New active travel project 'transformational' for Scottish city
The £11 million project is a cornerstone of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, a £214 million partnership between both Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils, the University of Stirling and the UK and Scottish Governments.
It has been funded by the Scottish Government through Sustrans' Places for Everyone programme (£8.4 million) and via the City Region Deal (£2.5 million), and by Stirling Council from developer contributions (£325,000).
Route one links Stirling Train Station and the University of Stirling, taking in landmarks like Old Stirling Bridge and the National Wallace Monument along the way.
Route two has bridged the gaps between Forth Valley College and Stirling's historic city centre under the shadow of Stirling Castle.
READ MORE:
Opening date revealed for new road bridge spanning River Clyde
'Landmark' cycle routes deliver record share of journeys by bike in Scotland
Latest Avenues work in Glasgow begins in 'key entrance point'
The new infrastructure will also lay the foundations for future connections to Clackmannanshire and the wider Forth Valley region, and support the objectives of Stirling Council's Climate and Nature Emergency Plan.
The project was officially opened on Thursday at a section of the route next to Wallace High School, with staff and pupils, funding partners and other key local stakeholders in attendance.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: 'I'm very pleased to officially open the Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling project. Funded by almost £11 million from the Scottish Government, these two new major active travel corridors will make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle for shorter everyday journeys.
'This means more people saving money, living healthier lives and leaving their car at home to reduce their emissions.
'To support the ambitions of Scotland's local authorities for more high quality active travel infrastructure, we are investing £188 million into active and sustainable transport in 2025-26. This will help ensure more people and communities across Scotland can benefit from easier sustainable travel options.'
Stirling (Image: Stirling Council)
'To help communities prosper, the Scottish Government is investing £45 million through the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal.
'The Deal aims to create 5,000 jobs in Clackmannanshire and Stirling by boosting transport, tourism, training, business growth and projects to tackle climate change.'
Stirling Council Depute Leader, Cllr Jen Preston said: 'I'm thrilled we are marking the completion of this landmark project that will transform how people and places in Stirling are connected.
'Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling sets a new standard for active travel infrastructure in a Scottish city. For the first time ever, there are seamless routes for cycling and walking in the heart of Stirling, linking communities and public transport hubs to businesses, schools, the university and college, as well as the wider region.
'The new infrastructure has already been used by people of all ages in our communities, including by pupils and staff at Wallace High, and it's going to be a key part of how we support the growing shift to active travel as well as increasing footfall and economic activity for our businesses.
'I want to thank all our residents and businesses for their patience and understanding during the works, and we are committed to engaging with them to unlock the full benefits of this major investment.'
Simon Strain, Head of Programme, Places for Everyone at Sustrans said: 'Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling is transformational for the city.
'Making walking, wheeling and cycling safer and easier means everyone moving around Stirling has more choice for everyday journeys.
'Feeling confident enough to choose to walk, wheel or cycle benefits our health, our wallets, and our local environment. We're delighted that Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling has now made these choices a reality for more people in the city.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Los Angeles Times
2 days ago
- Los Angeles Times
Second-Story Visitors: Why Giraffe Manor is Among the World's Most Unique Hotel Experiences
Located just minutes outside Nairobi, in the Langata suburbs, the Giraffe Manor stands out as one of the world's most unique hotels and a truly bucket-list-worthy destination. It's famous for its resident Rothschild giraffes, offering guests an intimate and luxurious experience with these magnificent animals. Modeled after a Scottish manor home, Giraffe Manor started as a family abode, built around 1932 by businessman Sir David Duncan. Over the years, it has transformed into a 5-star boutique hotel now owned and managed by the Safari Collection, drawing giraffe enthusiasts from around the globe. Giraffe Manor is both a luxury hotel and a conservation center for Rothschild giraffes. The 12-acre estate provides a safe home for these once-endangered species, along with plenty of chances for guests to interact with them. Upon check-in, you'll be assigned a room or suite in one of two buildings: the Main House or the Garden House. The Main Manor features six rooms, all offering direct giraffe feeding opportunities, making it the central hub of the property. The Garden House is the newer wing, also with six rooms, three of which provide direct giraffe feeding access. If you're lucky enough to reserve one of the nine giraffe-feeding rooms, you might get a memorable 5 a.m. 