News
Since closing as a road for vehicles in 1987 due to landslips between Dunblane and Bridge of Allan, both communities have fought hard to retain this popular walking, running and cycling path.
In 2011 the communities came together (via Dunblane Development Trust & Bridge of Allan Community Council) with engineering advice from IKM. We matched funds with Sustrans to rescue this core path and link the national cycle route 765 between our communities, in cooperation with SNH, Stirling Council and 3 landowners.
Since then volunteers have managed the drains and vegetation, with support from Stirling Council for larger fallen trees, but now the concern is that some areas of the path will be lost to erosion without urgent attention this year.
So our volunteer engineer, Ian from IKM Consulting, has provided advice and proposals which have been approved by SNH, Stirling Council and landowners, and we are sourcing funds from Sustrans, Clackmannanshire and Stirling Environment Trust, Scotways and Community Pride. However we have a shortfall of around £5000 – hence this public appeal.
We have set up an Old Glen Road Path appeal page with Kindlink – a free fundraising platform for charities, via Dunblane Development Trust who are managing the funds for the project. Donate at;
https://www.kindlink.com/charity/dunblane-development-trust/1953/fundraising
If you use the route and want it to be retained please donate so we can complete the work this year and minimise costs.
Thank you very much!
Bridget Clark, Duncan Lavery, Mike Watson
Volunteer coordinators and representatives from Dunblane and Bridge of Allan
First Responders Meeting : Six potential volunteers come forward
Download the Poster Read the Stirling Observer article on 120419 Read the Stirling Observer article on 170419
A new team of First Responders is being established in Dunblane under the auspices of Trossachs Search & Rescue. If you are interested in hearing about the First Responder service and finding out what is involved in becoming a volunteer First Responder, then contact Trossachs Search & Rescue
A public meeting was held on Wednesday 24 April in the Braeport Centre. The meeting was jointly sponsored by Scottish Ambulance Service, Trossachs Search & Rescue and Dunblane Community Council.
What are First Responders?
First responders attend emergency calls prior to the arrival of an emergency ambulance in order to provide lifesaving treatment, stabilise patients and promote recovery.
They receive training from the Scottish Ambulance Service that qualifies them to respond to a variety of life threatening conditions.
On duty personnel are dispatched by the Ambulance Control Centres after an emergency ambulance has first been directed to attend.
What happened to Dunblane First Responders (DFR)
DFR provided a valuable service in Dunblane for nearly a decade. The group is no longer in a position to provide a First Responder service in the town.
Who are Trossachs Search & Rescue (TSAR)
TSAR already provides a First Responder service in Stirling’s rural areas including Doune and Callander. Read more at https://www.trossachs-sar.com/. The group was invited by Dunblane Community Council to expand their area of operation to include Dunblane
Stirling Council's cross party School Holiday Meals Provision Task Group has been working to develop a Stirling model of school holiday meal provision and activities, with a particular focus on tackling poverty and disadvantage. The group has asked that we send out a survey to local community groups and organisations to find out what holiday clubs are operating across the area. This will help us to map out existing provision and to see where there may be scope to support existing holiday clubs or to encourage the establishment of holiday clubs in areas of unmet need.
The survey will close on June 2nd 2019.
The link to the survey can be found here: http://bit.ly/HolidayFoodStirlingCouncil2019
This will help the task group to map out existing provision and to see where there may be scope to support existing holiday clubs or to encourage the establishment of holiday clubs in areas of unmet need.
Shakila K hosts charity concert in Dunblane to honour Sir Andy Murray
Fresh from opening for 1990s boy band, East 17, the 21-year-old Hertfordshire songstress, Shakila K, is hosting a charity concert in Dunblane to honour the town’s famous son, Sir Andy Murray. This concert - taking place in Dunblane’s Victoria Hall on 14th July - coincides with Wimbledon Men’s Final Day.
This concert marks Shakila’s performing debut in Scotland – although she is no stranger to the country as a visitor.
Shakila, who’s currently working on her debut EP, commented, “I’m thrilled to be performing in Dunblane in honour of Sir Andy Murray. It’ll be a highlight of what’s turning out to be an exciting and enjoyable year for me, artistically.
“Sir Andy’s a living legend and, like many others, I was very sad when I heard he might retire this year - saying his ‘goodbyes’ to his fans at the Wimbledon Championships. I hope he doesn’t retire but, whatever he chooses to do, I thought it’d be wonderful if I could do something in Dunblane to celebrate Sir Andy’s impressive list of achievements.
“Since he’s still the reigning Olympic Champion, having won gold at the 2012 London Olympics and retaining the title at the Rio Olympics, I’ll be singing my London 2012 Olympic tribute song, ‘Thank you for the sunshine’, in the Dunblane concert.
