Parking fears over distillery

Effort to allay residents’concerns

Residents living near a proposed distillery have again expressed concern over possible parking problems in the area.

Stirling Gin has been granted planning permission to turn the former blacksmith building in Lower Castlehill into a gin distillery and visitor centre.

Earlier this month, despite 17 objections, Stirling District Licensing Board gave the go-ahead for the operation to host within the building receptions and live performances for up to 75 people, and outdoor drinking facilities for as many as 150.

Owner Cameron McCann had sought a licence to open from 11am until midnight Sunday to Thursday, and 11am until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

However, the board granted licensing hours of 11am to 11pm seven days a week and insisted outdoor drinking should finish at 10pm.

Mr McCann sought to allay concerns about the development when he attended a meeting of Mercat Cross and City Centre Community Council on Thursday.

Resident Jim Sandison, Crofthead Court, one of the objectors who was also at the meeting, had the view that the development threatened to add to parking issues in Barn Road and Lower Castlehill.

“I wish (Cameron) every success with the business,” he added.

“He got his licence with amendments but concern is still about access. I live within 50 yards of the place and when I have three groups of friends visiting me, there is trouble parking. “

Another resident said finding a parking space was already a problem, and added: “If you have people staying in the area after 5pm while visiting Stirling Gin, how will I get parked when I come home after work.”

Mr McCann said parking in all cities was an issue, and he added: “Although we have a capacity of 150, the chances of there being 150 there at any one time are slim to nothing.

“If there is no parking , there’s no parking and I will be advising people they have to get to the distillery on foot. Furthermore, most people who come to the distillery will be sampling (the product) so they will not be driving.”

Mr McCann, who expects the distillery to create eight jobs, said it was already attracting interest from gin lovers across the world.

He admitted the development was currently four months behind schedule, and added: “We are here for Stirling first and foremost and will be bringing business to the local community and local economy. This is another tourist attraction for the city.

“We are not a pub and we will not be open all hours.”

Tory councillor for Stirling North Ross Oxburgh, who was also at the meeting, promised to pass on residents’ concerns about parking in the area to a Stirling Council group which is reviewing parking across the area.

Community Council chairman Andrew Szwebs added: “We wish you every success. This is an exciting development for Stirling.”