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Your what’s on guide and advertiser for Loch Lomond, The Trossachs & surrounding area

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August / September 2015

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Celebrating our 50th edition!

Bringing your local community together covering: Strathblane • Blanefield • Croftamie • Drymen • Killearn Balfron • Balmaha • Rowardennan • Gartocharn • Fintry • Buchlyvie • Arnprior • Kippen • Gargunnock Thornhill • Ruskie • Port of Menteith • Callander • Kilmahog • Brig O Turk • Aberfoyle • Kinlochard • Balloch

Park Life | Business

THE OAK TREE INN Muddy Boots Welcome

Balmaha The Tom Weir Statue next to the Oak Tree Inn must be one of Loch Lomond’s most photographed places this summer. We have a special range of Tom Weir merchandise available in the Village Shop.

Balmaha Whisky Sandy Fraser of The Oak Tree and Ian MacMillan from Burn Stewart have teamed up to produce a special 57.1% Cask Strength whisky. There are just 270 bottles and are available exclusively at The Oak Tree and Village Shop.

Loyalty Discount Card

Loyalty Cards

www.theoaktreeinn.co.uk

If you regularly visit The Oak Tree and St Mocha make sure you pick up one of our loyalty card entry forms. Collect a stamp each time you visit then once you have six you’ll get a 10% off card for future visits.

Balmaha’s Braw Weekend Presenting a major food and drink festival in Balmaha on the 3rd and 4th October.

The weekend will feature live music, cookery demonstrations, crafts, family fun and a beer festival on the Saturday night. Free entry.

Tel: 01360 870357 | Email: info@theoaktreeinn.co.uk

www.theoaktreeinn.co.uk

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Facebook.com/theoaktreeinn

Park Life | Business

2015 Only 50 mins. from BALLOCH and STIRLING

Steeped in history and legend, Loch Katrine is the perfect place to start your Trossachs adventure.

Home of the Steamship Sir Walter

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The Steamship Sir Walter Scott is fully wheelchair friendly

A SPECIAL *20% DISCOUNT TO READERS OF PARK LIFE There has never been a better time to enjoy a cruise on Loch Katrine - just bring this advert along to receive this special 20% discount offer.

• Classic Steamship Cruises on Sir Walter Scott • Legends of the Loch Cruise on the Lady of the Lake • Walking and Cycling on the shores of Loch Katrine • Lochside Dining in the Brenachoile Restaurant • Katrine Gifts - Souvenirs & Crafts • Katrinewheelz - Cycle hire • Borg Grech Photography Trossachs Pier, Loch Katrine, By Callander, Stirling FK17 8HZ Tel: 01877 376315/6 • Email: enquiries@lochkatrine.com www.lochkatrine.com www.parklifescotland.co.uk * 20% Discount offer is not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Valid until 03-01-16.

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Covering all the Essentials in the Park!

Park Life Magazine Celebrating 50 Editions!

Parklife Magazine Celebrates 50 Editions!

Celebrating our 50th Edition!

10 years on and we still love what we do and that is thanks to our readers, your continued support of the local businesses that advertise on our pages and your contributions of events and local stories make Park Life what it is.

With 50 editions now under our belt we have grown from a 40 page magazine to 88 pages covering a larger area and printing 20,000 copies.

In this edition we once again have a selection of Readers offers and competitions to enter along with interviews and local news coverage from around the area.

We would like to thank our readers, contributors and local businesses that continue to support us and for giving us this opportunity to bring you Park Life every two months.

Cheers!

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COMPETITIONS - Win With Park Life!

WIN! Wee Group Saver at Macrobert Arts Centre................. 72 WIN! Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel Dinner, Bed & Breakfast for Two... 20

FANTASTIC Readers Offers!

20% OFF Loch Katrine Cruise................................................... 3 Buy 1 get 1 Free from Apollo Blinds...................................... 12 Special Discounts to the Wallace Monument..................... 19 Pamper me Pretty Offer Macdonald Forest Hills.................. 21 Free Kindling/Firelighters/Delivery from Tartan Timber........ 25 10% OFF Food & Drink Buchlyvie Pottery Shop& Coffee Kiln.. 27 20% OFF Food The Inn at Kippen.......................................... 31 20% OFF The Old Mill Killearn................................................. 31 Complimentary Coffee Three Sisters Bake............................ 32 Free delivery on orders over £75 The Paint Shed.................. 47 10% OFF Chimney sweep Tartan Stoves................................ 52 Free delivery from Scotia Pet Supplies.................................. 63 Save 30% Loch Lomond Sealife Aquarium........................... 77 20% OFF with The Laundry Lady............................................ 86

CONTENTS Stirling Feature.....................................................................8-20 Renewable Energy Feature...............................................22-25 Steven Burgess Interview...................................................26-27 Where to Eat.....................................................................28-37 August & September Local Events....................................62-80

Park Life Magazine October / November 2015 Our Next Edition covers October & November. Deadline is 14th September.

ertiser for e and adv ing area t’s on guid & surround Your wha Trossachs ond, The Loch Lom

FREE

Features will include; Where to Eat in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs with a focus on booking early for Festive Meals and Party Nights. A local guide for Halloween and Guy Fawkes celebrations.

ember 2015 August / Sept

HS EAT IN WHERE TO OND & THE TROSSAC LOCH LOM local Festive Meals for Book now nights! and Party

AL E FOR LOC PARKLIFE GUIDAND HALLOWEEN GUY FAWKES S CELEBRATION BRAW BALMAHA’S3rd-4th OCTOBER with stalls nd WEEKEND . of Loch Lomo drink flavours food and Enjoy the lly produced offering loca

20,000

copies cover ALL these ing local areas!

Balfron • Killearn • on • Drymen • Croftamie • Cambusbarr • Blanefield Gargunnock • Balloch Strathblane • Kippen • er covering: • Kinlochard • Arnprior Buchlyvie unity togeth • Aberfoyle • Fintry • local comm • Brig O Turk Bringing your • Kilmahog n • Gartocharn • Callander Rowardenna Balmaha • of Menteith Ruskie • Port • hill Thorn

Contact Park Life - Get in touch Katrina - Director | e: katrina@parklifescotland.co.uk | m: 07791 976910 t: 01360 441006 Lisa - Sales Director | e: lisa@parklifescotland.co.uk | m: 07792 066706 t: 01360 441006 Parklife Magazine, Killearn Mill, Killearn, Glasgow G63 9LQ www.parklifescotland.co.uk www.parklifescotland.co.uk

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Park Life | Useful Local Numbers

Park Life Useful Numbers Local Fitness Classes pg 17 Local Kids Clubs & Groups pg s 12 & 13 Police Non-Emergency 101 Police Emergency 999 or 112 Scottish Water 08000 0778778 Scottish Power 0800 0270072 Stirling Council 08452 777000 Libraries Strathblane 01360 770737 Drymen 01360 660751 Balfron 01360 440407 Callander 01877 331544 Balloch 01389 608989 Schools covered by Park Life Magazine Aberfoyle 01877 382278 Balfron High 01360 440469 Balfron 01360 440027 Buchanan 01360 870215 Buchlyvie 01360 850311 Callander 01877 331576 Drymen 01360 660410 Fintry 01360 860204 Gartmore 01877 382343 Gargunnock 01786 860291 Killearn 01360 550430 Kippen 01786 870373 Mclaren High 01877 330156 Port of Menteith 01877 385225 Strathblane 01360 770608 Thornhill 01786 850207

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Balfron Tip opening times Mon-Fri 5pm-8pm Sat 10-2pm Health Centres Drymen 01360 660203 Kippen 01360 850237 Balfron 01360 440515 Aberfoyle 01877382421 Callander 01877 331000 Killearn 01360 550339 Dentist Drymen 01360 661097 NHS 24 Helpline 111

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Make Your Mark

Park Life | Business

On Balfron

WINDOW CLEANING

on Village Sign Competiton mber 2014 In Autumn last year Balfron Community Council organised a competition to design new roadsigns for the entrances to the village, replacing the existing ‘Greek Thomson’ signs which are badly eroded.

From sixty entries the public voted for local resident Louise Craig’s elegant design, which incorporates icons representing the past, present and future of the village.

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The Community Council is now seeking funding for the manufacture of the signs, whether from companies, organisations, or individuals. This will cost in the region of £4000 for the four entrances to Balfron – around £1000 a sign. Everyone who donates £250 or more will get their name/logo on the exit face of the sign, visible to all leaving the village. So far, the Paul Charitable Trust has made a generous donation which effectively pays for one of the signs, and Stirling Council has kindly agreed to do the roadside installation at their expense. An exciting new community fundraising initiative will be launched at this year’s Balfron Bash, which will give everyone the opportunity to contribute, from small amounts to large.

To make your mark on Balfron contact hello@balfroncc.org.uk, or for further information please call Colin Cameron on 01360 440622.

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Blether Thurs 24th Sept 7.30pm £6 Smith Art Gallery & Museum Spoken Word

Beer, Cider & Sausage Festival Fri 25th & Sat 26th Sept Free Allan Water Brewhouse Mini Festival

Stirling Fringe Festival Sept 18th-25th

Comedy@The Birds & Bees Fri 18th & Sat 19th Sept 7.30pm £10

All my Sons by Arthur Miller

The Marriage of Figaro (Le Nozze di Figaro) Sun 20th Sept 7pm £12 Cowane’s Hospital Music

Story Telling for Schools

Fri 18th Sept £14 Theatre/Macrobert Arts Centre

Mon 21st & Tues 22nd Sep All Day Free

Stanley Odd Fri 18th Sept 7.30pm £9 music/Tolbooth

Open Mic Fringe Special @ Kilted Kangaroo

Fringe Sessions@ Nicky Tam’s

Tues 22nd Sept 7pm Free Music

Fri 18th Sept - Sat 25th Sept 8pm Free Music

Boogie Beat Sat 19th Sept 11am £4 Smith Art Gallery & Museum Children

Family Fun Day Sat 19th Sept 11am-3pm Smith Art Gallery & Museum Family

Regal Story Telling Sat 19th Sept 1pm £4 Smith Art Gallery & Museum Children

Shona Reppe/ Magic Sat 19th Sept 2pm £8.50 Macrobert Arts Centre Children

Stirling Crime & Punishment Tour Sat 19th & Sun 20th Sept £8/6 Cowane’s Hospital

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|For www.parklifescotland.co.uk more information

Watch Bad Movies with Great Comedians

Jamie MacDonald: That Funny Blind Guy Fri 25th Sept 7.30pm £10 Smith Art Gallery & Museum Comedy

Gary Little Fri 25th Sept 8pm £10 Smith Art GAllery & Museum Comedy

Trunk Sat 26th Sept 2pm £3 Golden Lion Hotel Children

The Work Room presents: Pioneers of Performance

Tues 22nd Sept 8pm £6 Smith Art Gallery & Museum Comedy

Sat 26th Sept 3.15 pm to 9.30pm £8.50 Macrobert Arts Centre Dance

Stirling District Camera Club; Audio Visual & Photography

Pre-Concert fun Salsa & Merengue class(Beginners)

Wed 23rd Sept 3-7pm Free Birds & Bees

Bruce Fummey: A History of Scotland Wed 23rd Sept 8pm £6 Smith Art Gallery & Museum Comedy

A Threesome of Plays Thurs 24th & Fri 25th Sept £5 Golden Lion Hotel Theatre

City Music Live: Fringe Special Thurs 24th Sept 7.30-9.30pm Free Tolbooth Music

Sat 26th Sept 6pm-7pm Golden Lion Hotel £12.50(cost includes entry to Son al Son concert at 8pm)

Old High School of STilring: Telescope Viewing Sat 26th Sept 7pm-9pm Free Stirling Highland Hotel

No Strings (Full version) Sat 26th Sept 7pm £5 Golden Lion Hotel Theatre

Son al Son Sat 26th Sept 8pm £9 Golden Lion Hotel Music

on any of these events please visit www.stirlingfringe.com

Park Life Feature on

Stirling Highland Games Dates Aberlour Strathspey - Saturday 1st August Aboyne - Saturday 1st August Newtonmore - Saturday 1st August Isle of Skye - Wednesday 5th August Bridge of Allan - Sunday 2nd August Killin - Wednesday 5th August North Berwick - Saturday 8th August Atholl & Breadalbane - Saturday 8th August Darnoch - Friday 7th August Inverkeithing - Saturday 8th August Perth - Sunday 9th August Strathpeffer - Saturday 8th August Tain - Thursday 13th August Assynt - Friday 14th August Ballater - Thursday 13th August Helmsdale - Saturday 15th August Crieff - Sunday 16th August Stirling - Saturday 15th August Lonach - Saturday 22nd August Invergordon - Saturday 22nd August Strathardle - Saturday 22nd August Birnam - Saturday 29th August Grantown on Spey - Sunday 23rd August Oban - Thursday 27th August Braemar - Saturday 5th September Blairgowrie & Rattray - Sun 6th September Pitlochry - Saturday 12th September Invercharron - Saturday 19th September

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National Wallace Monument set to mark a special year

Believe it or not – it is twenty years since Stirling rolled out the red carpet (on 3rd September 1995) to welcome the stars attending the premiere of Mel Gibson’s Academy Award winning ‘Braveheart’ – the film which introduced the story of the Scottish hero William Wallace to cinema audiences around the world.

