Dunblane Community Council
| Rachael RennertSecretary cc@dunblane.info | Anthony DelleurChair cc@dunblane.info |
Minutes of the Dunblane Community Council held on Wednesday, 3 June, 2026 , at 7 p.m. in the Library, Dunblane. This is a “blended” meeting, with some attendees joining by Zoom.
Present: Alan Booth, Anthony Delleur, Calum Thomson, Karen Jenkins, Peter Swindon, Rachel Nelson, Annelise Bakri and Fiona Plumtree. By Zoom: Stewart Corbett.
In attendance: Councillors Alasdair Tollemache and David Wilson, Terence O’Byrne, David Whelan, Steve Mason, Liz-Anne Richards, Bridget Clark, Graham Mowatt, Steve Johnston (Animal Control Officer, Stirling Council), Margaret Bragg (Minutes Secretary). By Zoom: Councillor Thomas Heald.
1. Apologies
Apologies have been received from Anna Jarchow-MacDonald, Jonathan Failes, Rachael Rennert (Secretary), and Councillor Robin Kleinman.
2. Conflicts of interest: None were declared.
3. Adoption of minutes of 6 May 2026
The minutes were approved, proposed by Rachel Nelson and seconded by Karen Jenkins.
4. Co-option of new community council members
Alan Booth gave a brief explanation of the process and suggested that the community council contact Stephen Bly (Community Council Enquiry Co-ordinator) to inform him that the council is interested in co-opting members. This would then be publicised.
5. Police Report: This will be circulated.
Alan Booth gave a brief resumé of the report.
6. Community
Animal Control Officer Steve Johnston introduced himself as the Council’s Animal Control Officer, commenting that most of his work involves dogs. He highlighted four main areas: dog fouling, although he acknowledged it was difficult to identify the culprit; stray dogs whose microchips were often not linked to an address; dog control, where he operates under the Control of Dogs Act Scotland 2010; and dog welfare concerns, when he works with the SSPCA. He prefers to give owners help and advice and when people report an out of control dog if he has a description of the dog and its owner and where and when the incident took place, he can patrol the site and hopefully meet the owner. He would rather advise the owner before the situation escalates.
A discussion arose over the behaviour of dogs in parks with the advice on notices advising that dogs should be in close control, which Steve Johnston defined as obeying the owner’s command to come back. He recognised that barking dogs can cause alarm and distress and that some dogs are very dog-reactive, although unlikely to attack humans. There had been a consultation by the Council over keeping dogs out of play areas but this had not been progressed; Councillor Tollemache supported this proposal and felt it should be revisited by the Council. It was agreed that he will ask for an update on Council policy. Action: Councillor Tollemache. The community council could also request that children’s play areas be enclosed. Originally, the sandpit at the Laighhills had been fenced off but this did not prevent dogs from entering, sometimes with their owner’s help.
When Peter Swindon raised concerns over dog fouling in the grounds of Dunblane Primary, Steve Johnston reported that the Council operates an open ground policy and suggested that complaints be passed to the elected members. Steve Johnston would like to see more bins for dog-waste bags, and stressed that owners should pick up after their dog, even in the countryside.
With reference to dangerous breeds, this is a police matter under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Steve Johnston, however, does help police officers and the police is now training some officers.
In conclusion, Steve Johnston stressed that any incident be reported to the Council for it will then be recorded and passed to him for action. The Chair agreed to contact him to discuss the Laighhills. He was thanked for attending the meeting.
Friends of the Laighhills Alan Booth reported on the inaugural meeting held on 27 May which was attended by about 20 people. Two Council officers had also been present. The same presentation was used at the Fling on 30 May when a further dozen people had expressed an interest in being involved. These are being contacted by Caroline Crawford to organise a committee.
Laighhills A discussion arose over the future of the pavilion and the provision of toilets in the Laighhills. The Chair has already circulated concept drawings for the proposed development of the pavilion. The need for public toilets in the Laighhills is well recognised, and Councillor Tollemache reported that an initial meeting has taken place between the Dunblane Development Trust and Stirling Council to look at different options for providing these. It is important that the £50,000 grant for toilet facilities (see Minutes May 2026) is spent in this financial year, otherwise it will be lost. To fully develop the pavilion would take longer. Council officers are looking at proposals for a type of automatic toilet to be placed on the plinth adjacent to the pavilion, with a 50p charge, by cash or card, for users. Councillor Tollemache stated that it was the responsibility of Council officers to come back with different options which can then be discussed. Stewart Corbett, who is involved in the discussions on behalf of the DDT, emphasised that the business plan has to show it is sustainable in the long term and cover the cost of cleaning and the provision of materials. In response to a question, Councillor Tollemache stated that at present a Changing Places facility is not being discussed. Steve Mason, from his experience of developing the Burgh Chambers, said it would be challenging to get the pavilion developed within a short time-scale.
The discussion moved on to the users of the pitches in the Laighhills and how to develop the pavilion to meet their needs. The Soccer Club need changing facilities which are compliant with Scottish Football Association guidelines, especially in view of the popularity of the club in Dunblane with both boys and girls. A meeting is to be arranged between the Chair, Stewart Corbett (DDT), Councillor Tollemache and Scott Bottomley (Chair, Dunblane Soccer Club) for further discussion. The Chair is proposing a phased development of the pavilion and is working on a business plan. With reference to the refurbishment of the pitches, Annelise Bakri expressed concern over the use of Astroturf and the danger of pollution into the river. Alan Booth said the pitches can be brought back into a playable condition but if Astroturf were used on the upper pitch and fenced off, excluding access, this should be part of a wider public consultation. With reference to the cricket pitch, Councillor Tollemache reported that discussions are taking place with the Cricket Club. The difficulty of vehicular access to the pavilion was also noted.
