Tourist hubs welcome us back after tough times
Area’s two centres return to fulfilling key community role
Stirling’s two tourism information hubs are keen to bounce back after a difficult 18 months.
The area has two VisitScotland iCentres, one in the city of Stirling and one in Aberfoyle, run by experienced and friendly people with a real passion for sharing the incredible things to see and do across Forth Valley and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.
VisitScotland assistant iCentre manager in Stirling, Angela Dick, said: “Since reopening in April we have been delighted to welcome visitors back into our iCentre and it’s been a fantastic feeling to be able to have that face to face interaction and share our expert knowledge with people again.
“We play an important part in the community here in Stirling, especially in relation to keeping people up to date with what’s open and any guidelines that may be in place. We are often the first point of contact for locals and visitors looking for information about local businesses and attractions, and as a team we take great pride in being able to work with our local community to assist in any way we can.”
As well as answering a variety of queries, selling attraction tickets and providing guidance and recommendations, the iCentres also stock a range of products through the ShopLocal initiative that provides a platform for craft makers, artists and designers to promote and sell their products.
An important part of the iCentre’s role since reopening is helping visitors to enjoy the area responsibly, by linking visitors with local tourism businesses and sharing information on some of the hidden gems that can be enjoyed.
VisitScotland assistant iCentre manager in Aberfoyle, Claire Lambie, added: “Sitting in the heart of the Trossachs, the majority of our visitors are here to explore the outdoors; whether its walking, hiking, cycling or hunting for fairies there’s plenty of wide outdoor spaces for them to enjoy.
“Trips on both Loch Katrine and Loch Lomond always prove popular with all generations and for the more adventurous there are water sports available on the banks of Loch Ard.
“We have a had a real mix of visitors this season from across the UK, many of whom have never visited the area or Scotland before.
“Several regular visitors who have been to the area many times before have said Aberfoyle has been their first trip outside their house since restrictions eased. It is lovely to think that they have specifically chosen here for their first trip out, confident in the friendly village welcome and the wide open spaces to get out in the fresh air.”
Some of the recommendations from the centres include: Stirling Old Town Jail - opened in 1847 after the city’s previous prison was dubbed “the worst jail in Britain” - which became a military prison before closing down in the 1950s, was turned into a visitor attraction in 1996 and now offers self-guided audio tours, and an escape room; and Doon Hill in Aberfoyle, a beautiful spot where local minister, Reverend Robert Kirk, was said to have been killed by faeries in 1692 after publishing a book revealing their secrets.
For more information visit: www.visitscotland. com/about/practicalinformation/vic/