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More than meets the iCentre

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Visitors to Stirlingshire can feel confident they’ll experience the best the region has to offer thanks to staff at VisitScotland’s iCentres. 

The area has two information hubs, one in Stirling and one in Aberfoyle, run by experienced and friendly people with a real passion for sharing the incredible things to see and do across Forth Valley and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. 

After a difficult 18 months of COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions, the tourism industry is keen to bounce back and the iCentres are no different.

VisitScotland Assistant iCentre Manager in Stirling, Angela Dick, said“We play an important part in the community here in Stirling, especially in relation to keeping people up to date with what’s open and any guidelines that may be in place. We are often the first point of contact for locals and visitors looking for information about local businesses and attractions, and as a team we take great pride in being able to work with our local community to assist in any way we can.”

As well as answering a variety of queries, selling attraction tickets and providing guidance and recommendations, the iCentres also stock a range of products through the ShopLocal initiative that provides a platform for craft makers, artists and designers to promote and sell their products.  

An important part of the iCentre’s role since reopening is helping visitors to enjoy the area responsibly, by linking visitors with local tourism businesses and sharing information on some of the hidden gems that can be enjoyed. 

VisitScotland Assistant iCentre Manager in Aberfoyle, Claire Lambie, said:“Trips on both Loch Katrine and Loch Lomond always prove popular with all generations and for the more adventurous there are water sports available on the banks of Loch Ard.“We have a had a real mix of visitors this season from across the UK, many of whom have never visited the area or Scotland before.“Several regular visitors who have been to the area many times before have said Aberfoyle has been their first trip outside their house since restrictions eased, it is lovely to think that they have specifically chosen here for their first trip out, confident in the friendly village welcome and the wide open spaces to get out in the fresh air.”

Here are some of recommendations from Stirling and Aberfoyle iCentre teams on places to enjoy across Forth Valley: 

  • [Callendar House, Falkirk](https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/callendar-house-p254861) - Dating from the 14th century, the historic house has played host to many great historical figures over the centuries, including Mary, Queen of Scots, Cromwell and Bonnie Prince Charlie. It now features displays about house’s history, the Antonine Wall and Rome’s Northern Frontier and boasts a restored 1825 kitchen, as well as a tearoom. 
  • [Stirling Old Town Jail](https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/the-old-town-jail-p1201321) – Opened in 1847 after the city’s previous prison was dubbed “the worst jail in Britain”, the Old Town Jail housed the area’s criminals until it became a military prison before closing down in the 1950s. It was turned into a visitor attraction in 1996 and now offers self-guided audio tours, and an escape room. 
  • Doon Hill, Aberfoyle – This beautiful spot is said to be where local minister, Reverend Robert Kirk, was killed by faeries in 1692 after publishing a book revealing their secrets. His body was found on the hill, which he has said was the gateway to fairy queen’s kingdom. Look out for the solitary pine on top of the hill, which some believe still holds the reverend’s soul. 
  • [Japanese Garden, Clackmannanshire ](https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/the-japanese-garden-at-cowden-castle-scio-p1781321)– This incredible greenspace at Cowden was created in 1908 and closed to the public in 1955 but restored in 2014. Aside from being beautiful and peaceful, the garden is the only one of its type in the world to have been designed by a Japanese woman, Taki Handa. It features the Stewart Woodland area with craft cabins, activity trails, children's adventure park and a picnic area along with a tearoom.
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More than meets the iCentre

VisitScotland’s information staff give regional insights

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