THE Stirling Gin and Whisky Festivals concluded at the weekend with more than 1,100 visitors coming to the city centre.

Run by the Stirling Spirit Co, the festivals were hotly anticipated by attendees having been re-scheduled in 2020.

Guests travelled from all over the UK to attend the annual events that celebrate the best in Scottish spirits.

Held on back to back weekends, guests had access to a wide range of spirits, enjoyed special discounts and were the first to try new products.

With brands including Glenboyne, Tulibardine and more, guests stayed until the sun had long set.

For gin fans, the festival on Saturday, November 6 while cocktail masterclasses were run by Stirling Distillery staff, giving guests the chance to make a cocktail from Stirling’s award winning Tropical Triumph gin liqueur.

Event organiser June McCann said: “We were so pleased to be back hosting festivals in Stirling again. It’s a great opportunity for Scottish brands to promote their products as well as encourage visitors to explore local Stirling businesses as they descend on our beautiful, historic city.”

Finlay Geekie, owner of Wild Thyme Spirits who brought Colonsay gin to this year’s gin festival, added: “We had an absolute blast at the event - great venue - well attended - the gin drinkers of Stirling were very generous in their praise for our products and purchased accordingly.

“We sold out of three of the gins we brought along despite thinking we’d over stocked.”

Stirling is bidding to become UK City of Culture in 2025. As the solo Scottish bid, the city wants to put culture at the heart of the area’s regeneration and growth ambitions.

Cllr Scott Farmer, vice convener, said: “Culture is a key priority for Stirling and can act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the area, attracting investment and tourism, bringing people together and reaffirming a sense of place and pride.”