Poetic push for indie shops
Stirling Makar Laura Fyfe has lent her talents to a new video celebrating independent retailers in the city.
Go Forth Stirling BID commissioned the two-minute video, created by Focas Media, as part of the Independent Stirling campaign, and Laura reads her specially-commissioned poem which has lines relating to each of the businesses featured.
Laura was appointed as Makar – a ceremonial position which dates back to the 15th century - in March this year to promote poetry, reading and writing across the Stirling area.
She said: “As Stirling Makar, it’s my honour and privilege to celebrate the people of Stirling through poetry so I jumped at the chance to write about the vital importance of independent businesses in our community.
“Every street in Stirling works as a kind of ecosystem in itself - all nurture the growth of one another, as well as the city as a whole.
“When I spoke to the owners and managers of each establishment, it quickly became apparent just how special each shop is. In supporting them, we support families and we support dreams of the future.
“It was my duty and pleasure to represent this fact, and so in the poem, I included a distinct line or idea for each business in the video to reflect their individuality and value.”
The Independent Stirling video features a range of the city’s businesses including Stirling
Optical, Monny’s Gelateria, Ginger Roots, Clever Clogs, Chester’s Coffee House, Made in Stirling and Tinkerbells Emporium and can be found on Youtube and www. independentstirling.co.uk.
Meanwhile, independent businesses can easily be identified around the city by the ‘I’m In’ window stickers they display.
Go Forth Stirling project director Danielle McRorie-Smith said: “Laura’s poem really brings the film to life and the business owners who took part illustrate what a fantastic asset they are to the city and how unique and individual they and their businesses are.”
The film is the latest in a range of initiatives launched by the BID to support business owners, to highlight the city as a destination to visit and celebrate Stirling’s culture.
Recent projects have included delivering online training programmes, digital grants and shopfront improvement grants, installing flower displays throughout the city centre and PR and poster campaigns.