Twenty years later, the date when Stirling was in the spotlight is being marked with a 20th Anniversary programme of activities at The National Wallace Monument, the landmark which commemorates the warrior who led his men to victory at The Battle of Stirling Bridge.

The Braveheart anniversary programme at the Monument (between 3rd & 7th September) includes presentations from costumed actors, archery demonstrations, face-painting, competitions and games, and special menus in Legends Coffee House, while The Macrobert Arts Centre at the University of Stirling will recreate the scene from 1995 with special anniversary screenings of Braveheart on Thursday 3rd September.

“The impact which Wallace had on the history of Scotland could not have been foreseen”, remarked Ken Thomson, from Stirling District Tourism, “and in just the same way, the impact of Braveheart has been so much greater than was ever anticipated”.

“Since 1995 it has prompted thousands of visitors to make their way to Stirling, to discover for themselves the story of William Wallace, his life and his legacy, and this anniversary will recognise the enduring popularity and appeal of the film”.

National Wallace Monument

Events In Wallace’s Footsteps

A trail which visitors follow on The Abbey Craig, as they set out in search of the Scots army camp, as volunteers and recruits would have done before and after The Battle of Stirling Bridge. As they follow the trail, visitors meet historical characters, and they pick up the information which they need to fight with Wallace.

Tales From The Battlefield After The Battle of Stirling Bridge, an English soldier, left for dead on the battlefield, makes his way into the woods of The Abbey Craig. Lost and disoriented, he meets a Scottish footsoldier and they start to fight, but quickly realise that it is futile, the battle is over. They debate what happened during the battle before the English soldier heads off – to make his way home.

Walk With Wallace A short (45-minute) interactive guided walk on the Abbey Craig with costumed actors telling the story of Wallace’s famous encounter with the army of King Edward I at The Battle of Stirling Bridge. The walk commences at the Monument, and visitors are escorted towards the Stirling Viewpoint, meeting Wallace in the woods. Participants are brought back to the Monument for the final part of the presentation.

Scotland’s National Hero A presentation by a costumed actor giving an insight into the life of Sir William Wallace – who he was, where he came from, and how he came to lead an army as a defender of freedom from oppression for the people of Scotland.

Landmark Dates - Anniversaries & Special Occasions Wednesday 5th August – Anniversary of Wallace’s Betrayal and Capture (710 Years) Sunday 23rd August – Anniversary of Wallace’s Execution (710 Years) Thursday 3rd September – Monday 7th September 2015 ‘Braveheart Anniversary’ Friday 11th September – Anniversary of The Battle of Stirling Bridge (718 Years0 Presentations by costumed actors tailored to reflect the significance of these dates, and focusing on key events/stages in Wallace’s life.

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For Dates & Times of these events; Tel: 01786 472140 www.nationalwallacemonument.com Abbey Craig, Hillfoots Rd, Stirling FK9 5LF

Interview with...

Stirling Council Leader, Councillor Johanna Boyd Describe your role I was honoured to be elected Leader of Stirling Council over two years ago. I am both the youngest Council leader in Scotland and the first woman to lead Stirling Council.

My role is full of challenges, especially since the Stirling area is so big – it’s the size of Luxembourg, with a hugely varied landscape and big rural population. Of course, like every local authority, we’re also facing difficult times financially and it’s important that we spend the money we have in the best possible way. That’s why we introduced priority based budgeting, when we go out into local communities to consult about their priorities.

I’m proud of our achievements over the last two years, especially in the area of early years nursery provision. We were the first council to introduce 600 hours a year of free childcare and education for two-year-olds. It’s also really important for me to make sure that everyone is paid the living wage and again, we were one of the first councils to introduce this.

Are there any new developments/ ventures planned in the near future to boost the economy?

Stirling Council has developed a very ambitious plan as part of its City Development Framework. It recognises the fact that while Stirling is an incredible place, to build on our advantages and flourish in an increasingly competitive global economic environment, we need to be confident and committed to making the most of the area’s assets.

It’s important that we move forwards into the future boldly, while protecting Stirling’s historical heritage and natural beauty.

One of our priorities is providing more socially available housing, something which is needed right across the country. We also want to make Stirling a world-class centre of innovation and excellence for key sectors, a thriving cultural hub, and a vibrant and cosmopolitan place to live and work. We’re at an early stage at the moment and the plans will be finalised towards the end of the year. We may be small, but we have so much to offer and we should be letting everybody know about it.

Favourite place?

My favourite place is the Trossachs, which I truly believe boasts the most beautiful countryside in the world. My children and I love exploring Stirling together, trying out new activities as they get older – everything from swimming and climbing at the Peak, to heading out into the countryside around Callander and Aberfoyle for walks and bike rides. There are so many things to discover. With each stage of their development, I find out something new about Stirling, and it really is a great place to live.

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Hotel is tennis star’s thank-you to community he grew up in.

There’s no better ambassador for Stirlingshire than tennis legend Andy Murray.

As well as being a sporting superstar – and a great example to aspiring youngsters – he’s made a major investment in the area in the shape of Cromlix, the luxury hotel which he bought in 2013 for £1.8million.

five-star destination.

Cromlix is set in 34 acres of secluded woodlands and garden grounds, with its own chapel and house loch. The hotel boasts a Chez Roux restaurant – and, of course, a superb tennis court reflecting its owner’s sporting passion.

It was a big year for Andy who became the first British player to win a Wimbledon singles title since 1977, and the first British man to win the Men’s Singles Championship since Fred Perry, more than seven decades before.

In a message on the Cromlix website, Andy says: “By re-establishing Cromlix as a leading luxury hotel at the heart of the Dunblane community we will be able to attract new visitors to the area, create a number of new jobs and focus on supporting other local businesses.

I’m pleased to be able to give something back to the community I grew up in.”

Andy bought Cromlix, close to his home town of Dunblane, in an effort to help attract new visitors to the area.

The hotel’s attraction as a wedding venue received a boost when the tennis star wed fiancee Kim Sears in April.

Following extensive refurbishment, the US Open, Olympic and Wimbledon champion transformed the elegant Victorian Perthshire mansion into a luxury 15-bedroom and Gate Lodge,

The Cromlix boutique also features a range of bespoke Harris Tweed tennisinspired accessories developed by Andy’s mum Judy.

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Park Life | Business

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Park Life | Business

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Park Life | Business

‘TRY PADEL’ AT BRIDGE OF ALLAN SPORTS CLUB What is Padel?

‘TRY PADEL’ AT BRIDGE OF ALLA

• A mixture of tennis, squash, and racketball, played outdoors in doubles format.

• The court is two thirds the size of a tennis court and enclosed with wire mesh.

What is Padel?

• The walls at either ends are glass which you can play off when you need to.

• Scoring is the same as in tennis but with underarm serving – easy!

• A mixture of tennis, squash, and racketball, p

What are the benefits?

• Easy to play for all ages, all abilities including people with disabilities.

• Rapid learning curve with low emphasis on technical skills/power.

• Smaller enclosed court means play is continuous.

• Played as doubles it is very sociable and between four is inexpensive.

• Great aerobic workout.

• Padel Tennis is great fun - every time.

Amid massive excitement the new Padel court at Bridge of Allan Sports Club will be open for play on Wed 15th July.

•

The court is two thirds the size of a tennis cou

•

The walls at either ends are glass which you c

•

Scoring is the same as in tennis but with unde

What are the benefits?

•

Easy to play for all ages, all abilities including

•

Rapid learning curve with low emphasis on tec

•

Smaller enclosed court means play is continuo

•

Played as doubles it is very sociable and betw

The court was built with a funding award of £26,971 from the Commonwealth Games Legacy 2014 Fund, sponsorship from SKN • the Great aerobic workout.

Electrical, a grant from Stirling Council and the Club’s own resources made up balance.

Padel is seen as a great entry point for young players into racket sports and also for people of all and abilities.

In time. fact, both • Padel Tennis is ages great fun - every Andy and Jamie Murray were juniors members of the Club and honed their tennis skills on the Clubs famous clay court.

Judy Murray also has strong connections with the Club and she will officially open the court on Saturday 12th September. massive the new Padel court at Bri The opening ceremony includes an exhibition match between members of Amid the British Padel excitement team, coaching sessions & social events. th for play on Wednesday 15 July.

The court was built with a funding award of £26,971 Legacy 2014 Fund, sponsorship from SKN Electrical, the Club’s own resources made up the balance.

T: 01786 473696

Padel E: is seen as a great entry point for young player info@iangallacher.com peopleW: of all ages and abilities. In fact, both Andy an www.iangallacher.com members of the Club and honed their tennis skills on

FOLLOW USstrong ON connections with the Clu Judy Murray also has court on Saturday 12th September. The opening cere match between members of the British Padel team, c

Leading the way in Diamonds Monday to Saturday 0845 - 1700 7 Murray Place, Stirling FK8 1DQ

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Park Life | Business

Beaconhurst BeaconhurstSchool School Open OpenMorning Morning Beaconhurst

Saturday 12th September 2015 Saturday 12th September 2015 • Please come and share some of the activities which • Please come and share some of the activities which contribute to our rounded Beaconhurst education contribute to our rounded Beaconhurst education • Please contact admissions@beaconhurst.com for further • Please contact admissions@beaconhurst.com for further information or to register information or to register

We look forward to seeing you there!

We look forward to seeing you there!

www.parklifescotland.co.uk Tel. 01786 832146 Tel. 01786 832146

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www.beaconhurst.com www.beaconhurst.com

Exceptional

Education

Queen’s Award for Stirling Wheelchair Curling Club!

“The 6 delighted and proud Stirling Wheelchair Curling Club volunteers who were awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in the recent Awards list.

The Club offers a positive sporting experience to wheelchair users of all abilities through the sport of Wheelchair Curling in both a competitive and social environment.

The club members start meeting again on September 11th at 12.30 pm and thereafter every Wednesday at the Peak Curling Rink. The club would welcome anyone who would like to come and try”.

As a flourishing all-through independent school, Beaconhurst is well placed to deliver an exceptional education for boys and girls aged 3–18. Located in Bridge of Allan, Stirling, Beaconhurst offers a supportive environment, in a superb location; where our expert staff can help your child build on his or her individual skills and achieve excellence.

From our award-winning nursery to our senior school, the Beaconhurst ethos is based on personal and academic development.

Our Open Day on Saturday 12th September 2015 provides a fantastic opportunity to come along and see our school in action, hear about our values and have a look around; it’s a chance to talk to other parents and meet the teachers at the Faculty Fair.

At Beaconhurst we provide academic rigour plus: • Wrap around care across all ages from 8am -6pm.

• A sporting pathway from age 3 through to 18 with exceptional opportunities for talent development particularly in tennis, triathlon, golf and hockey.

• Languages (starting in nursery and building through junior and senior school).

• An outdoor education pathway starting in nursery and incorporating Gold Duke of Edinburgh expeditions in senior school.

• 8 subject choices at National 5’s (including 3 sciences) • Outstanding pastoral care • Extensive range of extra curricular clubs • Value for money, inclusive fee structure • Stirling University sports membership for all school pupils Join us on Sat 12th September and Discover for Yourself what Beaconhurst can do for your child!

Call 01786 832146 for more details or email admissions@beaconhurst.com

For more information E: judymackenzie@tiscali.co.uk

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

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Learning to maximise potential Professional Tuition at Stirling Kip McGrath Centre Long-established Stirling tutoring business, the Kip McGrath Education Centre is run by former teacher and Headteacher, Fiona Macdiarmid.

Fiona is trusted by many Stirling parents who have sought help with their children’s learning and, along with her team of tutors, she is dedicated to helping children feel more confident about their learning in order to maximise potential.

Tutoring at Kip McGrath is tailored to individual student’s learning needs and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of the tuition centre on the Stirling University campus provides an ideal location for tutoring.

“There can be many reasons why children need a bit of extra help outside school” says Fiona, and she stresses that Kip tutoring does not replace students’ schoolwork but seeks to complement and enhance it. Fiona explains: “we are very lucky to enjoy a relationship of mutual respect with many of Stirling schools because we share the common aim of wishing to see children achieve their potential”.

Tutoring sessions run after school and on Saturday mornings and a free assessment can be arranged by contacting 01786 474818.

Kip McGrath Education Centre, Unit 4 Scion House, Stirling University Innovation Park, Stirling FK9 4NF Tel: 01786 474818

Professional Tuition in Maths & English

4English 4 Maths 4Primary 4 Standard Grade 4Intermediate 4Higher 4 Curriculum for Excellence

Our qualified teachers create individual tutoring programmes for your child, using proven Kip McGrath methods.

Call today for a FREE assessment

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4 Reading 4 Spelling

STIRLING on 01786 474818

fiona@professional-tutoring.com

Unit 4, Scion House, Stirling University Innovation Park, Stirling FK9 4NF

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Park Life | Business

Thursday 3rd – Monday 7th September

20th Anniversary celebrations at The National Wallace Monument

A weekend of special event for everyone to enjoy!

