Thistles, Stirling in partnership with Creative Stirling has announced the centre’s legendary spider slide is being redesigned and the finished sculpture gifted to a new local home.

As part of the design competition, an invitation is being extended to the local community to become part of a "people’s history" timeline by sharing their memories of playing on the iconic slide in the centre as children.

Originally intended as a wooden art installation in Thistles, Stirling, the sculpture became so popular with children visiting Thistles that it was turned into a slide and enjoyed by generations from the 1980s through to when it was finally put in storage in 2014.

Now the search is on for any information to help create a historic timeline through the decades as part of this exciting new design project.

Over the coming weeks, locals are being asked "do you remember the spider slide in Thistles?" and if they can share their stories, pictures and any interesting information to help build the timeline.

From Monday, September 30, until Tuesday, October 29, an exhibition will be set-up along with the original spider slide at Creative Stirling and everyone is being encouraged to come along and see it.

Creative Stirling and the Made in Stirling store can be found at 44 King Street, Stirling.

The local community, individuals, groups and schools are all invited to take part in this campaign, to share memories and images and get involved in creating colourful new design ideas for the spider slide, with the winning design realised by a Creative Stirling artist.

Gary Turnbull, centre director at the Thistles, said: “Generations of people will have memories of playing on the original spider slide when visiting Thistles as children and we know it enjoys legendary status in the city.

“We are delighted to be announcing this exciting design competition in partnership with Creative Stirling which will ensure the slide’s legacy continues for future generations.

“Creating a historic people’s timeline is an important part of the campaign and we hope everyone will become part of it by sharing their memories and pictures.”

During the October week (14-18), children can also go along to the exhibition in the gallery space at 44 King Street to work on their designs. Follow Creative Stirling on social media or visit the Made in Stirling store to find out more.

Upon appointment and completion of the new design, Thistles will present the new spider slide to a deserving home.

Joe Hall, director of Creative Stirling, added: "The Thistles Spider is iconic and the focus for many good memories for people growing up in the local area.

“We are honoured to be working with the team at Thistles on this project, to preserve the spider slide and ensure it has a bright future where it will continue to bring joy to the bairns of Stirling, as it has done for almost forty years.

“Nothing can beat working on a creative project that means so much to people and gets them talking across the generations.

"There is nothing more exciting and rewarding than an idea for a project that really connects with people, and we’re looking forward to being able to share all those stories, memories and new ideas we’re going to capture through this special exhibition.”

To share any pictures or information on the original spider slide, people are being asked to email enquiries@creativestirling.org with Thistles Spider in the subject line.