New city sightseer bus aims to take visitors to Stirling top spots

Discovering the stories and landmarks of the historic city of Stirling will be a breeze this summer – as the all-new Stirling Sightseer open-top bus tour is set to launch later this month.

The new tour will run every day from Monday, May 27 until the end of September, and will provide a hop-on, hop-off flexible way to discover Stirling’s story, as the city celebrates 900 years since the Royal Burgh of Stirling was founded by King David I in 1124.

Bus operator Midland Bluebird – part of the McGill’s Bus Group owned by Scottish tycoons Sandy and James Easdale - is launching the new Stirling Sightseer Tour, which will follow a circular route taking in the city’s must-see landmarks including Stirling Castle, the Beheading Stone, the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, Stirling Old Bridge across the River Forth, Bridge of Allan and the National Wallace Monument.

Timetables and fare details have been confirmed online at midlandbluebird.com, with buses running every hour, every day – and Midland Bluebird says Sightseer Tour tickets will include travel on its frequent X36 SWIFT and 56 routes between Stirling and the Battle of Bannockburn Experience, to give sightseers easy access to the story of Robert the Bruce on the site of his greatest victory using digital technology to recreate the sights and sounds of medieval battle.

McGill’s Bus Group Managing Director Alex Hornby said: “We’re thrilled to be introducing this exciting new Stirling Sightseer tour in a year when this amazing city is celebrating 900 years of history as a Royal Burgh.

“Stirling has many landmarks to see, but the hilly nature of the city can make it a challenge to get around, especially for those less able to walk.

“Our new tour will take sightseers up to the castle entrance, saving that climb up to the castle– and to more great attractions including The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, home to The Stirling Story, an interactive exhibition tracing the people and events that earned this city an important place in Scotland’s story.

“We also take in the historic spa town of Bridge of Allan, with shops, restaurants and a proud heritage to discover – and the National Wallace Monument, where we connect with a free shuttle bus taking visitors right up to the monument with stunning views across the city and beyond.

“We’re looking forward to bringing all the best views and landmarks in this great city together in an accessible and memorable experience for all the family to enjoy.”

Stirling Council leader, Cllr Chris Kane, added: “We’ve just launched our 900th celebrations as a royal burgh and the new Stirling Sightseer Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus from Midland Bluebird adds even further to Stirling’s visitor offering.

“With the Summer Sessions coming up at Stirling City Park, featuring artists such as Tom Jones and Shania Twain, and fantastic world class attractions such as Stirling Castle and The National Wallace Monument, it’s little wonder the Stirling area is a must-visit destination.

“Our local businesses, bars, cafés and restaurants are also looking forward to welcoming the new Stirling Sightseer bus and its passengers and offering the hospitality and service for which they are renowned.”

Details of the new tour are available online at midlandbluebird.com.