed 500,000 visitors just 27 months after opening, far exceeding expectations and marking a major milestone for Culture Perth and Kinross as it celebrates its tenth anniversary. Leaders credited strong community engagement, successful exhibitions and support from Perth and Kinross Council for driving the museum’s rapid growth and tourism impact. High-profile displays, including the Stone of Destiny and rare historical loans, have attracted significant public interest and media attention, contributing to multiple awards and national recognition.

Stirling Albion captain Lee Hamilton praises new manager Steven Whittaker’s demanding pre‑season regimen, saying the structured sessions will leave the team fitter and more cohesive for upcoming competitive matches. New signings including Andy McNeil, Jordan Allan, Josh Mullin and Kevin Waugh impressed during early friendlies against Stenhousemuir and Dumbarton, with further matches scheduled as the squad builds toward the Premier Sports Cup opener on July 11.

Local officials and residents are raising concerns over ongoing security breaches and antisocial behavior at the derelict former Royal Hotel in Bridge of Allan after images showed youths entering the unsafe building. Police reiterated warnings about the dangers of trespassing, and councillors urged the owners to secure the structure and develop a long‑term plan to bring the prominent site back into productive use. Stirling Council stated it has no jurisdiction over securing the property and encouraged reports of vandalism to police.