News

Historic Environment Scotland has awarded £188,000 to help secure future of Dunblane's Leighton Library

Scotland's oldest purpose-built library is set to benefit from funding from Historic Environment Scotland (HES).

The category A-listed building, near Dunblane Cathedral, dates from the 17th century, and was commissioned through the will of Robert Leighton, a former Principal of Edinburgh University, Bishop of Dunblane, and Archbishop of Glasgow, who died in 1684.

In bequeathing a sum for a building to house his books, Robert Leighton gave his collection to the clergy of the Cathedral of Dunblane. The oldest book dates from 1504. Beyond the Bishop's personal collection, the Trustees added to the collection from 1701 with many important books from the Age of Enlightenment.

The building and collection has remained in use as a library and, unusually, the books and many of the original library fixtures survive intact, including six Jacobean chairs and the original book presses that line one wall.

The HES funding will go towards a programme of restoration that includes repairs to the walls, stonework, chimneys, and roof to ensure the collection of rare and antique books can remain housed in their original building.

Central to the project is work to remove modern cement-based harling and replace it with a lime-based material, closer to that used on the original 17th-century exterior. The project will also restore the marble cartouche ordered by the Bishop's executors, his sister and her son, a wealthy City of London brewer.

The restoration project, started earlier this year, has already unearthed some unexpected finds. A fireplace and press, still with its original lime plaster, were discovered after the removal of harling applied around 1990. One notable find was a finely carved stone with the initials 'MGK' which had been reused to bolster a chimney, identified as those of a Dean of Dunblane in the 1680s. One replaced crow-step stone was found to have carving beneath it suggesting it was reused from another building nearby, possibly the (then) ruined Cathedral or Bishop's Palace.

Dr Susan O'Connor, Head of Grants at Historic Environment Scotland, said, "We're thrilled to award funding to this project and to play a part in the incredible history of the Leighton Library and, by extension, Scotland's world-renowned history of libraries and learning.

"Not only does this project conserve a historic building, but, through the care and patience of those involved in the work, we now know more about the library's history and have a further insight into the centuries of change witnessed by this building."

Alastair MacDonald, Restoration Lead from the Leighton Library Trust said, "We are very grateful for the significant support HES has given to our wonderful library. The restoration work has revealed that the repairs we have now been able to undertake are in the nick of time, as the fabric had deteriorated badly over the years. This grant, and other generous donations, have made a significant difference to the project. There's still a long way to go to ensure the collection and its unique building are saved for future generations."

The Leighton Library Trust hopes that, following repair works, the library will offer increased opportunities for tourists and locals alike to visit and experience the remarkable building and collection for themselves.

Stirling Council, like all local authorities, is required to undertake a statutory review of arrangements for polling districts and polling places every five years to ensure that suitable and accessible voting facilities are available to everyone.

We have been running a quick online survey as part of this review process over recent months, which we have been promoting on our social media channels. There are just over two weeks left to complete the survey with a closing date of 30 November.

We would appreciate you helping us promote this survey so we can gather views on current arrangements from residents and as well as any suggestions for improvement.

For more information and to take part, please visit our Engage Stirling website: https://engage.stirling.gov.uk/en-GB/projects/polling-districts-and-places-review"

The Giving Tree has opened its doors

We are pleased to announce that The Giving Tree opened its doors for the first time on Friday 17 November.

Thank you to all who have supported us through the last few months. We are really looking forward to welcoming customers old and new.

The Giving Tree will be an ethical and sustainable place to shop and will stock good quality preloved items including ladies’, gent’s and kid’s clothes, shoes, handbags, toys, household items and books all at bargain prices!

We will also be delighted to accept donations at the shop from Friday 17 November.

The profits from the Giving Tree will be supporting both local and international charities. In recognition of the history of the shop, the international charity we will be supporting for the rest of the financial year is Mary’s Meals.

A new survey, has been launched by the council on a range of budget savings proposal.

No decision have been taken on any of the savings proposals and the survey aims to find out from residents affected by savings what the impact would be on them and on the community.

Please help us to inform the budget process by completing the survey.

The full list of savings is on the survey itself, but they include:

  • Close or reduce council-managed community centres.
  • Stop the annual mowing of rural road verges, reduce grass cutting or increase space for pollinator spaces.
  • Closure of some libraries.
  • Reduction in budget for events and festivals.
  • Removal of the ‘road-end’ waste collection policy.
  • Stop the greenspace ranger service.
  • Reduce spending on maintenance at buildings and facilities.
  • Removal of the community grant scheme.
  • Reduce free, confidential and impartial accredited money, debt and benefit advice to residents.
  • Change the operating models (opening times and capacity) at some nurseries.
  • Increase non statutory childcare fees.
  • Reduce or stop the play, creche, play and out of school care service.
  • Reduce teachers in the additional support needs outreach team.
  • Removal of the P5 swimming programme.
  • Reduce the primary school week for pupils.
  • Close some or all public toilets.

