Kirkintilloch trail launched - and it involves tea and cake

The Kirky Cake and Coffee Trail, launched by Kirkintilloch Business Improvement District (BID), invites residents and visitors to explore the town by sampling coffee and cake at various establishments.

This initiative, backed by tech company Vicinity and Scotland’s Improvement Districts (SIDs), coincides with the Kirkintilloch Canal and Spirit of Alba festivals.

Colin Barrows, BID’s joint project manager, said: "What better way to work your way around that town than sampling coffee and cake as you go?

"Kirkintilloch has some great places to eat - and we hope that the trail is a great way to shine a spotlight on them."

Staff from The Courtyard promoting the Kirkintilloch Coffee and Cake Trail (Image: Newsquest)

The project was initiated after SIDs called for a pilot project in collaboration with Vicinity, which offers digital solutions for place management.

Rebecca Mather, SIDs’ national programme manager, said: "This trail is a real taste treat.

"We hope it is a real trail of discovery for locals and visitors alike, encouraging people to support great food, drink and entertainment venues."

Jim Hopkins, chair of Kirkintilloch BID, with the Scotland Loves Local Pledge in his business, Spirit of Alba (Image: Newsquest)

Vicinity's customer success representative, Heather Clamp, said: "It’s been fantastic working alongside Kirkintilloch BID to help develop their trail.

"Trails are a versatile and innovative tool that helps people navigate their local areas, discover what's on their doorstep, and enjoy an engaging and memorable experience - all while driving footfall and amplifying the reach of local businesses."

Kirkintilloch BID has also committed to supporting businesses by signing the Scotland Loves Local Pledge.

 Jim Hopkins, BID chair, said: "The message for us all to choose local and support the people around us is so important.

"Businesses in the town are really behind this.

"The simple fact is that without local support, none of us would be here.

"In the same way that we ask consumers to be there for us personally, it’s important that we as businesses are there for each other professionally too."

The pledge states: "We will choose local, prioritising the people and businesses around us at every opportunity."

Scotland Loves Local is a campaign initiated by Scotland’s Towns Partnership, with the backing of the Scottish Government, aimed at bolstering local economies and improving communities by rallying support for their residents and businesses.