Rachel Davies creates a variety of mosaic artwork, using slate, stone and glass. Works include pieces for the home, as well as mosaic jewellery. She runs regular workshops from her studio in Dunblane.
Rachel also accepts commissions to create mosaic artwork with local schools and community organisations.
A visit to Dunblane is not complete without a walk along the sides of the beautiful river Allan which runs through the middle of the town. Paths can be accessed from the cathedral or either end of the bridge in the middle of the town centre.
Ardoch Roman Fort is an archaeological site just outside the village of Braco. There can be found the remains of a Roman fort and several marching camps which included a signal tower. Part of the Roman Gask Ridge, it is said to be one of the most complete Roman camps in Britain and one of the best-preserved series of Roman military earthworks in the whole Empire.
Central Scotland's only Red Kite feeding station. Watch these wonderful acrobatic birds from our purpose built hide as they swoop and wheel at feeding time. We are open daily with a Ranger-led visit to the hide at feeding time in the afternoon.
The Atlantic Wall is close to the Sheriffmuir Road and the former Sheriffmuir Inn. It was used to test weapons as preparation for the attack on the Atlantic Wall in Normandy.
Dunblane's Bishops' Palace & Well lies to the south of Dunblane Cathedral (1066), What remains is in poor structural condition. Grass covered barrel vaulted chambers can still be seen. Part of the Palace site is believed to extend under the Cathedral Hall. 
The Council's Local Office is based in the Burgh Chambers close to the Cathedral. Anyone having watched the Kenneth More version of The Thirty Nine Steps (1959) will remember the leap from the window of the local Sheriff's office. This was from an upstairs room at the Burgh Chambers.
David Stirling is known as the founder of the SAS. In 2002 a memorial statue was erected to him on the Hill of Row, near his family's estate at Park of Keir, Dunblane.
Deanston Distillery sits by the River Teith 10 minutes from Dunblane, close to Doune. Having been a cotton mill for 180 years, Deanston was transformed into a distillery in the 1960’s and has been distilling whisky using traditional methods ever since. Visit us and experience the sights, smells and sounds of a true working distillery and we will show you how we hand craft our great whisky which is sweet, fruity with a malty honeyed spiciness on the palate.
For many centuries the focal point of Dunblane has been its magnificent cathedral, which dates back in part to the 12th century and is one of Scotland's few surviving medieval churches. Viewed from the outside, the Cathedral is impressive, but its true beauty lies within.
Dunblane Library and the Church hall next door were formerly the Dunblane Institute and Church Hall. It was built on the vegetable garden of Balhaldie House and paid for by the Dunblane Reading Room and Amusement Association. Offered funds by Andrew Carnegie they turned this down and went it alone. The building is listed.
Dunblane Museum houses a collection of artefacts, paintings, prints and photographs about the Cathedral and Dunblane, and it has one of the largest collections of Communion tokens. The Museum is situated at The Cross in Dunblane, across the road from Dunblane Cathedral. 
This strange chapel like structure was built using the remains of building stones and arcitectural fatures left after the Red Comyn Inn was demolished. It looks like a real restored building but is really just the salvaged bits probably "borrowed" from older buildings around the town.
As most people will know, Dunblane has its very own Olympic gold medal winner - tennis player, Andy Murray. And we also have a gold post box. Andy won gold in the mens singles tennis in London in 2012 and in Rio in 2016. If you want to grab a photo by the post box, it is situated at the roundabout on High Street close to the Cathedral.
Holmehill is a 13 acre greenspace in the centre of Dunblane. Situated to the east of the River Allan, and overlooking the cathedral, Holmehill is a prominent, attractive, and important landscape feature. Although now well wooded with mature trees, the origin of the name Holmehill – How Maol 'The Hollow of the Bare Hill’ - suggesting a time in history when it may have looked very different.
Right on Dunblane’s doorstep, and easily accessed by either the Darn Walk or the Glen Road, is the fantastic ‘wildwood’ of Kippenrait Glen. Much of this extensive woodland, which clothes the steep sided banks of the Wharry Burn, and the more level riverbanks of the Allan Water, is thought to have been continuously wooded since the last ice age. A huge variety of beautiful woodland plants can be found – many of them rare and special. The woods look lovely at all times of the year, but in spring the bluebells and carpets of delicate white wood anemones and pungent wild garlic are certainly a highlight. Because the woodland is so special and has such varied biodiversity, it has been designated as a site of European importance and our government has a duty to conserve it.
