Changes costtrade
A group of concerned Stirling traders say changes made to part of the city centre are resulting in a bleak Christmas for their businesses.
Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford and Castle ward councillor Jim Thomson met with four business bosses from Barnton Street and Murray Place on Monday to discuss the issue.
Work costing £750,000 has been ongoing in the area for months to widen the pavements, alter bus and taxi stances and implement a one-way system.
●Turn to pages 6 and 7 personalised shirt, football, signed autographs and spent time with him.”
On learning of Robbie’s death, Rangers said everyone at the club was thinking of the family.
A spokesman said: “The thoughts of everyone at Rangers Football Club are with Robbie’s family and friends at this difficult time. Losing someone so young is incomprehensible and we send our sincere condolences.”
After news of Robbie’s death broke at the weekend, a crowdfunding
campaign was launched by friends of the teenager to help pay for funeral costs. Almost 200 people have donated to raise more than £3000 in just a few days.
And Robbie’s family said he was a very popular young man. Mum Margaret said: “He was a good lad. I can only take comfort that no-one had a bad word to say about him. He was very reliable, especially to his sister Erin, and he made a big impact on people.
“I hope he gets the turnout at the funeral that he deserves, it will be a comfort to us that he was respected.”
A brother to Claire, 26, and Erin, 15, Robbie loved spending time with his friends and was a big football fan. He also played the flute for the Falkirk Crown Defenders band.
He was well thought of at his former schools Fallin Primary and Wallace High School.
Robbie fought a heart condition all of his life and underwent two open-heart operations as well as several other procedures. He had to leave school in April due to his health. He developed a rapport with the staff at Forth Valley Royal in his final four months there.
Dad Alan said: “The hospital staff and everybody said that Robbie was infectious. He touched so many lives and he was unique.”
Robbie achieved his dream of meeting the Rangers manager and seeing the Stone Roses in Manchester before he died, and he enjoyed a family holiday to Benidorm in the summer.
Friends of Robbie are invited to attend his funeral and requested to wear bright colours. For details, phone David HendersonLloyd Funeral Directors on 01786813231.
To donate to Robbie’s JustGiving page, visit www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/kirstiesmith-3.