STIRLING will provide the perfect base to enjoy this year’s Solheim Cup by offering golf fans free park and ride.

A park and ride at Castleview will accommodate up to 3,700 vehicles and host a free bus shuttle service to and from Gleneagles Golf Course.

The biennial Solheim Cup between Europe and the USA, taking place from September 9-15, is the largest event taking place in Scotland in 2019.

Up to 100,000 sports fans are set to descend on Gleneagles Golf Course for the biggest spectacle in women’s golf, with the majority of attendees expected to travel from the south via Stirling.

The south park and ride facility at Falleninch Farm, adjacent to Castleview Car Park, is located on the Millennium Way (A84) near Junction 10 of the A9.

The site will serve as a base to carry around 8,500 spectators to the Solheim Cup on each of the match days, and the bus shuttle service, run by Stagecoach East Scotland, will take around 20 minutes and is free of charge. Buses will depart every five minutes.

Stirling council leader, councillor Scott Farmer, said: “We are delighted that Stirling can help provide a welcome to golf fans from across Scotland and around the world as they get set to enjoy this unique sporting occasion.

“It is fantastic that the Solheim Cup is taking place in Scotland and by helping deliver a successful transport and travel plan, Stirling is proud to be able to help all visitors enjoy this fantastic event to the full.”

The park and ride will give visitors from around the world the chance to make Stirling their home for the event and sample all that the region has to offer.

The Explore Stirling mobile app will offer a one-stop-shop for visitors to delve into the famous history of the city centre, or investigate the expansive web of walking, driving and cycling routes which weave their way through the sprawling countryside and rural communities.

The app delivers a personalised tour guide, storytelling, local music and history to users with more than 20 different walking, cycling and driving routes to show off the best of Stirling.

The routes not only cover Stirling City Centre, but a vast array of walking, cycling and driving through the Trossachs to Aberfoyle and Callander, around Loch Katrine and many more.

Depute leader Danny Gibson said: “People come from all over the world to see the famous landmarks and locations Stirling has to offer and hopefully those who attend the Solheim Cup will also take the chance to sample our unique historical offerings.

“The app is a brilliant way to showcase Stirling’s iconic history, as well as some of the hidden gems that are maybe not as well-known. I’m sure visitors will be keen to take the opportunity to learn some of the fascinating tales and stories associated with our famous landmarks, while enjoying one of golf’s landmark occasions.”

Castleview car park will be closed to the general public from the September 5-19. The EV chargers within the car park will not be available and a list of alternative chargers can be found here.