stirling council - focus autumn 09
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Stirling's Council MagazineTRANSCRIPT
delivering quality services 0845 277 7000 stirling.gov.uk
Focusfor everyone living in the Stirling CounCil area
STIR
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Spread the word!
autumn 2009
Business AmbassadorsIntroducing Stirling’s new
Woodland walks, events and more
Have an awesome autumn
Park and Ridenow it goes to Stirling
Royal Infirmary too
at Forthside
back to
school
special
We’ll cross that bridge...
Winb&b at an
adamo hotel in Stirling or
Bridge of Allan
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contact usfor all Stirling Council services phone the contact centre on:
& 0845 277 7000
text: 07717 990 001
8 www.stirling.gov.uk
register for text or email alerts at www.stirling.gov.uk/my
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Focus comments? Questions? Ideas?
tel 01786 443360
email stirlingfocus@stirling.
gov.uk
or write to Stirling focus,
Communications and
marketing, old viewforth,
Stirling fK8 2et.
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if you need this information in large print, Braille, audio or in another language please contact 0845 277 7000 and quote reference number 8682.
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focus faCtSStirling focus is published by Stirling Council and delivered by the royal mail’s Door to Door service. it costs approx 21p per copy to print and distribute.
Competition winners in the last issue of Stirling Focus were:C morgan, St ninians (one year’s membership of the Peak). t Walton, Stirling (meal at nandos, forthside).
Copyright © Stirling Council 2009. no article or photograph in this magazine may be reproduced without the consent of Stirling Council. Details are correct at the time of going to press.
Helloin this back to school issue we’re looking at all the work that goes into smoothing the transition from primary to secondary, especially where children are moving on from small rural schools. the enthusiasm of teachers, parents and pupils came across strongly when focus visited both trossachs Primary School and mclaren high School (see page 14).
We also meet Stirling’s new Business ambassadors, focus on our first-ever Carbon management Plan, visit allan lodge in Bridge of allan, go behind the scenes with the housing Services team, and much more.
finally, i hope you’ll be able to take part in some of the many walks and other activities on offer across our area in the next couple of months. full details in the ‘awesome outdoors’ feature.
Enjoy Focus.Cllr graham houstonleader, Stirling Council
Bob Jack is Stirling Council’s new Chief executive, replacing Keith yates, who retired earlier this year after 38 years service in local government. Bob was previously Director of Corporate Services. Commenting on his appointment Bob said, “i’m delighted to have been appointed and look forward to the challenges ahead as we strive to make Stirling Council one of the best councils in Scotland.”
ChIef exeCuTIvebob jack
AuTumN 2009
contents
Big names at the Stirling Book festival
on track with activities at allan lodge
awesome ideas for autumn
a bonus for Bandeath’s dogs
8
12
18
4
your top bin questions answered.
20
Regulars2 What’s on
33 Your councillors
34 Spotlight on your services
34 Number crunching
The Park and Ride bus is a great alternative to
taking the car and parking at the hospital.
(P&R to SRI p.25)
cover pHoto:
robert graham of graham’s family Dairy,
Bridge of allan, is one of Stirling’s new
Business ambassadors (p22).
back to schoola special 4-page pull-out.
13
1
Feature stories
6 healthy hearts at The Peak
10 our footbridge to forthside
17 Central Scotland Safety Camera Partnership
23 New mart makes its mark
24 Committed to cutting carbon
27 votes for women: A Gude Cause
forthside Bridgesee pages 10 - 11
✽
Sun 25 Oct
the drifters in concertthis energetic show features the only
legitimate Drifters line-up in the world.
tickets £20
Thur 29 Oct 8.00pm
the Best of the eagles now in their 12th
year together, talon
are set to bring you
the most exciting
eagles music show
yet. tickets £16
TolbooTh Box Office 01786 27 4000www.stirling.gov.uk/tolbooth
Wed 19 Aug
summer ceilidhsa fantastic night out with a genuine
introduction to Scotland’s living culture.
£8 each or 4 tickets for £24
Fri 21 & 28 Aug 7pm, Free
summer sessions with gavin clarkefree music sessions in the café bar from
Stirling’s local musicians. free
Wed 2 Sep 8pm
gerry & donal o’connora father and son duo, the very best in
irish fiddle music. £10/£8
Wed 9 Sep 8pm
vetiveramerican alt folk from San francisco. £10/£8
Sat 19 Sep 7.30pm
the radio BalladsCelebrating the story and music of the
radio Ballads. £12/£10
Sat 12 Aug 7.30pm
rumours of fleetwood Mac With an array of styles and a mixture
of musical genres, they have perfected
the legacy of blues, rock and pop
classics. tickets £15/£14
Fri 25 Aug 7.30pm
W3l Wrestling Doors 7.00pm, first bell 7.30pm
the World Wide Wrestling league
brings the stars of professional
wrestling to Stirling for the first time
for a night of hard-hitting, body-
slamming action. tickets: adult £12
Child £10 – family (of 4) £35
Wed 30 Aug 7.45pm
let’s Hang on an outstanding live band who perform,
with the greatest of accuracy. a
marvellous tribute to the music of
frankie valli and the four Seasons.
tickets £16.00/£14.50
Wed 21 Oct 7.30pm
tony stockwellthis evening of mediumship promises
to be full of fun and laughter and will
be a celebration of the reunion
of our world and the next.
tickets £19.00
Fri 23 Oct 7.30pm
classic clapton the show is a 2-hour journey through
the music of eric Clapton including all
of his hits. tickets £12/£10
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alBert HallsBox Office 01786 473544www.stirling.gov.uk/alberthalls
Tues 25 Aug 7.30pm
phil cunningham & aly Bain these legendary ambassadors
of Scottish traditional music go
from strength to strength.
tickets £16/£14/£12
Sat 29 Aug 7.30pm
one night with elvis this serious production features
lee “memphis” King, the
uK’s most successful elvis
impersonator.
tickets £17.50/£15.50
Fri 4 Sep 7.30pm
Manhattan nights proudly presents’ you don’t Bring Me flowers’ Celebrating the chart-topping
careers of Barbra Streisand and
neil Diamond.
tickets £13.50/£12
Sat 12 Aug 2.30pm
sylvia troon – story-telling Sylvia brings her wonderful
puppets to help her tell magical
stories from all over the world.
tickets £3/£10 family of four
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✽A selection of attractions in the Stirling Council area. for full details visit www.stirling.gov.uk/whatson
Stai
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Phil and Aly
Vetiver
AuTumN 2009
✽Wed 23 Sep 8pm
t Model forda genuine mississippi blues legend.
£12/£10
Sat 26 Sep 8pm
Jenna reid Bandaward-winning Shetland fiddler is back
at the tolbooth. £12/£10
at the TolbooThBox Office 01786 27 4010www.stirling.gov.uk/changingroom
gallery open tue – Sat, 10am – 6Pm
admission free
11 July – 5 Sep
art is not a mirror, it’s a hammer!launching a long-term project with
artists Katy Dove, Simon yuill and
luke fowler. the exhibition explores
the working relationship between
Stirling-born norman mclaren and John
grierson, as a starting point for the
contemporary artists’ new works.
12 Sep – 24 Oct
alasdair gray old negatives / the scots Hippothis exhibition focuses on 2 series of
3
Men
of
Bann
ockb
urn
work: illustrations for his own poems
in old negatives first published in
1989; and the Scots hippo print
series, gray’s adaptation of the tS
eliot poem the hippopotamus from
2007.
screeningsSat 12 Sep, 4pm
Tolbooth
Auditorium
alasdair gray 0 – 70a rare chance to
see this 25-
minute long documentary made for
BBC Scotland celebrating alasdair
gray’s seventieth birthday.
WIN one night’s bed and breakfast for 2 people at one of Adamo’s luxury boutique hotels in Stirling or Bridge of Allan.Complimentary entry to adamo’s late night venue eva at Bridge of allan included.
