A STIRLING venue has been ranked among the top 17 music venues in the UK by Time Out magazine.

The Albert Halls, located in the heart of the city, was named alongside iconic venues such as The Barrowlands in Glasgow and the O2 Brixton Academy.

To help with the rankings, Time Out asked some of Britain’s top musical artists to choose their best venues.

The Albert Halls was named by Saul Davies, from James, who spent some of his childhood in Stirling.

The Liverpool-born musician recalled memories of performing at the venue with the Stirling Youth Symphony Orchestra when he was 14 before returning years later with James.

He described it as a “life-affirming moment”.

James would then go to onto write part of their 2016 album Girl at the End of the World in Stirling’s Tolbooth, sister venue to the Albert Halls.

Councillor Margaret Brisley, convener of Stirling Council’s Finance Economy and Corporate Support Committee, said: “It’s fantastic to see Stirling’s Albert Halls recognised alongside some of the UK’s most iconic and popular musical venues.

“The Albert Halls is an incredible venue that has been a key part of Stirling’s civic and artistic life for 140 years, hosting a diverse array of concerts, performances and events.

“Saul has performed at iconic venues and major festivals across the world, so we’re really proud that our very own Albert Halls is his favourite.

“It’s clear the venue has a special place in his heart, starting from his time in the Stirling Youth Symphony Orchestra.

“While the Albert Halls has a great history, the news is that it’s going from strength to strength, attracting top artists and performers and regularly selling out in advance.

“A recent highlight was last year when it proved a fitting stage for the Scottish Album of the Year Award, further enhancing its reputation.

“We are committed to continue investing in the Albert Halls and our other cultural venues to ensure they continue to be the heartbeat of thriving Stirling’s cultural and creative scene.

“We always knew Stirling’s Albert Halls was among the best in Britain – but it’s great to see it made official.”