'wake-up call' from a giraffe. They'll often wander up to your window or balcony looking for a morning treat. One of the most unforgettable moments at Giraffe Manor is enjoying breakfast with a giraffe poking its head through the windows, stretching its long neck toward your table. There's also a daily afternoon tea on the terrace, perfect for taking photos with the giraffes in the picturesque surroundings. Guests can feed them special food pellets provided by their assigned butlers, who also help tailor your interactions, ensuring a personalized – and giraffe-filled – experience throughout your visit. While the giraffes are, of course, the main draw, there's more to explore on the gorgeous estate and in the lush surrounding areas. Next to the Main Manor is The Retreat, a wellness center where you can enjoy massages, work out, or take a dip in the infinity pool. You can also arrange a private candlelight dinner in the beautiful Orchid House, which boasts over 150 different types of orchids. For those interested in the inner workings of the hotel's mission and the animals themselves, the Giraffe Centre is located right on the property grounds, offering programs focused on giraffe conservation. The Manor's grounds are also home to various other animals, including warthogs, monkeys and many bird species. Can't get enough wildlife? Just a short drive from Giraffe Manor is Nairobi National Park, where guests can go on a safari to see a variety of wildlife, including lions, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, impalas and over 400 species of birds. The Karen Blixen Museum, the former home of the Danish author of Out of Africa, is also nearby. This unique haven, filled with giraffes, is one of the most photographed hotels in the world. Its special setting and unforgettable animal encounters make it a must-visit destination for anyone who loves animals and nature. The dry seasons from June through October and December through March are generally the best time to visit Giraffe Manor. During these months, the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. April through May and November tend to have heavy rainfall, which can make outdoor experiences less enjoyable. However, fewer tourists usually visit during these wetter periods, offering a quieter atmosphere and possibly more one-on-one time with the animals. Booking a stay requires significant advance planning. While the Main Manor can only be booked as part of a package with one of the Safari Collection's other hotels, the Garden House can be reserved as a stand-alone stay based on availability. For either option, securing your reservation well in advance for this truly unique experience is highly recommended.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Newsweek
Report: British Open Returning to Trump Turnberry Unlikely, per R&A Insider
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. There is no doubt that Trump Turnberry, one of the crown jewels of President Donald Trump's golf-related real estate properties, has the potential to host the Open Championship. Trump has made no secret of his intention to make that happen sooner rather than later. According to The Telegraph, an anonymous insider within the Royal and Ancient (R&A) described the likelihood of the historic Turnberry returning to the Open Championship course rotation as about as high as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer "being invited for a round at the Queenwood"—referring to the exclusive Surrey golf club. The Telegraph also quoted one anonymous member of the R&A saying that under previous CEO Mark Slumbers, "the phrase 'over my dead body' was generally used when discussing when the Open would go to Turnberry." Trump Turnberry told Newsweek via email that they could not comment on the views and statements of others, but they are ready to hold The Open whenever asked. Last November, Slumbers also told The Telegraph "We will not be taking events there until we're comfortable that the whole dialogue will be about golf." Mark Darbon, Slumbers' successor at the R&A, raised a different concern. "We need a venue that is appropriate from both a logistical and commercial perspective," he said. "That's critical for us, because through the Open, we generate most of our revenue and we use that to invest in the rest of the game all around the world. So the reality is that a modern-day Open requires a venue that can support us logistically and commercially." An April 2025 Reuters story reported a similar perspective, explaining that "The R&A would like to see Turnberry return as host of The Open, but the governing body will first need to assess the feasibility of the venue, chief executive Mark Darbon said." A view of the green on the par 3, ninth hole beside The Turnberry Lighthouse