Communications Statement

This initial communications statement has been published to provide clarity and transparency as we introduce and develop bridgeofallan.info, and to try to ensure each post we share contributes meaningfully to the community, showcases the unique character of Bridge of Allan, and appeals to both residents and visitors.

Promoting Our Community

Bridgeofallan.info is a private enterprise with a clear mission as stated above. We are not a constituted community group or a public forum, which means:

Focused Content: We carefully select the information we share, focusing on posts that promote Bridge of Allan in a positive, engaging way. Our aim is to drive interest, encourage visits, and support local trades.

Boundaries on Shared Content: While we recognise there may be interest in topics like local planning or policy discussions, bridgeofallan.info is dedicated to content that showcases our community’s strengths and appeal as a destination. For other types of content, we encourage those interested to connect with other community groups or consider creating their own platform.

Clarifying Our Purpose: We hope this helps clarify our approach to sharing content. As a private platform, bridgeofallan.info has the flexibility to curate posts that align with our purpose, ensuring every update contributes to a lively and cohesive community presence.

Content we WILL share

1. Major Business Announcements

• New business openings, expansions, or renovations
• Major milestones such as anniversaries, awards, or recognitions

Why: These updates highlight the vitality and growth of our local businesses, fostering pride in the community and showcasing the town’s appeal.

Frequency: As these events occur. However this relies on the information being shared directly with us or arriving organically on timelines or via local press articles. See the end of this statement for a guid on how to connect with us.

2. Events and Activities

Community festivals, fairs, seasonal markets

• Special events hosted by local businesses (e.g. tasting nights, workshops)
• Unique cultural events that reflect Bridge of Allan’s heritage or current community spirit (e.g., bonfire & fireworks, Christmas lights, Classic Car Show)

Why: These events create opportunities for gathering, celebrating, and engaging, making Bridge of Allan a more vibrant and attractive place to live and visit.

Frequency: Announce events 1–2 weeks ahead, with a reminder 1–2 days before.

3. Unique or Limited-Time Offers

• Exclusive, unique, high-value sales and offers (e.g. 50% off or more)
• Limited-time promotions, especially those linked to community events or holidays

Why: High-value offers add interest and value for our followers whilst also supporting local businesses by driving footfall to the town.

Frequency: Share only notable, high-value sales as they happen, no more than once per week outwith seasonal periods.

4. New Products or Services with a Unique Angle

• Launch of a unique product line or service, exclusive or unusual in the area
• Seasonal offerings, such as holiday menus or artisanal goods

Why: Featuring distinctive products/services highlights the diversity of what Bridge of Allan offers, appealing to locals and visitors alike.

Frequency: Occasional; only when there’s something genuinely new or exclusive.

5. Community Involvement and Collaborations

• Initiatives where local businesses support community causes, charities, or sustainability efforts
• Collaborations between businesses or with community groups
• Partnerships that promote Bridge of Allan’s identity or heritage

Why: Community partnerships highlight an interconnected, supportive town and build pride among residents (e.g. The Festive Fiver campaign)

Frequency: Monthly or as these initiatives happen.

6. Seasonal or Thematic Content with a Local Touch

• Locally curated holiday gift guides or “best of” lists featuring unique products from Bridge of Allan
• Seasonal features that highlight the town’s character and seasonal charm (e.g. Games Day, Christmas lights)

Why: Provides meaningful insights and makes the town’s offerings more accessible, especially for visitors looking to experience Bridge of Allan in a fresh way.

Frequency: Around key times like Christmas, Easter, summer holidays, or other local holidays.

7. Historical and Cultural Highlights

• Posts that explore Bridge of Allan’s heritage, history, or unique cultural elements (e.g. Dr Welsh Trust updates and events)
• Stories from residents, photos, or interesting facts that contribute to a sense of place and identity

Why: Engages residents with the rich history of Bridge of Allan and enhances its appeal to visitors by showcasing the town’s depth and character.

Frequency: Monthly or as interesting content arises.

Content we WILL NOT share

1. Political Content: Posts or endorsements related to political parties, campaigns, or opinions.
Reason: To maintain neutrality and focus on community-building content.