Just fill in the missing word:
Bridge of allan found fame as a
Victorian - - - town
name
address
Send your entry to: adamo Competition, Communications and marketing, old viewforth, Stirling fK8 2et or email [email protected] Prize must be used before nov 31st 09. www.adamohotels.com Draw will be on 14 Sep 09. See website for competition rules.
Gerry O’Connor
The Drifters
stirling sMitH art gallery and MuseuM
exHiBitions
12 Sep– 8 Nov
British tapestry groupthis fascinating exhibition shows
the ancient skills of tapestry
weaving in a contemporary
context and will be accompanied
by workshops and talks.
19 Sep – 6 Dec
scottish society of architect artistsScottish architects show off their
outstanding artistic skills in a
variety of media during their 22nd
annual exhibition, for the first
time held at the Smith.
events30 June - 13 Sep
italy in stirling season
16 July - 13 Sep
Men of Bannockburn exhibition
21, 28 Aug, 4 Sep 11.00am
italy in the stirling smith, inside and outa guided tour of italian influence
by the friends of the Smith
gallery guides.
admission free, but pre-booking
essential
11 Sep 11.00am
cappuccino and chipsan illustrated talk on Stirling’s
italian community by historian
michael gianandrea.
tickets £4.00
telephone 01786 471917 to
reserve tickets.
adamo competition
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stirling ranger service01786 442971 (Mon - Fri 9-5pm)
www.stirling.gov.uk/countryside
Booking is essential for some
events.
for all our countryside events, including volunteer days, children are welcome, but must be supervised by an adult at all times unless stated
otherwise.
Loch Katrinefull Steam aheaD
veteran loch Katrine steamship the
Sir Walter Scott is back in service after
a three-year restoration project.
Below decks the original steam
engine has been overhauled and
passenger accommodation totally
upgraded. a new enclosed lounge
area has been added together with
fully accessible toilet facilities.
“the Sir Walter Scott is a long-
time trossachs treasure, and now
passengers will be able to enjoy their
cruise and the wonderful scenery
even more,” said Director gordon
allan.
throughout the 2009 summer season,
until 18 october, the boat offers daily
return sailings to Stronachlachar
(leaving from trossachs Pier at
10:30am), as well as shorter 1-hour
cruises in the afternoon.
for more information and to
make your reservation visit www.
lochkatrine.com or phone 01877
332000.
Sat 5 Sep, 1.30pm – 3.30pm
History of Mugdockenjoy a 2 mile stroll through mugdock’s
countryside and embark on a dramatic
journey of discovery of mugdock’s past,
£3. Booking essential 0141 956 6100.
Sun 20 Sep, 2 – 4pm
Mugdock country park information afternoona chance for visitors and local
communities to meet staff and find
out more about country park services,
events and future plans.
Tues 22 Sep, 10pm – 3pm
Wester Moss - countryside action dayhelp Wester moss stay a special, soggy
place! Wear wellies. Places free, but
advanced booking essential.
Sat 10 – Sun 18 Oct
Mid term treasuresa full programme of children’s and
family events to entertain you during
the school mid-term break. visit
mugdock-country-park.org.uk
Mon 12 Oct, 2pm – 4pm
Mugdock Wood adventure afternoonno parents required! explore your local
countryside with the ranger service.
Children must be eight years and over.
Booking essential. 0141 956 6586.
Sun 18 Oct, 10am – 4pm
photography Walklearn how to take great outdoor and
wildlife photographs with your own
camera, then see your results on
screen. Cost £15. Booking essential.
0141 956 6100.
Sat 22 Aug, 8.15pm – 11pm
twinkle, twinkle little Batexperience the bats and moths of the
Back Walk. Places free, but advanced
booking essential. 01786 442971.
Sun 23 Aug, 2pm – 4pm
Mugdock superdog Can you control your dog in the
countryside? find out on our
crafty course. all shapes and sizes
welcome, but beginners only please.
meet in the overflow car park near
the visitor Centre. £1
Sun 23 Aug, 10pm – 3pm
green Mapping - Have your sayPlean Country Park car park. Join us
for walks to discuss conservation
tasks and sign up to help with
the tasks in october. (Sun 11 oct,
10am-3pm)
Sun 30 Aug, 2pm – 4pm
live Music in the Bandstandan afternoon of fine traditional
Scottish music from the Bearsden
fiddlers in the bandstand of the
mugdock walled garden.
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AuTumN 2009
We’re encouraging
residents and visitors to enjoy our
wonderful woodland and get
involved in preserving it.
woodland walks
“We’re lucky in Stirling to have
some beautiful woodland areas
right on our
doorstep - ideal
for autumn,”
says Woodland
and greenspace
officer Jane
Begg.
in 2006 the
Council’s
Countryside
team secured
funding from
forestry
Commission
Scotland, as
part of their
Woods in
and around towns initiative, to have
long-term woodland management
plans drawn up for several of the
woods. Since then work has been
carried out in the woods around Stirling
Castle; Balquhidderock Wood the
local nature reserve at Broomridge;
the young woods on the former bing
at fallin and the nearby mature oak
woodland known as Doctor’s Wood;
the lovely bluebell woods around the
national Wallace monument on abbey
Craig; and the popular mid and mine
Woods at Bridge of allan.
“in many of the woods the trees have
been thinned out to give more light
and open up views,” says Jane.
“Where necessary trees have been
felled or dead branches removed.
in many of the woods deadwood
has been left, though, because it’s
a habitat for all sorts of fungi and
invertebrates, as well as birds such
as woodpeckers.”
Well-used routes through the woods
have also been upgraded so that
they can be used all year round.
Woodland and Greenspace officer Jane Begg.
sURPRIsEs RoUND thE coRNER! WALKING IN WooDLAND mINuTeS
fRom STIRLING CASTLe
ChILDReN fRom TRoSSAChS PRImARY SChooL eNJoY DISCoveRING The GReAT ouTDooRS
SuSTA
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BILITY / BeTTeR SeRvICeS
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healthy hearts at
“People who have had heart
attacks and heart surgery now
come along to the Peak for
cardiac rehabilitation, and we’re
all really enjoying our bright new
environment,” says Catherine
mondoa, Consultant nurse in
Cardiology.
“the programmes we run are
tailored for individuals. We focus
on encouraging and supporting
physical activity needs and at
the same time both educational
and emotional needs are taken
care of. it’s a team approach
that involves specialist nurses,
physiotherapists, dieticians and
support staff. Patients attend for
12 weeks.
“moving into the nhS hub here at
the Peak has also let us expand
services to include a programme
for frailer patients and patients
with cardiomyopathy.”
Daytime and evening healthy
hearts Clubs have also made the
move. now members can attend
the Peak at least twice weekly
and take part in activities
such as exercising to music,
aqua-aerobics, volleyball and
badminton.
“there are several more
programmes getting started,
all designed to help people
live better with other long-term
conditions,” adds Catherine.
the healthy hearts Club is the continuation
phase of the Cardiac rehabilitation
Programme. members have all completed
the programme and chosen to continue
in an effort to maintain physical fitness.
if you would like to find out more about
the healthy hearts hub at the Peak,
please get in touch with the Cardiac
rehabilitation team on 01786 469819.
an exCiting neW PartnerShiP
BetWeen the nhS anD aCtive Stirling
earlier thiS year all out-Patient CarDiaC rehaBilitation
ProgrammeS moveD from Stirling royal infirmary’S
reCreational hall to aCtive Stirling’S BranD neW SPortS
faCilitieS at the PeaK.
