Uncertainty surrounds the future of a Stirling tourist attraction.
The land train, which ferried tourists from the city centre to the castle and back, was introduced four years ago and aimed to operate throughout the main tourist season.
However, it has not been operating since the start of the pandemic in March 2020 and the vehicle is currently in storage.
The land train was operated by the organisation which runs the city’s Business Improvement District, Go Forth Stirling.
Following its introduction some city traders had expressed criticism – especially in the Top of the Town area who pointed out that it had cost them business.
In spring 2019, more than 100 people had signed a petition asking for the land train to be withdrawn, including businesses all along the route.
Since its 2018 launch, it had carried 19,640 passengers and BID believe it has proved to be a successful and popular tourist asset for Stirling.
An extended route began in summer 2019 to include the Forthside area.
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Go Forth recently secured its second five-year term and the future of the land train is to be discussed at BID board meetings after the new stint commences on September 1.
Project director of Go Forth Stirling Business Improvement District Danielle McRorie-Smith said: “We are preparing for our second term and no decision has yet been made on bringing the land train back to the streets. It’s a fantastic asset for the city and we do hope to bring it back. However, we have to consider whether it fits in with our Net Zero goals and carbon footprint going forward and look at whether we need to explore greener options. We will discuss all this at the upcoming board meetings.”
Earlier this month city business owners backed a second term for the Business Improvement District (BID) Go Forth.
Every business which pays a BID levy had the opportunity to vote in the ballot.
Stirling’s BID, which launched in September 2017, is one of 37 active Scottish BIDs and one of 333 across the UK as a whole.
Each BID works to enhance their city’s high street experience, delivering projects specific to their community’s needs.
In Stirling, the Go Forth team represent more than 600 business owners.
The BID zone covers Stirling city centre and surrounding streets, taking in the area from Burghmuir Retail Park to the Top of the Town and out to Forthside. Business owners with a rateable value over £10,000 pay an annual levy fee related to the size of their premises and the BID can access matched funding and grant schemes to support its projects and services.
More details can be found at www.goforthstirling.co.uk.