There are also some Big Conversation drop-in events throughout November to which you are welcome to attend and meet directly with officers of the council.

The remaining dates are:

  • Stirling High School - Monday 13 November, 6pm to 7.30pm
  • Balfron High School - Wednesday 15 November, 6pm to 7.30pm
  • Wallace High School - Monday 20 November, 6pm to 7.30pm
  • Bannockburn High School - Wednesday 22 November, 6pm to 7.30pm
  • Dunblane High School - Monday 27 November, 6pm to 7.30pm.

For more information on the councils budget position, please visit stirling.gov.uk/bigconversation

Look out for updates on our social media using the hashtag #BigConversation2425

Dandara (Housing Developer) has proposed a "Vision for Dunblane".  This incorporates housing across its entire land bank to the south and west of Dunblane - this is owned by an associated company, Arnbathie Developments.  The masterplan includes benefits to the community such as active travel routes, but clearly the overall plan will be of great interest to the community.

Dunblane Community Council has thus decided to pivot its forthcoming "Big Dunblane Survey" to accomodate feedback on this.  Questions will be reworked to allow specific feedback on this plan.  The survey will now be issued in early 2024.

Here are some of the key topics under discussion this month.  Our full list of intiatives is on our home page

 

Transport Transport

Dunblane Community Council (DCC) has asked Stirling Council (SC) to consider installing a pedestrian crossing on the dual carriageway across from the Dunblane Centre to improve road safety for people accessing the centre.  SC have said they will carry out an assessment,.

DCC has submitted a review to TACTRAN (Tayside & Central Transport) to consider improving the slip roads to the A9 at the Queen Victoria school junction.  These are very short and therefore dangerous for road users.  We also mentioned the need for a road bypassing the Keir roundabout between Dunblane and Bridge of Allan.

 SC have rejected a request for a 40mph limit on the road to Kinbuck - that will go to petition.

 £ Town Centre & Economy

 DCC has secured the sponsorship of a Stirling Councillor to verify that Dunblane will be elligible for a portion of the windfall funding should the Windburn wind farm development behind Dumyat be allowed to proceed.  Dates of the meetings have now been advertised.

Heritage Heritage

The Old Bank building initiative has DCC's support and has now managed to secure 600 members supporting its vision to become an Arts and Heritage centre with a music / cinema room and a cafe. 

 Events Community

3 have decided not to proceed with the build of a mast by Dunblane Primary.  Following DCC's raising of concerns, a number of councillors and Scottish ministers wrote to 3 (Hutchison) to reconsider the build of a 5G Telecoms Mast at Murdoch Terrace close to Dunblane Primary school.  The letter details the legal precendent and scientific evidence that is starting to point towards 5G masts being a potential health hazard.  Legislation permits utility companies to override such concerns, but it is hoped that level of pressure may cause 3 to reconsider.

 Housing Housing

 Dandara have submitted a vision for a major development across the South and West of Dunblane

 DCC will respond with a Local Plan document. The Big Survey will be tailored to the vision with targeted questions around possibilities such as improvements funded by planning gain.

 Environment Green Spaces  Stirling Council has confirmed that work to repair the Memorial Bridge (opposite the War Memorial) will be completed by Remembrance Sunday.

The Windburn 2 windfarm proposal is for land behind Dumyat.  Parts of the turbines will potentially be seen from walks around Sherrifmuir and even from certain locations in Dunblane.  On the other hand, onshore Wind is the most sustainable form of electricity generation there is and in addition, Dunblane would benefit from windfall funding.  It is up to the community of Dunblane to decide.  But how much would this windfall funding be?  Please see the article below from the BBC :

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-67280163

 

Windburn Wind Farm: Public Exhibitions

Wind2 invites you to attend Public Exhibition events at which the latest draft proposals for the Windburn Wind Farm will be presented. The proposed Windburn Wind Farm is located on land within the Ochil Hills. The nearest proposed turbine is approximately 3.3km to the north of the settlement of Alva, 5.2km south of Blackford and approximately 5.6km south-east of the settlement of Greenloaning.Our current proposalsfor the site are for 14 wind turbines, each with a blade tip height of up to 149.9m, and ancillary infrastructure including battery storage. The Public Exhibitions will be held as follows:

Tuesday 14th November 2023 3.00pm to 7.00pm

The Dunblane Centre Stirling Road Dunblane Stirling FK15 9EY

The Public Exhibitions will provide an opportunity to gain information about the proposals and how they have progressed following the previous Public Exhibitions held in June, as well asto see visualisationsof how the wind farm may look if constructed. You will be invited to provide comments and feedback on the proposals as part of the consultation process. Members of the Wind2 team will be in attendance to field any questions that you may have whilst visiting the exhibitions.