“I’m sure the concert will be a great event and it’d be great to find, on the night, a hall packed with people wanting to celebrate Andy Murray’s many achievements so far.”
Shakila, who will soon be announcing some local acts to perform alongside her at the concert in Dunblane, is donating all the profit from ticket sales for this concert to the Victoria Hall.
About Shakila Karim
Shakila Karim, 21, (@1Shakila) was born in Whitechapel, east London, in November 1997 at the Royal London Hospital and completed her primary school education at Gatehouse School in Bethnal Green. She is currently completing her studies at The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) in London.
Shakila plays the piano, ukulele and drums – and has played the violin and recorder. She has been influenced by many great singers - notably Freddie Mercury, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Amy Lee, Avril Lavigne and Christina Aguilera. Shakila has many interests in the arts including dancing, fashion, painting, acting, sports and photography. She has her sights set on being the first chart topping pop star of Bangladeshi origin.
Thank you for the sunshine
Thank you for the sunshine was a song recorded and released by Shakila as a tribute song for all the people who made the London Olympics a huge success in 2012. This included everyone from the athletes to the volunteers. https://soundcloud.com/karim-ullah/2012-11-27-thank-you-for-the
Murray Cook from Stirling Council is conducting an Archeological Dig on Monday 20 May on Holmehill.
If you are interested contact Murray on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You are welcome to come and watch
The building in the High Street that the Community helped to revitalise, is now to house an Alterations Shop called SEWmarvellous
Read the article about 22 to 24 High Street, Dunblane
Unconventional Oil and Gas addendum consultation
From: Lynn Sharp <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.> Sent: 30 April 2019 16:56 Subject: Unconventional Oil and Gas addendum consultation
We have been asked by Scottish Government to share information about their Unconventional Oil and Gas addendum consultation. This follows on from a consultation in October 2018 on An Environmental Report for a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the Scottish Government's preferred policy position, updated preferred policy position and a partial Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA).
More information about the addendum consultation and the previous consultation are available below. The consultation will close on 25th June 2019 and any questions should be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Lynn Sharp
The Scottish Government continues to take a cautious, evidence-led approach to considering unconventional oil and gas. On 03 October 2017, the Scottish Government set out a preferred position that it does not support onshore unconventional oil and gas development in Scotland. The preferred policy position is subject to statutory and other assessments before the policy is adopted.
An Environmental Report for a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the Scottish Government's preferred policy position was published in October 2018, alongside the updated preferred policy position and a partial Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA). Views were invited on the contents of these documents, and the Scottish Government's preferred policy position, during an eight-week consultation from October to December 2018. The responses are currently being analysed; the Scottish Government is grateful to all those who took part in the consultation process.
Scottish Ministers remain committed to transparency and public engagement on this important issue. As confirmed via Parliamentary Question on 26 March, the responses received to the recent consultation have led the Scottish Government to form the view that it would be helpful to provide some further clarification on a number of points raised in response to the consultation documents, specifically regarding the preferred policy position and its objectives. The Scottish Government is also taking the opportunity to update its position on the reasonable alternatives to the preferred policy position which were considered as part of the SEA process.
Our approach to the addendum consultation is in line with the cautious, evidence-led approach we have consistently taken towards the development of an unconventional oil and gas policy for Scotland. This is an important issue with strongly-held views on all sides, and it is only right that we continue this approach as we move towards confirming and adopting a final policy.
I can confirm that the Scottish Government has today published an addendum to the SEA Environmental Report, the preferred policy position statement and the partial BRIA, and will invite further comments on the points covered. Responses to the addendum will be considered in detail prior to any policy position being adopted.
Responses are invited via the Scottish Government's online consultation site, Citizen Space: https://consult.gov.scot/energy-and-climate-change-directorate/unconventional-oil-and-gas-sea. Alternative formats can be made available on request by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or calling 0131 244 9380.
In line with the initial consultation in late 2018, the consultation will run for eight weeks until 25 June, after which the responses will be analysed. Our final policy on unconventional oil and gas will be confirmed as soon as possible after this process is complete.
More...
Article from Stirling Observer by Warren Hardie
Changes to parking in Dunblane are to be ‘phased in’ following approval of a new plan by Stirling councillors. At a meeting of the environment and housing committee last Thursday, councillors gave the green light to a Community Parking Management Plan for Dunblane . The first phase of the plan will see the introduction of 16 town centre parking bays, as well as new drop off points outside Dunblane railway station. There will also be two ticket machines installed in the town at both the Haining and Millrow to support a new £2 parking charge between 7am and 8.30am.
Design options for improved cycle and parking infrastructure on the Perth Road were also approved. Once implemented, the plan is set to be monitored by Stirling Council over the following six months to determine whether further measures will be required. The council said these changes were the result of “extensive consultation” with Dunblane residents and an independent parking survey. Considered proposals to introduce further ‘pay and display’ parking across Dunblane town centre have not been included in this phase of the parking plan.
