News
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’.
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.
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.
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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.
Primary school pupil praises Andy Murray in video
'I'm in bits!' Schoolgirl at Dunblane Primary melts hearts with adorable video tribute to Andy Murray after his painful final tennis match, saying: 'he lost but he never gave up'