The Thistles Shopping Center, Stirling

The Thistles Shopping Centre, located in the heart of Stirling, stands as the city's premier retail destination. Opened in 1977, it offers over 500,000 square feet of retail space and features 87 units, including well-known anchor stores like Marks & Spencer and Primark. The center attracts an impressive 12 million visitors annually, drawing both local shoppers and tourists from around the world.

Shoppers at The Thistles can enjoy a mix of high street names and specialty stores, such as Superdry, River Island, Boots, and HMV, making it a hub for fashion, health, beauty, and everyday essentials. It also offers convenient facilities, including over 1,300 parking spaces, cafes, and restaurants.

Beyond shopping, The Thistles houses a unique historical attraction-the Bastion. This 16th-century jail, originally part of Stirling’s Town Wall defense, adds a layer of intrigue to the shopping experience. Visitors can descend into the "Thieves’ Pot" near the Port Street entrance, traveling down a wrought iron staircase into the preserved jail, offering a stark contrast to the bustling retail environment above.

The center’s convenient location near Stirling Railway Station and its modern amenities make it a key part of the Go Forth Stirling Business Improvement District, cementing its role as a central hub for both commerce and tourism in the city.