I never thought recovering
from having a heart attack
could be so much fun! hARRY KeRRIDGe
heALThY heART memBeRS KeePING uP The PACe!
moving healthy hearts to
the Peak gives us an opportunity
to try other activities. I’m planning
to tackle the climbing wall and
test my skills on the ice! GILL feRGuSoN
7
Find out more at
www.stirling.gov.uk/fundingsources
AuTumN 2009
Find out about Funding is your community or
voluntary group trying to raise
funds? Maybe Jean cowie can help.
Jean, Stirling Council’s funding officer,
helps community and voluntary groups
identify and access sources of funding
for projects that will benefit local
people.
“i work closely with community and
rural development workers right across
the Stirling area,” Jean tells focus.
“for example, i was able to help the
Cultenhove opportunities Partnership
successfully bid for £257,519 from
the Big lottery to employ a Support
Worker who will work with residents
over the next five years as the area
is regenerated. and i’ve also worked
with throsk Community enterprise ltd,
who are raising funds to build a new
community centre. they’re £84,755
closer to their target thanks to an
award from the leaDer programme.
(leaDer is european and Scottish
government funding awarded to
community and business groups for
innovative or pilot “grassroots” rural
development.)
“as the current economic situation
continues to bite credit unions may
prove a preferable alternative to banks
for many people,” continues Jean.
“We’ve been able to secure £8,900
from awards for all for the mercat
Cross and the Bruce Credit union. it’ll
go towards new iCt equipment and
software. the organisation will be able
to give better service to members, and
encourage new people to join.”
as well as helping groups to access
external funding, Jean administers the
Council’s Community grants Scheme.
“local groups can apply for up
to £1000 to help with projects,”
she explains. “this is a flexible
grants programme, and can be
used to fund both revenue and
capital costs.
if you’d like more information
about the Community grants
Scheme, or funding in general,
tel Jean on 01786 432268.
CommunityNewsletters local news is the lifeblood of
local communities, and to prove
it the Stirling area has more
than 25 community newspapers,
with a combined circulation
of over 33,000. Produced by
volunteers, they provide news,
views and information on
everything from environmental
initiatives to festivals and fetes.
Stirling Council provides support,
advice and expertise to all
community newspapers through
the Community resource Centre
and Communities team.
focus would like to profile
some of our area’s community
newspapers. if you’d be
interested in working with us on
an article or interview, please
contact Pauline on robertsp@
stirling.gov.uk or stirlingfocus@
stirling.gov.uk
The fuNDING offICeR WoRKS AT The heART of CommuNITIeS
JeAN (LefT) WITh CuLTeNhove SuPPoRT WoRKeR mARGAReT-ANNe
8
“the Bandeath team and local
volunteers take the dogs out for
regular walks, and it’s a crucial part of
keeping them fit, active and ready for
a new life with a new owner,” says
environmental health Service manager
leslie fisher.
“We were keen to make the area
around the shelter a more interesting
environment for dogs and humans
alike. When the landlord gave
permission for a dog walk area to be
developed we successfully applied
for development grant money for
the project. We’ve also received
kind donations from local people.
new trees have now been planted,
complete with bat boxes, and we’re
sowing wildflower seeds to attract
butterflies and other wildlife.”
This is a great
example of local
government working
together..........
with more of the wow factor Walkies...
at Bandeath Dog Shelter We’ve never met the Dog WhoSe Day iSn’t maDe By a WalK anD
a gooD olD exPlore, anD the StrayS anD aBanDoneD DogS Being
looKeD after at the CounCil’S BanDeath Dog Shelter are no exCePtion.
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activity equipment including a seesaw,
raised walkway and climbing frame
was built for the new dog-walking
area by prisoners at glenochil, specially
designed so that the dogs can play on
it while still on the lead.
“this has all been a great example of
local government working together,”
adds leslie. “our Countryside team
cut the grass and Countryside rangers
gave advice about planting. We used
Stirling Council’s own Castle Compost.
the Scottish Conservation Project, who
are based in Stirling, gave advice about
which plants attract wildlife, and our
colleagues in Criminal Justice arranged
for young offenders to carry out the
labour.
“the shelter’s residents love their new
playpark, and look forward to their
walks more than ever.
Walk oN! ANImAL CoNTRoL offICeR BoBBY CRANIe AND CoRRY TRY ouT The NeW PLAYPARK
LeSLIe fISheReNvIRoNmeNTAL heALTh
SeRvICe mANAGeR
BeTT
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eRvI
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PARTIC
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& ReSPo
NSIBILITY
the BiggeSt tranSformation in SCotlanD’S Planning SyStem
for 60 yearS iS unDerWay. We aSKeD Planning manager
Peter morgan for the loWDoWn.
the Planning newsletter from Peter’s
team is online at stirling.gov.uk/planning
focus faCtS
Planning some changes
•Bandeath Dog Shelter has 40
kennels
•last year the shelter looked after
694 strays
•314 were re-claimed by their
owners
•280 were sold to new homes
and others were given to
dog welfare charities
q PETEr, Why iS PlANNiNg
ChANgiNg? a a new Planning act was passed in 2006, with the aim of making planning more efficient, sustainable, inclusive and fit for purpose.
q SO WhAT Will BE DiFFErENT?
a in the future, we will produce only one plan for the Stirling Council area - the local Development Plan (lDP). it will replace the Structure and local Plans and provide a planning framework for our area for the next 20 years (reviewed every 5 years).
q WhAT ABOuT PlANNiNg
APPliCATiONS? a it’ll depend on whether they are national, major or local.
national developments are essentially ones of national and strategic importance, such as new bridges or motorways. Scottish ministers will decide the need for these and include them in a national Planning framework. there are no national developments in the Stirling Council area at the moment.
major developments are not national, but are still significant in scale. examples would be a shopping centre or a large housing development of over 50 houses. applicants will have to consult with relevant community councils and hold at least one public meeting before submitting any planning application.
local developments basically cover smaller and householder applications such as extensions or satellite dishes. We expect the majority of these will be determined by officers, but with a right of appeal on a refusal of consent to a review body made up of local councillors (and not Scottish ministers, as is currently the case).
q AT ThE MOMENT hOuSEhOlDErS
CAN DO SOME ThiNgS TO ThEir
PrOPErTiES WiThOuT NEEDiNg
PlANNiNg PErMiSSiON. iS ThAT
ChANgiNg? a this is called ‘permitted development’. the Scottish government intends to increase these rights so that many minor planning applications can be removed from the planning system, and people can have more freedom to develop their property.
q WhEN Will ThESE ChANgES
TAkE EFFECT? a most will be in place by the end of the summer. We’ve startedwork on the new local Development Plan, and the proposed changes to Permitted Development rights, if approved, will come into force in spring 2010.
thanks to
everyone who helped
make it happen, especially the people
who contributed and who help walk
the dogs.”
Bandeath is run by Stirling Council and
looks after stray dogs found in the
Stirling, falkirk and Clackmannanshire
area which have been picked up by
either the local council or by the police.
the dog shelter’s gallery of stray and
abandoned animals is always one of
the most popular pages on our website.
www.stirling.gov.uk/dog-shelter
Contact: unit 70, Bandeath industrial
estate, throsk tel 01786 812908
opening hours: mon–fri 9.00 am–12.00
noon and 1.00 pm–4.00 pm
Sat and Sun 9.00 am–12 noon
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Best foot forward on the Forthside Bridge
Dancers, singers, drummers,
jugglers, a talking dog,
hundreds of local people and
visitors, business representatives and
more real-life William Wallaces than
you could shake a broadsword at
all helped make the opening of the
forthside Bridge a day to remember for
the Stirling community.
the theme of the big day in may was
‘linking old and new’, as the
£6m bridge links Stirling’s
historic heart with the new
forthside city quarter. a call
went out for genuine William
Wallaces from across Scotland
to be guests of honour (given
the original’s close links with
another famous Stirling bridge),
and was answered by Wallaces
from Cumbernauld to aberdeen.