as sunset on the Ailsa golf course at Trump Turnberry resort on July 09, 2023 in Girvan, Scotland. A view of the green on the par 3, ninth hole beside The Turnberry Lighthouse as sunset on the Ailsa golf course at Trump Turnberry resort on July 09, 2023 in Girvan, Prestigious History Trump Turnberry does have plenty of high-level history, though. Legendary Scottish golfer Colin Montgomerie is among those supporting its return to the spotlight. "It's ranked number one in Scotland and in Britain, and rightly so. It's the best course in Scotland, and it deserves to host an Open. And let's hope the authorities can all get together and find a way around it and make it happen," he said. Turnberry's current championship course, the Alisa, opened in 1906, though it has been in operation since 1901 when it had only 13 holes. Throughout its history, the venue has hosted four Open Championships (in 1977, 1986, 1994, and 2009), seven Senior Open Championships (from 1987 to 1990, in 2003, 2006, and 2012), and two Women's British Opens (in 2002 and 2015). The Open Championship will be played from July 18-20 at Royal Portrush. It will then travel to Royal Birkdale in 2026 and St. Andrews in 2027. Although the 2028 venue has not been officially confirmed, The Telegraph reports a rumor that it has been awarded to another Scottish course, Muirfield. More Golf: PGA Tour Fans Want 'Media Training' for Collin Morikawa Amid Reporter Feud
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Bob MacIntyre ends Travelers in stunning style to make more key Ryder Cup moves as he sets immediate goal
Buoyant Bob MacIntyre delivered a searing sign-off from his seven-week sequence in the States as he finished with a fabulous flourish at the Travelers Championship. The Scottish star completed his latest impressive spell on the PGA Tour with a brilliant late-Sunday burst to boost his finale at TPC River Highlands. Advertisement MacIntyre played his last four holes of his tournament in four-under par to card a Sunday 66 and surge up the final standings in Connecticut with his best round of the week. READ MORE: Holiday horror as rats the size of cats filmed on popular Spanish beach READ MORE: The Scottish island that was crowned 'prettiest' you need to visit this summer Understandably, after such an epic performance, he was unable to recreate the scintillating magic of Oakmont the previous week and get into title contention as he had done when coming within a whisker of winning the US Open before being dramatically pipped at the death by winner JJ Spaun. Advertisement But the Oban star still delivered mostly-strong work before the thrilling finale which has secured another positive step forward in the race for the FedEx Cup play-offs and, more crucially, the The Ryder Cup team. MacIntyre's Oakmont display rocketed him to fourth place in the European List and he cemented that excellent effort by banking more valuable points in Cromwell. Staring the week, the Tartan ace was one place behind Shane Lowry and one ahead of Sepp Straka in the List heading into the tournament and finished well ahead of both the Irishman and the Austrian in the closing positions at the Travelers to make more key ground. Bob MacIntyre suffered a heartbreaking loss in the US Open The 28-year-old went into the 28th and final competitive round of his gruelling seven-successive week spell on the two-under par mark and exchanged shots with the course to stay on that number through 14 holes of his final effort before the flying late flurry. Advertisement MacIntyre first jumped forward with a chip-in eagle three on his 15th, the par-five sixth on the course as he started from 10th tee due to weather delays and restructured tee-times, to lift his position and backed it up immediately with a long-birdie putt at the next to stretch to five-under par. Following a par on his penultimate hole, MacIntyre concluded with another birdie at his last hole to cap the week and the lengthy spell of events in perfect fashion. The Scot's work has seen him take in the Truist Championship, PGA Championship, Charles Schwab Challenge, Memorial, RBC Canadian Open and US Open before this Travalers and MacIntyre will now return home for a short break before the defence of his Genesis Scottish Open title and The Open Championship at Royal Portrush the following week. Former Ryder Cup star David Howell is convinced the Scot can have a strong run in Northern Ireland having come sixth at the course in 2019 in his debut Open. Advertisement He said: 'Yes [Scottie] Scheffler is going to be the favourite for that Championship, of course. But he is made for links golf, Bob MacIntyre. And he has proved to himself last week that he can win a Major because, when he had the chance, he did everything right. So he'll have his own expectations to deal with, but surely we'll have a good performance from him.' MacIntyre made it clear in the immediate aftermath of Oakmont that he isn't shying away from the Major challenge and admitted it has handed additional belief as he said: 'There's no reason why I can't win a major championship in my career and that's my goal now. I said I wanted to win the Scottish Open and I got that. I just want to win Majors now.'