Special admission discounts to the Monument: • Shout ‘Freedom’: 10% discount • Wear face paint: 25% discount • Dress up in ‘Braveheart’ style costume: 50% discount Competitions and Games v Live Performances and Presentations Abbey Craig, Hillfoots Road, STIRLING FK9 5LF Tel: (01786) 472140 info@nationalwallacemonument.com www.nationalwallacemonument.com www.parklifescotland.co.uk | 19 1. left alligned

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afternoon tea and Nestled within the breathtaking scenery of The Trossachs, a swim for only £19.50*Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel and Spa is a luxurious Getaway right

on your doorstep and the perfect Call and quote ‘019FL’ to book your place.

retreat from City life. Relax in their stunning four-star bedrooms, enjoy delicious dining and make full use of their Spa facilities.

Enjoy a 3 course Sunday lunch and a Win Dinner, bed and breakfast glass of wine for only £15 per person. for two at the luxurious four star Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa. Quote ‘015FH’ when booking.

WIN! MacdonaLd ForeSt HiLLS HoteL & reSort Kinlochard, The Trossachs, Aberfoyle-by-Stirling, FK8 3TL

To enter simply visit www.parklifescotalnd.co.uk

with Park Life Magazine T 0844 879 9197 E leisure.foresthills@macdonald-hotels.co.uk

Terms and conditions apply. Pre-booking is required. *Offer available daily 2pm - 6pm.

A collection of the UK’s leading flooring brands presented by knowledgeable and friendly staff. Unrivalled customer service and value for money.

Appointed Farrow & Ball stockist of their wallpaper, paint & accessories 82 Henderson Street, Bridge of Allan, FK9 4HS | 01786 833 383 | enquiries@theflooringstudios.com 20 |

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

Park Life | Business

PAMPER ME PRETTY IN AUGUST MACDONALD FOREST HILLS HOTEL & SPA

The perfect package for a little ‘me time’ this Summer in the hear t of the Trossachs, our Spa therapists are sure to make you feel completely refreshed and relaxed.

One hour treatment includes: Taster facial, introductory facial provides a quick and instant pick me up for any skin condition. Rehydrate your skin this summer followed by a file and polish on either hands or feet.

NORMALLY £61

£50.00

NOW

PER PERSON

Hurry offer ends 30th August 2015 To book your Spa Day call 01877 389 536 quoting park life or email leisure.foresthills@macdonald-hotels.co.uk MACDONALD FOREST HILLS Kinlochard, The Trossachs, Aberfoyle-by-Stirling, FK8 3TL Terms & conditions apply.

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

| 21

Park Life | Fraser C. Robb

Fraser Robb enjoys the savings & efficiency Biomass provide Fraser C Robb’s Showroom and Service Centre in Drymen is now heated by a biomass boiler, which runs on woodchip. Not only has this saved them money but is better environmentally too.

number one for biomass

For their customers they supply log splitters and wood chippers of all sizes from mobile units to large industrial machines.

Like them many of their customers are enjoying the savings and efficiency that biomass provide.

large amounts of money.

Fraser C Robb sell the Jenz brand, which is the world’s

log splitters call into Fraser C

22 |

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

chip. Their Jenz woodchip customers include Pentland Biomass,

RTS,

Keenan

Recycling and the Purvis Group, all of which are saving

There

are

government

schemes and grants available for renewable initiatives.

For more information and demonstrations on wood processors, chippers and Robb’s Drymen showroom.

Park Life | Renewable Energy

W

W

MW CONSULTANTS ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

Advice on renewable and sustainable living.

We can design, or redesign, your home to effectively meet the demands of modern living as well as enhance the value of your property.

Please call Murray Watt on

Unit 9 New Albion Industrial Estate Halley Street Glasgow G14 4DJ 0141-9527108 or 0800 285 1260 info@alvanorthern.co.uk www.alvanorthern.co.uk

Call or email us for a FREE biomass quote

t: 07799 778086

murraygwatt@yahoo.co.uk www.rwwarchitects.co.uk

Convert to renewable heating Receive generous RHI payments!

The government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is paid over 7 years and rewards you for installing a biomass boiler, heat pump or solar thermal panels. This generous incentive is on top of the savings on your heating bills. Interest-free loans available up to £10,000!

• Pellet, chip and log boilers • Ground and air source heat pumps • Solar thermal panels • Free site survey • Free RHI projection • Local company • Over 2,000 installations • Own installation teams • 10 years’ experience • Multi-technology capability

APPROVED INSTALLER

t. 0141 332 5684 w. www.ecolivinguk.com

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

| 23

AC Gold awarded prestigious Innasol Customer Excellence Certificate 15th June, 2015 – AC Gold announces that it has been awarded the Innasol Certified Partner certification after successfully completing the renewable heating industry’s inaugural accreditation scheme by the market leader – the Innasol Customer Excellence Programme.

heating application and installation and service and maintenance.

Having now excelled in an independent customer service review, renewable experts AC Gold have secured a place as a leader in the renewable field, and are eager to save business and home owners money by raising awareness of renewable technology solutions.

AC Gold said, “We are proud to be one of the few companies that has successfully completed the renewable industry’s first customer service accreditation scheme. We look forward to bringing the very best in renewable technologies and service to all customers”.

To become an Innasol certified partner, existing partners must achieve high scores in Innasol reviews and demonstrate proficiency in products, installations and all importantly customer service. The various training workshops cover subjects including technical sales and product knowledge, renewable

“Our certification clearly demonstrates our commitment to deliver consistently high quality installations and customer service.

Through our partnership, we also have ongoing access to the very latest in technical training, meaning that we are amongst the best placed to advise our customers throughout the entire

24 |

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

process, from initial conversations and installation, all the way through to service and maintenance.”

Silvio Spiess, founder and CEO of Innasol, said, “We are delighted to be working with AC Gold as an Innasol Certified Partner. Continued training and development of our partners is vital for the overall growth of the professional renewable sector and we are happy to be contributing to this.

We look forward to our continued partnership, which helps home and business owners save more of their hard-earned money.”

Renewable

Energy Tartan Timber is a family run business established in 1999 and specialises in supplying logs, kindling, beeswax firelighters, sawdust briquettes, peat and coal. Tartan Timber deliver around The Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park areas and beyond, to both trade and domestic customers.

moisture content of around 25-30% is obtained.

This year Tartan Timber made a big investment and purchased a purpose built Kiln to dry the firewood further to a moisture content of 15-18%.

All firewood comes from local forests and is mainly FSC accredited – meaning that the softwood comes from a sustainable source and hardwood comes from wind blow from the storms. Wood is felled and left for a year before it is brought to the processing yard, it is then split to around 6 or 9 inches and stored in an air dried shed until a

Kiln dried logs burn hotter and for longer than any other wood rival.

By thoroughly drying through a kiln the wood now achieves a very low moisture content which in turn produces a higher heat for longer times. The result for you is a wood fuel which gives you great value for money through higher levels of efficiency.

Tartan Timber have also recently registered with the Biomass Suppliers List (BSL) and are authorised to supply logs to customers claiming the RHI for their Biomass Boilers. As from 5th October 2015 all biomass fuel used by domestic or non domestic customers claiming the RHI must be bought through registered suppliers.

KILN DRIED HARDWOOD AND SOFTWOOD LOGS KINDLING ALSO AVAILABLE Firewood Suppliers

SUMMER OFFERS •

Cubic Meter of kiln dried softwood £65 with FREE bag of kindling and 10 eco friendly firelighters

•

Cubic meter of seasoned hardwood £85 with FREE bag of kindling and 10 eco friendly firelighters

DISCOUNTS FOR LARGER LOADS. CALL DAWN ON 07795 966 514 OR EMAIL TARTANTIMBER@HOTMAIL.CO.UK

FRE

E

DEL I WHE VERY QUO N YOU TE “ P LIFE ARK ”

WWW.TARTANTIMBER.COM

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

| 25

Park Life Interview with

Steven Burgess Managing Director of Steven Burgess Fine Furniture & Interior Design.

Steven, I’ve driven past your Showroom a thousands of times – what does the Business actually do?

“I have a team of highly skilled staff here in Arnprior with considerable expertise in design, manufacturing and finishing of high quality bespoke hardwood furniture . Company Director Peter Lyon is our Senior Furniture Designer and we have our own in-house Cabinet Makers on site and 2 ambitious Apprentices who are all a credit to our business. So in addition to our own talent we use a network of specialist workshops to manufacture furniture to our own designs. We sell made to measure, bespoke Kitchens, Dining sets, Living room furniture and Armchairs, TV cabinets, Console tables, Coffee tables and Bedroom furniture and sofas. The furniture we sell is quite different from other retailers as we have the expertise to design and manufacture the furniture, from concept to completion, whatever our clients really want, to any size and in any wood or combination of woods.

fine furniture & interior design

Consultations by appointment the Furniture shop, arnprior, stirling FK8 3Ha mon to sat 10.30 - 4.30. sunday 12 noon - 4.00. tel: 01786 870685 email: info@stevenburgess.co.uk

www.stevenburgess.co.uk 26 |

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

Enter our new recruit, the very talented Creative Design Director, Amanda Jane Tervit.

Amanda’s considerable experience has been gained with some of the UK’s best known Design Houses & also Interior Design consultancies in the UK. Her expertise has been gained specifically in high end residential projects ranging from full house renovations to one room design plans with the occasional boutique hotel thrown in. Her extensive Over the past few months we have been

Interior Architectural skills include project

gradually refurbishing the whole showroom.

management, space planning, complete house

Last year we repaired the roof of the

renovations, lighting plans, furniture design &

Manufacturing Workshop, which lies on the

bespoke doors, windows and even staircases.

A811, just at the entrance to the Showroom.

Her ideas for the Showroom have been very

We’ve had a bit of fun putting some of our

well received and our Clients love her clarity

furniture in the front windows which were

of thought and design ideas. She has recently

previously covered with dust sheets to conceal

completed a total country house renovation

the machinery inside. I can’t tell you how many

for one of our Client’s in Perthshire.

people see that fantastic Larder Cupboard in the window at the main road entrance and turn around to come into the Showroom. Recently we have been refurbishing the Showroom from the ground floor up to the loft area. Each room set has been revamped to form the most luxurious setting for our furniture displays. I’m so pleased with the final results. We have incorporated into the Showroom some fantastic flooring, unusual lighting and ornate cornicing which all look amazing.

The results are just stunning. Amanda’s engaging personality combined with her wealth of interiors knowledge makes her a five

Why have you launched an Interior Design Studio within the business?

star addition to the team.

It’s really a natural development of the business.

will be selling an exclusive range of bespoke

Our Clients are ordering bespoke items of

Sofas and Armchairs – some of which we

furniture crafted in beautiful wood then

found at the Cologne Furniture Exhibition

requesting advice on Interior Design – decor, wall

earlier this year. In addition Amanda will have

coverings, soft furnishings, upholstery, flooring,

a full range of Flooring & Lighting solutions,

feature lighting - all to provide a stunning final

wall coverings and fabrics at her disposal. So if

result. That was something we were unable to

you have a project in mind, come along to the

provide – until now.

Showroom for some essential inspiration.

Image: The Fabric Gallery, Aberfoyle

In the new luxurious Interior Design Studio we

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

| 27

Al from W so ou hy av r S no ail ton t t ab eb ry a le ase Pi to d P zza ta izza ke O aw ven ay !

!

W NE

Park Life | Business

Quiz Night Every Thursday • Live Music • Meat Smoker • Fantastic New Menu Sunday Roast • Children Welcome • Outside Catering Also Available

54 Glasgow Road, Blanefield G63 9BP | T: 01360 770303 | E: info@blanevalleyinn.co.uk Blanevalleyinn @BlaneValleyInn Awarded Service of Excellence

by Trip Advisor 2015

28 |

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

Come join & in our us GardeBeer n!

RECIPE CHAPLI KEBABS Serves 2 generously

I love firing up the barbeque when the Scottish summer allows, and these traditional Punjabi Chapli kebabs are one of my favorite recipes to rustle up when we have friends over, if the weather lets you down just pop them into a dry frying pan.

They’re meaty, flavoursome and aromatic, and you can easily scale up the quantities depending on how many you are serving. All you need for a gorgeous meal is flat breads and fresh salad, so simple and hassle free when you’re entertaining and truly delicious!

Punjabi cooking kits and cookery school www.scotiaspice.co.uk T: 01360 449399

BUCHLYVIE POTTERY SHOP & COFFEE KILN CAFE

Beautiful Porcelain Pottery, Home baking & tasty breakfast & lunches ALL made on the premises.

Plus a great atmosphere & the best Coffee around!

¼ tsp chilli powder(or to taste) 2 tsp whole coriander seeds ½ tsp cumin seeds 1 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped salt to taste 1 small onion finely diced 1 clove of garlic crushed 1 tsp fresh grated ginger 350g minced lamb (use beef if you prefer) Prepare your coriander seeds by dry frying them in a pan for a few minutes until they darken in colour.

Let them cool briefly and then lightly crush them in a pestle and mortar, to rlease their aroma. Mix all of the ingredients together thoroughly. Form into round patties and cook in a dry frying pan or directly on a barbeque on a medium heat for 5 minutes on either side, depending on the thickness of your kebabs.