“there was a fun, carnival atmosphere
and a real community spirit, ” Provost
fergus Wood told focus. “it was great
to see so many local people turn out
to be part of the day. Creating a new
bridge is a massive project involving
a huge number of people, so it was
also an opportunity to say thank you to
everyone who’s been a part of it.
“the bridge is a stunning structure,
offers great views, and really expands
the city centre to bring in all the
businesses and attractions of forthside
and the forth.”
a SPeCial Day CeleBrating Stirling’S SPeCtaCular BriDge to the City’S neWeSt quarter.
10
I had a fantastic day in Stirling
- and a great meal at frankie and
Benny’s in forthside.
William Wallace (Cumbernauld)
PART
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A CAuSe foR CeLeBRATIoNS: foRThSIDe BRIDGe LINKS oLD WITh NeW
AuTumN 2009
focus faCtS
Cross the bridge to Forthside to discover:
• 8-screen vue Cinema
• nando’s restaurant
• frankie and Benny’s restaurant
• toast Cafe
• 600 space car park
• a new walkway from Shore road to the
landscaped viewing area opposite the
cinema.
It was great to be one of the first
people across the bridge. I had a really
fun day.
huNDReDS of PeoPLe AND vISIToRS mADe The
oPeNING A DAY To RememBeR
abbie, aged 7 (Bannockburn)
the 113.4m forthside Bridge was designed
by Wilkinson eyre architects, engineered by
gifford and constructed by edmund nuttall
limited.
the ‘spiky’ shape is said to have been
inspired by the historical Stirling skyline.
www.stirling.gov.uk/forthside
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It’s free!your local library is absolutely
free to join. there’s no
charge for borrowing books,
and requests are also free.
DvDs are on our shelves on
the same day that you can
buy them in the shops or
hire them elsewhere, and
our rental prices are second
to none. you’ll be amazed at
how quickly new books and
CDs make it onto our library
shelves, too.
www.stirling.gov.uk/libraries
book festival
organised by Stirling Council libraries and
sponsored by the Scottish arts Council,
the festival runs from September 12 to
19 and international best-selling author
ian rankin headlines this year’s event.
While his appearance at the tolbooth on
September 14 will start a stampede for
tickets, there are many others to enjoy.
rodge glass will talk about his biography
on alasdair gray, hector macleod and
malcolm mcleod will discuss their book
on serial killer Peter manuel, while Ken
mcnab will talk about his best-selling
book The Beatles in Scotland. laura
marney will also be along for what
should prove a very popular event.
Janet Paisley, Doug Jackson and Stirling
makar magi gibson will also be involved
in an exciting week, while children
are equally well catered for in a great
programme.
Jeremy Strong, Kaye umansky, Joan lennon, Karen mcCombie and many more will be coming along, while there will also be a special appearance by the BookStart Bear.
last year’s event set new box office records and with such a strong line-up 2009 could set a new benchmark. tickets are available from the albert halls (01786 473544) and the tolbooth (01786 274000) and full details can be seen at www.stirling.gov.uk/offthepage
make sure that you support the festival and take the opportunity to see top authors on your own doorstep. We look forward to welcoming you to events
in September.
www.stirling.gov.uk/offthepage
full details of this year’s book festival at
BeTT
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Book Festival set for best yetThiS yEAr’S OFF ThE PAgE BOOk FESTiVAl, NOW iN iTS FOurTh yEAr,
iS BriNgiNg Big NAMES TO STirliNg.
ABove:KAReN mCComBIe
oPPoSITe: JeRemY STRoNG
IAN RANKIN IS heADLINING The eveNT Phot
ogra
ph ©
Ian
Ran
kin
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BeTTeR SeRvICeS
The Bannockburn
high School
refurbishment is
well under way.
BANNoCKBuRN hIGh SChooL heAD TeACheR
JIm mCALPINe AND PuPILS ARe WeLComING
The ChANGeS.
A brighter Bannockburn HS
The SChooLWILL hAve A NeW CReAm
ReNDeR exTeRIoR.
the upgrade is being staged over four phases and already a new
extension with a gym and changing rooms, and an all-weather sports
pitch have been completed.
all windows have been replaced with double glazing, and the familiar
red brick exterior is being replaced with a contemporary cream
render.
the third phase is now well underway. every classroom in the west
wing will be upgraded, and new Design, technology and home
economics departments will be created, along with a new library,
music department and dining room.
the final phase, due to be completed in october 2010, will see all
classrooms upgraded in the central wing, along with the swimming
pool and changing areas.
“this upgrade, along with our new it facilities, will ensure
the school is fully equipped to meet the learning needs of
our young people for many years to come,” says
Bannockburn high School headteacher
Jim mcalpine.
BannoCKBurn high SChool iS Being tranSformeD With a
maJor refurBiShment anD uPgraDe Programme.
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Off to a great start
oN thE UP! LoADS of NeW oPPoRTuNITIeS AT mCLAReN
lINDa: “TheRe’S SomeThING heRe foR eveRYoNe.” you might exPeCt that for P7S uSeD to the Small, CloSe
Community of a rural SChool SuCh aS troSSaChS Primary
in Brig o’turK moving uP to a muCh Bigger SeConDary
liKe CallanDer’S mClaren high SChool after the Summer
holiDayS WoulD Be quite a thought.
“in fact,” says mclaren Deputy headteacher liz Woods, “a lot of hard
work goes into making the transition as smooth as possible for the
children. We build links with teachers, parents and pupils from 14
primaries, starting very early in the P7 year, so when the time comes
to start at mclaren things are familiar, and the children from all our
cluster schools already know and are comfortable with each other.
it’s amazing how they gel.”
Events over the year leading up to the big move include:
• information evenings for parents
• visits to every associated primary school
• an active Stirling Primary Schools Day
• a shared drama project
• a ‘netsafe’ event about keeping safe online
• a ceilidh for all P7s, hosted by some senior mclaren’s pupils as
well as members of staff
then, shortly before the summer holidays, all the pupils from
trossachs Primary and other primary schools are invited to be part
of an induction Day at mclaren. “there’s always a busy, varied
programme arranged,” continues liz. “this year, for instance, pupils
getting the feel of the english class prepared a collage and displayed
it at a parents’ evening. their work will be up in the english class to
welcome them when the new school year begins. and as a taster of
modern Studies they talked about the un Charter on Children’s rights.”
We enjoyed the
Induction Day, going to all
the different classes, trying
out sports and meeting
teachers.
NeW ThINGS To TRY AT mCLAReN
P7S LAuReN AND JAmIe, WITh TeACheR GemmA LuTI.
LAuReN AND JAmIe, P7 TRoSSAChS PRImARY SChooL.
AuTumN 2009
15
Off to a great start
last term Bannockburn high School’s S4s
produced a dvd for P7s due to make the move
to secondary to help make the change as
easy as possible. the project was run by the
school’s Prince’s trust xl club, with help from
Stirling Council youth Services.
focus faCt
The start of the new term will see the Schools health Promotion and Nutrition Act come into effect in all secondary schools in Scotland.
it will affect the menu and the range of items that can be sold or provided in school, but still allows a good range of healthy items to be on sale at morning and lunchtime break.
the act became effective in august 2008 in all primaries, so the new S1 intake will be familiar with the healthy and nutritious options available. hungry for Success is now in its 4th year in secondaries and 6th year in primaries, so many of our young people are used to making healthy choices and will notice very little difference in the new term. all secondary school pupils can collect points for healthy eating by registering on the fresh-eating rewards website and by doing so may be eligible for a reward each June. to find out more about menus, the nutrition act or school meals, visit the website at www.fresh-eating.co.uk
New nutritional standards in secondaries
FrEE SChOOl MEAlSfree school meals are available to families on low income. applications can be made at any time during the year. tel 01786 443210.
