A new digital app delivering fingertip access to Stirling’s iconic landmarks and tourist routes - and recorded with the help of Forth Valley College Sound Production students and staff - has been launched by Stirling Council.
The Explore Stirling mobile app is a one-stop-shop for visitors and locals alike who are looking to delve into the famous history of the city centre, or investigate the expansive web of walking, driving and cycling routes which weave their way through the sprawling countryside and rural communities.
Launched at the Tolbooth in the city centre on May 23, the app was developed by tech group Whereverly and brought together Stirling’s creative youth and local story tellers, with help from the Big Noise Orchestra and students at Forth Valley College.
The app is a multi-layered pocket guide to the area, delivering a personalised tour guide, storytelling, local music and history to users with more than 20 different walking, cycling and driving routes to show off the best of Stirling.
Aiming to help visitors and residents navigate around the area, the routes not only cover Stirling City Centre, but a vast array of walking, cycling and driving routes through the Trossachs to Aberfoyle and Callander, around Loch Katrine and many more.
The app will also connect visitors to Stirling’s history, nature, culture and greatest attractions via music, stories and narrated guides.
FVC Sound Production lecturer, Ian Fairclough, said: “It was great to be here at the official launch of the App. This has been a great opportunity of the students to showcase their skills in an industry sector leading project. It has also opened their minds to new avenues of work available to sound engineers in Multi-Media driven economy that is constantly expanding. The students have demonstrated to themselves and the clients that they can work to a high level in a professional environment and I am very proud of them.”
Colin McGeoch, Curriculum Manager in FVC’s Department of Creative Industries, said: “I am delighted that our students have been given the opportunity to become involved in such an interesting and exciting project. Through participating in this work, they are broadening their knowledge and skills and gaining valuable experience in emerging sectors of the industry. I’d like to thank Stirling Council and Whereverly for inviting our students to be involved in this project.”
Convenor of Stirling Council’s Finance and Economy Committee, Councillor Margaret Brisley, said: “This app is a brilliant way to showcase Stirling’s famous and iconic history, as well as some of the hidden gems that are maybe not as well-known.
“It has been great to see the young people in our community from Forth Valley College and Big Noise take such a prominent role in its development and production and is the perfect way to bridge the gap between Stirling’s historic past and digitally-led future.
“Hopefully people will see this for the great resource it is and continue to bring more visitors to Stirling by giving instant and easy access to the best we have to offer.”
The new app works entirely offline and routes can be downloaded and used from any location.
Users have the ability to search everything from food and drink to parking and scenic views, with a rating system also in operation to allow feedback on experiences. New routes will also be developed and released regularly to coincide with and support events, festivals and dates of historical significance.
Mel Alexander, Director of developers Whereverly said: “The Whereverly team have delighted in working with the council team to adopt and use new technologies to showcase Stirling as a unique tourist destination.
“We are very proud of the product we have created, working alongside individuals and organisations whose passion and commitment to promoting Stirling have made this project possible. We hope users of the app enjoy discovering what makes Stirling so special and we thank everyone involved.”
The app emerged through partnerships with Traditional Arts & Culture Scotland, storytellers Jess Smith and Paraig MacNeil, Greentrax Recordings and the Big Noise Orchestra, whose music also features on the app’s soundtrack.
Visit Scotland have also been involved, making the connection with local tourism groups and giving market insight.
Neil Christison, VisitScotland Regional Director said: “The Explore Stirling app is a fantastic way to showcase the area’s wonderful attractions and landscape to visitors. Tourism is a vital part of the economy, creating jobs and sustaining communities, so it is important we continue to look at innovative ways to promote the local tourism offering to visitors far and wide.
“It is also great to see the Year of Young People celebrated, with the app drawing content inspiration from students at Forth Valley College and local schools.
“Accessing visitor information via mobile phone is an increasingly popular and inclusive way to give everyone a taste of what Scotland has to offer.”
All audio production was produced and managed by Forth Valley College and the Explore Stirling App is available on both Apple and Android devices now here: https://www.yourstirling.com/explore-stirling-mobile-app/