News
https://www.stirling.gov.uk/news/new-online-booking-system-for-stirling-s-household-waste-recycling-centres/ The web booking service hasn't been provided yet.
Dunblane will suffer multiple disruptions to train services due to forthcoming improvement works.
On 29th Jan to 1st Feb, trains from Dunblane to Edinburgh will stop at Falkirk. This is due to remedial work being carried out on a rock face at Rathol.
On the weekend of 3rd-4th Feb Dunblane station will be closed. This is due to the commissioning of signals. This is the final phase of a project to install a crossover South of Dunblane. This will permit southbound trains to leave from platform 3, preventing a 13 minute turnaround. This in turn will improve capacity for late running Inverness and Aberdeen trains.
Work will also start on remediation of Dunblane Station footbridge. This work will go on until May.
Stirling Council has moved out of Dunblane's Burgh Chambers and Creative Dunblane is planning to take it over on a 20 year lease.
On Saturday 27 January, a dozen Volunteers from Creative Dunblane and the Digital Makerspace spent a morning transforming the Town's Burgh Chambers - disposing of years of old council leaflets and bits of computer from a bygone era
The volunteers were getting the building ready for a range of new community activities including the creation of co-working spaces - where local people who are home workers can get out of the house and share an office when they want to!
Co-working spaces are springing up all over the country but as yet there are none in Dunblane. In April we hope there will be - in the Burgh Chambers in the centre of the Town!
If you are interested in co-working, contact Creative Dunblane on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Electorate
The electorate was 11,778.
Number of ballot papers and turnout
The number of ballot papers was 4,315
The turnout was 36.6%
There were 27 rejected ballot papers.
The quota of votes for a candidate to be elected was 2,145.
First preference results
| Candidate name | Party/affiliation | Number of first preference votes |
|---|---|---|
| Clare Pauline Andrews | Scottish Greens | 433 |
| Ahsan Khan | Scottish National Party (SNP) | 1,000 |
| Thomas Heald | Scottish Conservative and Unionist | 1,644 |
| Dick Moerman | Scottish Liberal Democrats | 292 |
| Michael Willis | Scottish Family Party; Pro-Family, Pro-Marriage, Pro-Life | 50 |
| David Wilson | Scottish Labour Party | 869 |
| Total | 4,288 | |
The studio audience application website is now open, Apply for free studio tickets: www.bbc.co.uk/debatenight
Debate Night thrives on a strong live audience, and with a UK general election looming, there's never been a better time for the people of Scotland to put their questions to the country's decision-makers and public
Coding for kids – it’s the future
On Saturday 20 January 2024, Creative Dunblane hosted a new CoderDojo, a coding club for young people.
Eleven young people aged 7 to 17 attended this inaugural event – three from Dunblane High School and eight from local primary schools - and there was a good gender balance! Many parents came along too, making the most of this lively community event
The Dunblane CoderDojo is being run on behalf of Creative Dunblane by local couple Jane & David Greenlee, assisted by two other volunteers Ian Davies & Peter Rennert.
‘To begin with things were very quiet’, said Jane ‘but by leaving time the place was buzzing! It was great
to see young people working together and learning.’
Following our successful launch event, CoderDojo sessions will be run every 3rd Saturday of the month in the Burgh Chambers. Bookings can be made around a week in advance of each session. All you needs is a laptop/tablet and head phones, if you have them, a charger (for the laptop) and a parent, if you are under 13. Details are available on the Creative Dunblane website CoderDojo | creativedunblane.info
And we do other work with Schools
Volunteers with Creative Dunblane’s Digital Makerspace project also work with school students from Dunblane High School – they go to the school regularly on a Monday afternoon, helping young people to learn how to design objects on the computer and then to print them on a 3D printer, a laser cutter or a CNC machine. The Makerspace is also developing a new initiative working with a local nursery school.
What is Coder Dojo ?
Coder Dojo is a free, volunteer-led, community-based computer club for young people. Anyone aged 7 to 17 can visit Coder Dojo and learn to code, build a website or create an app or game.
Dojos are a space for kids and teens to explore technology in an informal, creative, safe and social environment.
Creative Dunblane wants to help kids & teens realise that they can build a positive future through coding. We think that an understanding of programming languages is important in today’s world. It is easier to learn these computing skills early. Everyone should have the chance to learn coding.
What is Creative Dunblane
Creative Dunblane is a local charity established to take over the town’s Burgh Chambers from the Council and meet the needs of the local community. Their first initiative was to set up Dunblane Digital Makerspace which was launched nearly 12 months ago and has 100 members.
Creative Dunblane plans to use the Burgh Chambers for a range of activities including co-working spaces, meeting rooms, a computer suite and artists’ pods.~
Just as they have created a new ‘community’ around the Makerspace, they hope to create a co-working community where local people, tired of working, from home can come together and support each other in convivial surroundings.
