News
You Decide: Ward 3 - Dunblane & Bridge of Allan
This year’s Participatory Budgeting has been announced. Ideas to be submitted by the 14th April.
People in the Stirling Council area are being asked to decide on how £700,000 (£100,000 for each electoral ward) is to be spent. This year the money can be used for physical infrastructure. This would include for example – roads, pavements, parks, street lighting, potholes, playgrounds, grass cutting, cemeteries, sport pavilions, and other public places and spaces.
This might include:
Village Gateway Feature – provides a sense of place, local identity and a focal point.
Improved road safety measures; speed activated signs.
Pedestrian crossing – Zebra, Toucan or Pegasus crossing.
Planting of an orchard.
Park infrastructure; gates, fences, walls or upgrading footpaths from gravel to tarmac.
Park furniture; benches, picnic benches, litter bins or interpretation boards.
Play equipment for an existing play area; inclusive play or an outdoor gym equipment.
So do you have any ideas on what is needed?
An idea must:
come from people living or working in the area and can include community groups (schools cannot submit ideas, however a parent council can);
be spent on items within the topic mentioned above; cost between £10,000 and £50,000 (but don’t worry if you have no idea how much your idea will cost – we will help cost it);
be work that is within the Council Ward you live or work in.
Submit your ideas here : https://www.stirling.gov.uk/council-democracy/budget/your-stirling-you-decide/you-decide-ward-3-dunblane-bridge-of-allan/?fbclid=IwAR2FEdoBNrlzwsCLxINKwWZuYEXLHKnoFvrQnM5WQIpic7q_OzWhAcT8lnM
Read more at: http://www.scotsman.com/news/revolt-sparked-as-forest-on-sheriffmuir-battlefield-approved-1-4515986
A listed building in Dunblane’s historic High Street dating back to 1726 has been given a makeover thanks to the efforts of local people.
This is how the property looked until recently
The property at 22 to 24 High Street has been painted by local company Homeworx, following repairs undertaken by Dunblane’s DIY Gal, Elaine Hopley.
The work was organised thanks to the efforts of members of Dunblane Community Council and Dunblane Development Trust.
‘This is not the type of project in which we would normally get involved’ said David Prescott, Chair of Dunblane Community Council. ‘This is a privately-owned building containing two shops and three flats that have been sitting empty for some time. The building was deteriorating badly but we knew that the owner was not in a position to do anything about it for the foreseeable future’.
‘So we decided to be proactive! We raised funds to enable the building to be painted. This required both planning permission and listed building consent. In response to our initiative, the owner’s lawyer reacted positively and has undertaken much-needed roof and gutter repairs. It is now hoped that the two shops (was Tickety Boo and Fuzzies old shop) can be let, bringing increased footfall to the High Street’.
Just as the work was being completed, the Community Council received a letter from a lady whose father had been born in one of the flats over a century ago. She was overjoyed to see the transformation of the building. The lady described how her grandmother, Janet Paton, had been a seamstress with her workroom just above the main door. Apparently there was a dummy in the window where she fitted the garments she was sewing.
The work was funded by Dunblane BID (Business Improvement District) which is managed by Discover Dunblane and by Tesco Bags of Help.
Tom Casey of Dunblane BID said ‘this is a significant step forward in terms of improving the look of the High Street and potentially enabling the future occupancy of the two retail units. A great example of community groups working together’.
Emma Halliday, Community Enabler Coordinator at greenspace scotland, said: ‘Tesco Bags of Help involves local people – as awardees, as Tesco colleagues in decision making and as voting customers. The projects we have funded have connected people, encouraged volunteers and allowed groups to do things for themselves making positive contributions to their local community. Tesco Bags of Help funding is available to community groups and charities looking to fund local projects that bring benefits to communities. Anyone can nominate a project and organisations can apply online’. To find out more visit www.tesco.com/bagsofhelp.
See the Facbook post about Trossachs Search & Rescue's visit to St Mary's Primary School to deliver emergency life support training including checking for breathing, the recovery position and CPR.
Trossachs Search & Rescue is now providing First Responder services in Dunblane.
From the Stirling Observer 13 March 2019
The remarkable story of life in Dunblane over 2,000 years was revealed in drama, song and movement to delighted audiences in Dunblane High School's theatre.
A total of 130 children from the three local primary schools of St Mary's Episcopal, Newton and Dunblane told the tale in rapid scenes that transported the audience back in time to meet real characters from the local past.
The children all aged nine to 10 years gave an outstanding set of performances that had the audience laughing and surprised in equal measure. The story was backed by more than 200 powerpoint images and facts which showed the evidence of the history being revealed. "I am absolutely stunned," said Dunblane Primary head teacher, Lorraine Slabbert, as she thanked the cast in public after the evening performance. "I cannot believe what I have just seen. You have taught me so much that I didn't know and you were so polished and slick."
The show was researched written and directed by Tapsalteerie Theatre led by David and Jackie Smith, with lan Turner on sound.
"We were quite overwhelmed by the audience's emotional response," said David who is also the learning officer at The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum.
"People were queuing up to tell us how impressed they were by the performances and by the amount of information they had picked up in just 75 minutes.
"Repeated remarks included 'What away to learn about your past!' and 'I wish history had been that much fun when I was at school"
The list of astonishing characters who have visited or lived in Dunblane is one for other towns to envy. Featured in the production were the early Picts, Britons and Vikings who all fought in the area. They followed on from the great Roman General Agricola who also visited.
