STIRLING is still on track for an exciting year of celebration to commemorate the Battle of Bannockburn and Homecoming 2014..

Bruce Crawford tabled a Parliamentary Question, which was answered last week by the Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism.

Mr Crawford said: "The Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism confirmed that the Scottish Government has invested �310,000 thus far to support events for 2013-14 in the Stirling area, and hinted that this may increase yet further.

"This sum to ensure the delivery of an exciting programme of events is in addition to the �5 million investment in a Bannockburn Visitor Centre, which promises to be truly awe-inspiring.

"I am delighted that events next year are receiving the resolute backing of the Scottish Government, and look forward to the efforts of all partners working hard to deliver an excellent programme of events for Stirling and the Stirling area next year reaching fruition." During the debate, MSP Bruce Crawford put to the Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, Fergus Ewing: "Clearly, significant investment is being made in the Stirling area to ensure an exciting and vibrant year of homecoming and 700th anniversary of the battle of Bannockburn. However, to ensure that the economic benefits are maximised to the full, will the minister assure me that EventScotland will give every consideration to supporting Stirling Council's wider and more beefed-up programme for the year of homecoming, including, for example, hogmanay 2014, the Spirit of Stirling whisky festival, Stirling highland games, Stirling food and drink festival and the Bloody Scotland crime-writing festival.

"This will be Stirling's year and it is a fantastic opportunity that must be grasped to the full." Fergus Ewing replied: "All those events offer a terrific opportunity for people to enjoy a day out in Stirling. I have met the leadership of Stirling Council on four or five occasions over the past year and am due to meet it again on 15 May. We want to work with Stirling Council to make the year of homecoming truly remarkable and memorable-a marvellous occasion for us all to enjoy and to celebrate the outcome of the battle of Bannockburn." A full Stirling Council meeting will take place tomorrow (Thursday) in which details of the events planned for the Bannockburn celebrations will be set out.