Text drafted by Pete Bicheno, Glassingall Resident
SEPA has not taken the witness statements they originally promised and instead they “….are continuing to conduct other enquiries into the events …”
From the Stirling Observer 18.11.2020
“A man has denied destroying a bat roost and the nest of a wild bird while carrying out demolition of a house on Stagecoch tycoon Dame Ann Gloag’s Glassingall Estate.”
“…David Kerr, of Cumbernauld, pleaded not guilty at Stirling Sheriff Court on Friday 13th November to offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Conservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1994 and the European Communities Act 1972. “
Trial has been set for April 22nd.
Since the fire another demolition company has been on site and spent almost a month clearing up. The council granted permission for the demolition in retrospect.
Interestingly Dame Ann Gloag has put in for planning permission for a similar development at Beauly as she is proposing at Glassingall. See the Inverness Courier : 20.11.2020
Approval was granted on 01.12.2020 See the Inverness Courier:
Earlier text from July 2020
NEW Police launch wildlife crime probe at bus tycoon's estate following blaze Stirling Observer Article from 27 July 2020
Read Stirling Observer Article from 25 June 2020
Article below updated on 20 June 2020 - updates in Green
Some local residents on the Glassingall Estate sent a letter to Glassingall Estates Ltd in response to the demolition and burning of Glassingall House on the 11th and 12th of June. The full letter can be viewed here. A letter has also been sent to the Health & Safety Executive SEPA and the Council. SEPA has apparently responded and is now taking witness statements.
Glassingall Estates Limited is one of the companies in the Gloag portfolio. Dame Ann Gloag bought the estate over a year ago and a Pre Application Notification of Planning was submitted last year. This outlined a development of 135 chalets and an outdoor centre.
The local residents say that ‘the remains of Glassingall House appear to have materials looking awfully like asbestos lying around in the open in a fragile condition. Do not attempt to enter the area and please keep your children away. Asbestos is extremely hazardous and kills. People have been seen wandering around with their children within the fenced off area. This is a very bad idea. Please keep away’.
Here is a statement from Stirling Council
A Stirling Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of the demolition works at Glassinghall estate and can confirm investigations are underway.
“Demolition works of this nature are subject to statutory processes and require permission from the planning authority, in this case, Stirling Council. We can confirm no building warrant for demolition was requested from, or issued by, Stirling Council in relation to this work and we have taken immediate measures to ensure the site is safe.
“We are in discussions with the landowner regarding the submission of a building warrant to regulate the works already undertaken, and to cover the completion of the remaining unauthorised work.”
Here is a Tweet from Mark Ruskell MSP