Scotia spice cookery kits and cookery school vouchers can be purchased at www.scotiaspice.co.uk

Make the most of your visit; Spend over £10 in the Pottery and get 10% off your food and drink and Vice Verse!

£10 spend = 10% discount! Just mention Park Life Advert.

Main Street, Buchlyvie, Stirlingshire FK8 3LP. Tel: 01360 850405 | www.buchlyviepotteryshop.com

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

| 29

Park Life | Where to Eat

INTERIOR DESIGN

SALE

FABRIC WALLPAPER LAMPS CHANDELIERS MIRRORS RUGS FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES A GREAT RANGE OF FABRIC REMNANTS & LARGE PIECES IDEAL FOR CUSHION COVERS, BLINDS AND COVERING CHAIRS.

OPENING TIMES WEEKENDS ONLY 12-4pm

AT PANIK GALLERY, 13 MAIN STREET, KILLEARN

Tel: 01360 550830

Macmillans KITCHEN

The perfect venue for family fun or a peaceful retreat to chill out.

Nestled within the grounds of Tirnanog, next to the woodland walks and holistic shop, macmillans kitchen pride themselves on providing friendly service in a peaceful environment.

At the kitchen you’ll find a variety of delicious and wholesome foods to eat, all freshly prepared daily. Using the best seasonal, local foods and fairly traded produce including organic where possible. Dairy/gluten free options and kids menu available.

Open Tues - Sunday 10.30am -5.30pm (breakfast served daily till midday, Sunday’s 12.30)

To book call 01360 440017 Website coming soon! www.macmillanskitchen.co.uk

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www.parklifescotland.co.uk

Macmillans Kitchen

Park Life | Where to Eat

Restaurant • Bar • Hotel

New Summer Lunch Menu

20% off food between 12pm – 6pm with this advert in August & September

Fore Road, Kippen, FK8 3DT T: 01786 870500 www.theinnatkippen.co.uk E: info@theinnatkippen.co.uk

P U B • K I TC H E N • G A R D E N

New Summer Lunch Menu

20% off food between 12pm – 4pm in August & September with this advert

6 Balfron Road, Killearn, Glasgow G63 9NJ Tel: 01360 550068 | www.theoldmillkillearn.co.uk

Check our website for details about our new yurt and our gig calendar! www.parklifescotland.co.uk

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WEDDINGS - OUTSIDE CATERING - CAFE - COOKBOOK

killearn village hall Delicious coffee, home produced soups, salads and sandwiches, breads, homebaked cakes and scones using fresh, local and colourful ingredients!

On October 3rd and 4th Balamha will host a Braw Weekend, with food, drink and a whole lot more on the banks of Loch Lomond.

The festival will take place in a big field behind The Oak Tree Inn and will be part of the celebrations for 2015’s Year of Food and Drink in Scotland.

Some of Scotland’s leading food and drink producers, including many from Loch Lomond, will be there and with opportunities to sample their products. There will also be live music, family entertainment and crafts throughout the weekend.

The festival will be free to attend, starting at 11am on both days with a beer and music festival on the Saturday evening.

Balmaha’s Braw Weekend is being organised by the Fraser Family of The Oak Tree Inn and as Stuart Fraser explains this is a festival for the whole family.

‘As well as some amazing food and drink we’ve got lots of family entertainment lined up for during the day on Saturday and Sunday. Naturally we’re hoping for beautiful autumn weather, however we have just opened a new building and have a series of marquees to keep the weekend under cover if it does rain.’

Find out more at www.balmahasbrawweekend.co.uk

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Tarts Quiche Delicious Homebaking

Soups Salads Sharing Platters

Breads

Cakes Scones

Homemade from scratch every day!

voucher

complimentary coffee

Killearn

*Exchange this voucher for a free tea or coffee. **Not valid with any other offer.

www.threesistersbake.co.uk / 01360 550116

Three is the magic number A Welcome and exciting addition to the local gourmet and social scene in Killearn!

The Three Sisters Bake cafe which opened recently in Killearn is a most exciting and interesting addition to the local gourmet

and social scene. The cafe has the most stunning views over Loch Lomond and surrounding countryside. Situated upstairs in the new Killearn Village Hall, it has a wall of glass with a very attractive outside terrace. So wherever you sit the vista is wonderful, regardless of the weather.

Local suppliers include Meats from Edenmill Farm, beers from The Fallen Brewery, Kippen and crafts from Snapdragon Balfron.

Breakfast, lunch, morning coffee, afternoon tea or a cooling beer on a hot day, all are available.

The menu is eclectic with something to suit all palettes.

There are a selection of daily specials, the fig, pancetta and ricotta quiche served with sides of two salads is fabulous. Cakes and

home baking are also fabulous, good selection of teas and the coffee is wonderful. Tip for ‘ladies who lunch’ have a glass of very good Prosecco, properly chilled and served in a beautiful glass with lunch!

The Three Sisters Bake also offer wedding and outside catering service. Together with experienced local businesses Events Decor, Endrick Blooms and The Brolly Bucket your wedding, function or party can be bespoke.

For more information vist www.threesistersbake.co.uk

This is the second Three Sisters Bake cafe. With the continuing success of the first Cafe in quarriers Village, when the opportunity arose to come to Killearn it was grasped enthusiastically by the sisters. As a new local employer, opening in the cafe in Killearn has created fifteen new jobs and building good business relationships with other local businesses and suppliers is ongoing.

The ethos of the three sisters yes, there really are three sisters, Gillian Nichola and Linsey - is straightforward - quality local, fresh, seasonal, healthy colourful ingredients , cooked and baked on the premises and served by happy friendly staff. This certainly differentiates this cafe from others. www.parklifescotland.co.uk

| 33

Park Life | Where to Eat

FINTRY SPORTS CLUB t family fun night out!

Profesional Wrestling - A grea 28th Aug 7.30pm • Book Now! Tickets £8/£15 Family of 4 £20 • Fri

With 700 members, the Club is the largest community-run provider of sports and recreational facilities in West Stirlingshire.

Indoor Bowling • Squash • Fitness Room • Strathendrick Rugby Club • Fintry Football Club Members Lounge • Meeting rooms • Parent and Toddlers’ Room Top-Class catering for all types of function - weddings, parties, reunions - See website for photographs Friday Evening is our special dining night - booking essential Snacks, Breakfasts and Lunches served every day

A charity providing sports and recreation facilities in West Stirling. SC001505

Tel: 01360 860205 34 |

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

www.fintrysportsclub.co.uk

Park Life | Where to Eat

Dine out in Style....

Our award winning AA Rosette Restaurant offers a contemporary Scottish dining experience showcasing the best produce from Scotland’s larder.

The kitchen team carefully select all our core ingredients from only the best local and national suppliers including free range poultry from St. Brides Farm and lamb & beef from Gilmours.

Booking is essential to help us provide the highest level of service. If you have special dietary requirements please let us know when making your reservation.

For a more informal experience enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the Dugeon Diner.

A unique setting within the Castle Keep’s 700 year old stone walls.

Visit our website www.culcreuch.com to see our current menus

Culcreuch Castle, Fintry, Stirlingshire G63 0LW | 01360 860555

Cu l c r e u c h Castle COUNTRY ESTATE

•

HOTEL

•

WEDDING VENUE

Ground Bean & Bistro is a new cafe/restaurant in Buchlyvie serving fresh, locally sourced homemade food.

Ston Bake e Pizza d Avail s Now able!

Bring your own bottle but we will be licensed to serve alcohol by the Summer.

High-End Breakfasts, Light Lunches and Dinner Specials Run by Sean Lacon, the former Head Chef of The Old Mill Killearn.

Child friendly with childrens area.

Rockhill, Main Street, Buchlyvie FK8 3LX t: 01360 850164 | www.g-bean-bistro.com | e: enquiries@g-bean-bistro.com Open: Mon & Tues 10am - 5:30pm serving breakfast, lunch & afternoon tea. Closed Wed. Thurs - Sun 10am - 9:30pm serving breakfast, lunch & dinner

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

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Park Life | Business

SHOP

n

CAFÉ

n

CELEBRATIONS

n

WEDDINGS

n

VISITOR ATTRACTION

n

ARTPARK

n

CONFERENCES

Designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, House for an Art Lover provides an excellent cultural attraction and tourist destination, while also being one of the city’s finest wedding and events venues. The House is home to the popular Art Lovers Café, Gallery and Shop and hosts regular art, design and architecture related events in its purpose built studios and seminar rooms.

36 |

t: 0141 353 4770

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

n

e: info@houseforanartlover.co.uk

n

w: www.houseforanartlover.co.uk

Park Life | Where to Eat

COFFEE SHOP & ICE CREAM PARLOUR

Artisan Roasted Speciality Coffee • Teas Own brands of Loch Lomond Luxury & Bal-Moo-Ha Ice Creams Lunch Menu • Snacks & Home Baking. www.theoaktreeinn.co.uk - Next to the Oak Tree Inn & Village Shop, Balmaha Facebook.com/StMocha twitter.com/stmochacoffee

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

| 37

Park Life | Business

Are you starting, growing or just want to improve your business?

Approachable, practical and pro-active accounting, tax and business service.

Contact Stuart McDonagh FCA for a free initial consultation SYKAM & Co, Chartered Accountants, Balfron

T: 07791 718861 E: enquiries@sykamandco.co.uk W: www.sykamandco.co.uk

JONATHAN SMITH CONSULTING LTD WEALTH MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS

Mastermind your financial future We provide an experienced wealth management service and offer specialist advice in a wide range of areas including: • Investment planning • Retirement planning • Inheritance Tax planning For further details contact Jonathan Smith on:

Tel: 0141 341 2800 Email: jonathan.smith@sjpp.co.uk

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www.parklifescotland.co.uk

Park Life | Business

mending broken windows and rotten apples

tel: 01877 382994 mobile: 07796 002001 www.microcroft.co.uk Computer Support for Home & Small Businesses in and around the National Park

Is Equity Release right for you?

Are you over 55 and considering unlocking value from your home?

Equity Release allows you to free up cash from the value of your home without the stress of having to sell up & move.

Equity Release will allow you to remain in your home & release cash to use for whatever purpose you want.

With equity release you: • Can pay off existing Mortgage • You can draw down your borrowings in instalments • Can keep paying the Interest for Life • You can pay back up to 10% pa of the amount borrowed

Call us today for a FREE personal consultation or visit our website Vision Equity Release, 21 Moffat Avenue, Carronshore, Falkirk, FK2 8TB T/F: 01324 559 976 E: info@visionfinancial.co.uk www.visionequityrelease.co.uk Vision Equity Release is a trading name of Vision Lifestyle Financial Planning Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in Scotland, Registered No. SC392478. Registered address, 21 Moffat Avenue, Carronshore, Falkirk, FK2 8TB. This is a lifetime mortgage. To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration. A fee may be payable for Equity Release Advice. The precise amount will depend upon your circumstances, but we estimate it to be £499. Equity Release can reduce the value of your estate, state benefits may be affected and other fees may apply.

One to One Friendly Jargon-free Computer Training for beginners.

Computer tuition in your own home on your own computer or tablet!

In Your Place At Your Pace Training available for: Home users and small businesses

For more info call Gail on

07930 527051

Email: gail@geminisolutionz.co.uk

www.geminisolutionz.co.uk www.parklifescotland.co.uk

| 39

Take the stress out of Letting or Selling your home Minerva Homes has over three decades of experience in the property market Taking on a new home or selling an existing one can be stressful at the best of times.

That’s why it’s important to place your affairs in the hands of a firm that cares about its customers.

Minerva Homes is run by Jamie Crocket in Killearn, now with the new addition of a Glasgow West End office in Chancellor Street. Minerva is an Estate Agency committed to offering you an experienced and personal approach to your property needs.

Jamie’s aim is to help you find the right house or sell your property at the best market price in the most effective and efficient marketing time.

Jamie said: “Our knowledge and

experience of the local property market helps us develop a marketing plan that’s right for you and your property. It’s more than just knowing your way around the local area, it’s about understanding people, the properties, the neighbourhood and what it’s like to live there.

service for the West End.

“We offer an independent and personal service covering all aspects of Estate Agency, sales and lettings – and we are now able to offer a full mortgage and financial services.”

Your property will be advertised to attract interest from all prospective buyers and tenants - with first class follow-up and feedback to keep you advised of the sale or let as it progresses.

Jamie will be working in association with mortgage experts David Rolleston and George Williamson of the Mortgage Advice Brokerage to offer a comprehensive property

What makes Minerva Homes service extra-special is the extra effort they put into the presentation of properties whether for sale or letting.

Minerva Homes have been valuing residential property in and around Glasgow, West and Central Scotland since 1985.

They can help you by offering clear straightforward advice in today’s market.

Jamie said: “We use very high quality DSLR cameras with 10mm wideangle lenses to ensure that the buyer or renter knows exactly what they are going to get.”

“We put more effort into presentation than any other aspect of the business because it pays dividends for all parties.”

You can check out the results for yourself at MinervaHomes.co.uk/ To take advantage of special Introductory Rates, contact Jamie at Minerva Homes now 01360 550801 or mobile 07725 215440.