Then there was St Blane who settled on Dunblane's Holmehill around the seventh century and is likely to have given the town its name; Oliver Cromwell on his [literally] burning mission through Scotland came to Dunblane; Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed in Dunblane in 1745 and his father's failed campaign ending with Sheriffmuir had the final chase of the battle through the streets of the town.
Robert Louis Stevenson was a best friend of Thomas Smith, a Dunblane man from Glassingall who founded the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and became the hero and idea behind Stevenson's classic novel Kidnapped. Robert Burns stayed in Dunblane in what is now the Riverside Hotel and secured his last exciseman job in Dunblane, but sadly died before moving to live there.
Other great visitors included Frederick Chopin, Edward II (who pinched the lead off the cathedral roof), Edward VII and Elizabeth II.
The children also celebrated Reo Stakis, who is the father of modern hotel chains, Andrew Butchart, Olympian and British 5,000 metres champion as well as ex pupil "and top of the tree" Sir Andy Murray.
THE LEIGHTON LIBRARY
2019 ENROLMENT DAYS
FOR NEW VOLUNTEER GUIDES
Anybody who can offer some time to welcome visitors to the Leighton Library
during 2019 is invited to volunteer to join those experienced Guides who will
open The Leighton Library throughout the forthcoming season.
The Library will open for six days each week from 01 May 2019
until 28 September 2019 for 2 hours each day (11:00 – 13:00)
We are holding a series of “enrolment days” in order to fill out the Guide Calendar. Those new to the Library will receive training, and will be paired with more experienced Guides.
Please come to the Library to register your interest during the following sessions:
Friday 22 March - 2pm until 4pm (14:00-16:00)
Saturday 23 March - 10am-12am (10:00-12:00)
Friday 29 March - 2pm until 4pm (14:00-16:00)
Saturday 30 March - 10am-12am (10:00-12:00)
Failing which, please contact the Honorary Custodian by email to offer your help:
Michael Osborne, Custodian, The Leighton Library
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Disabled Access: Volunteer Guides must be able to climb the outside fore-stair unaided.
The Library is on the first floor, and we regret that we do not have a lift or toilet).
Read more at: http://www.scotsman.com/news/revolt-sparked-as-forest-on-sheriffmuir-battlefield-approved-1-4515986
Read the The National article
February 2019 : Publication of Consultation Report
During the Autumn of 2018, the Carman Family Foundation (CFF) undertook consultation with the local community about the future of Holmehill. The Report on the Consultation includes proposals re paths on the hill and a glasshouse. Feedback on the consultation report is welcomed. You can contact CFF on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
January/ February 2019 : Work to Trees on Holmehill
The new owners of Holmehill have received permission from Stirling Council to remove 18 trees and undertake surgery work to a further 27 trees. The work has started in early February 2019 and is due to last around a month.
Read the Trees Report Read the permission letter from Stirling Council
The new owners of Holmehill have received permission from Stirling Council to remove 18 trees and undertake surgery work to a further 27 trees. The work has started and is due to last around a month.
Read the permission letter from Stirling Council
Stirling Council have allocated money for one–off grants of up to £2,000 to support new or existing third sector initiatives who will provide activities and food provision during the Easter school holidays 2019. (1-12 April) The fund is now open for applications.
View the application pack with notes on how to apply and the application form. The closing date is the 27th February 5pm. The Panel will meet shortly after this date and decisions will then be made as soon as possible.
We will also be holding an informal Engagement Evening next Wednesday 6th February at Jubilee House from 5.30pm -7.30 pm where you can drop in and find out more about the fund, ask any questions, and discuss your ideas. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so we have an idea of numbers attending.
If you are from a rural organisation and cannot attend the Engagement Event due to transport difficulties, you can arrange a telephone chat at a time to suit by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
E-mail completed applications forms to Rachel at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
More...
Stirling Council proposes to extend the 20mph speed limit to numerous streets in Dunblane (and other locations) : See the notice here
Comments to Stirling Council at the address in the notice. NB it is already 20mph in High St, Cathedral area, Braeport, Ramoyle, etc.
Dunblane Medical Practice has become the first health centre in Forth Valley to be awarded a dementia friendly certificate. The award was presented by NHS Medical Director Andrew Murray who is pictured with practice manager Sue Lawson, chair of Dementia Friendly Dunblane, Breda Seaman and Patient Participation Group member Richard Duckworth, together with practice staff.
All practice staff have undertaken the online Dementia Friends Scotland training and an environmental audit of the premises has resulted in new flooring, brighter lights, redecoration of patient areas, signage and a key-pad assisted door.
According to Breda Seaman, who has also helped set up the Braeport Memory Cafe in the town, many people with dementia, especially those with Alzheimer’s, have difficulty in interpreting what they see. “For example, they may think that a shiny floor is wet or slippery. They may also struggle to understand unfamiliar environments so providing simple, cost effective dementia-friendly design features will help reassure then whilst they are in the health centre”
NHS Forth Valley Medical Director Andrew Murray added: “The proportion of people with cognitive problems and dementia accessing primary care services is increasing. If health centres are designed to be dementia friendly it can significantly improve the experience for people with dementia by reducing agitation and maximising their independence and engagement in their care.”
More than 90,000 people in Scotland have dementia with more than 5,000 of them living in Forth Valley. Patients may be reluctant to discuss their concerns about memory loss or other cognitive issues due to stigma and fear of dementia. The goal of a dementia- friendly community is to make sure that people with a diagnosis of dementia can continue to stay connected with and access their communities.
The green bridge over the railway at Caledinian place will be closed from 0800 hours until 1600 hours from 8-1-19 until 30-1-19 to facilitate footway upgrading works.
