Community ‘Makeover’ in Dunblane’s High Street

Forestry Commission Scotland has permitted landowners to plant 62 hectares of woodland on the historic site near Dunblane.

Read more at: http://www.scotsman.com/news/revolt-sparked-as-forest-on-sheriffmuir-battlefield-approved-1-4515986

A listed building in Dunblane’s historic High Street dating back to 1726 has been given a makeover thanks to the efforts of local people.

 22 24 High

This is how the property looked until recently

The property at 22 to 24 High Street has been painted by local company Homeworx, following repairs undertaken by Dunblane’s DIY Gal, Elaine Hopley.

The work was organised thanks to the efforts of members of Dunblane Community Council and Dunblane Development Trust.

‘This is not the type of project in which we would normally get involved’ said David Prescott, Chair of Dunblane Community Council. ‘This is a privately-owned building containing two shops and three flats that have been sitting empty for some time. The building was deteriorating badly but we knew that the owner was not in a position to do anything about it for the foreseeable future’.

‘So we decided to be proactive! We raised funds to enable the building to be painted. This required both planning permission and listed building consent. In response to our initiative, the owner’s lawyer reacted positively and has undertaken much-needed roof and gutter repairs. It is now hoped that the two shops (was Tickety Boo and Fuzzies old shop) can be let, bringing increased footfall to the High Street’.

Just as the work was being completed, the Community Council received a letter from a lady whose father had been born in one of the flats over a century ago. She was overjoyed to see the transformation of the building. The lady described how her grandmother, Janet Paton, had been a seamstress with her workroom just above the main door. Apparently there was a dummy in the window where she fitted the garments she was sewing.

The work was funded by Dunblane BID (Business Improvement District) which is managed by Discover Dunblane and by Tesco Bags of Help.

Tom Casey of Dunblane BID said ‘this is a significant step forward in terms of improving the look of the High Street and potentially enabling the future occupancy of the two retail units. A great example of community groups working together’.

Emma Halliday, Community Enabler Coordinator at greenspace scotland, said: ‘Tesco Bags of Help involves local people – as awardees, as Tesco colleagues in decision making and as voting customers. The projects we have funded have connected people, encouraged volunteers and allowed groups to do things for themselves making positive contributions to their local community. Tesco Bags of Help funding is available to community groups and charities looking to fund local projects that bring benefits to communities. Anyone can nominate a project and organisations can apply online’. 


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