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The bee crisis an environmental time bomb?

The disappearance of the bees is a litmus test for the general state of our planet. Bees play a key role in our food chain, and the impact of their decline across the globe could prove devastating for both our food supplies and our economy.

So what can you do?

Thanks to people power, Friends of the Earth’s Bee Cause has successfully pushed the UK Government to implement a bee action plan - the National Pollinator Strategy - to act on the critical issue of bee decline. But your own garden, allotment or window box is the ideal place to join the fight. With your help, we can bring back some of the precious green space the bees need to keep our world healthy.

Visit www.foe.co.uk/bees and find out more about what can be done to help our bees.

Ballochruin Engineers A versatile engineering facility, run with a passion for problem solving.

Agri, Horti. & Plant Equipment.

Hydraulic, Marine, Biomass, Welding, Brazing, Plant Electrical, Bespoke fabrication/alteration.

Tel: 07469 177058 E: cameron@ballochruinengineers.co.uk

Graham Sandals, Moorpark Bespoke Garden Buildings & Garages.

www.moorparkhc.co.uk info@moorparkhc.co.uk t: 01786 841788 m: 07773 809345 www.parklifescotland.co.uk

| 41

Park Life | Gardening & Outdoors

Oakburn Gardens and Trees Hoticultural & Landscaping Services After

Before

• Garden Design • Landscaping • Tree Surgery • Small Civils • Drainage

• Natural Stone Paving • Tobermore Block Paving • Tree Planting • Resin Bound Surfaces

Gregg McIntosh (MI Hort.) Dumbarton m: 07855 132 836 t: 01389 730 687 www.oakburngardensandtrees.com

Y-MAC ENGINEERING

• LAWN MOWER & GARDEN MACHINERY REPAIR & SERVICE

• MOT PREPARATION & PRESENTATION • SERVICING, REPAIRS & DIAGNOSTICS ALL VEHICLE TYPES

• TRAILER & PLANT SERVICE & REPAIR • RECOVERY, COLLECTION & DELIVERY • MOBILE REPAIR FACILITIES • QUAD BIKE & ATV SPECIALISTS

Oa Gar

LANDSCAPE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION LTD

From initial consultation a nd full colour design to complete garden build... all u nder one roof!

Full design package Stone work Timber work Garden features Artificial lawns supplied & laid Turf supplied & laid Drainage

01786 841 719 / 01877 339 993 www.cruachanlandscaping.co.uk

CAMERON WILLIAMSON LENNOXTOWN – BLANEFIELD 01360 770182 07793 552071

Registered Member

YMACENGINEERING.CO.UK INFO@YMACENGINEERING.CO.UK

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Benview Miniature Garden Competition 2015 What a privilege it was to attend the Benview Miniature Garden Competition and be on the judging panel!

The Schools mini Garden competition was a great success this year with over 280 children taking part and 140 entries. The first greenhouse was a riot of colour and the creativity and ideas of the children really impressed everyone and made the judging incredibly difficult! There was a distinctive buzz and franticness about Benview on the judging day and like last year it was a very hard decision to make. The winner was 7 year old Karl

Thomsom from Buchlyvie Primary with his ‘Garden at Glenlea’. His winning entry won his school the £100 gift voucher to spend at Benview.

The staff of Benview made sure it was a well organised day and despite the rain outside the atmosphere was fantastic with at least 100 people turning up to support this annual event.

I’m looking forward to next years event!

Katrina Gardner Director Parklife Magazine

At The Ward Toll Balfron Station G63 0QZ 4 miles south of Aberfoyle on the A81 Follow us on facebook

Garden Centre • Pet Shop • Farm Shop

Helping you get ready for Summer • Locally grown shrubs and herbaceous plants • Home-produced containers • Garden furniture and greenhouses • Composts, bark, ornamental pots • Pet food and accessories and dog ramps • Farm Shop - our own fruit & veg plus Jams, cheeses etc Opening Hours: Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm, Sun 10am - 5pm info@benviewgardencentre.co.uk 01360 850525 www.benviewgardencentre.co.uk

John Currie BR ICK & STONEWOR K

Tr aditional Stonework and PavingSkills Specialist For Your Home & Garden

Stone Walling & Traditional Brickwork Natural Indian & York Stone Paving Specialist • Bespoke Stone Walling & Tr aditional Brickwork Barn & Property Renovation Features • StepsPaving Dry Stone&Walling & Paths Natural Indian York Stone Specialist Lime Mortar Work &Renovation Repointing • Barn & Property • Fireplaces Patios Bespoke & Slabbing Features General Building & Property Maintenance Dry Stone walling Lime Mortar Work & Repointing CALL TODAY FOR FREE ADVICE & QUOTATION Steps & paths T: 01360 550087 M: 07966 864811 Patios & Slabbing E: johncurrie@hotmail.com Fireplaces

General Building & Property Maintenance

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call today for free

Park Life | Gardening & Outdoors

BARCLAY’S LANDSCAPING of Milngavie

LANDSCAPING & GARDEN MAINTENANCE • MONO BLOCK DRIVEWAYS & PAVING • FENCING • DRAINAGE • PLANTING & TURFING • ARTIFICIAL TURF SPECIALIST • PATIOS • BRICKWORK • TREE SURGERY

FREE ESTIMATES & COMPETITIVE RATES Telephone: 0141 956 6480 Mobile: 07969 426 588 Come and view our vast range of products!

ALLANDER

AGGREGATES LTD

DECORATIVE STONE, GRAVEL & SAND for all your landscaping & building needs

Unit 11 Cloberfield, Milngavie, Glasgow, G62 7LN

Tel: 0141 956 4583

Open: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Sat 9am-2pm Email: allander.aggregates@btconnect.com www.allanderaggregates.co.uk

Decorative Gravels • Building Sand • Sharp Sand Kiln Dried Sand • Red Granite Sand • Top Soil/Compost • Bark/Composting Bark Feature & Rockery Stones • Cement/Postcrete • Type1/Ballast/Whin Dust Fencing Material/Panels • Garden Sheds/Gazebos • Walling Stone Paving/Driveways • Membrane/Terram • Drainage channels & pipe • Cold Tar

Craig Tree Care

Professional Tree Surgeons

full range of work with trees including: • Pruning & reduction • Tree removal & replacement • Consultancy & advice • Conservation & preservation

t: 01360 449 275 | m: 07725 834 846 44 |

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

SCOTIA CONTRACTS

Park Life | Business

GROUNDWORKS | LANDSCAPING | BUILDING

• Landscaping • Drainage & Construction • Lawncare & Turfing • Fencing & Decking • Foundation excavation and groundworks • Garage building & conversions • Internal flooring works • Extensions & attic conversions

We take great care and pride in the work we do, so if you like what you see please feel free to call us on 01877 381212 for a FREE consultation. kenny.stewart@scotiagardens.co.uk

www.scotiagardens.co.uk www.parklifescotland.co.uk

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Park Life | Business

We Dig What You’re Saying NOW OFFER

Self Drive or Hire Drive Mini Digger & Dumper Hire MacColl Landscaping are pleased to offer hire drive and self drive mini excavators and dumpers. MacColl Landscaping purchased these machines from Thompson Plant Hire at Finnich Toll Killearn.

Thompson Plant Hire have been supplying a quality groundwork and hire service in the local area for nearly 20 years and Maccoll Landscaping are proud to take over the operation.

We look forward to working with existing customers and welcome any new enquiries. We also have excavators and dumpers for restricted access.

Please see our website for more information.

Tel: 01360 550 792 M: 07727 045 939 46 |

For further information see www.maccolllandscaping.com www.parklifescotland.co.uk

Park Life | Business

Endrick Decorators Of Killearn Professional, fully guaranteed, high standard of work carried out by qualified tradesmen.

Interior and Exterior • Painting • Coving Paper Hanging • Ames Taping

Plastering Service Now Available Call Timmy Kearney for a free, no obligation quote.

Westerton Farm Cottage, Killearn G63 9LE Email: Endrick.decorators@btinternet.com

Tel: 01360 551312 Mobile: 07591 586596 fre

ry ve eli 75

*

e dover £

Trade & Retail Welcome

TOP QUALITY TRADE PAINT Top Brands Including...

YOUR LOCAL THE PAINT SHED

Dumbarton Tel: 01389 733 729 • Polmadie Tel: 0141 422 1261 Paisley Tel: 0141 848 0599 • Stirling Tel: 01786 451 012 *free delivery applies to online purchase only

Buy Online

www.thepaintshed.com

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

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Park Life | Business

MJM GAS SERVICES

J Brand Decorating All aspects of interior and exterior decorating and plasterwork undertaken.

M: 07852 305884

E: mjmgasservices@live.co.uk www.mjmgasservices@live.co.uk Gas Safe Reg, 555014

5 Kiltrochan Drive, Balfron G63 0QJ

T: 01360 440 945 M: 07867672495 E: jackbrand@btinternet.com

Strathendrick Decorating & Plastering

John Gault m: 07748 283947 Allan Denton m: 07984 549933 Email: strathdp@hotmail.com Interior, Exterior Paint Work.

Ames Taping. Coving and all types of Plasterwork.

Eveything you need for a cozy night in!

WE STOCK: Peat, Logs, Kindling, briquettes Multi Fuel Stoves Wood Burner Stoves Companion Sets • Fire Screens Log Baskets • Fire Bricks Coal Hods • Grates

Screw It, 89 Main Street, Callander, Perthshire, FK17 8BQ | Tel: 01877 331281 | Mobile: 07823 774202

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Park Life | Business

Call us today: 01360 770708 07968 831313 Time served quality tradesmen

We are a family business providing a range of services throughout Glasgow and the surrounding areas in Stirlingshire.

All our quotations are free of charge and carry no obligation.

Services: Velux Windows Chimney Work Insurance and General Roughcasting and Leadwork

23 Kirkland Avenue, Blanefield, Glasgow G63 9BY

HUBBARDS RECYCLING FACILITY

GARTOCHARN DON’T JUST SCRAP YOUR CAR

RECYCLE IT! Instant Payment

ÂŁ

For: Cars, Vans, Trucks & Trailers

For: Cars, Vans, Trucks, & Trailers

Ferrous & Non Metals D.V.L.A. Certificate of Ferrous Destruction Supplied D.V.L.A. Certificate of Destruction Supplied

Phone Jack or Julie on 01389 830319

www.gs-roofing.co.uk

homeworx

Re-roofing Slating and Tiling Soffit and Fascia Guttering services

info@gs-roofing.co.uk

property maintenance and repairs

painting and decorating (interior and exterior) ceramic tiling hardwood and laminate floor fitting joinery plastering all work considered

for a free quote, call 01360 550542 or 07870 329349 www.parklifescotland.co.uk

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Park Life | Business

5000

GARAGE DOORS FITTED

SD GARAGE DOORS 20 Years Experience

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GARAGE DOORS REPAIRED GARAGE DOOR REPAIRS NEW DOORS

Covering Glasgow & The West

Call us now on 01786 845 866 info@sdgaragedoors.co.uk | www.sdgaragedoors.co.uk

Need it Done Right?

SERVICING POWER YOUR EXISTING DOOR

DUNRITE PLUMBING Pride in Workmanship

Minor repairs to complete installation

Complete Bathrooms and Kitchens 4x4 Van for all weather conditions No call out charge FREE Estimates Fully Insured

T: 01360 550799 M: 07772944521 E: Dunrite.plumbing33@yahoo.co.uk 50 |

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

Park Life | Business

Natural Stone

Architectural ~ Walling ~ Paving ~ Ornamental All Enquiries Welcome

Thornhill: 01786 850400 | Livingston: 01506 873081 | info@tradstocks.co.uk

www.tradstocks.co.uk

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

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Park Life | Business

HANDCRAFTED KITCHENS. UNBELIEVABLE VALUE. Cele 35 ybrating with g ears rea

on all

• Gas/Oil/LPG • Central Heating • New builds/Extensions • Gas Safety Certificates

• Boiler Replacement • Boiler Service/Repair • Bathrooms • Renovations

All Types Of Work Undertaken

Jon MacIsaac

Tel: 07917391738

Email: jonmacisaac1000@aol.com

TWICE AS NICE B L I N D S

&

S H U T T E R S LTD

Suppliers of high quality made to measure window blinds Vertical • Roller • Senses • Vision • Venetian Wood Venetian • Roman • Perfect Fit • INTU Pleated • Shutters •

t offe produc rs ts!

• All cabinets & doors handmade in our Bridge of Weir workshop.

• Every installation is carried out by our own time served, experienced cabinetmakers.

• We can give you a truly individual, bespoke kitchen for far less than a high street showroom.

Call us now for a FREE design visit on 01505 614722 or visit www.burndale.co.uk for more details.

