Stirling – Beyond the City

Stirling is both the name of our compact city and our vast local authority area, covering over 800 square miles in the heart of Scotland, where there are many opportunities for businesses to thrive.

It is little wonder that Stirling is known as the brooch that clasps the Highlands and the Lowlands: stretching from the Forth Valley on the outskirts of Edinburgh in the east to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park close to Glasgow in the west, as well as from the Central Belt right up to the Highlands. The high number of visitors to the city of Stirling and its surrounding communities is testament to the area’s wide-ranging and enduring appeal.

The city and its surrounding communities are perfectly positioned for businesses to take full advantage of all Scotland has to offer – with their prime geography, good transport links, highly skilled workforce, established supply chains and collaborative business networks. Almost half of Stirling’s Gross Value Added (GVA) generated from goods and service comes from communities outside the city, and Stirling Council is committed to supporting businesses beyond the city to thrive. For example, by:

• Hosting the Forth Valley and Lomond Community Led Local Development programme
• Ensuring dedicated rural business support facilitated by our partner STEP
• Investing in our award-winning rural broadband programme
• Creating rural business hubs to offer workspace within easy reach
• Strengthening public transport links, such as the C60 bus route

Many of our towns and villages have Community Development Trusts, which are community-owned and led organisations working to create social and economic renewal in their local area.

Business opportunities beyond the city

There are opportunities for businesses to start and scale in various locations, including:

1. The Eastern Villages (Cowie, Fallin, Plean and Throsk) south-east of the city of Stirling
2. Dunblane, Bridge of Allan, Doune and Deanston immediately north of the city of Stirling
3. Aberfoyle and Callander west of the city of Stirling
4. Crianlarich and Killin in the north
5. Balfron and Drymen in the south-west in close proximity to the cities of Stirling and Glasgow

1. The Eastern Villages (Cowie, Fallin, Plean and Throsk)

Comprised of the former coal mining communities of Cowie, Fallin, Plean and Throsk close to the River Forth. Situated close to the city of Stirling, the villages are a 30-minute drive from Edinburgh Airport and within close proximity to Edinburgh, the Lothians and the wider Forth Valley (including the Falkirk and Clackmannanshire council areas) as well as the Forth Green Freeport.

The villages benefit from local amenities – including a medical centre, community hub, primary schools, convenience stores, cafes and takeaway restaurants. Plean Country Park, which extends to 89 hectares, provides an excellent network of public paths through country estate woodlands, meadows and open spaces.

Meanwhile, industrial estates at Cowie and Bandeath, near Throsk, are home to range of businesses – including West Fraser, formerly Norbord, a leading manufacturer of engineered wood-based panel products. The company’s site at Cowie was the UK’s first manufacturing facility for MDF.

Commercial properties to rent in the Eastern Villages include units for lease at Bandeath Industrial Estate and units for lease in Fallin.

2. Dunblane, Bridge of Allan, Doune and Deanston 

Dunblane

A historic cathedral town within ten minutes’ drive of the city of Stirling. Well-furnished with supermarkets, independent shops and leisure facilities, Dunblane also benefits from a railway station with regular services to Stirling, Perth, Edinburgh and Glasgow. The town has a range of local amenities, including a medical centre, primary and high school. In April 2025, Creative Dunblane also opened a new Co:working Hub in the Burgh Chambers.

Dunblane is known for its famous sporting sons: tennis stars and brothers, Sir Andy and Jamie Murray. There is a golden post box dedicated to Andy in the town centre and his 5-star luxury Cromlix hotel, which was crowned Scottish Hotel of the Year at the AA Hospitality Awards in 2024, is located a 40-minute drive from the Dunblane in the picturesque countryside.

Dunblane’s Community Development Trust can provide further information.

Commercial properties to rent in Dunblane can be viewed on LoopNet and Zoopla.

Commercial properties to buy in Dunblane can be viewed on LoopNet and Zoopla.

Bridge of Allan

A Victorian spa town, with a range of independent boutiques, galleries, cafes, restaurants and its own Scottish Brewhouse, the Allanwater. The town is located close to the University of Stirling, and in 2025 was crowned Scotland’s best place to live by Garrington Property Finders.

Bridge of Allan is also home to Graham’s The Family Dairy, which has grown to become Scotland’s largest independent dairy since setting up there in 1939. Today over half of Scotland’s households buy Graham’s products, making the business Scotland’s No 1 Dairy and Food Brand.

Bridge of Allan’s Community Development Trust can provide further information. 

Commercial properties to rent in Bridge of Allan can be viewed on LoopNet and Zoopla.

Commercial properties to buy in Bridge of Allan can be viewed on LoopNet and Zoopla.

Doune and Deanston

A pretty village 15 minutes’ drive from the city of Stirling known for its imposing castle which has featured in countless film and TV productions – including Game of Thrones and Outlander. Given this profile, the village is frequented by tourists and visitors, who enjoy its selection of shops and eateries situated around the winding main street.

Located one mile west of Doune, Deanston sits on the south bank of the River Teith and has become a must stop for whisky enthusiasts with the well-known Deanston Distillery based there.

Kilmadock Community Development Trust can provide further information on Doune and Deanston.

