A NUMBER of independent businesses have made it through to the final of Stirling’s inaugural Business Awards.

The competition saw more than 16,000 votes cast for companies nominated in the ten categories.

The awards, the first to be hosted for Stirling, are run by Go Forth Stirling BID and have seen six businesses shortlisted for the Outstanding Contribution to the City award.

Amongst these businesses include Safebase Scotland, Stirling Street Pastors, Stirling Photography Festival, Ross Hastie Signwriters and Signmakers, Transition Stirling and Creative Stirling/Made in Stirling.

Danielle McRorie-Smith, project director for Go Forth Stirling BID, said: “We’ve had an amazing response to our business awards with more than 16,000 votes cast across the various award categories.

“We’re excited to see the winners revealed at the awards ceremony later this month and hope everyone who comes along has a fantastic time celebrating Stirling’s entrepreneurial business owners and the city’s unique independent scene.”

On top of the Outstanding Contribution award, Molly Malones, Kilted Kangaroo and Meraki are in the final for Pub/Bar of the year and The Allan Park, Fletcher’s and Brea are finalists for Restaurant of the Year.

The Café/Coffee Shop finalists are the Book Nook, Janna’s Bakery and Vera Artisan Bakery whilst France Hunter Hairdressing, Unica Beauty Studio and FrownDocs Skincare Clinic have been selected for Hair and Beauty of the year.

The awards ceremony is the first to take place and plans are in motion to see it become an annual event to celebrate Stirling’s businesses.

A full list of the business nominated for various other categories can be found on www.goforthstirling.co.uk.

The final is set to take place at the Golden Lion Hotel on Thursday, February 23.