Alan Booth was critical of the deteriorating condition of the pavilion. It is a Common Good asset but Stirling Council has neglected its responsibility for maintaining it. He stated that before it is transferred they should repair it. Stewart Corbett agreed that the Council should not push this liability on to Dunblane without compensation and this will be part of the asset transfer discussion.
Local Development Plan The Strategy and Site Options Consultation presentation by the Council will be held in Dunblane on 10 June at the Dunblane Centre between 1.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. Alan Booth said councillors should use the Local Place Plan (LPP) which was submitted to the Council by the community council, as the basis of their comments which have to be submitted by 23 July. Stewart Corbett reported that the trustees of the DDT are interested in working with the community council to formulate a co-ordinated response to the LDP. Rachel Nelson indicated she was willing to be present at the presentation on 10 June and to collate and co-ordinate comments and responses from people afterwards. She suggested community councillors get together beforehand to work out a strategy of engagement with the public to gauge opinions. Councillor Tollemache reported that on the Council website there is more information for consideration. Councillor Wilson commented that the High School roll is falling, and Terence O’Byrne said there should be more detail given by developers of the proposed types of housing.
Cycle storage and repair station Bridget Clark reported that the cycle hangers have now been installed at the station costing 50p for 12 hours. The repair station will be installed at a later date.
Dunblane Development Trust (DDT) Stewart Corbett reported that a further £4,000 has been distributed from the Small Communities Grant Fund, from money raised by The Giving Tree shop in the High Street. The next closing date for applications is in October. Two new trustees have been appointed and the next AGM will be held in October. Work is ongoing on planning the development of the Laighhills and in Holmehill where there will be further planting in the meadow area and clearing of paths. The DDT is planning the next Christmas Extravaganza and possible Farmers’ Markets or Open Fairs Market in the High Street or Braeport. In conclusion, he reiterated the desire for the DDT and the community council to work together, especially with reference to the LDP. The Chair said that joint meetings should be organised to strengthen this connection.
7. Reports
Operational report: See attached.
Terence O’Byrne has produced the report and was present to speak about it. He has recently had a meeting with the Roads Manager.
Gullies and road surface issues on the Perth Road Work to remedy these is scheduled for the autumn
Kinbuck bridge damage It is hoped that this will be repaired by September but Councillor Tollemache is pushing for an earlier date. Action: Councillor Tollemache.
Traffic diversion when A9 closed The Roads Manager has met with Amey who have agreed to look again at diversion routes, while the Council has agreed to consider putting a width restriction on the bridge. Councillor Tollemache reported that Mark Ruskell MSP has asked to meet with Transport Scotland with the further possibility of a question being raised in Holyrood. Suggestions were made that this route is removed from any satnav software.
Springfield Terrace pedestrian crossing Councillor Tollemache will inform the Council that the scaffolding, which caused the installation of the crossing to be delayed, has now been removed. The Council is reconsidering installing raised tables on the two other crossings at Tesco. This is a 20 mph zone so raised tables can be installed.
Scaffolding at The Riverside Work being done at The Riverside has entailed scaffolding being erected over the pavement outside. Terence O’Byrne pointed out that the scaffolding was erected on Saturday in contravention of their permission and had blocked the footway for over five weeks, with an alternative entrance on the side using a fire door for the first two days of business, which is illegal. They removed the barriers this week to allow pedestrian access. Terence O’Byrne complained that the Council should have been checking that any work undertaken is in accordance with permission granted.
Chip Inn fire Terence O’Byrne reported on the interventions he and Councillor Tollemache had to make to the Council in the aftermath of the fire to ensure the site was properly secured both at the front and rear of the property. He still has concerns over the safety of the roof in the event of bad weather. Councillor Tollemache has asked Building Standards at the Council to report on the safety of the building and informed the meeting that insurers are in discussion with engineers to investigate if the building can be preserved. He agreed to provide updates. Action: Councillor Tollemache. He suggested that the Chair sends him a letter detailing concerns about public safety because of the state of the roof. He will submit this to senior managers. The response of the community in helping the residents of the flat above the Chip Inn was commended.
Planning Report
It was reported that the application at Firs of Kinbuck is going to appeal.
It was agreed that the application for Ledcameroch needs to be discussed at the next meeting of the community council. Councillor Tollemache reported that constituents have contacted elected members about it.
8. Environment/Sustainability
Blossom Day This had been very successful.
9. Internal
Stewart Corbett agreed to circulate the Treasurer’s Report. He noted Annelise Bakri’s application to the Council’s Community Growing and Park Well-Being Fund has been successful in being granted £5,000.
10. AOCB
Speedwatch David Whelan reported on the first month of Speedwatch in Dunblane. So far, they have carried out eight sessions, four each at the Doune Road and the Perth Road between 8.30 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. They logged 140 vehicles travelling faster than 26 mph, but noted a decrease in the speed of buses in Perth Road. They had engaged with many members of the public who were mainly supportive. Information can be found on the Dunblane Speedwatch website and Facebook page.
11. Date, time and place of next meeting
The next meeting of the community council will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, 5 August, 2026, in the Library, Dunblane.
The meeting ended at 10 p.m.
This is a true representation of the meeting.
Anthony Delleur Date 07.08.26
Chair