Efforts to continue reducing levels of Covid-19 across Stirling are continuing with community testing in Callander for five days from tomorrow, Wednesday 28 July.

Residents across Stirling who do not currently have any symptoms of Covid-19 can voluntarily attend the Coronavirus testing unit, which will be available at McLaren Leisure Centre in Callander.

There is also the opportunity to pick up Lateral Flow Device (LFD) testing kits to take home in a pack of seven.

Walk-in testing centre

There is no need to book and testing is available at McLaren Leisure Centre, Mollands Road, Callander, FK18 8JP on the following times and dates:

• Wednesday 28 July: 12pm-4.30pm
• Thursday 29 July: 9.30am-4.30pm
• Friday 30 July: 9.30am-4.30pm
• Saturday 31 July: 9.30am-4.30pm
• Sunday 1 August: 9.30am-4.30pm

Continue to be cautious

Stirling Council Leader, Councillor Scott Farmer, said: “Covid-19 has not disappeared, it is still out there affecting our friends, families and communities, so it’s extremely important that we all continue to take care and be cautious for the sake of everyone in our communities.

“Taking part in community testing is one of the things that we can all do to help slow the virus down. The tests are completely voluntary and are there for anyone who may want one so please, if you have the opportunity, take the time to get involved.”

Get your test results at home

The testing units are part of a national programme of walk-in testing. The initiative aims to drive down local Covid-19 rates by identifying positive cases more quickly, as people can spread the virus to others before symptoms appear and many may not experience any symptoms at all.

Test results will be available in around 45 minutes and can be received at home rather than having to wait at the testing facility. Anyone with a positive test will be asked to undertake a confirmatory PCR test.

Importance of testing to stop the spread

Dr Graham Foster, NHS Forth Valley’s Director of Public Health, said: “We are still seeing new cases of coronavirus every day across Scotland, including in Forth Valley. That’s why testing is so important to help prevent people with no symptoms from spreading the virus to friends, family or colleagues without realising it.

“I would also encourage anyone who has not been vaccinated, for any reason, to drop in one of our local Covid-19 vaccination sessions and to speak to local staff if they have any questions or concerns.”

This site is only for people without symptoms. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should book a test in the usual way via nhsinform.scot or by calling 0800 028 2816.