2. Unaffiliated or Irrelevant Content: Posts unrelated to Bridge of Allan businesses, events, or community-driven activities.
Reason: To ensure each post adds value by highlighting local relevance.

3. Local Policy or Development Discussions: Content about planning policies or local private development projects (proposed or approved).
Reason: Our focus is on promoting Bridge of Allan as an attractive destination. For planning discussions, we recommend using other community platforms.

4. Hate Speech, Discrimination, and Sensationalist Content: Content that may provoke or divide.
Reason: To ensure our platform remains a positive, welcoming space.

5. Routine or Filler Content: Posts like “Happy Monday”, “Hump Day Wednesday”, routine stock updates, or general week-to-week posts without broader appeal.
Reason: Focus on significant and engaging updates only.

6. Unverified or Misleading Information: Content that lacks credible sources.
Reason: We ensure all information is reliable and adds value.

How we plan to implement

• Avoiding “Filler” Posts: Keeping content high-quality, focusing only on valuable updates.

• Regular Reviews: Dedicating time to assess relevant announcements from businesses.

• Tracking Engagement: Monitoring which types of posts perform best and adjust accordingly.

This structured approach ensures bridgeofallan.info continues to reflect Bridge of Allan’s unique community spirit, history, and appeal, supporting businesses and enhancing the town’s identity for residents and visitors alike.

How to Share Information with Us

If you have a relevant news update that aligns with our communications plan, here’s how you can best share it with us:

1. Send an Email: The most direct way to get in touch is by emailing us. In your email, please include the following:

• Headline: A clear title for your update or event.
• Brief Description: A summary of your news, ideally no more than three paragraphs, explaining the topic or news update
• Quote (if relevant): If you have a quote to include, please provide the person’s name and their position or job title (and company if not the named local business).
• High-Quality Image: An image in a 1:1 (square) ratio is ideal for easy sharing across our social platforms and website. Please ensure the image can be cropped as needed and let us know who took the photo so we can credit them accordingly.

Contact details can be found here.

2. Use Our Hashtag: You can also indirectly share updates by using the hashtag #bofainfo in your Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok posts. Please note that while this hashtag acts as a marker for us to find your posts, it doesn’t send the post directly to us. We do check #bridgeofallan however this is used more freely and doesn’t necessarily help us find content directed to our site and pages.

3. Tag Us: To ensure we see your post promptly, tag us directly with @bridgeofallan.info on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.

It is worth placing a reminder here, in a way a summary of all that has been stated, that we will only share content that aligns with our mission and strategy. It is the responsibility of the person sharing the content with us to ensure it meets with our mission values. Causing offence or upset is the last thing we aim to do.

How to Share an Event with Us

If you would like to share an event, please use the same channels – email or social media – as outlined above. To ensure we have the necessary details to promote your event effectively, please provide the following information, either in your post, flyer, or directly in your email:

1. Business Name (if relevant): If the event is associated with a specific business, include the business name. This allows us to link the event post with our business listings section for easy reference.

2. Date and Time:

• Start and End Time: Provide a start and end time for the event.
• Multi-Day Events: If it’s a multi-day event, include timings for each day.

3. Event Location: Clearly state the event location, including the full address with postcode. This enables us to place a marker on our events map, making it easy for attendees to find.

4. Event Organiser’s Details: Include the name or organisation responsible for the event so we can add this to the listing.

5. Event Website:

• Organiser’s Website: Provide the full URL for the event organiser’s website (e.g. the Round Table for the fireworks display).
• Ticketing Link: If tickets are available, include a link to the ticketing platform (e.g. Ticketmaster, Eventbrite).

6. Cost Information:

• Provide a single cost or a range (e.g., £0-£15). While we can list prices within the event description, our price box only accommodates a single amount, so for ranges, please include the lowest and highest prices.

7. Image: Include a high-quality image, ideally in a 1:1 (square) format. If this isn’t possible, provide an image that can be cropped without losing key details.

By providing this information, you help us share your event accurately and effectively, maximising its visibility to the Bridge of Allan community and beyond. Thank you for helping us bring exciting events to our audience on bridgeofallan.info!