Local people in Glassingall have provided the attached update to their campaign against the proposed Truck Stop + Fuel Station

Read their flyer

Text drafted in December 2020 by Pete Bicheno, Glassingall Resident

Stirling Council's planning committee meeting on the 4th August 2020 approved this controversial plan. After discussing the application and spending much time on the dangers of this stretch of road the four Conservative councillors suddenly did an about turn and approved the planning application.

The meeting was recorded and made available for anyone to watch but has since been removed from the Council's website. Councillor Majury does have the video on his website.

A petition has been lodged in the Court of Session challenging this decision. Interestingly the planning officer recommended turning down the proposal on seven grounds. Most of the documents about this application have been removed from the council website but the planning officer's report (panel report) with a recommendation to reject is available here.

Perth councillors and local residents on both sides of the border are concerned. See the Courier 12 October 2020

This News Item was posted in 2019

Planning Application being considered now by Stirling Council

Major development on A9 Northbound at Firs of Kinbuck on land some 500m South West of Balhaldie Farm, Dunblane

Proposed roadside services comprising Petrol Filling Station (sui generis), Truck Stop, Restaurants and Drive-thru (Class 3/sui generis), Amenity Building (Class 1 & 3 and ancillary uses), Hotel (Class 7), landscaping, access and ancillary works. View Planning Application 19/00243/PPP

Tell the Council what you think asap

This News Item was posted in 2018

The Proposal of Application Notice is for Land at Firs of Kinbuck, A9, 500m South-west of Balhaldie Farm, Dunblane.

The Notice is for the Erection of a Roadside Services Area comprising Petrol Filling Station, a Truck Stop, a Restaurant and Drive-thru’s an Amenity Building and a Hotel and Leisure (whatever all that means!)

You can read the Proposal of Application Notice and look at the location plan

If you want to know more, come along to a Public Exhibition in the Victoria Hall, Dunblane on Tuesday 2nd October 2018 from 3pm to 8pm

The Central Scotland School of Craft is a new initiative coming to the picturesque city of Dunblane in Spring 2021.

We are looking forwards to launching a comprehensive programme of craft workshops, ranging from one day to week-long courses, accessible for everyone from complete beginners to established professional makers.

We have an impressive register of ‘A list’ crafters from all over the country lined up to deliver a range of courses with a focus on heritage & endangered crafts and skilled hand-making.

The Craft School will be an asset to the wider Stirling community, providing a creative hub for continued learning and employment opportunities for local creative freelancers.

It will also draw visitors from out with the local area, contributing to the district’s profile of creative facilities and enhancing the cultural profile of Stirling and the surrounding areas.

Stirling’s Councillors have adopted a new household waste and recycling policy which includes a 100% concession scheme for the new Garden Waste Permit.

The £35 annual opt-in charge for garden waste collection will start on 19 April and will support the Council’s drive to improve its household waste collection services.

Residents in receipt of a council tax reduction will be eligible to receive their permit for no charge, along with those who receive a garden maintenance service.

A household with someone who is ‘severely mentally impaired’ may also qualify for the concession.

Almost 7,000 of Stirling Council’s householders will be entitled to the free service and will receive their permit directly.

The new policy consolidates the current practices of the Council’s waste and recycling services to households for ease of reference and transparency. 

There are only four areas of current service provision which will change under the new policy:

* A household of five or more, rather than a household of six or more, with excess non-recyclable can apply for their standard 240L grey bin (general waste) to be swapped for a larger 360L grey bin.
* Households with more than two children in nappies will now be able to apply for the non-hazardous healthcare waste collection service – an additional 240L grey (general waste) bin.
* From April 2021, and once the current stock is depleted, the Council will no longer provide food waste caddy liners from Council buildings. Residents can put food waste in their caddy loose, line their caddy with newspaper or kitchen roll or purchase compostable liners from supermarkets or online.
* As part of the current standard household waste and recycling collection service, contaminated recycling bins are not emptied. Whilst the Council would encourage contamination to be removed, residents can now request a chargeable uplift for a contaminated bin. 

Members of the Environment and Housing Committee approved the policy following a vote last week (11 February).

Convener of the Committee, Cllr Jim Thomson said: “The new waste policy brings together all the existing customs and practices of the waste service in one document which will be important for public awareness, clarity and enhanced service delivery to residents.

“I am pleased to see the policy include the 100% concession for the new garden waste permit for eligible households and we will shortly share more details with residents about this.

“While there aren’t significant changes to existing practice in the policy, I welcome the fact more households with larger families will be able to apply for a larger grey bin.”

The policy reflects the changes to the Council’s Waste Transformation Programme that was approved by Councillors in June 2020.

Almost 70,000 new grey and brown bins have been delivered to households (as of 10 Feb) as part of phase one of the transformation.

Vice Convener, Cllr Danny Gibson said: “There are a number of transformative changes taking place in our household waste collections, including the rollout of the new grey and brown bins, so it makes sense to create a new policy that takes these into account.

“Public feedback has helped us shape the changes to our household waste and recycling services, and we are committed to continuing engagement with residents during the transformation programme.”

Along with the policy, the committee report also includes a list of waste and recycling requirements for the public, such as container presentation times, contamination guidelines, collection of missed bins, assisted collections and bulky uplifts.

To view the report, the policy and guidelines, please click here to download the agenda papers.

A recording of the Environment and Housing Committee meeting is available to view on the Council’s YouTube channel.
 