High schools won’t now be selling sweets,
chocolate or fizzy drinks, but you can still
buy healthy snacks and drinks including:
•Fruity Pots - new and refreshing
•popcorn
•hot and cold filled rolls
•Scones, pancakes and crumpets
•home baking
•crackers or oatcakes, cheese and fruit
•fruit juice
•semi-skimmed milk
for high schools www.stirling.gov.uk/secondary-menu
www.stirling.gov.uk/primary-menu and
School menus are available on our website at:
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Holiday dates2009-2010
autumn Pupils return 18 aug 2009
local holidays and development daysmon 7 Sep 2009 (except Balfron)mon 28 Sep 2009 (Balfron area)fri 9 oct 2009 (staff development day)
oCtoBer holiDay mon 12 - 16 oct 2009
Winter Staff development days mon 9 & tues 10 nov 2009
ChriStmaS holiDaytue 22 Dec 2009 - mon 4 Jan 2010
SPring local holiday and developmentmon 15 feb - fri 19 feb 2010
eaSter holiDayfri 2 april 2010 (good friday)mon 5 april 2010 (easter monday) tue 6 april - fri 16 april 2010
Summer local holiday mon 3 may 2010 last day of term fri 25 June 2010
pupils return tue 17 aug 2010
the ema is an allowance of up to
£30 per week which can be paid
to eligible young people who stay
on in education after their official
school leaving date. to receive
an ema you must also complete
a learning agreement, a contract
between you and your school or
college.
you could qualify if you:
• remain in full time education
between 16 and 19 (inclusive)
• are attending a school in the
Stirling Council area
• are following a recognised full-
time course of study.
• if you attend college you may
also be entitled to an ema -
check with your college.
for students who have received
ema prior to 2009/10 there will
be three ema weekly payment
bands, £10, £20 and £30. it
depends on your household’s
weekly income:
£0 to £22,403 £30
£22,404 to £27, 465 £20
£27,466 to £33,157 £10
for students applying and qualifying
for the first time in 2009/10 there
will be one ema weekly payment
band of £30.
eligibility for £30 per week will be
for young people in households of
income of up to £20,351, or income
of up to £22,403 for households
with more than one child in full-
time education (at school or in
further or higher education). it
applies up to the age of 19
(inclusive).
the weekly payment depends on
the required attendance levels being
achieved. Bonuses of £150 may
be paid in January and June/July.
these take into account attendance,
behaviour, attitude and progress/
attainment measured against the
learning agreement.
application forms are available
from your school or local office.
visit the Council’s website for more
information. www.stirling.gov.uk/
schools/financial.htm tel 0845 277
7000
Staying on at school?EMA Education Allowance
The weekly emA
allowance normally depends
on the financial circumstances
of the family.
17
Encouraging and educating motorists to drive within the speed limit is the aim of the Central Scotland Safety Camera Partnership, and seven key sites along the Stirling-Dumbarton road are the current focus of operations.
formed in 2006, the Partnership includes Stirling, falkirk and Clackmannanshire Councils, Central Scotland Police, transport Scotland and the Scottish Court Service, and is supported by nhS forth valley, the Scottish ambulance Service and Central Scotland fire and rescue Service.
“over the past few years our data analyst has researched routes in this area where there is the opportunity to influence vehicle speed and reduce casualties,” explains neil macSporran, Central Scotland Safety Camera Partnership manager.
“the a811 Stirling - Dumbarton road has been highlighted because from 2004 to 2008 there were 344 recorded collisions on this route.
A811 speed limit safety cameras
late last year we installed remote speed monitoring loops at specific locations along the road and discovered that on average 2,000 vehicles were exceeding the 60mph speed limit a day, with some travelling at excessive speeds.”
Safety camera units will now be operating along the a811 at:
• Dumbarton road about 1 mile west of the m9 overbridge
• opposite gargunnock village
• Kippen bypass
• arnprior
• Buchlyvie
• Between Buchlyvie and junction with a875
• Drymen bypass
although enforcement can take place at any point along the a811 route.
We encourage all
motorists to drive within the
speed limits for the safety and
benefit of all road users.
The foCuS IS oN SeveN KeY SITeS ALoNG The RouTe
AuTumN 2009
Stirling Council and our
health and Police partners
have a responsibility to
investigate and intervene where it
is suspected that an adult is at risk
of harm.
Who is an adult at risk?
People aged 16 or over who may be
unable to protect themselves from
someone harming them, or from
exploitation or neglect because of a
disability, mental disorder, illness
and/or physical or mental infirmity.
What is meant by harm? it can be
physical, psychological, neglect
(including self-neglect/self-harm),
financial or material, sexual, or
verbal abuse.
harm may happen anywhere,
including in the person’s own home.
Who is involved?
Councils, health and police staff and
others must now work together to
help protect adults at risk.
Stirling Council has a duty to inquire
and investigate where harm is
known or suspected.
What can i do?
if you are worried that you or
someone you know is being harmed,
is suffering from neglect or is
being abused, it is important to tell
someone.
Who should i contact?
Contact your local social work office
on 01786 471177 and ask to speak
to the intake Worker for Community
Care. you can also speak to a health
professional or the police.
your concerns will be treated with the
respect and attention you deserve.
Supporting and protecting adults from harm
neil macSporran
BeTTeR SeRvICeS / PA
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ReSPoN
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“We take a personalised approach
in the care of our residents and try
to fulfil wishes wherever possible,”
says elizabeth. “for example, one
of our residents, who’s almost 90
years old, is about to set off on
a helicopter ride for the first
time! We have a nintendo
Wii game which is great fun
and good exercise, and other
activities include gardening,
ten-pin bowling, karaoke
and tea dances.
“many residents have
dementia, and having all
elizaBeth maCDonalD, manager of BriDge of allan’S allan
loDge reSiDential home for olDer PeoPle, inviteD foCuS to viSit
earlier thiS Summer to let uS See JuSt What an aCtive PlaCe
allan loDge Can Be.
these interests and projects on the go
can help them a great deal.”
recently the older people have been
enjoying a large-scale model railway
for information about community
care services phone our contact
centre on 0845 277 7000.
activeallan lodge
hopefully we’re showing the
older people who come into our care
home, and their families, that quality
of life does not come to an end. In
fact, it can be a new beginning.
all aboaRD! ALLAN LoDGe ReSIDeNT JohN PRITChARD.
ElIzabEth macDoNalD
AuTumN 2009
19
in one of allan lodge’s sensory gardens.
it was made possible through a
donation from the Bridge of allan round
table and money raised by staff and the
friends of allan lodge group at various
events in and around the home.
“our residents have been involved in
this project from the beginning, and
have spent many happy hours looking
at model buildings, trains and figures,”
adds elizabeth.
Community Care a family of community care leaflets
is now available packed with info on
what’s available and how to access
services.
Titles include:
• allan lodge Care home
• home Support Services
• telecare Services
• Carers’ assessment
• Paying for Community Care Services
• mental health officers
• home Support –
housing Support Services
• Strathendrick Care home
• Care management Services –
What is an assessment?
• equipment and adaptions
the collection includes a guide to
community care services produced
jointly with nhS forth valley. this is
also available from the publications
directory on the council website
at www.stirling.gov.uk/pubdir
or call 0845 277 7000 for more
information.
The railway has been
really successful. It’s
therapeutic and a great
way to prompt stories
and reminiscences. .
b
oPPosItE:ReSIDeNTS AND STAff ARe eNJoYING The RAILWAY.
BeTTeR SeRvICeS / PA
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Between april and June this
year a 4-member cross-
party Scrutiny group, chaired by
Councillor John hendry, took time
out to review the Council’s plans for
how older people should be cared
for in the future. the Panel reported
its findings and recommendations
to the Council meeting in June.