STOVES Stove & Chimney Specialists

Professional Chimney Sweeping Can be done in any weather No Mess Part of ICS Stove Installation CCTV Inspections Single-storey from £45 Two-storey from £55

Freephone: 0808 192 7001 email: david@twiceasniceblinds.com www.facebook.com/TwiceAsNiceBlinds

www.twitter.com/twiceniceblinds

www.twiceasniceblinds.com 52 |

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

10% OFF

CHIMNEY SWEEPING QUOTING “PARKLIFE”

Call Dawn on 07795 966 514

E: dawn@tartanstoves.co.uk W: www.tartanstoves.co.uk

Park Life Quarter Page.indd 1

20/04/2015 16:03

Park Life | Business

THE FABRIC GALLERY Huge Range of Designer & Discounted Furnishing Fabrics Quality Furnishings Quality Furnishings Made to Order

Made To Order Roman Blinds, Headboards, Curtains, Tailored Loose Covers Loose Covers, Curtains,

• Headboards, Wallpapers etc Design Service • Interior Interior Design • Wallpapers Home Accessories & Gifts Home Accessories, Gifts • Small Upholstery Antiques • Dolls House • Dolls HouseFood Food Quality 2nd Hand Hand Sofas Sofas&&Chairs: Chairs: Quality 2nd Multiyork; Parker ParkerKnoll Knolletc etc–- call call for fordetails. details

Main Street, Aberfoyle Main Street, Aberfoyle (next to the Coach House) Monday Saturday :: 10am 10am -- 4.30pm 4.30pm Monday--Saturday

D S IS N A PL O L A W Y OE N

Tel: Tel: 01877 01877 382873 382873 || www.thefabricgallery.co.uk www.thefabricgallery.co.uk

Giving your home the interior it deserves

free planning and design service full i n s ta l l a t i o n service complete project management bespoke kitchen furniture fa m i ly r u n business

01360 661456

www.mykitcheninteriors.com In The Scottish Stove Centre’ 63, Main Street, Croftamie,

By Drymen, G63 0EU

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

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Park Life | Business

Archibald Billett Funeral Directors Expertise & experience to ensure you give your loved one the perfect send off.

Archibald Billett Funeral Directors provide both traditional burial and cremation packages to suit all.

We can arrange memorials and Floral Tributes on request. Pre paid funeral plans through Golden Charter are available to give your family peace of mind.

Independent Funeral Director

Established Since 1955

Tel: 07718 759908 | Tel: 01877 382829 | Gualann, Gartmore, Stirling FK8 3RP

MORRIS ARCHITECTS

ROWAN HOUSE, 4 CASTLE GARDENS B A L L I K I N R A I N , B A L F R O N , G 6 3 0 LT TEL 01360 441 075 MOB 07866 426 746 EMAIL morris.architects@btinternet.com

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Park Life | Business

Oyster Pods are ideal for Home use, Garden Rooms or just for that extra space.

In general they don not need planning permission, however if they are in the park or in a conservation area they will need planning, though normally this is quite straightforward to secure. Oyster Pods are fast to build and can be bespoke designs to suit everyone’s choice/ style/function. They are all incredibly well insulated and can be built in a matter of 3/4 weeks. www.oysterpod.com

Garden Rooms - Home Offices - Music Studios - Treatment Suites Granny or Teenager’s Annexes - Gyms - Bespoke Designs

01360 551 333

www.oysterpod.com COMMERCIAL DESIGNS FOR CLASSROOMS, COMMUNITY ROOMS, CLUB HOUSES…...

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

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Aye in the Sky Remote Aerial Video & Photography Aye in the Sky is an aerial video and photography business which utilises remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) commonly known as “drones”.

The business was started in 2014 by Greig Morris, while he was studying Business Enterprise at the University of Strathclyde. Having graduated in July this year, he is now focussing his efforts full time on the new business venture.

Having always had an interest in photography and flying, the ability to combine these areas into a business opened up a whole new dimension.

In order to be able to use RPA’s for commercial work, there were a number of prerequisites to make this a reality. This included gaining a remote pilot’s licence, along with permission from the Civil Aviation Authority for aerial work. This ensures that flights are carried out safely and within the law and regulations.

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Public liability insurance was also required.

With this all in place, Greig has been enjoying turning his passion in to a fully-fledged business.

He has a particular interest in filming sports where an aerial perspective adds tremendous value. To date he has filmed extreme sports such as snowboarding and downhill mountain biking as well as wakeboarding. By using a video screen on the ground, all the action from the air can be viewed in realtime.

Greig said: “Using RPA’s for aerial video and photography is a rapidly growing area, with many TV shows

all using this approach. It allows a completely unique perspective to be captured at a fraction of the cost of filming from a full sized aircraft such as a helicopter. This makes it perfect for advertising homes through estate agents, promotion for businesses, sports photography and a massive range of other applications. The only real limit is your imagination.” www.ayeinthesky.com

This is our 50th edition of Park Life Magazine!

Our first edition was published in 2005. It had 48 pages, 10,000 copies were printed and we delivered them by hand. Our 50th edition has 88 full colour pages, 20,000 copies are printed and delivery is by Royal Mail.

Our aim when we started Park Life was to produce a magazine that was packed full of local information. It would cover a two month period of local events and local services, but also one that we hoped would be entertaining and interesting as well as useful. We also hoped it would

be successful in encouraging small businesses by hosting networking evenings, and so it has proved.

We have incorporated competitions for the children, recipes for the cooks, gardening tips for the gardeners and are always striving to keep the magazine fresh with new ideas. Our interviews with local celebrities and characters have been very popular.

There will be more in the future, our area is full of interesting people with interesting stories to tell.

Over the years it has been our

very great pleasure to support local charities by highlighting their fundraising events. We have, over the years raised in excess of £40,000 for the well loved local charities Strathcarron Hospice and Think Pink.

The Park Life team is: Heather Munro, Bookkeeping, Lisa Sanderson, Sales, and myself, Katrina Gardner, Editor.

We hope you have enjoyed reading our magazine over the years and always welcome ideas and suggestions as to keeping it updated and fresh. Katrina x

Covering all the Essentials in the Park!

Park Life Magazine Celebrating 50 Editions!

e Celeb

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Park Life | Business

Andrew Anderson & Sons FUNERAL DIRECTORS Est. 1969

We are proud to offer a 24 hour caring and personal service to the local community.

We are pleased to offer Golden Charter Pre-Paid Funeral Plans.

“Creating peace of mind for you and your family”

“Stand sure that we will look after you and your family”.

For all enquiries, call: 01877 330398 Email: info@anderson-funerals.co.uk www.anderson-funerals.co.uk

Funeral Home, Glenartney Road, Callander, FK17 8EB.

• Kitchens,

• Renovations Bathrooms Design • Extensions and Installation

• General joinery • Insurance work

A wide range of memorial stones are available. We can also clean and add further inscription to existing family memorials.

10 Manse Road, Aberfoyle, FK8 3XA

• Free estimate Professional Service • Ceramic Tiling • Plastering

All Trades Provided

T: 01360 440381 | M: 07776 388231 E: mckaytiling@tesco.net

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Park Life | Business

ALAN ROBINSON

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS (established 27 years)

DRYMEN TILING Professional Tiling Services All Aspects of Wall & Floor Tiling Internal & External

tes and advice Call for estima

Tel: David on 07810 194226

Dumbarton: 01389 762324 Drymen: 01360 661161 | Mobile: 07831 127234

drymentiling@btinternet.com www.facebook.com/drymentiling

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SPECIALIST

G Ford & Son PA I N T E R S

ALL JOINERY WORK UNDERTAKEN “We Fully project manage the job from start to finish, taking care of Installation, Electrics, Plastering, Plumbing.”

&

D E C O R AT O R S

Decorating Since 1946 ‘A Brush with Tradition’

“CMC will work with you to create a beautiful new Kitchen or Bathroom to suit your budget.”

“We believe people want simple honest advice”

Call us now for a free estimate: t: 01389 720 412 m: 07776 061 471

e: calam.mccrorie@hotmail.co.uk w: www.cmchomeimprovements.co.uk

For more information please contact us on

t: 01360 860777 t: 0141 334 9714 e: david@artistsandangels.com www.gfordandson.co.uk

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

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‘The Rural’, as it will continue to be known in most of the Park Life area, was founded in 1917 as the SWRI, to enable women who were isolated in rural areas of Scotland to enjoy the company of others of all ages, pass on skills, extend their horizons, make friends and have fun together.

Those aims and ethos remain, but the recent name change to Scottish Women’s Institutes, SWI, reflects moves to include all women in Scotland and have more flexibility and informality of membership and activity to suit modern lifestyles.

If you think of the Rural only as the ladies who serve teas at village galas

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and show off their considerable craft and baking skills at agricultural shows, please look again. The national website www.theswi.co.uk will point you towards your nearest branch, or institute. Their committee will have put together a varied programme for 2015-16, probably starting in September. It may include talks, demonstrations, workshops, theatre outings, visits, meals or parties. Pick an item which interests you, go along and join in. You may also hear about joint activities with members of other institutes: classes, competitive sports, dance, drama or debating. As a potential member of any age, you will be made very welcome.

Margaret Sparkes, Secretary, Buchlyvie SWI

Buchlyvie SWI Tues 8th Sept, 7.30pm, Buchlyvie Village Hall Open Night with displays & activities to give a taste of ‘The Rural’ Tues 13th Oct, 7.30pm, Buchlyvie Village Hall “Put a Spring in your step” with Tricia Cumming of Active Stirling, Margaret: 01360 850492, mgtsparkes@btinternet.com Muriel: 01360 850357, Muriel@mucolin.demon.co.uk

Park Life | Business

John Coubrough & SON FUNERAL DIRECTORS Est. 1961

Grant Coubrough, with over 35 years of experience can be depended upon to provide a professional, caring and dignified service in your time of loss. All funeral packages, including floral tributes, catering needs and memorial stones can be taken care of.

Golden Charter Funeral Plans are also available

• 24 Hour Service

“TULMORE”, 27 Castlehill Loan, Kippen FK8 3DZ. TEL: 01786 870737 • 07702 490285

STEWART REID Plumbing Services Bathroom Suites, Kitchens & Central Heating Fitted Boiler Exchanges Gutters repaired Fitted & cleared No call out fees

STEWART HOLLINGTON ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

Established Since 1983

FREE ESTIMATES

from a tapwasher to a complete heating system

All plumbing enquiries contact Stewart: 07590 843607 / 01360 770847 sreidplumbing@hotmail.com

t: 01877 385231 m: 07885 841735

Originally from Persia and its bordering lands, the Felted Trellised The fleet of 24 yurts range in size from the Nomadic Tent, or Yurt, has been in existence for over 2,000 years. 2 person, 8 foot in diameter yurt to the Mega 40 footer, which caters to banqueting 150 people. Sale or leasing possibilities create affordable options, particularly for campsites.

Cambusbeg Farm, Callander FK17 8LJ | Email: paul@redkiteyurts.com | Tel: 01877 330 943

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

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August Events...

Stirling Art Club Annual Exhibition & Sale of Paintings Sat 1st – Fri 7th Aug 10am-8pm (Sat 10am-5pm) Holy Trinity Church Hall Over 300 paintings on show.

Admission free All are welcome!

Callander Jazz Club Dreadnought Hotel 3-6pm Sun 2nd Aug Sun 6th Sept Admission Free All Welcome

Valuation Day with Anita Manning & Team Wed 5th Aug 10am-3pm Killearn Kirk Anita Manning and five valuers from her Great Western Auctions Value up to three items per person, all for the cost of £10 including tea/coffee and baking. This should be a fun , interesting and perhaps profitable day so do come along.

Balfron Bash Sat 15th Aug 12.30pm Donaldson Park A great family event for the community, there will be plenty of entertainment, including pony rides, the hugely popular Spider Mountain, and for the first time this year, an inflatable Squid for younger children.

Burgers, cream teas, a beer tent and live music will be on tap, alongside lots of craft and charity stalls. It will cost a packet (or a tin!) to get in however – all donations to the Start-

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Up Stirling food bank welcome. Join us for a great day out in Balfron.

Kippen Flower Show 114th Event Aug 22nd 12.30pm Village Hall Homeade Soup and Baking served with Tea, Coffee and Cakes

Gartmore Village Hall 99th Annual Horticultural Show 29th Aug 1.45pm Adults £2.00 Children 50p Coffees, teas and cakes will also be on sale in the Garden Room Entry forms and fees to be paid on Thursday 27th August between 7pm and 9pm in the Village Hall.

The Hall will be open on Friday 28th from 8pm-9pm and also from 8am to 10.15am to display exhibits.

Trossachs Beer Festival The Lade Inn 28th Aug to 13th Sept 20 ales will be available over the period of the festival. Usual menu plus Specials Board and live Scottish Folk music on Fridays and Saturdays 8.30pm till midnight.

FADS Presents The Winslow Boy Thurs-Sat 24-26 Sept 7.30pm Tickets £7 A missing five shilling postal order causes a 13 year old Ronnie Winslow to be dismissed in disgrace from his Naval College. Set in middle class London

in 1911. World War approaches and a family is in turmoil as the injustice makes national headlines and disrupts Parliament. This true-life drama by Terence Rattigan has had huge recent acclaim on Broadway and London as well as two films having been made of the gripping tale. A superb cast from Britain’s top amateur Drama Club of 2014.

Liz on 01360 860 078 tickets@fintrydrama.org.uk www.fintrydrama.org.uk

Skidaddle Callander River Festival Sun 30th Aug A fantastic day out for the family this fun day is focussed on the River Teith in the centre of Callander and will feature the following activities.

