Introducing Stirling
Stirling is perfectly positioned for businesses to take full advantage of all Scotland has to offer. Indeed, EY has forecast Stirling to have Scotland’s fastest-growing economy, with one of the top growth rates in the UK.
Strategically located in the heart of Scotland, Stirling is steeped in history and surrounded by vibrant communities. While Stirling recently celebrated its 900th anniversary, its economy is innovation-led and future-focused, with a highly skilled workforce, established supply chains and collaborative business networks.
Well-connected, strategic location
Stirling is both the name of our compact city and our vast council area, covering 800 square miles in the heart of Scotland; stretching from the Forth Valley in the east to Loch Lomond in the west, and from Scotland’s Central Belt up towards the Highlands. Little wonder that Stirling has been called the brooch that clasps Scotland’s Highlands and Lowlands.
Stirling is within an hour’s travel time of over half of Scotland’s population. It has one of Scotland’s busiest train stations, with services reaching Edinburgh or Glasgow in just over 30 minutes and London in 5 hours. From 2026, First Group has announced that Lumo will operate four return services from Stirling to London Euston daily. Beyond the UK, Stirling is within easy reach of two international airports offering access to more than 120 global markets.
Future-focused growth sectors
Stirling’s five future-focused growth sectors are rooted in the expertise of local businesses and education providers as well as local, regional and national economic trends and priorities:
Stirling’s growth sectors are underpinned by cross-cutting capabilities in digital tech and manufacturing, which ensure our innovation and skills are fit for the industries of tomorrow.
Innovative and collaborative business environment
With more businesses per population than the national average and higher start-up and survival rates, Stirling has a strong entrepreneurial culture. With the University of Stirling, Forth Valley College and three incubators (CodeBase, SUIP and STEP), we collaborate with businesses to foster innovation; and together with local, regional and national networks and partners, including Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce, we support businesses to develop and grow.
Alongside cross-cutting capabilities in tech and manufacturing, Stirling’s is a pioneer in sustainability and net zero. We developed the UK’s first District Heat Network powered by waste water and our Regional Energy Masterplan is among the most ambitious.
Business-friendly local authority
Stirling Council strategies prioritise economic growth: its current strategic priorities include creating a competitive local economy, while its Economic Strategy aims to create one of the most vibrant, sustainable and inclusive economies in the UK.
The Council has an integrated Economic Development, Planning and Climate Change Service designed to remove barriers and provide coordinated support to businesses, with a single point of contact through Invest in Stirling. The Service works closely with a network of local regional and national partners, as well as the UK and Scottish Governments, to ensure Stirling-based businesses are supported to start, scale and innovate.
Stirling-based businesses have a track record of successful engagement with national enterprise agencies, including securing funding to support growth. In fact, in 2024, the Scottish Government’s Economy Secretary announced Scottish Enterprise’s record results on a visit to Stirling, highlighting our place at the forefront of Scotland’s innovation economy.
City Region growth
The Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal is bringing £90 million public and research investment to digital connectivity, innovation, active travel and culture, tourism and heritage.
Moreover, Stirling Council secured up to £19 million from the UK Government to prime a 34-acre former military site beside the city centre for development. The site had been transferred to Stirling Council using City Region Deal funds, and it is now earmarked to include one of Scotland’s largest film and high-end TV studios – with an operator due to be appointed imminently.
Competitive development opportunities
Stirling offers all the benefits of a central location but with lower costs. High quality and sustainable commercial property developments could be on average 25% to 35% cheaper than Scotland’s larger cities. Our dedicated and experienced development partner Stirling Development Agency (SDA) is well-placed to support specialist builds, with designs tailored to suit specific requirements at cost-effective prices.