Laigh Hills Park is a large, fairly natural area easily accessed from the Cathedral and the centre of Dunblane. There is a play area at the south end of the Laigh Hills and this is the first part you come to. The play equipment at the site has recently been upgraded (2018) and includes a multi-unit climber, springies, twisted slide, dutch disc, helter skelter and swings. There is a sand play area with rope climber for young children.
The Leighton Library, the oldest purpose-built library in Scotland, was founded on the collection of Robert Leighton, Bishop of Dunblane, 1661-1670, later Archbishop of Glasgow, 1670-1674. In his will, Leighton left a sum of money for the building of the library for use by the clergy of Dunblane diocese. The library is situated close by Dunblane Cathedral, part of which dates from 1240. The library was built in part from fallen stone from the nearby ruined Bishop's Palace.
Take a cruise on the historic steamship 'Sir Walter Scott', or the 'Lady of the Lake' to experience the beauty of Loch Katrine and the magnificent scenery. Listen to the tales of the loch and admire the ever changing Trossachs landscape throughout the varying seasons. Kids get a shot at being 'Captain', and receive their very own certificate signed by the 'Skipper'.
The Park was once common land for cattle grazing, and it was gifted to the people of Dunblane as a children's play area in 1942. Its name derives from Gaelic, meaning 'The Little Loch in the Field' which is an apt definition of Ochlochy Park. A popular pastime for the local children is feeding the families of ducks on the miniature loch. It is a pleasant place for a short walk with toddlers who will enjoy the streams, bridges and ponds. The pond itself in its present form was buit by Victorian engineers as a water reservoir for the railway. 
A 13th century chapel in Dunblane that lay hidden beneath mud and undergrowth for many years has been painstakingly restored. Its trappings and church items, from books of worship to communion vessels, had surrendered to time, the identity of the body buried beneath a table alter similarly lost. The chapel is open as a visitor attraction, place of contemplation and even marriage venue. It is situated within the grounds of Old Churches House. Entry is free.
At the corner of Bridgend and Stirling Road, just below the Bridgend sign is a horseshoe fixed to the wall. This was from Queen Victorias horse when she passed through Dunblane. Her horse threw a shoe and the local blacksmith reshod her horse. The horseshoe was fixed to the wall on honour of this event. It is still there with a plaque below.
Those interested in Scottish Jacobite history, may like to visit the scene of the battle of Sheriffmuir 1715. An obelisk monument to the Clan Macrae erected in 1915, stands on the battlefield. A short walk from the monument is the Gathering Stone - a block of grit, enclosed in an iron cage since 1840, where the standard of the Scottish clans is said to have been placed. If you carry on along the road you will arrive at the Sheriffmuir Inn, a child-friendly hotel which is a lovely spot for lunch or dinner.
Large group accommodation in Scotland with great views of Doune Castle. If you are looking for large group accommodation in Scotland Old Newton could be the perfect place for you! Old Newton is a small castle on the edge of the picturesque village of Doune. Ideal for groups, this self catering accommodation sleeps 12 in comfort and is a terrific base for touring the Trossachs National Park or taking day trips to Edinburgh or Glasgow. Dogs Welcome.
- BR Gardening Services
- C.R Tree Services
- Countryside Landscaping & Maintenance
- Cruachan Landscape Design and Construction Ltd
- Dry Stone Dyking
- Forth Dimension Gardens
- J R Schad Tree Care Ltd
- Jonno Rock Traditional Drystone Walling
- Kare Gardens Ltd
- Mo-Lawn - Landscape Supplies and Services Ltd
- SRC Landscapes Ltd
- TD Tree & Land Services Ltd - Professional Tree Surgeons
- TRACKS - Land, Ground and Civils Contractors
- Treescapes Scotland
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.
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.
