Residents across Stirling can voluntarily attend the Coronavirus community testing unit when it returns to Callander on Thursday 29th April.

Rapid Coronavirus testing will available from Thursday 29th April – Sunday 2nd May for people who do not currently have Coronavirus symptoms.

All residents who don’t have any of the three COVID-19 symptoms (a new continuous cough, temperature, loss or change in sense of taste or smell) are encouraged to get tested.

This is part of a national programme of walk-in testing for people that, although not displaying any symptoms, may wish to be tested.

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:

• Thursday 29th April to Saturday 1st May 12-6pm
• Sunday 2nd May 9am-12pm

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.

The national community testing initiative is currently rotating between Stirling’s two dedicated locations of Callander and Cowie, where it was in place two weeks ago.

The initiative aims to drive down local COVID-19 rates and transmission by identifying positive cases more quickly, as people can spread the virus to others before symptoms appear.

Stirling Council Chief Executive Carol Beattie said: “With restrictions being further eased across Scotland, both vaccination and continued testing are ways people can help reduce the spread of the virus.

“This community testing is part of a national programme which is being scheduled on a rotational basis in different parts of Stirling for all of our residents.

“The tests are available for people without Coronavirus symptoms, are completely voluntary and are there for anyone who may want one. We are hoping that residents will recognise the benefits of getting involved in these local testing efforts to help reduce the spread of the virus in their communities.”

Dr Graham Foster, NHS Forth Valley’s Director of Public Health, said: “We are pleased that the Covid-19 rates have fallen significantly across Forth Valley over the few weeks and the number of patients in local hospitals with Covid-19 also continues to reduce.

“Although this is good news, there is no room for complacency and it’s therefore very important that we all continue to stick to the rules to ensure we don’t experience a resurgence in cases.

“We are still seeing new cases of coronavirus in Forth Valley every day, which clearly shows the virus is still out there and hasn’t gone away.

“This testing facility will make it easier and quicker for people who don’t have any symptoms of Covid-19 to get tested to ensure they are not able to spread the virus to friends, family or colleagues without realising it.”

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.