A DOZEN licensed premises in Stirling and Dunblane received gold and silver accreditation in the Best Bar None Scotland scheme.

Pub and bar representatives gathered at the Golden Lion in town this week to receive their awards in the scheme, which looks to reduce alcohol related crime and promote good practice.

Chief Inspector Boulton, Police Scotland's area commander for Stirling, said: “Stirling is rightly recognised as a safe, and desirable place to live, work and visit, with a thriving economy.

“This is undoubtedly supported by initiatives such as Best Bar None; which focusses on public safety and customer care, together with the key principles of prevention of public nuisance, protecting and improving public health and the protection of children from harm.

“Accreditation through Best Bar None signals that venues have been rigorous in their demonstration of the highest standards and are proud to offer safe and welcoming licensed premises to the people of Stirling.”

Receiving gold accreditation were the Golden Lion, No 2 Baker Street, Molly Malones, Fubar, Morrisons CBC, the Kilted Kangaroo, the City Walls, the Crossed Peels and the University of Stirling Students' Union with Dunblane's Double Tree by Hilton Hydro also joining in.

The Corn Exchange in Stirling as well as the Tappit Hen in Dunblane received silver.

Councillor Margaret Brisley, convener of the Finance and Economy Committee, added: “I was delighted to see the number of venues who have chosen to take part in the scheme.

“The fact that all 12 participating venues have been assessed with top scores is a great reflection of the hard work and dedication Stirling’s licenced venues have with regards focusing on public safety and customer care as we seek to achieve a safe evening and night time economy.”