Kids get ready to welcome iconic flame in their droves

Jun 8 2012 by Johnathon Menzies, Stirling Observer Friday

THOUSANDS of schoolchildren from across the Stirling area are expected to line the streets next week when the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay comes to town.

The iconic sporting symbol will be carried by torchbearers through Bridge of Allan, Dunblane and Stirling itself on Wednesday, June 13, during a highly-anticipated procession.

It will be the second time in a matter of days that the nationwide event, which got underway at Land’s End in Cornwall on May 19, visits the region as it is due to pass through Crianlarich and Tyndrum tomorrow (Saturday).

Youngsters from nurseries, primaries and secondary schools will be lining the route flanked by stewards, each group having been allocated its own viewing area.

Stirling Council Provost Mike Robbins declared: “We hope that people of all ages will line the streets to help give the torch a warm Stirling welcome.

Inspirational

“The torchbearers are all inspirational people who have been nominated for this honour by friends and colleagues in recognition of their outstanding personal achievements, generous work for others in their community, or triumph over adversity.

“Our torchbearers come from across Stirlingshire and across Scotland and, for them as for us, this truly will be a never-to-be-forgotten ‘moment to shine’.”

Central Scotland Police Superintendent Graham Bye added: “We have been working closely with Stirling Council to ensure that the Olympic Torch Relay passes safely along the route.

“This is a unique event and we anticipate large numbers of people will turn up to see it.

“There will be disruption to traffic, and our advice to the public is to plan journeys in advance and to allow extra time for them. We’re encouraging those attending the relay to take direction from stewards along the route.”

A spokesperson for Stirling Council assured residents that refuse collection will still take place during the torch’s time in the region, although Wednesday’s collection will take place earlier – between 7am and 9am – and bins will be placed further back from the kerbside.

Parking

Parking in Bridge of Allan and Dunblane will be suspended from 8am until noon on the 13th, as will parking in Stirling itself, from 8am until 1pm – including Ballengeich Road.