1) An adventure scarecrow competition throughout the town.

2) A raft race 3) River swimming races 4)The Great Callander Duckathon duck race. www.skidaddle.org

Kippen Heritage Annual Exhibition Sat Aug 22nd & 23rd 2-5pm Kippen Reading Room A Century of village photographs with a special display dealing with the railway at Kippen.

Free Entry

Park Life | Family

Premium dog food delivered to your door • Foods to suit all dogs from family pets to working dogs • Well-balanced and complete • Maintain health and condition • Value for money • Already popular with many owners, kennels, & breeders

Trust in our many years’ experience

FREE

DELIVERY

Telephone: 01259 739194 or visit our website for full details

www.scotiapetsupplies.co.uk

For Your Business…

For Your Family…

For Your Wedding…

Promotional Videos, Photography, On-Line Content, Social Media Support and Marketing Ideas.

A photography session held in familiar settings such as your home or a nearby park. Creating a series of beautiful and natural photographs.

Paul will tell the story of your wedding in a series of beautiful photographs. A natural and relaxed style of photography.

Paul Saunders Media & Photography

www.paulsaundersmedia.com www.paulsaundersphotography.com

01360 661029 - Based in Drymen

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

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Park Life | Family

FAMILY SHOWS @ Shona Reppe

The Work Room & Colette Sadler

MAGIC SHO

WE ARE THE MONSTERS

Sat 19 Sep, 2pm

CHALK ABOUT

Theatre Hullabaloo

Age 47

Age 8+

Age 49

Age 58

Sat 26 Sep, 12.15pm

£8.50 / £30 Wee Group Saver

The Work Room & Curious Seed

Sat 26 Sep, 2.45pm

£8.50

£8.50

Followed by a free workshop

Wed 14 Oct, 11am & 2pm

£8.50 / £30 Wee Group Saver

Followed by a free workshop

Connect with us: MacrobertArtsCentre @Macrobert

Book Tickets:

01786 466666 | www.macrobertartscentre.org

invite you to join us at our

Autumn Bazaar Come and bring your friends and do some EARLY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

Wednesday 28TH October 4pm – 7.30pm AND

Thursday 29th October 10am –3.30pm Entry £5 All funds raised from the entry fee go to the Camphill Blair Drummond Appeal Fund Free Parking Available at the Safari Park

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There are bikes and equipment for everyone at Peloton Bike Shop Peloton bike shop Officially to be opened on Thursday 20th August

by Lee Craigie British champion 2013, XC racer Commonwealth Games 2014. 2nd place British Marathon championships 2015.

Peloton bike shop is a stockist for Lapierre bikes a famous French brand.

Whatever you ride, road or MTB competition, leisure, sport or fitness you will find a bike of your dreams in the Lapierre collection. We also stock Ghost bikes for kids and Creme bikes (urban/retro/cafe racer style).

As a new bike shop in Drymen we are ideally situated within Stirling district and central Scotland. The village lies to the west of the Campsie Fells and enjoys views to Dumgoyne on the east and to Loch Lomond on the West. The Queen Elizabeth forest reaches down to the village edge, and the whole area is part of the Loch

Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

Ideal for exploring on two wheels.

We aim to offer Bike hire so everyone can find there love of cycling again and tourists as well as locals can enjoy the scenery and explore further into this great area. Bike servicing is also available as well as new bike sales. As a local business we aim to be more than just a bike shop with plans in the future to include organised group rides and days away.

Business partners Graeme Thomson and Helen Paxton-Steele are both

keen cyclists.... Graeme loves cycling and crazy challenges. The harder and hillier the better! Graeme has travelled far and wide with his bike and completed events like La Marmotte and L’Etape du Tour in France. This year has seen him do a sportive in America called Wildflower Century - California as well as various other sportives across the UK. Helen has always had two wheels in her life. As a child she built and modified her own BMX’s and spent hours on her racer with family and friends. Cycling was not only a mode of transportation for Helen but a way of life. Now Helen rides competitively with Stirling Bike Club and is passionate about developing women’s and grassroots cycling.

Helen has recently completed her Level 1 British Cycling Coaches Qualification, so she’s happy to give out tips.

Peloton Bike Shop can provide exactly the bike sHtire Costs art you need, at precisely the moment you need it. £8 .0fro0m

Cycling is our hobby, passion, life!

At Peloton Bike Shop we are passionate about anything BIKE! Our team have been riding both socially and competitively for years between them (scary when you add them up).

Peloton aims to work with and for our local community to create new and accessible experiences within cycling for all.

Adult MTB hire is available at Peloton Bike Shop. We currently offer the Adult Lapierre 227 MTB in a range of sizes for hire. All hire bikes come with a helmet, pump, water bottle holder, padlock, spare tube and tyre levers.

Pre-booking is available and recommended - just contact Helen or Graeme on 01360 66 1430.

1 Stirling Road, Drymen G63 0BP E: pelotonbikes@gmail.com www.pelotonbikeshop.co.uk

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

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Masquerade Charity Ball was an enormous success!

This year on the 9th May, I hosted a Masquerade Charity Ball in memory of my beloved mother Jill Ritchie, who sadly lost her battle to cancer exactly a year before. My mother suffered from a very rare form of bile duct cancer, of which very little is known.

As well as raising awareness, I also wanted to raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK,

which would go directly into the research of bile duct cancer, and into clinical trials which are currently being carried out by Professor John Primrose at the University of Southampton. One example of this is the BILCAP trial, the aim of which is to determine whether a certain type of chemotherapy treatment can stop the cancer returning after surgery.

Masquerade Ball, so I decided that this would not only be a great way to raise money, but also a perfect way to honour her memory. The evening was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow, and with almost 400 guests in attendance, great entertainment and amazing prizes, we raised over £27,000.

A great evening was had by all.

My mother’s dream was to attend a

www.justgiving.com/jillritchie/

itor Cbeenrfotrye is V t s e r le o F e The Lodg Elizabeth Forest Park A st, Q ue e n

What’s on at the Lodge?

am-6pm Augu Open daily 10 ptember Se 10am-5pm

Follow our Alice in Wonderland trail, watch the birds and red squirrels on camera in our Wildlife Room, take part in craft activities and plan your adventure in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.

The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre, Duke’s Pass, Aberfoyle FK8 3SX Call us on 01877 382258 or email thelodge@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

www.forestry.gov.uk/qefp Follow us on @LodgeAberfoyle Facebook “f ” Logo

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CMYK / .eps

Facebook “f ” Logo

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

CMYK / .eps

Looking for a new you?

The Leo Look is here to help. The Leo Look It is a new Image Consultancy for women – and the aim is to make you look and feel your best.

has the option of shopping with you or shopping on your behalf, looking at the best styles to flatter your figure and make the most of your features.

This could be an opportunity to spoil yourself or maybe you just need someone to help you to look your best for that very special occasion – a wedding, graduation, corporate event, charity ball, etc.

Accredited through the Alicia Kite Academy, Karen and Helen’s philosophy is “let us help you to create your own individual style so that you will feel special and confident, as well as looking great all of the time.”

If you dread selecting suitable clothing for your holiday and you don’t enjoy the hassle of packing then let the Leo Look do it all for you and ease the pre-holiday stress.

We look at age, body structure, personality, lifestyle and budget – every aspect of the client’s life. From this information we develop a plan that you feel comfortable and happy with.

Contact Karen - 07807 173145 Contact Helen - 07802 950123 Email: theleolook@gmail.com www.facebook.com/TheLeoLook

If you want to LOOK GOOD/FEEL GOOD - go with THE LEO LOOK

The wardrobe makeover means we will help you re-invent your existing clothes and accessories, using our professional training to make sure you achieve the best look possible.

Our personal shopping experience

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

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Business Focus -

Clements Hearing & Earcare Services

Clements Hearing Services has been around a long time but you’ve recently branched out into Clements Earcare Services. What was behind this move?

We needed a dedicated space for our growing wax removal service.

We have been removing earwax for two years now; initially offering the service mainly to our existing clients.

With little prompting or promotion from us a growing demand for this service from the general public was soon apparent.

Until the recent opening of Clements Earcare Services in the adjacent shop, all services were crammed into one consulting room. The additional space has allowed us to fit in all of the proper equipment for expert wax removal. Notably, microsuction should be performed with the patient lying down and we now have 68 | www.parklifescotland.co.uk

a medical treatment couch to allow us to do this.

We are delighted to be able to offer a fully professional wax removal service.

How do you keep abreast of industry innovations and professional development?

In this ever changing world of technology it is important to keep a finger on the pulse. Thankfully we are helped greatly by our major suppliers, who stage regular educational events to update us of developments in their own products as well as in the profession. They also visit us regularly, which is a great source of information.

As well as this there is a more formal style of education and recently we have undertaken courses in Wax Management at Aston University Birmingham and University College London, as well as a professional development seminar (with

delegates from all Europe) in Vienna’ So we think it’s fair to say that we invest considerably in Continual Professional Development, which allows us always to be up to the minute with the products and services we offer.

Clements is going from strength to strength. What’s next for the practice?

We are opening a mobility centre right next door to our earcare clinic. So it’s another steep learning curve for us to do with wheelchairs, scooters, stairlifts and about a million other products designed to help people who need it in their daily lives. We want it to be a friendly drop in centre so there will be a refreshment station where people can come in, have tea or coffee and discuss their needs with us.

The branding will be different but similar if that makes sense to that

which we have established in our other businesses.

As the service grows what remains most important to you at Clements?

Never to lose sight of the importance of good customer service- and to keep it personal. In this aspect we feel we have a competitive advantage over some of our larger rivals. We are Val and Greg , a customer will always be dealing with only either one of us. The customer gets to know us and we get to know the customer.

You’ve been on Crow Road since 1997, you must have seen a lot of changes in the West End in this time?

We have and we haven’t. Whilst there now seems to be major supermarket on every corner, the underlying things which make the West End a nice place to be in are really much the same. The architecture, the heritage, the leafiness, the village- like feeling, the friendliness of the people. It has always buzzed and it continues to do

so. There are probably a lot more bicycles now.

Where are your top places to hang out and people watch in the West End, and why?

You can’t beat the Botanic gardens on a good day. Any pavement cafe on Byres or Hyndland Road – outside on a good day, indoors on a bad.

From 1st August the drop in centre at Clements Mobility Services promises to be a great hangout.

So if you need help with your hearing, wax taking out of your ears or you need a mobility aid please call in or phone us. You will be most welcome.

Clements Hearing & Earcare Services 538 Crow Road, Jordanhill G13 1NU Tel: 0141 954 6030 www.clementshearingservices.co.uk

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

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Class

Vilage

Day

Time

Contact

Body Control Pilates - Jane Meek Gartocharn Monday 12.15pm 07759 182236 Body Control Pilates - Jane Meek Gartocharn Thursday 6pm 07759 182236 Body Control Pilates - Jane Meek Blanefield Thursday 9.45am & 8pm 07759 182236 Zumba - Jane Strathblane Saturday 10am 07968 968944 Zumba - Jane Killearn Wednesday 7.45pm 07968 968944 Killearn Health & Fitness Killearn Monday 2-3pm 01360 5513338 Slow Flow Yoga Group Personal Training Killearn Monday 8-9pm 01360 5513338 Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Killearn Tuesday 10.30am-12pm 01360 5513338 Slow Flow Yoga Killearn Tuesday 2-3pm 01360 5513338 Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Killearn Tuesday 6-7.30pm 01360 5513338 Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Killearn Thursday 10.30am-12pm 01360 5513338 Slow Flow Yoga Killearn Thursday 2-3pm 01360 5513338 Group Personal Training Killearn Thursday 6-7pm & 8-9pm 01360 5513338 Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Killearn Friday 10.30am-12pm 01360 5513338 Introductory Class is Free Cheerobics

Balfron Mon 8.30pm 07917 541163 Body Revive Dance Central Balfron Tue/Thur 10.30am & 8.30pm 07917 541163 Kore Kickboxing

Balfron High School Mon & Thur 8pm - 9.30pm 07813 884202 Taekwondo Rainbow (4-8 yrs) Balfron High School Wednesday 5-6pm 07963 080078 Taekwondo Juniors & Adults (8 yrs plus) Balfron High School Wednesday 6-7pm 07963 080078 Ladies Netball

Balfron High School Wednesday 8 -9pm All Abilities welcome Balfron Gymnastics Club