Windburn Wind Farm: Public Exhibitions

Wind2 invites you to attend Public Exhibition events at which the latest draft proposals for the Windburn Wind Farm will be presented. The proposed Windburn Wind Farm is located on land within the Ochil Hills. The nearest proposed turbine is approximately 3.3km to the north of the settlement of Alva, 5.2km south of Blackford and approximately 5.6km south-east of the settlement of Greenloaning.Our current proposalsfor the site are for 14 wind turbines, each with a blade tip height of up to 149.9m, and ancillary infrastructure including battery storage. The Public Exhibitions will be held as follows:

Tuesday 14th November 2023 3.00pm to 7.00pm

The Dunblane Centre Stirling Road Dunblane Stirling FK15 9EY

The Public Exhibitions will provide an opportunity to gain information about the proposals and how they have progressed following the previous Public Exhibitions held in June, as well asto see visualisationsof how the wind farm may look if constructed. You will be invited to provide comments and feedback on the proposals as part of the consultation process. Members of the Wind2 team will be in attendance to field any questions that you may have whilst visiting the exhibitions.

For full details, please see the Scottish Gas Networks site :

https://sgn.co.uk/our-gas-works/major-planned-projects/dunblane-perth-road-area

 The text is also available as an attachment below.

A spokesperson for 3 made the following statement :

Having reviewed the site, we have decided not to proceed with the build.

A number of Stirling Councillors and Scottish Ministers had previously appealed to 3 to consider alternative locations following requests by Dunblane Community Council.

The mast had been allowed to proceed going forward following an admin error at Stirling Council.

By Alastair McNeill 24Oct23 at the Stirling Observer

 

An ‘eleventh-hour’ appeal to a mobile phone giant was made this week to stop building a controversial 50ft mast in a residential area of Dunblane.

Clackmannanshire and Dunblane MSP Keith Brown and three Dunblane councillors – Alasdair Tollemache, Robin Kleinman and Douglas Dodds – are urging Three not to proceed with the project.

It emerged last month that the 5G mast – turned down by Stirling Council – was to go ahead due to an administrative blunder.

Yesterday (Tuesday) Three said it is currently “evaluating” the site near Dunblane Primary School, opposite Murdoch Terrace, and that no final decision on whether to build or not had been made.

Following the error, Stirling Council pointed out they had made “sustained” appeals to the applicant to discuss an alternative, but had not had any success. The applicant had previously said the installation would be safe and improve network coverage, but objectors had cited concerns over its appearance and alleged potential health risks.

Dunblane Primary School is around 500ft from the mast

In recent days, workers have been spotted at the site opposite Murdoch Terrace near the town’s primary school.

This week three Dunblane councillors – Alasdair Tollemache, Robin Kleinman and Douglas Dodds – issued a last minute appeal to Three. Two MSPs had objected to the proposal along with 12 residents from Dunblane.

The blunder came about after a crucial deadline was missed, allowing the mast to go ahead by default. MSP Alexander Stewart had described the error as “utterly inexcusable.” Under planning rules, applicants who seek to put up a telecoms structure can proceed if they have not had a response from the council within a 56-day period.

The notification application – submitted by CK Hutchison Networks (Three) – had been received and validated on November 16 last year and then formally refused for siting and design reasons on January 16 this year - six days after the January 10 deadline

The local authority blamed a system error for which they are said to be “extremely sorry”.

Dunblane Community Council had expressed “shock” at Stirling Council’s “incompetence” adding that it was “inexcusable especially given the local opposition” to the scheme.

Upset residents had contacted Dunblane and Bridge of Allan councillors last month to express their anger over the matter.

Three, however, had said that 5G rollout was “vital” for residents and businesses of Dunblane.

The councillors said in their statement urging Three not to go ahead: “We call upon CK Hutchison Networks (Three) even at the eleventh hour to abandon the erection of the mast and respect the decision of the council to reject this.

“We intend to write to CK Hutchison Networks (Three) and request that they now give due regard to the council’s decision and to the community’s strongly held view that the mast should not be erected on this site.”

Mr Brown said: “Planning applications exist for a reason, and it is important that the will of local residents, as represented by local authorities, is abided by.

“This has clearly been an error on Stirling Council’s part, so I have written to them regarding this case asking them to keep my office in the loop.

“I have also written to the Minister for Community Wealth and Public Finance, Tom Arthur, asking him to investigate and advise if there are any alternative actions that could be taken to enforce the democratic process which has decided against building the mast.

“While I understand that an administrative error has meant that the network provider is within their rights to proceed with the building of the tower, I’d urge CK Hutchison Networks (Three) to listen to the concerns of residents and the local a authority, and to move the building of this mast to another location.”

A Three spokesperson said this week: “A new mast in Dunblane is vital to supply residents and businesses with the 4G and 5G coverage and performance the town needs.

“While we try to keep mast sites as unobtrusive as possible, they do need to be situated near to where people will be using the service and, in many cases, in precise locations to ensure the widest breadth of coverage.

“We are currently evaluating a site in Murdoch Terrace and no final decision on whether to build or not has been taken.”

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