During its review the Panel heard
from a wide range of people and
organisations. it looked in detail
at the services already on offer or
being developed for older people,
and studied research about the
changes we expect to see in
Stirling’s population in the future.
three open sessions were also held
to discuss the progress of the review
with members of the public and
receive feedback.
the Panel’s final report concludes
that in future services should be
redesigned to provide more support
for older people that helps them stay
healthy and able to live at home for
as long as possible. it challenges
the Council’s Services and those of
its Community Planning partners, in
particular nhS forth valley, to work
together better to deliver this.
information on the work of the
Panel and a copy of its final report
is available at www.stirling.gov.uk/
careolderpeople
caring for older people: Scrutiny Panel
the Council is committed to adding
years to life and life to years.
bHelping cHildren reCover from DomeStiC aBuSe
CEDAr (Children Experiencing Domestic Abuse recover)
is a new three-year pilot project being run across the
Forth Valley to help children understand and recover from
domestic abuse.
funded by the Scottish government, CeDar will help children and
mothers who have experienced domestic abuse and who live in the
Clackmannanshire, falkirk or Stirling areas. Pilots are also being carried
out in edinburgh and fife.
the project provides a twelve-week programme of support for children
and young people from 4 to 16 to help them identify and express
emotions surrounding domestic abuse. groups are also being run for
mothers to help them support their children in coming to terms with their
experiences and discuss how they can keep safe.
Based at Stirling Council, the service will operate across the forth valley. if
you would like more information about the forth valley Cedar Project visit
www.cedarfv.org.uk or contact either Susan Walker on 07717 544 502 or
Joyce Whyte on 07717 544 537 email [email protected]
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Need an extra recycling
box? Just call 0845
277 7000 or use the
online request form at
www.stirling.gov.uk/
waste
over 41% of all the WaSte generateD By PeoPle living in the Stirling area iS
Being reCyCleD - WhiCh iS one of the higheSt figureS in SCotlanD.
Keeping recycling up and bin lids down!
Breaking through that 40% mark is
a great achievement, but, as Waste
awareness and Compliance officer
graham vincent tells focus, we all
have to keep recycling more and
chucking out less. Because there’s
still a long way to go to meet the
next goal - 50% by 2011, and 70%
by 2025.
“for most people the days of
thinking it’s oK to fling pretty much
everything into one big bin are long
gone,” says graham, who is out
and about every day talking to local
people and helping explain how
the recycling system works.
“the majority of people in the
Stirling area are doing a great
job, sorting their waste into what
can be re-used, what can go for
recycling, and what can go in the
brown bin to help make compost.
only then does the remainder go in
the general grey bin. So the amount of
waste going in Stirling area grey bins
should be getting less and less.
“that’s great, because that’s what ends
up in landfill, where it breaks down
to release methane and other noxious
greenhouse gases that damage our
environment. We need to keep it to
the absolute minimum.”
graham’s role involves monitoring
where bins are regularly being
crammed so full of unsorted rubbish
that the lids won’t fit on.
“When this is happening repeatedly
there’s obviously a problem, “ he says.
“our crews can’t lift the bins because
loose material tends to fall from bins
with open lids when they are emptied.
this creates a health and safety risk
and can add to street litter problems.
“the Waste Compliance team will
put stickers on overflowing grey bins
explaining why they can’t be emptied
and asking the resident to sort the
different kinds of items for recycling
or waste into the correct containers.
one week we put stickers on 100
at www.stirling.gov.uk/waste
our crews can’t lift
open bins because loose
material falling from them
when emptied creates a
health and safety risk. .
bins in a particular area, the next week
there were 10 bins that were still a
problem, and the week after that not
a single bin needed a sticker. So it’s
really working - and we’d like to say
thank you.”
there’s lots of information online
We
now
rec
yle
all p
last
ic b
ottle
s.
GRaham: The STICKeR SYSTem IS heLPING ReDuCe The
NumBeR of oveRfLoWING BINS.
AuTumN 2009
if you’d like to buy a subsidised compost bin
www.wasteawarescotland.org.uk/compost
21
at www.stirling.gov.uk/waste
a weekly kerbside food waste collection service is being
rolled out across the area this summer. following a
successful pilot run over the winter in riverside, food waste
(including peelings, meat, bones, fish, bread and plate
scrapings) is put inside a food waste caddy which then goes
in the kerbside recycling box. Caddies are emptied into a
specially designed, covered container on
the back of the vehicle and the food
waste is sent to a fully licensed
contractor to be turned into compost.
if you’d like more information about
food waste, please phone 0845
277 7000 or visit stirling.gov.uk/
foodcollection.can i recycle plastic Bottles? yes. all
kinds of plastic bottles can go in your blue
box.
sHould i put envelopes WitH ‘WindoWs’ in tHe recycling WitH
otHer paper? all kinds of envelopes can be recycled.
Junk mail too – just remove the plastic
wrapping first.
i’ve got clotHes i Want to recycle. do i Just put tHeM in tHe Blue Box?Clothes and other textiles should be
clean, dry and in a bag. an untied plastic
carrier bag is fine. then just pop the bag
in the blue box.
WHere sHould Broken glass go? in the grey
bin. Please don’t put
any broken glass into
your blue box.
WHere can i get tHe coMpost tHat’s
Made froM BroWn Bin contents?
our Castle Compost is available free
from Polmaise and Balfron household
Waste recycling Centres. it’ll also
be available from the
Callander hWrC, due
to open this autumn.
Please bring your
own bags.
To achieve a 50% recycling and composting
rate by 2011 we need to increase the amount
recycled by 4% each year for the next two years.
That’s about 5,000 more tonnes recycled.
there’s lots of information online
one of the BeSt WayS to Cut the amount We’re SenDing to lanDfill anD SuBStantially reDuCe our CarBon footPrint iS to ColleCt fooD WaSte...WhiCh maKeS uP arounD a thirD of the average houSeholD Wheelie Bin in Stirling.
WhEN Will i gET My FOOD CADDy?
When weekly collection of food waste comes to your area,
residents who put out a recycling box will be the first to get
a food waste caddy. go to stirling.gov.uk/foodcollection to
check your address against the rollout timetable.
phone 0845 600 0323 or visit
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ahead for business
Our Business
Ambassadors are
representative of a range
of world-class business that
Stirling can take great
pride in.
in stirling stirling’s Business aMBassadors are a grouP of DynamiC loCal
BuSineSS PeoPle from a variety of SeCtorS Who Share a real PaSSion
for anD Commitment to the City anD area.
the Business ambassador scheme
was launched earlier this year by
Provost fergus Wood to help grow
and develop Stirling’s economy. each
ambassador has agreed
to promote the city and
area to customers and
contacts, spreading the
word about all Stirling
has to offer as a great
place to live, work, study
and visit.
a new brochure, ‘ahead
for Business’, has been
produced to support
the scheme. featuring
profiles of the ambassadors
and their successful businesses, it
gives each the chance to share the
personal and business reasons why
Stirling is the best location for them.
RobERt GRaham oF GRaham’s FamIlY DaIRY:“STIRLING INSPIReS uS AS A BuSINeSS.”
vIBR
AN
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om
Y
bUsINEss ambassaDoRs:LAuNChING The NeW BRoChuRe AT STIRLING
CASTLe
focus faCt
23
united auctions’ brand new auction
mart opened last month at the
Stirling agricultural Centre. the
Centre is now hub of operations for
leading livestock auctioneers’ Perth
and Kildean businesses, and ua’s
new headquarters.
it’s also the new home for the
company’s biannual ‘Perth Bull
Sales’, which are keeping their well-
known name.
With 400 pens, a purpose-built
exhibition hall for showing animals
and three rings, the new mart offers
a busy mixture of weekly and special
sales.
“it’s an exciting time for the
company and for Stirling, and we’re
delighted to be making ourselves
at home in the new mart,” says
executive Chairman David leggat.