Convener of the environment and housing committee, Councillor Jim Thomson, said: “The community played a vital part in this process and their views helped shape the way that the new parking management plan will help benefit Dunblane. “A well-managed parking and transport system is key for any successful town, but a critical part of getting that right is being able to balance demand for parking without impacting on growth opportunities. “This plan will help manage commuter parking within the town centre, while taking into accounts the needs of businesses and those who work there.”
Chair of Dunblane Community Council David Prescott said: “We are pleased the council has listened to the community feedback and decided not to implement the major changes which they originally proposed, which would have disrupted the lives of many town centre residents and businesses.” He added: “We are particularly pleased that they have responded to our suggestions to provide much needed additional car parking spaces and that they recognise the problems caused by railway commuter parking to the life of the town.”
However, Dunblane and Bridge of Allan councillor Alastair Majury has criticised the consultation process. He said: “There were significant issues with the public consultation that took place. Most people in the community were not involved. “The plan agreed at the committee meeting is a lot different from what was originally put forward and people should be given a say before it is put in place.“The committee should have agreed to do that.”
Green councillor Alasdair Tollemache added: “Parking is an emotive subject and the exercise just completed will not please everyone. “The initial plans have been changed following the consultation and I welcome the phased approach and in any further stage we must concentrate on sustainable transport and work towards to long term solutions that concentrate upon reducing our dependency on cars .
Adam wows judges with Rubik’s trick
A Dunblane youngster is off to Las Vegas after winning top honours at a magic competition in London. Eighteen-year-old Adam Black was awarded the Magic Circle’s young magician of the year title at their London headquarters. Adam beat five other young magicians, performing his signature Rubik’s cube routine, to take home the prize. Former Dunblane High School pupil Adam “still can’t quite believe it” and hopes he will be able to make a career out of his success. Taking to social media after winning the prize, he said: “Over the moon to announce that I have won Young Magician of the Year.“Thank you to everyone who has helped with the act and huge congratulations to all the other competitors, you all did great!”
Along with a trophy, Adam will also receive free membership of the Magic Circle and a trip to Las Vegas to visit McBride Magic and Mystery School. As a member of the group, he will be able to attend their events as well as learn tricks from the group’s seasoned professionals. Adam discovered his love of magic at the age of 10, after watching a live performance at Stirling Castle. He said: “I saw the magicians and was amazed, I said to myself ‘I want to do that.’”
Before taking to stage magic, Adam practised a few tricks he found online and showed them to his friends. From there, he joined a Young Magicians Club and has performed at a number of Dunblane Boys’ Brigade concerts and pantomimes over the years.
Along with card tricks, Adam’s specialist trick involves solving a Rubik’s cube in 15 seconds, before placing an unsolved cube in a paper bag. He then hands the bag to a volunteer, who opens the bag to find that the cube has been solved.
In 2017, Adam went on a work experience placement with the Edinburgh International Magic Festival, which saw him meet his magic heroes Penn and Teller. He said: “It was a great feeling, I’ve been watching their performances for years.” Adam will be performing on the Forth Valley Magic Circle’s annual Tricks at the Tryst which takes place on May 11 at Falkirk Town Hall. On the night, he’ll be performing the routine which won him his Young Magician of the Year award. Magic Circle club president Scott Penrose congratulated Adam on his success. He said: “It’s great to see so much fresh magic and the magicians of the future compete for this wonderful trophy. “Adam will no doubt have a great future following in the footsteps of some many others who have gone on to establish a great career.”
Pedal Power available for Dunblaners
Dunblane Development Trust has launched an electric bike demonstration and loan scheme for local residents. Thanks to funding from the Climate Challenge Fund and the Energy Saving Trust, two bikes have been acquired for community use.
The scheme is run on behalf of the DDT by a team of three volunteer demonstrators who will provide free introductory taster sessions, advice on how to ride safely, as well as an introduction to local cycling routes. Sessions may be followed up by loans for up to 7 days; subject to a small administration fee. All volunteers have cycle trainer qualifications and are aware of concerns about cycling on roads.
Lead demonstrator Tim Hughes says “These bikes provide an opportunity for local people to discover how power assistance can, not only overcome hills and wind, but also allow cyclists to maintain higher speeds on roads; thus making them less vulnerable to motorists’ impatience to overtake”
Anyone considering easier ways to travel in the Dunblane area, without jumping in the car and competing for parking spaces, are welcome to try out one of these bikes.
Arrange a taster session by calling 01786 822422 or 07910 695088
Further information at http://dunblanedevelopmenttrust.com/news
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’.
