Firms urged to spruce up shop fronts

Transformed The Book Nook was awarded £20,000 in last year's round of funding

- KAIYA MARJORIBANKS

Businesses across Stirling are being encouraged to apply for up to £20,000 of funding to improve their premises.

Stirling Council’s Premises Improvement Grant supports the growth of local businesses by improving the local environment and energy efficiency, as well raising the profile of the area's city, towns and villages.

From a total funding pot of £200,000, eligible businesses can apply for grants between £2,000 and £20,000. The closing date for applications is Friday August 8.

The grants aim to deliver a wide range of benefits.

These include: additional footfall to key commercial areas, improvements to buildings and public spaces; a boost to civic pride and community wellbeing; reduced carbon emissions; and enhanced commercial confidence leading to increased inward investment.

Last year, The Book Nook, an independent bookshop and coffee shop on Upper Craigs in Stirling was awarded £20,000 from the scheme for a project to improve its frontage and ventilation.

Leanne Brown, co-owner of the Book Nook, said: "I’m super grateful that we were awarded the premises improvement grant.