A PROMOTIONAL video which celebrates Stirling’s independent shops and retailers has been launched by the city’s BID.
The film showcases the city’s flourishing independent scene and features more than 20 businesses.
Go Forth Stirling BID commissioned the two-minute video, created by Focas Media, as part of the Independent Stirling campaign which highlights independent businesses and their owners.
The film is voiced by Stirling Makar Laura Fyfe who 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.
“I hope others enjoy the video as much as I enjoyed being a part of the process of creating it.”
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.
It can be found on You Tube – www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6W2iOD_u7A – and also features on the Independent Stirling website which has been set up specifically to promote the city’s unique stores – www.independentstirling.co.uk
Meanwhile, independent businesses can easily be identified around the city by the ‘I’m In’ window stickers they display.
And more stories about the businesses and the owners behind them can be found on the Independent Stirling website.
Go Forth Stirling Project Director Danielle McRorie-Smith said: “I’m so pleased with how the video has turned out and the insight it gives into some of our unique small businesses.
“We are lucky to have a huge number of independent retailers in Stirling – shops, hairdressers, restaurants, hotels and attractions – and we wanted to make a promotional film which celebrates both them and Stirling as a fantastic place to visit.
“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 spirit of our local entrepreneurs really comes across and shows exactly what sets Stirling apart from other cities.
“And it’s easy to find and support our independents by looking out for the ‘I’m In’ stickers next time you’re in the city centre.”
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 attractive flower displays throughout the city centre; PR and poster campaigns and the popular Street Stories initiative which has seen eight empty shop windows transformed into animated works of art.
Stirling’s BID was set up in September 2017 following a vote and currently represents more than 600 local businesses with a key objective of delivering projects and services which improve the area’s trading environment to benefit businesses, shoppers and visitors.
The company will go to ballot next Spring in the hope of securing a further five-year term.
A successful renewal ballot will allow Go Forth Stirling to continue delivering initiatives for Stirling’s business community and funding projects.
