THE construction of walking and wheeling corridors in Stirling is set to improve connectivity for Clacks residents.

Work is set to begin on the routes as part of the £90million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal to create active travel arteries with a view to to connect people and places like never before.

One route in the Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling project will interlink the Causewayhead area and the Wallace Monument with the city centre's train station and the University of Stirling.

It means those using active travel routes between Clacks and Stirling, such as the National Cycle Network's National Route 76, will find it easier to seamlessly transition into the town or up to the university campus.

Speaking before the notice of election was published for the May 5 election, Clacks council leader Ellen Forson said: "I am delighted to see this project start to take shape.

"It will improve connectivity for our residents by providing a link to routes already established in Clackmannanshire and is a great example of partnership working through the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal."

The £9.5m project, which will also bridge the gaps between Forth Valley College's Stirling campus and the city centre under the shadow of the castle, will see 6.5km of new infrastructure added in total.

It will also lay down the groundwork for future connections to Clackmannanshire and the wider Forth Valley region.

Karen McGregor, Scotland director at Sustrans which is contributing £6.8m, said: "Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling is a truly transformative project that we at Sustrans are excited to be working on as part of our Places for Everyone programme.

"The project will make walking, wheeling and cycling safer and more enjoyable for everyone, making it easier for people to move between the iconic landmarks that make Stirling the unique place that it is."

It is hoped the project will make it easier to walk or wheel around the area, meeting growing demand for active travel and reducing emissions.

Kate Forbes, economy secretary, added: "Through the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal the Scottish Government will invest up to £7m in new and improved active travel projects.

"This is helping deliver the bold and ambitious actions we need to help reduce carbon emissions to net zero and encourage sustainable economic growth."