Note to editors
1. For further information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact 01786 233015
2. The creation of the Garden Waste Concession Scheme was undertaken by the Senior Manager of Environment and Place under delegated authority in consultation with a number of elected members and the Chief Finance Officer.
3. Stirling Council serves 94,330 residents and a thriving business community in an area stretching from the scenic Campsie Fells to Stirling’s vibrant city centre and the imposing Trossachs Mountains. Located within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, the area features breath-taking scenery and some of Scotland’s top visitor attractions including the Castle and Wallace Monument which are testimony to Stirling fascinating past. Our vision is to deliver more agile and responsive services and work with our employees, partners and communities for the benefit of all.  The Council is committed to building on Stirling’s strong reputation as a business and investment location by positioning the area as an economic and cultural powerhouse.
 
 
 
Mark Henderson
Senior Media Officer
Stirling Council
Old Viewforth
Desk: 01786 233015
Mobile: 07468 470007
my.stirling.gov.uk/news
Ext. 33015

This letter was sent to the Dunblane community on 16 January on behalf of the BBC

Dear Sir/Madam,
 
I hope you don't mind me writing to this email address out of the blue.  I am a series producer working for Two Rivers Media and I am writing in an attempt to notify the local community in Dunblane about a documentary series that is currently being broadcast on BBC Scotland, an episode of which makes mention of the tragic events of 1996.  The series is called The Years That Changed Modern Scotland and is being broadcast on the BBC Scotland Channel.  The series looks back over the last 50 years in Scotland, to explore how the way we live, work, play and vote has changed.  It is presented by Kirsty Wark and two episodes covering the 70s, 80s and early 90s have already been broadcast.  Our 3rd episode is due to be broadcast next week on 19th January at 22:00 on BBC Scotland, and will be repeated the following day, 20th January, at 20:00.  This programme covers the period from the early 90s up until 2008, and while it does not focus on, or go into detail on, the events in Dunblane, it does mention what happened and also makes mention of the Snowdrop campaign and the changes to gun laws the followed.  This is done through the use of news footage from the time.  
 
I wanted to make efforts to let people in Dunblane know about the episode but have been unable to establish whether there is a community group or network that would be best to contact.  I am therefore contacting you to ask whether there might be an appropriate way of passing this message on to those who might want to be made aware.
 
If anyone has any questions about any of the above, please don't hesitate to contact me on this email address.
 
Kind regards
 

Catherine Abbott
Series Producer, Becoming Scotland 

Getting the Right Care in the Right Place (changes to the way we access A&E)
 
A&E is always there for those who need it
 
The way people access A&E services is changing to keep patients and NHS Scotland safe this winter – making sure everyone gets the right care in the right place.
Local A&E departments remain open for those who have a life-threatening emergency.
 
However, to ensure patients have the fastest access to the treatment they need, anyone with a non-life threatening condition who would usually go to A&E should now call NHS 24 on 111 first, day or night, to be directed to the right NHS service.
 
If A&E is the most appropriate place to provide the right care, patients will either be directly referred to A&E by NHS 24 or a telephone or video consultation with a senior clinical decision maker.
 
For further information on where to access the right medical care, visit www.NHSinform.scot/right-care  

The library has not reopened following the festive break.

The Friends of Holmehill contacted the website team with an update about the new owners’ plans for Holmehill. Here is their email

We recently asked The Carman Family Foundation for an update as to what has happened over the last few month. The response from Bill Carman is below:

Over the last few months:

1. The Braeport meadow has been tilled and the seedling trees removed. 54 small-medium sized decorative trees have been planted in groups of 3, with 10 more (a bit bigger) to go. Some outlines of paths have been created - these will probably be finished with plastic matting and grass growing through the plastic.

2. The paths on the top have had leaves removed.

3. The paths going down to ground level have also been cleared to a reasonable state. We need to think of more permanent solutions.

4. The chip paths need an alternative surface - any ideas of what might look natural yet last for a few years? The weeds on either side have been dug out.

5. Some of the Scots pines have been eaten (rabbits?). They have been replaced and tubes now keep the rabbits out with wire mesh to keep the deer off them.

6. Around the grasses next to the tennis court we  have planted a bamboo hedge.

7. Wire has been put back into the metal posts of the old fence to stop people tumbling down the hill

8. 150 longer tubes were supplied by the Woodland Trust to replace the short tubes.

Next year jobs include:

1. Planning for a pond at the bottom of the meadows

2. Moving the shed next to the red lodge (or getting a new hut) for storage of garden equipment.

3. Planting snowdrops in february.

4. We are in discussions with people on types of plants to put under the new trees on the meadow. We want colourful plants of all sizes which will attract pollinators and birds. All suggestions welcomed.

5. Next year, we will roundup the edges of the paths on the top in April.

6. Putting Up a chain barrier to stop people driving on to the grass on top.

7. A few more "nice" trees for around the perimeter of the grass on top.

8. 4 carved benches will be made this Winter, 3 representing each primary school, using the wood we took off the hill 2 years ago.

Someone who currently works with me will be at Holmehill for 2 days per week from now (ish).

The Friends of Holmehill can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

The Carman Family Foundation cab be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

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

NHS Forth Valley is now offering flu vaccinations to patients who will be aged 60-64 by 31 March 2021.

These will be held at the Albert Halls in Stirling from 7-10 December.

At risk patients who have missed previous clinics, plus those who are shielding and their households, are also invited to book an appointment.

Patients should phone 01324 614692 or 01324 616050 to book an appointment.

Due to a lack of resources, clinics will not be held at the Victoria Hall, but most Pharmacies, including both Bannerman's Pharmacies, are now also able to provide free NHS vaccines to eligible patients.

It was felt that most patients in this age group would be able to travel to Stirling, however, they also have the option to book an appointment at the local pharmacies if they prefer.

The Practice will also be offering opportunistic vaccinations to eligible patients if they are attending for other reasons, although we have only been allocated a small supply.

Sue Lawson
Practice Manager/eHealth Practice Champion, Dunblane Medical Practice
Direct Tel: 01786 820980