THE community in Cowie and beyond are being urged by Stirling Albion footballers to take part in coronavirus testing.

The village's very own Ross McGeachie, club captain, defender Kyle Banner and manager Kevin Rutkiewicz all voluntarily attended the asymptomatic Covid-19 community testing unit, which is available in Cowie until Saturday, July 17.

The initiative is for people without any symptoms and residents are being called on to take lateral flow device (LFD) tests to help protect family, friends and neighbours.

Club captain McGeachie said: “Many of us in Stirling will have experienced the virus within our families.

“If you’re not showing any form of symptoms, it is still possible that you may have the virus and can pass it on to others.

“Getting tested is a very, very quick procedure, it tickles a little bit, it doesn't hurt and it’s over before you know it.”

Testing is available at Cowie Community Centre without booking or an appointment needed on:

  • Wednesday, July 14, 12pm-4.30pm
  • Thursday, July 15, 12.30pm-7.30pm
  • Friday, July 16, 9.30am-4.30pm
  • Saturday, July 17, 9.30am-4.30pm

Stirling Albion manager Kevin Rutkiewicz said: “Please take the time to get tested and do your bit to help slow the spread of the virus.

“It’s really important that all of us look out for one another and continue to be cautious.”

LFD testing kits can also be collected to take home, people can visit this page for more details.

Councillor Scott Farmer, council leader, added: “At this crucial time as we look ahead to what will hopefully be further relaxation of restrictions we must continue to do all of the things that help slow the virus down.

“We need to ensure we get to the next review point for the easing of restrictions with the minimum impact on health, life, and on the NHS.”

The community testing site is only for people without symptoms.

Anyone with signs of Covid-19 should book a test via nhsinform.scot or call 0800 028 2816.