STIRLING MP Steven Paterson met with Lord Dunlop from the Scotland office to discuss Stirling's city deal bid.

Stirling Council leaders of all political colours also made the trip to Whitehall to show the deal bid is being supported by all sides of the political divide.

Mr. Paterson wrote to the Scottish Secretary David Mundell to highlight the comprehensive business plan, pieced together by Stirling Council officers, seeking investment in the Stirling area from national government. Mr Mundell invited the MP along to the Scotland Office to discuss the bid.

The Stirling city deal seeks to invest in infrastructural projects across Stirling with the aim of encouraging private investment, growing businesses and jobs.

Mr Paterson said: “I was delighted to lead a cross-party delegation of elected representatives and officers from Stirling Council to talks with Scotland Office ministers on Stirling’s city deal bid. The bid itself aims to unlock economic potential across the Stirling area and such investment would bring great opportunities for growth and jobs.

“The meeting was an optimistic and positive discussion on the comprehensive business plan as set out by Stirling Council officers and their hard work on this project must be commended.

“The UK Government’s support on this matter is most welcome and I hope to see this turn into firm commitment in the weeks ahead.”

If successful, Stirling would become the first city outside England to attract a city deal.