Penguin Trail in Stirling hailed a success
Stirling’s first Penguin Trail has been hailed a success after increasing footfall around the city and offering festive fun for shoppers.
Article Source: Go Forth Stirling
Last Updated: 23 January 2025 12:16
The Trail, organised by Go Forth Stirling BID (Business Improvement District), gave participants the chance to pick up a map and discover the story of Chilly the Penguin who, along with members of his colony, had drifted away on an iceberg.
They took part in `Chilly’s Family Reunion’ by following the map and finding the missing penguins which had been hand-painted in the windows of 15 Stirling shops by talented local signwriter Ross Hastie.
A range of city centre businesses hosted a penguin-themed window including Amore Hair, Indian Cottage, Café Aina, TJ’s, Nationwide and Stirling Property while other businesses offered penguin or Christmas-themed promotions and offers.
Laura McClintock, who runs Nevermore Tattoo Studio in Friars Street, offered Christmas-themed temporary tattoos to youngsters and created 77 tattoos across the festive season including a number of penguins.
She said: “We were a stop along the Penguin Trail and it was lovely to have lots of families call in, tell us how they were getting on with finding the penguins and take up the offer of a temporary tattoo.
“This was a successful initiative which involved many of us in the business community and helped bring people into the city centre to visit the shops and cafes along the Trail. We enjoyed it and are looking forward to the next Trail!”
More than 500 Penguin Trail maps were distributed and 225 downloaded from the Go Forth website throughout December.
Those who took part were surveyed afterwards with 56.3% of respondents noting they had discovered a new business during the Trail with these including Clan Artisan on Port Street and Toast at Forthside.
One family wrote: “We didn’t realise how many independent shops Stirling centre has. The Trail sent us all over the town which we really enjoyed and it was a wonderful way to help get everyone into the Christmas spirit.”
It took an average of two hours for families to finish the Trail with many completing it over a couple of days.
Meanwhile, 75% of respondents said they spent money in local businesses while taking part in the Penguin Trail and several mentioned how they now look forward to trying more of the BID’s seasonal Trails.
Pupils from Allan’s Primary School also completed the Trail during their outdoor lessons and Chilly the Penguin accompanied one of the classes during their walk around town.
Meanwhile, Central Library was one of the map pick-up points and staff were pleased to see Chilly the Penguin pop in to visit youngsters enjoying a Bookbug session.
Deborah McFadzean, Stirling Council Community Library Officer, said: “It was a lovely surprise for the children at our Central Library Bookbug session to have a special visit from Chilly the Penguin.
“There was an increase in families visiting to pick up their trail maps and spending time in the library too during the initiative. We’ve also had many great comments about the trail and how it allowed families to enjoy some free festive fun and visit local businesses they’d never been to before.”
Jen Preston, Vice Convener of Stirling Council’s Finance, Economy and Corporate Support Committee, added: “It’s great to hear that this fun and creative festive project helped boost footfall in the city centre and promoted Stirling’s wide range of independent businesses and community facilities, including Stirling Central Library, to families.”
Go Forth’s Event Co-ordinator Josie Brown was delighted with the success of the Penguin Trail and is now working on plans for the next seasonal trail at Easter.
She said: “We’re pleased with how our first Penguin Trail went and we’ve had great feedback from families and traders who took part.
“As with all our seasonal Trails, we wanted to offer families some fun during their visits to the city centre and promote all the fantastic shops, cafes, attractions and restaurants we have in Stirling.
“As always, the business community embraced the initiative and enjoyed having their windows painted with penguin scenes by Ross.
“We were also delighted to see traders getting into the spirit of the season by handing out free candy canes and hot chocolate drinks to families taking part.”
Three lucky winners were selected at random from all the correctly completed Trail competition entries and they received prizes of a goody bag featuring penguin- themed books, toys and treats.
The Penguin Trail is one of many initiatives devised by the BID to support Stirling’s independent businesses.
Go Forth Stirling BID was set up in 2017 and currently represents more than 600 local businesses with a key objective of delivering projects and services which improve Stirling’s trading environment to benefit businesses, shoppers and visitors.
For more details visit www.goforthstirling.co.uk
Image: Chilly the Penguin with Laura McClintock from Nevermore Tattoo
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
Homebuilder announced as headline sponsor of Stirling 900 finale celebrations
Persimmon Homes (East Scotland) has been unveiled as the headline sponsor for the Stirling 900 finale celebrations.
READ MORE
Hop along to Dobbies this Easter
Dobbies Garden Centres is welcoming families and four-legged friends to hop along and get set for spring at its brand-new Easter-themed events, taking place across the UK.
READ MORE
Thousands of preloved books for children to find new homes through Asda instore donation points in Scotland
The initiative enables customers across the UK to donate pre-loved children's books in-store, for onward gifting to families with fewer books of their own.
READ MORE
Marstons is going marmalade mad in celebration of Paddington in Peru
To celebrate the Home Release of Paddington in Peru, Marston's has created a limited-edition marmalade-inspired children's menu, which will be available in over 250 Marston's pubs nationwide!
