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

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’.