Email : Creative Dunblane on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Free have-a-go open rehearsals for children, teenagers and adults to come and make music with handbells with Dunblane Cathedral Handbell Ringers on Sunday 14 January
Fun group music-making for ages 8-12. Learn to read music & develop performance skills in award-winning group, which has made many TV appearances, inspiring hundreds of children to make music with handbells over the past 40+ years! Use this link for details & to sign-up for free first have-a-go session on Sunday 14 January 5.30pm-6pm tinyurl.com/Handbells8-1
Teenagers are welcome in non-auditioned intergenerational handbell group. If you're working towards a Duke of Edinburgh Award, or a badge in Scouts, Guides, Boys Brigade or Girls Brigade, then ask about being part of our group to meet the requirements for what you wish to achieve. Use this link for details & to sign-up for free first have-a-go session on Sunday 14 January 6.30pm-7.15pm: tinyurl.com/TeenHandbells
Adults of all ages and musical skill levels are welcome. It's fun making music with others, the basic technique is easy to pick up yet ringing can also provide satisfying challenge for experienced musicians. Use this link for details & to sign-up for free first have-a-go session on Sunday 14 January 6.30pm-7.15pm: tinyurl.com/AdultHandbells
Dunblane Burns Club Centenary Burns Supper will be held on Friday 9 February 2024 in the Victoria Hall Dunblane (where the first Burns Supper organised by Dunblane Burns Club was held in 1924)
The line up for the Dunblane Burns Club Centenary Burns Supper which will be held on Friday 9 February 2024 is as follows:
Welcome - Russell Glendinning, President, Dunblane Burns Club
Toast to Dunblane Burns Club & City of Dunblane - Neil McNair, President – Robert Burns World Federation Ltd.
Selkirk Grace - Malcolm Wilson, President of Dunblane Burns Club 1995-1998
Address to the Haggis - David Scott, President of Dunblane Burns Club 1992-1995
President’s Remarks - Russell Glendinning
Sangs o’ the Bard - Alan Beck. Immediate Past President, Robert Burns World Federation & Polly Beck
The Immortal Memory - The Right Honourable The Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, KT
Toast to The Lassies - Alexander Escala, Head Boy, Dunblane High School
Reply to The Lassies - Stella Anderson, Head Girl, Dunblane High School
Tam O’Shanter - Russell Glendinning, President, Dunblane Burns Club
Sangs o’ the hale companie
This will be held in Victoria Hall Dunblane (where the first Burns Supper organised by Dunblane Burns Club was held in 1924)
You can buy your tickets online or in person:
If you get your tickets online then there is a small online platform booking fee:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dunblane-burns-club-centenary-burns-supper-tickets-754504893447?aff=oddtdtcreator
You can avoid the online platform booking fee by getting your tickets in person from:
Meldrum’s Newsagent, 34 High Street, Dunblane
or
The Barbershop, 120 High Street, Dunblane
You can follow Dunblane Burns Club on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DunblaneBurnsClub/
You can sign up on Dunblane Burns Club website to receive updates about activities of Dunblane Burns Club
https://dunblane-burns-club.mailchimpsites.com/
- SME Business of the Year
- Family Business of the Year
- Rural Award
- Startup Business of the Year
- Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Business of the Year
- Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
- Innovation Award
- Diversity Awards
- Sustainable Initiative of the Year
- Business in the Community Award
- Employer of the Year
- Entrepreneur of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Business of the Year
More...
The Dunblane Christmas Extravaganza is returning on Thursday 30th November 2023!
The event will run from 5- 8pm on the High Street and town centre area and is completely free!
Keep an eye on our Facebook Page for updates: (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095422216366)
Sponsors
We’re delighted that local businesses have sponsored the event this year, including WJM Solicitors (Barty’s), G.S.Meldrum Newsagent, Baird Optometrist, Craft Central, McLean & Stewart and more to come.
Closed Roads
The High Street between Charisma and Gold Post Box will be closed to traffic from 4pm. This means that the entrance to Mill Row Car park is also unavailable at this time. It's probably best to avoid bringing vehicles near the area on the night. Please note, however, that Beech Road and Stirling Road will remain open to traffic to allow exit from the car park and train station, so please be careful and stay safe if vehicles are passing this area.
Santa
An opening parade, lead by Santa on his sleigh, will arrive at the train station at 5:30pm for Santa to turn on the Christmas Tree Lights. A choir at the train station will entertain the crowds with Christmas songs while we wait for Santa. The parade route will start at the Perth Road Roundabout, going down past the Library, down the High Street and along to the train station.
Santa's Grotto will be open for children to visit from 5:30 – 8pm. Please note, there may be a long queue. Children are welcome to take part in ‘reverse gifting’, where they give a food donation to Santa (which will go to local food donations charity Start Up Stirling). The most sought-after donations are 1 litre cartons of orange or apple juice, cereal bars, tinned meat, cooking sauces and tinned soup or cup-a-soup sachets.
Late night shopping
Most local businesses will stay open late to welcome customers. This event is a really great way to support local businesses while you enjoy socialising in the street.
Cafes open late
Most cafes and eateries will stay open late to welcome customers and make sure there is food and drinks on offer to everybody. We hope that this will include 2 visiting food vans parked outside ‘The Bank’.
Music and Performance
We’re delighted to welcome back local performers. This year there will be three performance areas! Located outside the train station, outside Glam House and beside the Gold Post Box. Look out for announcements and a performance schedule on our Facebook Page.
