HUNDREDS of thousands of ponds have been allocated towards a cultural partnership in Stirling.

The local authority’s Community Planning and Regeneration Committee heard last week how Creative Scotland allocated £200,000 towards a Place Partnership in the city.

It is to encourage and support local partners in working together with the creative community, address opportunities and issues and strengthen development.

Councillors were also told about other recent activity when they received an update on the progress of Stirling’s Culture Strategy, a four-year programme launched in 2016.

April saw a creative community building event held by Codebase and Creative Stirling, while intergenerational events, safeguarding social history and sharing knowledge and skills are being developed through a range of activities and exhibitions at the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, the Engine Shed and the Pathfoot Gallery at the University of Stirling.

Cllr Chris Kane, convener of the committee, said: “Whether the remarkable art collections of the University of Stirling and the Smith; the diverse and soul affirming events of the MacRobert and the Tolbooth; the drive, energy and nurturing approach of Creative Stirling and Artlink Central; or the education and promotion of our heritage from the Engine Shed, Historic Environment Scotland, the Wallace Monument and more, Stirling’s cultural offering is incredible.

“With such a strong partnership working collaboratively, I have no doubt that Stirling’s creative spirit will continue to bring visitors and enrich all of our lives in the years ahead.”

Emerging from the strategy adopted two years ago, a Partnership for Culture was created, featuring agencies across the council and wider area.

It looks to address the three priorities of improving quality of life through culture, supporting creative communities and developing creative and cultural industries to establish the sector as a driving force in the local economy.

Cllr Maureen Bennison, vice convener of the committee, added: “Lots of hard work has already gone into this strategy over the past two years and it was great to hear such a positive update.

“Building Stirling’s reputation as a venue for live music or sporting events is one of our priorities and we are achieving that every day.

“It is crucial we continue to drive Stirling’s economy by attracting top-level events and the strategy and partnership is committed to ensuring that the value of arts, creativity and culture, and their impact on mainstream priorities is embraced by all.”