Cllr Boyd was speaking following a reception on Tuesday night at the Scottish Parliament, hosted by Bruce Crawford MSP. More than 300 people from business, tourism, education, the third sector and the community packed in to the Garden Lobby to exchange ideas about developing the area’s full potential in the light of the green light to City Deal funding signalled last week. The guests were also treated to performances by the Stirling Orchestra and Big Noise.
Speaking after the event, Stirling Council Leader Johanna Boyd said:
“The buzz that has been present in the Stirling area since last week’s announcement was well and truly transferred to Holyrood on Tuesday evening. But while people were there to celebrate the success of the City Deal bid, they were also there to make the connections that are necessary to take this once in a generation opportunity to transform Stirling.
“There is still much work to be done. But If we can maintain the shared positivity from Tuesday, then we will remain on the right track to help deliver the best City Deal possible for Stirling and Clackmannanshire.”
Head of Strategic Initiatives for SEPA, and Stirling City Commissioner Martin Valenti said:
“Tuesday night’s reception proved to be the perfect opportunity to celebrate Stirling’s City Deal bid and SEPA were delighted to help organise the event. To have all the right people in the same room, talking to each other so enthusiastically bodes well for the future.
“It’s time to put Stirling and Clackmannanshire on the map – not just Scotland, but internationally.”
The announcement of a City Deal for Stirling follows months of discussions with both the UK and Scottish Government about the benefits that Stirling’s ambitious plans will bring for both economies. Both the UK and Scottish Government have now committed to a City Deal for Stirling. Key measures, which have inclusive growth at their heart, include boosting economic growth, closing the attainment gap, and increasing foreign investment and overseas exports.
Next Stage of City Deal Starts Now
The shared enthusiasm behind the City Deal for Stirling and Clackmannanshire can help propel the discussions with the UK and Scottish Governments to a successful conclusion, Stirling Council Leader Johanna Boyd said today.
