THISTLES LAUNCHES NEW INTERACTIVE FLOWER OF SCOTLAND WALL WITH GARY CALDWELL

Stirling born former Scotland footballing legend, Gary Caldwell, attended Thistles shopping centre in Stirling today to launch a new interactive wall encouraging shoppers to have a go at playing Scotland’s national anthem.

Unveiled the month before Scotland enters the Euros, the installation spans a whopping 35 metres and allows visitors to the centre to play Flower of Scotland. People of all ages can get involved by following the sheet music and pressing buttons with the corresponding musical notes on them at the right time, to play the famous song.

Having recently re-opened its doors for non-essential retail, Thistles created the interactive wall to provide families and those shopping in the centre with an opportunity to have fun and showcase their musical side.

Gary Turnbull, Centre Director at Thistles, said: “It’s great to see all of our stores open again and we’ve really enjoyed welcoming shoppers back over the past few weeks. Today is a particularly exciting one for us as we launch our interactive Flower of Scotland wall.

“The wall is intended as a bit of fun after a tough year for everyone and we encourage shoppers to come along and have a go at recreating our famous national anthem. What a fitting way to cheer on our national team as they get ready for the Euros next month.”

Also in attendance and having a go at playing Flower of Scotland was Stirling’s Gary Caldwell, who is no stranger to the national anthem, having gained more than 50 caps for Scotland.

Gary Caldwell commented: “It’s really nice to see something positive and fun happening in the community right now and I’m delighted to be here in support today.”

The installation launches as the centre unveils its Community Art Gallery wall. Located next to the Flower of Scotland installation, opposite Bodycare, the Community Art Gallery wall will feature a number of different local artists and photographers on a rotating basis and is available for community groups to showcase their creativity free of charge.

Later this month, the centre will also welcome mall kiosks Beauty Boutique, a beauty kiosk providing numerous beauty treatments along with watch and jewellery repair company, In Time, which was previously a concession within Debenhams.

Visitors to Thistles will be met with a number of Covid-19 safety measures, including social distancing and one-way system floor markings to encourage shoppers to keep a safe distance and follow government guidelines. The centre has also erected hand sanitising stations throughout, encouraging good hygiene and making it as easy as possible for people to return to the shopping centre safely after lockdown. There will be hand sanitisers located next to the Flower of Scotland wall to encourage safe participation.

For those who aren’t feeling as comfortable about returning to shopping centres, Thistles will be operating a late night on a Thursday to allow people to shop until 7pm when the centre is quieter. There will also be free parking from 5 – 7pm on a Thursday evening for those indulging in some late-night shopping.

For more information on Thistles and its new interactive Flower of Scotland wall, visit www.thistlesstirling.com.