Storytelling Pods
After the success of storytelling pods last year, we’ll be welcoming back local authors into local venues this year. Updates coming soon on this on our Facebook Page.
St Blane's Charity Hub
St. Blane's Church Hall will be once again turned over to a range of local charities, from Primary School's Parents Associations to the Leighton Library, where there will be a wide choice of stalls where you can support these good causes. Some other local charities will be welcoming visitors at the The Bank at the Cross.
Alpacas
We’re welcoming back our friendly Alpacas from Thornhill this year too!
Closing Parade
The Queen Victoria Pipe band will lead a closing parade starting at 7:45pm. The parade route will start at the Perth Road Roundabout, going down the past the Library, down the High Street and along to the train station. The event closes at 8pm.
Event Map
In the run up to the event, we will publish an Event Map on Facebook highlighting all the businesses, performances, eateries and attractions confirmed to be opening for the evening.
Organisers
This event is brought to you by the Town Centre Group of the Dunblane Development Trust.
A Dunblane schoolgirl has had her first book published at the age of just 11.
Emma Russell, winner of the Thistles Christmas story writing competition, was joined by friends, family and classmates at her first book launch.
Last year, the student beat over 100 local children to win a Christmas story writing competition, hosted by Thistles shopping centre in Stirling.
The youngster from St Mary’s Episcopal Primary School in Dunblane, Stirling wrote A Thistle’s Adventure, which follows the story of Kalo the naughty elf and his attempts to sabotage Christmas at Thistles.
Emma won over the judges including award-winning author, Alan Windram, who met with her and her classmates to discuss how to write a book and what it’s like to be an author.
On Saturday, Emma, now one of the country’s youngest authors, welcomed a queue of customers alongside her classmates to the launch of her published book at Waterstones, Stirling.
Friends, family and classmates joined her at the book launch to support her as she sold copies of her book in an effort to raise money for her school.
Thistles enlisted the help of local Stirling artist, Lauren Ashley, who brought Emma’s characters to life through beautiful hand-drawn illustrations.
Emma said: “I hope this book makes this year’s Christmas as special for everyone else as it is for me. Lauren’s illustrations are magical and bring the story to life – I’m so excited.”
Gary Turnbull, Centre Director at Thistles said: “We were delighted to grant Emma’s wish of turning her story in to a published picture book.
“Emma’s writing really stood out amongst the other entries last year and we’re delighted to have this come full circle and host the official launch in the run up to Christmas”.
Dunblane High School reveals Purple Plaque to celebrate Jane Stewart, a Women in Innovation Award Winner
Dunblane High School has announced that it has hosted an event to celebrate former pupil and Head Girl, Jane Stewart, by unveiling a purple plaque in her honour on the school site.
Jane won the prestigious Women in Innovation Award from Innovate UK, the UK’s national innovation agency, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Purple plaques are being displayed at schools across the UK to recognise the achievements of the winners of the prestigious national Women in Innovation Award.
Jane Stewart is part of a growing network of over 150 Women in Innovation Award winners involved in inspiring solutions to pressing societal, environmental, and economic challenges; from multi-grip bionic arms for amputees, an AI that curbs your unhealthy cravings, satellite data to detect long-lost archaeological sites and data solutions to bring visibility and value to waste resources. She was the sole Scottish winner of the 2021/22 awards.
Jane has been at the forefront of transformative change in recycling and resource management for over 20 years and understands first-hand the opportunity for innovative technology and data solutions to unlock environmental and social challenges. Through these awards, she has been recognised for her efforts in the sector, pioneering technology and data solutions to change the fate of waste. Jane holds several positions as Non-Executive Director/Chair across a portfolio of companies including Topolytics, a data analytics company making the world’s waste more visible, verifiable, and valuable.
Mr Stuart MacKay, Headteacher at Dunblane High School said: ‘We are delighted that Jane has received this award and we are very proud to display the Purple Plaque in Dunblane High School reception. Jane is an inspiration and role model to all our young people and we are honoured to have such a fantastic ambassador for our school.”
Jane Stewart said: “I am humbled and honoured to receive this plaque in the company of such an amazing group of young people. Huge thanks to Mr MacKay, the school and parent council for their warm welcome and support. I’m proud to be an alumni of Dunblane High, an incredible school which played such an important part in shaping the person I am today – as much for the values it instilled and the lifelong friendships as the academic learning.
Innovate UK’s support has played a vital role in enabling Topolytics to solve technical and data challenges as it developed WasteMap®, a data analytics platform for waste producers. I’m passionate about changing the lens on waste as a resource and the impact of technology and data to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. We need a far greater pace of innovation and investment to develop new business models, processes, skills and infrastructure as we move towards Net Zero and beyond waste. Ultimately enabling the materials revolution where resource efficiency is maximised and negative impacts of waste on our environment and communities are eliminated. Diversity of thought is needed – if we think and act the same we’ll not get there fast enough.
The purple plaque initiative helps to provides visibility for women actively trying to be the change they want to see and hopefully inspires and encourages the next generation to play a vital part in such evolution, to make their own positive impact on society.