READ MORE
Scots charity calls on young Scottish poets for national campaign
Communities across Scotland are being invited to make a visible show of support for LGBTQ+ young people this Purple Friday.
READ MORE
From Barra to Buenos Aires: Worldwide Gaelic celebration just around the corner
The Gaelic language is set to be celebrated around the world in less than two weeks' time as Seachdain na Gàidhlig, World Gaelic Week, gets set to return from 24th February - 2nd March.
READ MORE
Stirling to Host Sizzling Showcase of Food, Drink and Tourism
Stirling is turning up the heat this March with a dynamic line up of events designed to inspire, connect and showcase the region’s food, drink and tourism industry.
READ MORE
Multi level car park reopens at Thistles following refurbishment
Thistles, Stirling, today announces the reopening of its car park following an extensive £3.5 million investment as part of ongoing improvement plans.
READ MORE
Valentines Share The Love Campaign Launched in Stirling
Stirling residents are being invited to share their support for the city’s business community this month.
READ MORE
Creative organisations invited to take part in special Stirling 900 cultural celebration
Creative organisations are being invited to take part in a special cultural night on Friday 28 March as part of Stirling’s 900th anniversary finale celebrations.
READ MORE
Hostelling Scotland launches appeal for Gen Z board members to help put the youth back into hostelling
THE organisation behind one of Scotland's most historic travel traditions is calling for young people to join its board as it seeks to capitalise on a surge in interest amongst Gen Z travellers.
READ MORE
The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show returns to Glasgow
Here's everything you need to know about the biggest show of its kind in Scotland!
READ MORE
Stellar line up of leaders unite to influence a better future of work in Scotland
Award winning authors, a former SAS soldier, along with HR leaders from Scotland’s top employers are among the speakers for the CIPD Scotland Annual Conference, 2025.
READ MORE
Brand new experience to celebrate Mothers Day at Dobbies
This March, Dobbies Garden Centres is offering a new hands-on Mother's Day experience, combining a luxury Afternoon Tea with a seasonal planting workshop.
READ MORE
Stirling Castle set to host a belated Burns Night celebration
On Saturday 8 February, Stirling Castle will be hosting a belated Burns an' a' that, a celebration of the famous Scottish bard, Robert Burns.
READ MORE
New exhibition to celebrate the literary history of Stirling
Stirling’s remarkable literary history is being celebrated at a new exhibition to mark the city’s 900th anniversary.
READ MORE
Free and great value half term activities at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is offering great value entertainment for families this February half term.
READ MORE
itison Us charity call out
itison Us have thousands of free respite experiences available for small Scottish charities.
READ MORE
Pavilion Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup with James, Ewan McVicar, Annie Mac, Ben Hemsley, Happy Mondays and more
Pavilion Festival has today announced the huge lineup for its third year on Ayr Beach with James, Annie Mac, Happy Mondays, Ewan McVicar, Ben Hemsley and more playing live!
READ MORE
Warning of rogue traders following Storm Eowyn
Stirling Council is urging residents and businesses to be wary of rogue traders looking to take advantage of the damage to property caused by Storm Eowyn.
READ MORE
Trust launches storm appeal following extensive damage across Scotland
The National Trust for Scotland has launched an appeal to support emergency work needed to deal with the devastating destruction caused by Storm Éowyn.
READ MORE
Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show launches a mythical map of Scotland with lead Scottish tour company
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland has partnered with Andy The Highlander to create an Enchanted Map of Scotland's most enchanted locations.
READ MORE
Scottish hospitality group serves up new digital loyalty scheme to cut customer bills
Scottish hospitality group, Signature, has launched an innovative new digital loyalty scheme to help cost-conscious customers save money dining out.
READ MORE
Scottish Golf events go LIVE for 2025
Top amateurs and handicap golfers can now sign up for one or more of Scottish Golf's 33 championships in a packed 2025 schedule.
READ MORE
Live Music Now Scotland announces unparalleled new award
Live Music Now Scotland is delighted to announce a funding award of £150,000 from Elizabeth Lornie's Charitable Trust.
READ MORE
Pavilion Festival returns to Ayr Beach with Saturday lineup curated by Ewan McVicar
Pavilion Festival Presents: Ewan McVicar B2B Ben Hemsley, special guest Annie Mac, along with DJ Seinfeld, Sally C, Robert Hood (Floorplan) and more on Saturday 3rd May!
READ MORE
BBC Debate Night returns for 2025
BBC Scotland's topical TV programme Debate Night returns this month and they are searching for people to be part of the big studio audience.
READ MORE
Huge 90s pop dance stars heading to Royal Highland Centre for Forth 50 Live!
Forth 1 have today announced details of Forth 50 - Live!, a huge celebration to mark the station's 50th birthday with an epic line up of 90s pop dance acts at The Royal Highland Centre.
READ MORE
Penguin Trail in Stirling hailed a success
Stirling’s first Penguin Trail has been hailed a success after increasing footfall around the city and offering festive fun for shoppers.
READ MORE
Celebrate Chinese New Year with a roster of blockbusters at Vue venues in Scotland
Vue venues across Scotland will be showcasing a mixture of the latest big screen blockbusters from China as well as an anniversary screening of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links