A RAFT of safety measures have been launched to support Stirling's nightlife this weekend.

Go Forth Stirling BID has joined with partners to take action and assist the night-time economy, ensuring people are safe as the city gets ready for Halloween celebrations and the re-opening of nightclub Fubar.

The business improvement district (BID) organisation is funding taxi marshals from Wednesday to Sunday this week after the usual budget for the scheme was withdrawn.

The Safebase initiative will be a place to support visitors on Saturday and Sunday, complimented by volunteer-led first-aid patrols and an area for people to seek shelter in case they have been stranded.

A safe haven will be located at the service entrance of the Thistles on Goosecroft Road between 10pm and 4am on both days.

Stirling Street Pastors will also be patrolling city centre streets to offer help and look out for anyone who finds themselves in a vulnerable situation.

Police Scotland will also have extra officers on duty this weekend.

Danielle McRorie-Smith, Go Forth Stirling project director, said: “This is a week of concentrated action from the BID and our partners to support our night-time economy as it gets back on its feet.

“We also want to keep people safe during what is historically the busiest weekend of the year, with numbers similar to Freshers’ Week, and at a time when there have been reports across the UK of drink-spiking incidents.

“It’s all about making sure there’s a raft of measures in place should anyone be vulnerable in Stirling.”

The BID has also recently introduced a team of ambassadors who patrol the streets during the day to welcome tourists and visitors while supporting business owners.

They are also on the look out for environmental and antisocial issues, reporting incidents through Retailers Against Crime initiative.

Richard Mclennan, chair of Safebase Scotland, added: “Our aim is to create a safer experience for people who are out enjoying Stirling’s night-time economy.

“Our team can help with a variety of situations – for example if people are lost or need help to find a taxi home.

“They can carry out first aid which minimises the need for ambulances to come into the city centre and means that injured people may not need to visit A&E.

“We can also provide mental health support by giving people the space to come and chat for a while and somewhere safe for individuals to wait if they’ve missed the last bus home.”

For more details, visit safebasescotland.org.