Commercial properties to rent in Doune and Deanston can be viewed on LoopNet and Zoopla.

Commercial properties to buy in Doune and Deanston can be viewed on LoopNet and Zoopla.

3. Aberfoyle and Callander

Aberfoyle

The main village in The Trossachs around 35 minutes’ drive west of the city of Stirling, which serves the wider Strathard area encompassing the villages of Inversnaid, Kinlochard and Stronachlachar.

A magnet for cyclists and walkers, Aberfoyle is situated on the banks of the River Forth and home to the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. In recent years, the village has been rebranded Gravelfoyle as Scotland’s premier centre for gravel biking and cycling events. The village is home to a business hub, visitor centre, convenience stores, shops and eateries, as well as a Go Ape adventure sports facility. Its former Co-op building has been subdivided into three units available for lease.

Strathard Community Development Trust can provide further information on Aberfoyle.

Commercial properties to rent in Aberfoyle can be viewed on LoopNet and Zoopla.

Commercial properties to buy in Aberfoyle can be viewed on LoopNet and Zoopla.

Callander

A popular holiday destination, around 20 minutes’ drive north of the city of Stirling, which provides the eastern gateway to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The village is situated where two rivers meet, creating a bridge between the Scottish Lowlands and Highlands. As an area of outstanding natural beauty, the spectacular backdrop of Ben Ledi and Callander Crags adds to Callander’s appeal.

The town was designed in the 18^th century, with a broad linear main street offering a wide range of services and facilities. Alongside shops and restaurants open all year, key amenities include a leisure centre, health centre, library and a high school – with a new primary school and housing in development. A community business hub is also in development.

The Community Development Trust can provide further information on Callander. 

Commercial properties to rent in Callander can be viewed on LoopNet and Zoopla.

Commercial properties to buy in Callander can be viewed on LoopNet and Zoopla.

4. Crianlarich and Killin

Crianlarich

An important staging post on many transport routes: part of the famed West Highland Way long-distance footpath, Crianlarich is east of the A82 and also where the West Highland railway divides – with one branch heading westwards to Oban and the other continuing northwards to Forth William.

Crianlarich benefits from tourist traffic to the National Park and the Highlands, as well as its proximity to the Central Belt. The village has a distinct Highland character; framed by the mountain peaks of Ben More and Stob Binnein and nestled in the forested and farmed open valley.

Strathfillan Community Development Trust can provide further information on Crianlarich.

Commercial properties to rent in Crianlarich can be viewed on LoopNet and Zoopla.

Commercial properties to buy in Crianlarich can be viewed on LoopNet and Zoopla.

Killin

A Highland village within the magnificent setting of the Falls of Dochart, Ben Lawers and the Tarmachan mountains, situated 60 minutes’ drive north of the city of Stirling. Killin’s character is derived from a mix of 18th century cottages and Victorian villas, interspersed with unique churches, exceptional engineering structures and fine examples of corrugated iron buildings all centred on the main street which follows the line of the River Dochart.

Alongside shops, hotels and restaurants, Killin includes a range of local amenities – including a primary school, medical centre, sports pavilion, new larger supermarket and a refurbished business and learning centre.

Killin and Ardeonaig Community Development Trust can provide further information.

Commercial properties to rent in Killin can be viewed on LoopNet and Zoopla.

Commercial properties to buy in Killin can be viewed on LoopNet and Zoopla.

5. Balfron and Drymen

Balfron

A popular residential area given its close proximity to both the cities of Stirling and Glasgow: Balfron is located 25 minutes’ drive from the city of Stirling as well as 25 minutes’ drive from Bearsden and Milngavie in the north of Glasgow and 40 minutes from Glasgow Airport.

The village’s high school serves the whole of south-west Stirling and operates as a community hub with sports centre, swimming pool and community centre. Alongside a business hub, commercial workspaces available in Balfron include these properties from Stirling Council.

Balfron’s community website provides further information on the village and local businesses.

Commercial properties to rent in Balfron can be viewed on LoopNet and Zoopla.

Commercial properties to buy in Balfron can be viewed on LoopNet and Zoopla.

Drymen

A historic village located 25 minutes’ drive from Bearsden and Milngavie in the north of Glasgow, 35 minutes from central Glasgow and 30 minutes from Glasgow Airport. Roads from all directions meet around The Square, originally the focus of cattle markets up until the 20^th century and now an important space at the heart of the community.

Given the Drymen’s easy-to-reach location and landscape setting, tourism is a key aspect of the local economy – with the West Highland Way, Sustrans National Cycle Route 7 and the Rob Roy Way passing directly through the village. Alongside a business hub, the village benefits from a variety of shops, hotels and eateries as well as local amenities including a primary school, medical centre and leisure centre.

Drymen’s Community Development Trust can provide further information.  

Commercial properties to rent in Drymen can be viewed on LoopNet and Zoopla.

Commercial properties to buy in Drymen can be viewed on LoopNet and Zoopla.

Further advice and support

For more information on business support available across Stirling, please see here.

For more information on commercial property opportunities across Stirling, please see here.

For more information on flexible workspaces and meeting rooms across Stirling, please see here.