It’s now approaching five months since the devastating fire at the Chip Inn on 24th May, and we know the ongoing situation is having a real impact on local residents and businesses.

The Dunblane Development Trust and Dunblane Community Council have been lobbying Stirling Council to move things forward and address the current state of the site.

We recently had a very productive meeting with local councillors and Council officers, alongside some local traders, to discuss the situation and what can be done to move things forward.

Our understanding is that the remaining structure on the corner of the former Chip Inn will be demolished. Stirling Council has asked for proposals to be submitted by 16th November, with the aim of completing demolition and clearing the site by Christmas.

At the meeting, we highlighted the disruption and negative impact the situation is having on residents and businesses. We stressed the importance of restoring the appearance of this prominent part of Dunblane and giving everyone greater certainty about what happens next.

We also raised particular concerns about the impact on our upcoming Dunblane Christmas Extravaganza and the vital Christmas trading period for local businesses.

The Council has agreed to work with us to explore practical ways of minimising disruption as the next stages of work progress.

We’ll continue to push for progress and share further updates as soon as we have them.

If you are a resident or local business who has been directly affected by the situation, and you would like us to keep you updated by email, please get in touch with us at info@dunblanedevelopmenttrust.com