Dunblane itself has some delightful small shops, as does nearby Bridge of Allan.

And for big names, high street chains, must-have labels, family firms, arts and crafts, curiosity shops, local produce, farmers market … Stirling has it all.

Stirling ’s attraction as a place to shop has grown significantly since the mid 90s. From around 90,000 shoppers a week, the figure leapt to 400,000 at the start of the millennium.

The Thistles shopping centre’s £10m upgrade and new £38m extension keep locals in Stirling and attract shoppers from far and wide. Connected to the bus station, a covered walk from the railway, and on the route of the Saturday park-and-ride service, the Thistles provides 90 shops, 5 restaurants, 7-day opening and parking for 1,400 cars.

Stirling ’s winding streets still house family-owned businesses. The Crawford Arcade provides specialist small shops - golfing, Scottish and ethnic crafts, Scottish sweets, Belgian chocolates, musical instruments and an art gallery. The Albert Halls holds specialist fairs antiques, books, body and mind, spiritual healing.

And of course if this is not enough - there is nearby Edinburgh, with sensational Princes Street shopping in particular, and the wonderful Buchanan Galleries which has added yet another new dimension to shopping in Glasgow.