“in the company’s 150th year it’s
very satisfying to see the creation
of a brand new facility for all our
customers - and a national landmark
for Scottish agriculture.”
Stirling Development
Agency Ltd aims to bring
£100m of investment into
Stirling over the next five
years.
graham’s family Dairy • rok
group • norbord ltd • Capita
life & Pensions • Ca models
• tradstocks • outside now • united auctions • ogilvie group
ltd • iona Crawford • Scotbeef
limited • aurora hotels & resorts
mart makes its mark
Stirling eye is the Council’s
business magazine, packed with
news and information with an
economic development focus.
read the latest edition and back
copies at www.stirling.gov.uk/
stirlingeye
Stirling Development Agency
NeIL mCLeAN of STIRLING AGRICuLTuRAL CeNTRe IS ALSo A BuSINeSS AmBASSADoR
thE sDa tEam: mAJoR PLANS foR BuRGhmuIR.
ThE STirliNg BuSiNESS AMBASSADOrS ArE:
Stirling Development agency ltd (SDa
ltd), the Council’s 50/50 Joint venture
Partnership with valad Property
group, is now into its second year of
operation. Despite extremely difficult
market conditions, it remains focused
and on course to make a significant
contribution towards the delivery of
the economic objectives within the
Council’s Strategic Plan through the
development of high profile sites and
by actively managing and expanding
the existing property portfolio.
a £12 million portfolio of investment
properties is now under the
management of SDa ltd including
Bandeath, Springkerse and Callendar.
SDa ltd is in the process of securing
appropriate planning consents for a
number of key development sites
including Station/goosecroft road,
and forthside Crescent, having already
been successful in obtaining a Detailed
Consent for 127,000 sq ft offices at
forthside and an outline Consent for a
mixed use development at the former
Burghmuir industrial estate and Stirling
miner’s Welfare Club, which will be
used as a Council Pay and Display car
park until construction works start
in the current economic climate SDa
ltd has to take a prudent approach.
once the economy turns, SDa
are exceptionally
well placed to react
quickly on a number of
schemes.
if you would like
more details on any
SDa ltd projects call
01786 431729.
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>
Our target is to reduce
carbon emissions
SuST
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Committed tocutting carbon
the vast majority of the world’s
scientists agree that our planet’s
climate is changing due to global
warming from increased levels
of greenhouse gases – and most
of this change is due to human
activities.
We will all need to adapt to the
impacts of a changing climate,
and also make changes in
our use of energy to reduce
emissions of greenhouse gases.
this will mean significantly reducing
demand for fuels, using energy more
efficiently, and moving to a low carbon
economy.
a Council review of energy consumed,
fuel used and waste data shows that
we were responsible for 39,200 tonnes
of greenhouse gases in 2006/7.
We have agreed a target to reduce
emissions by 20% - the equivalent of
7,840 tonnes - by april 2013.
18 projects will be helping us meet
the reduced emissions target, including:
• upgrading lighting systems and
heating controls in buildings
• installing smart meters
• replacing old boilers with more
efficient models
• diverting food waste from landfill
• encouraging employees to use more
sustainable transport
• training drivers in fuel efficiency
• training staff about saving energy.
for the firSt time Stirling CounCil haS a CarBon management Plan,
DeveloPeD in PartnerShiP With the CarBon truSt. SuStainaBility PoliCy
offiCer angela heaney WriteS for foCuS aBout What’S Being Done
aCroSS the organiSation to meet the CarBon reDuCtion Challenge.
FRom lEFt: Angela heaney accepts a certificate
from John Stocks, manager, Carbon Trust Scotland, and Stewart Stevenson, mSP,
minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change, to mark the council’s
graduation from the sixth phase of the Carbon Trust’s Carbon management
Programme.
employeeCommuting
16%
by 20% by 2013.
25
hop on for the hospital
the addition to the route has been
made possible thanks to £35,000
funding from forth valley nhS for a
new turning circle at the hospital.
“Park and ride has arrived at Sri,
and will help improve access and
resolve some of the parking issues
in the surrounding area, “ says roads
and transport manager Brian roberts.
“With buses running on the
Castleview P&r line every 12
minutes going by bus is now a
great alternative to taking the car
and parking at the hospital.
“our customers were very keen
to see the service extended to
include Sri, and we’re delighted
that by working together with nhS
fv we’ve been able to make it
happen.”
Stirling has two Park and ride
services linking straight to the
heart of the city:
JeNNY AND CARoL CAN heLP You DeCIDe oN AN ACTIoN PLAN
Committed tocutting carbon
a StoP at Stirling royal infirmary haS Been aDDeD to the
CaStlevieW ParK anD riDe BuS route.
...noW Sri’S on the ParK anD riDe route toWarDS a loW CarBon Culturea core team of officers in areas such as
buildings, waste, travel to work, fleet,
street lighting, data management,
finance and awareness-raising will
work together on the Plan. informing,
encouraging and motivating all staff
to become carbon managers and to
promote a low carbon culture across
the whole organisation will be key.
focus faCtSthe activities of Stirling residents
result in an average of about 11
tonnes of greenhouse gases per
person being added to the
atmosphere every year.
one tonne of carbon dioxide, the
main greenhouse gas, is equivalent
to a 10m diameter balloon and one
tonne would be generated by:
• 22 televisions being left on
standby all year
• driving 5,500 km in an average car
• travelling 18,000 km by train.
Source: the Carbon trust www.carbontrust.co.uk
NExt stoP sRI: (L To R) SISTeR LoRNA PeRRY; AuxILIARY NuRSe ANGeLA NICoL AND STuDeNT NuRSe ShARoN IGGo.
focus faCtS
CaStlevieW to the west of
Stirling, just off Junction 10 of the
m9 motorway, opposite Castle
Business Park. it has 200 car
park spaces.
SPringKerSe to the east of
Stirling, just off the a91 at
muirton roundabout, next to
Springkerse retail Park. it has
215 car park spaces.
More Park and ride info...
• six days a week
• every 12 minutes
• 7.30 am – 6.30 pm, mon to Sat
• until 8.30 pm on thur evenings
•£1 return adults, 50p children
•regular users can save by buying
season tickets at the bus station
•national entitlement Card
concessionary rates apply
Landfilled Waste 32%
employeeCommuting
16%
Buildings 33%
fleet Transport 10%Street Lights 7%Business Travel 2%
Stirling Council’s Carbon emissions
BeTTeR SeRvICeS / Su
STAIN
ABILITY
a collection of letters and other
documents from the famous
murray of Polmaise collection of
family papers has been re-packed
and preserved for future
generations to enjoy by Stirling
Council’s archives team and local
volunteers.
“this was a fantastic project, and
i’m delighted with the team’s
work,” says Council archivist Pam
mcnicol. “We made a successful
bid to the Scottish Council on
archive’s Small grants Scheme,
and were awarded almost £1500
to buy conservation storage
materials.”
PreServing the murray of PolmaiSe
ColleCtion
the
murray of
Polmaise
collection gives a unique insight into
the lives of a wealthy, landowning
family in central Scotland, from the
14th to 20th centuries. the letters
and papers, which include a charter
from robert the Bruce, are rich in
social history and cover events such
as the Crimean War, elections 1708-
1832, and the growth of radicalism
in the 1820s.
“the work involved carefully
removing the documents from
existing storage, auditing the
material against the catalogue to
check for any items mis-filed, and
re-storing in acid-free envelopes
and boxes,” continues Pam. “there
was a huge amount to be done, but
luckily we had help from members
of the local national association of
Decorative and fine arts Societies.
the team thoroughly enjoyed
themselves, reading small portions
of the letters and following murray
family gossip!”