Fiona Brown helped Scotland's Women's Football team make history last week when they beat Albania to ensure first-ever participation in next year’s women’s World Cup in France. Fiona now has 31 Scotland Caps but it hasn't been an easy road for the Dunblane lass as you will see from her story below.
As a child, I ran about like a headless chicken, usually after my brother. I tried everything and anything - tennis, golf, squash, athletics and gymnastics. I started to play football aged 6 when Active Stirling started a girls football session at my school (Dunblane Primary). I loved every minute and was desperate to join a team, but there was nothing for girls in the local area. The coach of the active schools sessions (after persistent begging from me) started a girls section at local club- Newburgh. I was aged for under 11’s but played in the u13’s league and completely caught the bug. Being the most competitive kid you will ever meet, being half the size of everyone else just added to the challenge. The club later reformed as Stirling Girls and was run by volunteers, most of whom were parents. Later, naturally with age some of the girls lost interest, numbers became lower and we all transferred to Stenhousemuir F.C Girls section. I played there for two years at U15 level, and it was around this time I realised that this is what I wanted to do. I remember telling my mum aged 13 that I wanted to be a professional footballer, not sure how she managed to keep a straight face!
Aged 14, I was given a ‘Regional Trial’ by the Scottish FA. Still playing at Stenhousemuir, who, at the time were one of the weaker teams, over achieving in a league of top clubs, this was a huge thing for me. After a successful regional trial, I joined the central region and later that year received my first Scotland cap at u15 level against Wales. A dream come true. Afterwards, I was asked to join Celtics youth academy, and being a 14 year old Celtic fan, it was an easy decision. Looking back now, I have my parents and brother to thank for everything. An easy decision for me meant 3 nights training 7-9pm in Glasgows west end as well as a game on a Sunday, which could be just about anywhere in the country. I don’t think I would have been able to achieve anything that I have if my parents hadn’t given it so much of their time or if my brother wasn’t so selfless. This was the age I missed out on a lot of social things with my friends, it was a hard for other people to understand why I was putting in the time and sacrifices for a game, but now I’m so glad I did. I also had a very supportive group of friends throughout my school years.
At U15 level at Celtic, we were hugely successful and had one of the best teams of our age group at the time. We won both cups and the league title that year, going undefeated in the league too. The next year, I was asked to join the first team at Celtic, aged 15 it was probably too soon, but it was a huge learning experience for me. I also moved up to U17 with Scotland reaching the Elite round of the European Championships two years running. In my second season at Celtic first team, unfortunately I suffered an ACL injury, which ultimately ended in surgery and a year on the sidelines. This was hard for me, as everything had gone so well up until that point.
In 2012, I was selected for The SFA National Performance Centre. This was a scholarship programme that allowed me to complete my university degree while having individual training every morning and club training at night. After returning from injury, I found form and was asked to join Glasgow City FC. I also moved up to u19 level at Scotland. During three successful seasons at Glasgow City, winning 2 League Cups, 2 Scottish Cups and 3 League Titles as well as reaching the quarter finals of the Champions League and the finals of the U19 European Championships, I received my first full International Cap, playing in a 3-0 win against Northern Ireland. Unfortunately, in the middle of all of this, another ACL injury kept me sidelined for yet another 9 months.
After playing Eskilstuna DFF, a Swedish team in the Champions League with Glasgow City, I was offered my first full professional contract. Moving out to Eskilstuna in 2017 was a huge step for me. It was in fact the best move of my career. Continuing to play with the Scottish Women’s National Team, we reached and competed at the European Championships in Holland, the first time in history. At the end of my first season in Sweden, I was asked to join F.C Rosengård. One of the best teams in Europe, I couldn’t turn it down.
This year, we have qualified for the World Cup. Probably the pinnacle of my career to this point. I hope to have a gold medal to add to the collection at the end of this domestic season too!
Dunblane's Jamie Murray has won his 6th grand slam title at the US Open 2018. Read about his latest win here : https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/45461248
In addition to their normal opening hours of 1.30am - 4.30pm Mon to Sat, Dunblane Museum will also be open on Sundays throughout July & August from 2.00 - 4.00pm.
July exhibition is all about local people & celebrities including Hercules the Bear.
Find out more about the museum on their website : http://dunblanemuseum.org.uk/