Olympic Torch plans taking shape

The Olympic Torch Relay will soon be passing through the Stirling area, bringing the chance to join in the spirit and excitement of the Games and Paralympic Games to thousands of local people.

The Torch is travelling the length and breadth of the UK, having set off from Lands End on 19 May, and will tour hundreds of communities across Scotland over the next few days.  It will make two visits to the Stirling area, reaching Crianlarich and Tyndrum on Saturday 9 June and Dunblane, Bridge of Allan and Stirling on Wednesday 13 June.“We hope that people of all ages will line the streets to help us give a warm Stirling welcome to the Torch,” said Stirling Council Provost Cllr Mike Robbins.  “The Torchbearers are all inspirational people who have been nominated for this honour by friends and colleagues in recognition of their outstanding personal achievements, generous work for others in their community, or triumph over adversity.  Our Torchbearers come from across Stirlingshire and across Scotland, and for them, as for us, this truly will be a never-to-be-forgotten  ‘moment to shine’.”

Where to see the Torch and cheer on the Torchbearers (all timings approximate)

Saturday 9 June

  • The Torch enters the Stirling area at Crianlarich around 11.15am. It will then proceed along the A82 past the Station Tearoom, passing the train station and then under the low bridge before heading on to the main street. The relay will then head into Tyndrum at roughly 11.30am, staying on the A82 and heading towards Lower Station Road before arriving at Tyndrum Lounge Hotel.


Wednesday 13 June

  • The Torch enters Bridge of Allan via Wallace High School and heads along Airthrey Road, passing the University gates about 9.50am. The procession then continues along Henderson Street before heading out towards Dunblane.  
  • The Torch will then proceed through Dunblane at about 10.15am, heading along Stirling Road and down Beech Road before continuing up the High Street at around 10.20am. It will travel the whole length of High Street, passing the Library and Drummond Rise before rejoining the Perth Road and travelling back towards Stirling at around 10.30am. 
  • Arriving in Stirling, the Torch will enter via Albert Place and begin its trip up to Clarendon Place at roughly 10.35am. It will then head along Corn Exchange Road at about 10.40am before turning up Spittal Street, passing Allan's Primary School around 10.43am.  It is expected to arrive at the Castle Esplanade at around 10.46am, where there will be a short photo session. 
  • It will then head off from the Castle at 11am  with the Torchbearers resuming their run at Albert Place around 11.05am. The procession will follow Dumbarton Road to Port Street (11.10am), head along St Ninians Road, pass Viewforth about 11.10am, and finally reach the Beechwood Park/Bellfield Road junction at about 11.20am. 
  • Stirling Council does not anticipate any disruption to refuse collection on Saturday 9 June. On Wednesday 13 June bins and recycling boxes will be collected between 7am, and 9am, which is slightly earlier than normal. The bins will then be placed further back from the kerb so the Torch procession can pass by with ease. 

Central Scotland Police Superintendent Graham Bye said; 

" We have beenworking closely with Stirling Council to ensure the the Olympic Torch Relay passes safely along the route.
"This is a unique event and we anticipate large numbers of people will turn up to see it. There will be disruption to traffic, and our advice is to plan your journey and to allow extra time for it. We encourage those attending to take direction from stewards along the route." 

Parking on the left hand side of Henderson Street (Fountain Road side) of Bridge of Allan and Beech Rd and the High Street in Dunblane will be suspended from 8.00am to 12 noon on 13 June. Parking on Corn Exchange Rd and Spittal Street will be suspended in Stirling from 8.00 am to 1.00 pm. Ballengeich Road will be closed during the same hours.
 
Thousands of school children from Stirling's nurseries, primaries and secondary schools will be lining the route, and each group has been allocated its own viewing area.   Stewards will line the route, and nursery and school children will be accompanied by school staff at all times.
 
Many of Stirling Council schools have been busy working on Olympic-themed projects in the run-up to the Torch’s arrival. These have included an Opening Ceremony, lessons on the history of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and many types of sporting activities.