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BeTT
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/ PA
RTIC
IPAT
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& R
eSPo
NSI
BILI
TY
one for the archives
SNAPShoTS of LIfe oveR The CeNTuRIeS
focus faCt
my wife received the
Goose, and the Ten Pound
Note within it was safe.
access to the archives is free and
everyone is welcome to use the
service.
www.stirling.gov.uk/archives
exTRACT fRom A LeTTeR fRom WILLIAm WILSoNe To WILLIAm muRRAY 1744
27
A Gude Cause
one hundred years later, and there are lots
of opportunities to be part of decision-making in
your community for everyone.
On 10 october the great
Scottish national suffrage
demonstration which
brought the city of edinburgh to a
halt one hundred years ago will be
re-enacted. the “gude cause” is to
remind people of the long struggle
for the vote for women, and to
encourage women to use their vote
to make a difference today.
in 1909, the struggle for the vote
was already a century old. the
novelist anne grant, writing from her
house in melville terrace in 1806,
imagined that women mPs would
soon be breast feeding in the house
of Commons. it was not until the
death of Prime minister Sir henry
Campbell-Bannerman in 1908 that
the militant suffrage movement
came to Stirling. opposed to votes
for women, Bannerman had been
Stirling’s mP for 40 years and the
Stirling Burghs by election of 1908
saw women take their politics
into the streets.
When parliament refused to
listen to the women, they took to
damaging property in the belief
that the insurance companies
would listen.
Stirling was in the
headlines when the
Wallace Sword case
“it’s about reminding people
of the long struggle for the
vote for women.”
was broken in the Wallace monument
in 1912, when Ballikirain Castle was
burned and airthrey Spa Bowling green
was damaged in 1913, and when
Prime minister asquith was attacked
with a suffragette wielding a dog whip
in Bannockburn.
votes for women was fully won on
equal terms in 1928. to celebrate
and commemorate the achievement
of the Scottish suffragettes, join the
procession on 10 october.
www.gudecause.org.uk
now it’s easier for us
all to become involved
in making decisions
which affect our
communities
www.stirling.gov.uk/
get involved
ANTI-SuffRAGeTTe PRoGAGANDA
Thanks to Stirling Smith for use of photographs.
By elSPeth King, DireCtor of the Smith art gallery anD muSeum
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What do you
enjoy most
about your
role?
the variety of
the work. in
one meeting you
will be sorting
out a problem
for a constituent, and in the next
assessing plans for a major new
development.
What makes it easier is having
the support, professional advice
and knowledge of Council officers.
i believe our services are well
thought out and in the main well
delivered. But we’re on a journey
of continuous improvement, and
there’s no room for complacency.
What would you say the Council’s
recent achievements have been?
they include completing the
schools PPP programme, our new
sports centre at the Peak, and the
bridge to forthside, which opens
up Stirling’s waterfront for the first
time in 100 years. these projects
were the work of the previous
administration, and have provided a
very good basis for us to progress the
improvements we need for the area.
how do you see the future for
Stirling Council?
We have to look at how we work
28
room for complacency.”
BeTT
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the Focus interview
cllr Graham houston, leader, stirling council Cllr houston identifies the key
priorities for Stirling Council as:
Being open for business
“the downturn requires us to
support the local economy, in
particular the construction industry,
as we spend our capital budget.
We can also make bids to the
government - two recent projects
that have benefited are the new
housing association homes built
for rent in Cambusbarron and
Callander. our emerging economic
strategy also has a strong focus on
tourism, culture and leisure.”
Creating and sustaining jobs and opportunities
“through our partnership with
the Stirling Development agency
we can make sure we have the
right type of accommodation so
that when the upturn comes we
are well placed to help existing
business expand and attract new
business and jobs.”
valuing and encouraging lifelong learning
“another priority is to get the
development at Kildean underway
and build a college that meets
the needs and aspirations of local
people and businesses.”
Improving wellbeing and adding life to years
“We’ve reviewed how we provide
care for older people. We have a
growing and ageing population,
and want to help more people
stay in their own homes for longer.
We’ve had good participation
from the public in this review,
and now must implement the
findings.”(see page 19)
collectively as a Council for the
benefit of our citizens. We’ve
reviewed Council structures, reducing
the number of staff and bringing
new thinking to how services are
designed and delivered.
What are the big priorities?
this administration’s priorities for our
remaining three year term are about
making the Stirling area a better
place to work, live and do business.
(see panel opposite)
And the challenges?
all these aspirations are set against
the very difficult financial picture
facing the entire public sector. it’s
not about needing more money: we
have to live within our means and
take difficult decisions over how and
whether we provide certain services
in the future. We need to use the
funding available to us wisely and
work effectively in partnership with
other agencies like the nhS and the
Police.
how can people get in touch with
you?
i’m always interested in hearing
the views of our citizens, and want
to make sure we consult with local
people as widely as possible. email
me at [email protected],
phone 0845 277 7000 or write to
me c/o old viewforth, Stirling.
“We’re on a journey of
29
Your councillors
phone 0845 277 7000
Cllr Margaret Brisley [email protected]
Cllr Alasdair MacPherson [email protected]
Cllr Violet Weir [email protected]
Ward 7 Bannockburn
Cllr Tony Ffinch
Cllr Paul Owens
labour [email protected]
Cllr Fergus Wood
Ward 1 trossachs and teith Ward 2 forth and endrick Ward 3 Dunblane and Bridge of allan
Cllr Alistair Berrill
Cllr graham lambie
Cllr Colin O’Brien
Cllr Callum Campbell
Cllr Colin Finlay
labour [email protected]
Cllr David goss
Cllr graham houston
Ward 4 Castle Ward 5 Stirling West
Cllr John hendry
Cllr graham reed
Cllr Jim Thomson
Cllr Neil Benny
Cllr Scott Farmer
Cllr Andrew Simpson
Cllr Corrie McChord
labour [email protected]
Cllr Steven Paterson
Cllr ian Brown
lib Dem [email protected]
Ward 6 Stirling east
www.stirling.gov.uk/councillors
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S C O T L A N D ’ S H E A R T
S C O T L A N D ’ S H E A R T
S C O T L A N D ’ S H E A R T
S C O T L A N D ’ S H E A R T
30
housing
Edite
d an
d de
sign
ed b
y St
irlin
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unci
l’s C
omm
unic
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nd M
arke
ting
Team
, Jul
y 20
09.
Stirling Council, viewforth, Stirling fK8 2et phone: 0845 277 7000email: [email protected] text: 0771 799 0001 web: www.stirling.gov.uk
of leaflets you can download
at www.stirling.gov.uk/housing
BeTT
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spotlight on
My Workplace: i’m currently based
in the raploch local housing office
and have previously worked in the
offices in Dunblane, St. ninians,
Cornton and Bannockburn. a good
part of my working day is spent
out of the office visiting tenants
and potential tenants in their own
homes.
My roots: i’ve lived in the Stirling
area all my life. i completed my
housing qualification from telford
College edinburgh in 2006.
My Team: there are nine members
of staff in the raploch office,
covering the areas of raploch,
Stirling town, riverside and
Causewayhead. We aim to be
positive and professional in helping
tenants sustain their tenancies and
achieve as good a quality of life as
possible, and also direct them to
other Council services that maybe
able to assist them.
My Motivation: it comes from
helping people with all kinds of day-
to-day problems and longer-term
housing needs.
We go BehinD the SCeneS at houSing ServiCeS With houSing
offiCer JaCqueline giBBS.
housing Services have a rangevISITING TeNANTS IS
PART of The JoB.
The WhoLe TeAm IS AWARe of The WoRK NeeDeD To eLImINATe
homeLeSSNeSS BY 2012.
Number Crunching
337 kitchen replacements
4,434 applicants on the housing waiting list
95% repair appointments completed within time
53 council houses sold
95% of tenants satisfied with the repairs service
314 houses re-let
253 bathroom replacements
508 enquiries about private sector grants
470 central heating replacements
351homes fitted with a community alarm system
(Stats apply to the period 2008/9)