Young Dunblane pianist wins first ever Scottish young musician of the year title.

Teenager Juliet Robertson won the competition for her playing of Debussy's Clair de Lune.

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Local charity Mary's Meals is looking for volunteers

Locals in Stirlingshire are being asked to help Mary's Meals feed some of the world's poorest children by gifting their time.  

The charity reaches more than 2.2 million hungry children with a daily meal in school around the world, including in six countries affected by brutal conflict, such as Ethiopia, South Sudan and Yemen.  

With many people in the UK affected by the cost of living crisis, the charity is highlighting that residents in Stirlingshire can choose to donate their time as one of the ways of supporting Mary's Meals. 

Through the serving of a meal in a place of education, Mary's Meals brings hope to extremely vulnerable children, helping them to learn and providing respite from the increasingly turbulent world outside the classroom.  

Its work is only possible because of many dedicated volunteers across the globe – from the people in the UK who help to raise awareness, to those in the countries where Mary's Meals are served, who rise early to cook the nutritious food for children. 

As part of National Volunteers' Week, which takes place between 1-7 June every year, the charity is calling on people in Stirlingshire to join its family of volunteers to help make a difference.  
There are many ways to volunteer with Mary's Meals across the UK, such as raising awareness by giving talks in local communities, distributing promotional materials, or helping with bucket collections and organising fundraising events. Training is provided for all volunteers. 

Morven McGillivray, supporter engagement manager at Mary's Meals, said: "We know that many people who would like to donate to Mary's Meals may find that difficult to do this year with the cost of living crisis. It costs just 8 pence for us to provide a meal to a hungry child, so even the smallest of donations can make a huge difference. 

"Volunteering is a wonderful way to get involved in our work. Every single thing that people do for our mission makes an enormous difference to the children who eat Mary's Meals, allowing them to gain an education and look to a much brighter future." 

It costs just £15.90 to feed a child with Mary's Meals for an entire school year. 

Mary's Meals is giving hope to children like 10-year-old Thomas who was forced to flee from his home in South Sudan when it came under attack by soldiers. His father died trying to defend his family and community.  

When Thomas and his four siblings eventually stopped running, they attended a makeshift school deep in the jungle. When Mary's Meals arrived at the school, Thomas was filled with hope.   He says: "Now all of us get food in school and we are so happy. My mother is happy too. One day I will get a good job and take care of my mother, who is always working too hard to care for us."

For 20 years, Mary's Meals has been able to reach children in the world's poorest and most difficult locations because of the kindness and relentless hope of its supporters. 

Today, the charity faces some of its greatest challenges yet in a world devastated by conflict, food insecurity and the cost of living crisis. With Mary's Meals, Hope Conquers Fear – even in the most difficult of times. 

For more information about volunteering with Mary's Meals please visit marysmeals.org.uk/volunteer  

Councillors' Surgeries will be held in Dunblane Library from June

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Read the Decision Notice from Scottish Government

Read the Stirling Observer article

Previous Information from January 2022

Appeal lodged over refusal of controversial A9 roadside services development at Balhaldie

Developer appeals to Scottish Government, pointing to an ‘electric highway’ along the A9 and transition to electric vehicles

From Stirling Observer

Developers behind a controversial roadside services development scheme, rejected by Stirling councillors last year, have lodged an appeal with the Scottish Government.

GB Grove Ltd’s plans – for a filling station, HGV truck stop, amenity building with rest area, toilet and shower facilities and two units for use as a cafe and/or restaurant on land 500 metres south west of Balhaldie – had been conditionally approved in August 2020.

But opponents lodged a legal challenge against the decision which Stirling Council chose not to contest.

The proposal was returned to the council to be considered afresh and, at a meeting in September, it was unanimously refused by the planning panel

Last month GB Grove lodged an appeal against the decision to refuse the application. An appeal statement submitted by agents Graham and Sibbald points out that the planning application had complied with applicable policy and there had been no objections from statutory consultees. It continues: ‘In addition, the development will deliver economic benefits and meets the requirement for additional truck stop facilities within the Tayside area. The proposal will also support the creation of an ‘electric highway’ along the A9 and transition to electric vehicles. ‘All of which are material considerations in support of the proposed development.

Objector Jo McDonald, of nearby Glassingall, had said previously that the application had “united our community” with concerns over road safety and the potential impact on local businesses who may miss out on trade. She cited cases of accidents at that section of the carriageway, including a fatality. “This is already the most dangerous stretch of the A9 between Stirling and Dunkeld,” she added. The impact on the Sheriffmuir battlesite was also a local concern, plus any jobs created would be minimum wage and would have to be accessed by car, said Ms McDonald.

Dunblane and Bridge of Allan councillor Alasdair Tollemache said this week: “This is an unwelcome development which the community oppose as does the community council.
“There is a big concern over road safety being a development adjacent to the A9. “I will be writing to the DPEA detailing my objections to this development. “This is yet another local example of the right of developers to appeal planning decisions which the local community does not have. There is an urgent need to change planning legislation and have a proper, fair, planning system.”

 For earlier articles about this proposed development  - search Balhaldie