Balfron High School Saturday 10.30-5pm balfrongymnastics@mail.com The Yoga Place – Killearn ( see page 73) Pilates Monday 11.30-12.30 Kellie Mysore programme Monday 9:30-11am Siobhan Yin Restorative Yoga Monday 6:45pm - 8pm Adelaide Mindful Movement Yoga Tuesday 10:30am - 11:50am Craig Ashtanga for beginners Yoga Tuesday 12-1pm Elaine Ashtanga Beginner led class Tuesday 6:15pm - 7:25pm Siobhan Full led Primary Ashtanga Tuesday 7:30pm - 9pm Siobhan Mysore programme Wednesday 9:30am -11am Siobhan Gentle Hatha flow Yoga Wednesday 11:30 - 12:50pm Gillian Physio rehabilitation to movement Wednesday 1:30pm - 2:30pm Francoise Pilates Wednesday 6.15pm - 7:15pm Kellie Mysore programme Thursday 9:30am -11am Siobhan Seasonal Vinyasa yoga Thursday 12-1pm Elaine Breathwork and gentle Hatha Yoga Thursday 1:30-2:45pm Siobhan Mindful Movement Yoga Thursday 7:30-8:50pm Craig Full led primary series Friday 9:30pm - 11am Siobhan Mysore programme with Pranayama Saturday 8:30am - 10:30am Siobhan Pre-natal Yoga Saturday 11:30am - 12:45am Siobhan Strictly seniors-60+ dance fitness(no partner required) Tuesday 10-11am Buchlyvie village hall commencing 18th August Thursday 10.45am -11.45am Killearn village hall commencing 20th August Monday 1.30pm-2.30pm McClintock hall Balfron commencing 24th August Contact details - Kellie currie 07858 226761 or email soledanceuk@icloud.com

To be included on our Fitness Page please contact us on 01360 441006 70 |

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

Park Life | Health

Eat, Sleep, Heal Retreat

Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy in your own home including acupuncture & treatment for the following; Low back pain • Sports injuries • Whiplash Osteoarthritis • Ligament sprains • Muscle strains Fractures • Tendonitis/repetitive strain injuries Post operative rehabilitation • Vestibular problems

3 Day Nutritional Retreats, Lunch & Dinner Demos • Get over your sugar cravings • Improve IBS symptoms • Improve menopause symptoms A relaxed setting to learn about improving your health and wellbeing, finding out how food can make you feel better as well as tasting delicious. www.pollydouglasnutrition.com www.eat-sleep-heal-retreat.com pollydouglasnutrition@gmail.com

Tel: 07837 100 642

Mollands Road, Callander FK17 8JP | Tel: 01877 330000

No w O pe n

salann

Full Size Games Hall 20m swimming Pool Outdoor Tennis Modern Fitness Suite Fitness Classes 30ft Climbing Wall www.mclarenleisure.co.uk

halotherapy

Treatments for dermatological and respiratory conditions using the natural healing properties of salt Treatable conditions include ¡ asthma ¡ eczema ¡ hayfever ¡ psoriasis ¡ sinusitis ¡ COPD

Contact us today to book your first consultation 0141 212 8700 www.salann.co.uk

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

| 71

Park Life | Health

Quality affordable dental care from only £14 per month Cherrybank Dental has recently undergone a comprehensive refurbishment programme aimed at providing the highest standard of equipment and facilities for all our patients. We provide a full range of general and specialist dental treatments including cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, tooth whitening & orthodontics.

For further details call 01360 440777 or email info@cherrybank-dental.co.uk Cherrybank Dental, 36 Buchanan Street, Balfron G63 0TR

Killearn Health and Fitness Do you want weight loss for summer, or weight loss for life?

Visit Robert for a FREE consultation. What have you got to lose?

WIN! with Park Life Magazine

Personal Training one to one or group Ashtanga Yoga one to one or group with female Mysore style qualified teacher Life coaching for long term weight loss, injury rehabilitation, addressing chronic health problems, pain removal, removal of unnecessary medications Energetic Healing for balanced living Visit 13A Main St, Killearn (Behind Panik Gallery) Call or email for a free consultation: T: 01360551338 M: 07531051185 Email: robertmillerhhp@gmail.com

72 |

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

WIN A WEE GROUP SAVER FOR THE *FILM OF YOUR CHOICE AT THE MACROBERT ARTS CENTRE FILMHOUSE You’ll find an exciting and varied programme of films for all ages at Macrobert Arts Centre and with our Wee Group Saver priced at only £23.20 – 4 tickets for any 4 people – it’s great value for money whether you’re out with children, family or friends.

Find full details of the current film programme at www.macrobertartscentre.org or call 01786 466 666.

To enter simply visit www.patklifescotland.co.uk *Subject to availability, prize must be used by 30 November 2015.

The PLACE to be responded to the great interest in Mysore Style Yoga and has set up a regular practice for local people.

Siobhan said: “Ashtanga Yoga is rewarding, but does require dedication to really embrace what it’s all about. The benefits make it all very much worthwhile.”

Siobhan Lappin ran a successful city centre beauty business, working in some of the top salons prior to moving to Strathblane.

These included the Tao clinics & Rita Rusk international in West Nile Street where she specialised in massage, skincare and electrolysis.

Siobhan became a member of the British Institute of Electrolysis in 1994 – the highest certified qualification in this field.

She started her own salon , Rumba, based in Glasgow’s Bath Street in 1998, having being a student of yoga for eight years. Then she left for India, to study yoga at the A.Y.R.I. Ashtanga research institute with founder Patabhi Jois and Sharath Rangaswammy.

From here. Siobhan made her way to Thailand and the Centred Yoga training institute where she studied under teachers Paul Dallaghan and Sri.O.P.Tiwari.

This made the biggest impact on her life. These are her teachers to this day and she has time with them every year. To grow and develop her skills and understanding. Siobhan also works with visiting teachers David Keil and John Scott.

She is a regular lecturer in nutrition, lifestyle advice, spa therapy Thai and Indian massage and pre-natal massage. The Eastern massage which she practices was studied during many visits to India and Thailand over the years.

Siobhan opened the first Mysore Style Yoga studio in Glasgow’s West End in 2005 which she ran until she had her little girl in 2009.

After moving to Strathblane, she has

The Yoga Place Killearn will offer a Mysore programme with teachers providing instruction and classes will include introductory blocks, beginner and advanced classes.

And there’s more...

The Yoga Place will include Pilates with Kellie Currie, Mindful Movement Yoga with Craig Buchanan, Craig’s class is great for back problems focussing on the spine, Yin or gentle restorative yoga with Adelaide Shallope. Flow and seasonal yoga with Elaine Grantham.

Siobhan’s dear friend Gillian Leister, who has a wealth of knowledge on the subject, will be teaching Hatha flow yoga.

Francoise Lognay, a fully qualified physiotherapist with study in many disciplines of movement will be developing a mobility programme for people with reduced movement from MS and other neurological issues to restore health.

The treatment rooms will have sports therapy massage and other therapeutic treatments. Siobhan will be using her Indian knowledge from Ayurveda for massage and Thai massage.

THE YOGA PLACE KILLEARN

this gives outstanding youthful results in facial skin care.

Permanent hair removal with pain free electrolysis from Apilus, a Canadian high end technology from Dectro International, will also be available.

Siobhan said: “Electrolysis has come a long way since the old uncontrollable heat machines – which people found hard to bear.”

She added: “I had one of the first machines Apilus brought out in 2001, which was amazing back then.

“The new machines are just amazing for what they can do. Laser and IPL has its place but won’t touch grey, red or blonde hair growth , which Apilus can. It will remove all hair types successfully and permanently.

“I have wanted this place for a long time and it’s all come full circle.

The yoga room has beautiful views of Dumgoyne so the experience is keeping it all calm and focussed, with no distractions. We aim to have the Spa rooms give great treatments in a relaxed venue without needing to travel to the city.

Siobhan is holding an Open Day on August 1 from 1-4pm. She said: “This gives clients a chance to meet staff and ask questions .... and on the Sunday 2nd August for taster sessions to try before we officially open.

“We will also be offering special promotions and treatments on the day – and hope to see you then.”

Tel: 07825392334 Killearn Mill, Killearn, Glasgow G63 9LQ E: siobhan@theyogaplacekillearn.co.uk www.theyogaplacekillearn.co.uk

She will also be using and stocking Eminence Organics, an outstanding range of high performance Hungarian and award winning skincare. Used in conjunction with photo rejuvenation, www.parklifescotland.co.uk

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MUSIC ON THE LOCH Park Life | Business

Making Sundays special at Loch Katrine For more details, and to book your jazz cruise call: 01877 332004 - Tickets from £22.00

The sounds of summer at beautiful Loch Katrine will be more Home of the Steamship Sir Walter Scott enchanting than ever this year as the classic steamship Sir Walter Scott sets sail every Sunday during July & August for a special early evening jazz cruise, with wonderful jazz & blues music performed by a host of well-known local Scottish bands.

A truly memorable highlight of a perfect day out.

The Sunday Jazz Cruises will depart from Trossachs Pier, Loch Katrine at 4pm arriving back at 6pm.

19th July – The Rosy Blue Blues Band 26th July – The Linda Jaxson Band 2nd August – The South River Blues Band 9th August – Moodswing 16th August – Jazz Mark Five 23rd August – Hoochie Coo 30th August – The Jazz Pack

Trossachs Pier, Loch Katrine, By Callander, Stirling FK17 8HZ Tel: 01877 376315/6 • Email: enquiries@lochkatrine.com www.lochkatrine.com 74 |

The Loch Katrine Jazz Cruises are sure to be popular, so advance reservations are recommended to avoid disappointment. www.parklifescotland.co.uk

The great outdoors “Let’s go outside” is where it began.

Intrigued by how often we heard & saw evidence of our children’s enthusiasm for the outdoors (with no weather permitting clause), we began to discuss as a staff team, how, if our children love our extensive garden, would they love to be in a wild forest all day?

We face challenging pressures such as increasing building & value of land with a concomitant reduction in access to the outdoors, so we are fortunate that through staff training in Level 3 Forest Schools Education, Mulberry Bush Montessori has secured use of two wooded areas & forests locally, to develop an MB Forest nursery school as of September 2015 for our children, where they can spend all day outside with: • Plenty of wood to coppice & to use for activities • Trunks to climb on to extend physical skills for confidence • Rotting wood for discovering mini beasts

• Space for exploration & adventure • Light open environment promoting early confidence • Long trails of ivy, useful for creative activities • Range of trees, plants & flowers to investigate • Central glade for easily identified base camp, rest & eating area • Secure from roads & access by general public

What do our children get from being outside?

• They are more active & empowered with explorative & physical learning predominates such as physical challenge & competence, coaching sessions like whittling, the thrill of drama/role play. They learn strategies for active exploration, thinking, and reasoning; • Their play is valued as meaningful learning and the importance of spontaneous play is recognised; • It is an natural environment of relative change & is stimulating on

a sensorial level; temperature, light, movement, smell & texture which add to emotional & spiritual wellbeing.

They develop working theories for making sense of the natural, social, physical, and material worlds.

• Children have increased freedom with rules & limits they understand that “keep them safe” with a social dynamic of being alone or wandering within the sight of adults. They gain confidence in and control of their bodies; • They become more excited about being outdoors than the television, iPad or any screen games! They are muddy, carefree & playful.

Nature, in its infinitely resolute glory, from dewy lichen to a proper rain storm, lifts children up where they belong; allows them to explore magical, stimulating, mysterious, relaxing, exciting, amazing, interesting, educational, safe & fun activities. For more information, call us!

nursery • montessori • forest pre school 20 Teviot Street, Yorkhill 0141 337 6543

12 Balfron Road, Killearn 01360 550 916

Forest pre school opening September 2015 Leading edge centre for innovation & excellence for the Under 5’s State of the art Montessori facilities & materials New born unit & active toddler unit with outside decking In partnership with Stirling Council Internal courtyard & outdoor garden For enquiries or enrolment contact: Shona Watters 01360 550916 • Vicki Inglis 0141 3376543 or visit our website at www.mymulberrybush.com

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

| 75

Park Life | Business

At Kelvinside Academy

Small Class Sizes make for

Big Lessons

Open Day Saturday 19th September 1.30 - 4.00pm

School Bus Service Provided

Junior & Senior School Tours: 33 Kirklee Road, G12 0SW Nursery Tours: Balgray Campus, 40 Chesterfield Ave, G12 0BL 76 |

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

kelvinsideacademy.org.uk

HOOL OF NCING

Park Life | Family

School of Dance Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Modern Stage

Taught to children from 2½ years Strathblane Classes Mon-Tues Edmonstone Hall, Blanefield Enrolment day Tuesday 18th August 3pm-5pm Killearn Classes Wed-Thurs Killearn Village Hall Enrolment day Wednesday 19th August 3pm-5pm

Lynda Turner School of Dance

Tel: 01360 770390 E: lyndaturnerdancing@hotmail.com

Join us every Saturday at Balfron High School Call Mark on 01389 386117 or 07715 301841 Web: www.razzamataz.co.uk email: balfron@razzamataz.co.uk

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

| 77

Picture by Paul Saunders Photography

Loch Lomond Shores events Aug - Sept 2015 For all the latest What’s on News visit www.lochlomondshores.com Ben `Lomond `way, Balloch G83 8QL T: 01389 751031 E: info@lochlomondshores.com

August 1st Arttoon Caricatures 12-4pm 2nd Arttoon Caricatures 12-4pm 2nd Farmers’ Market from 10am 2nd Dug café ‘ staffie’ event from 12.30pm 2nd car boot sale from 9.30am 4th Facepainting 12-4pm 5th Drakes of Hazard, dog & duck show 12, 1.30 & 3pm 5th Artmania -kids arts & crafts 12-4pm 6th Continental market from 10am 6th Facepainting 12-4pm 7th Zippos Circus www.lochlomondshores.com for times 7th Continental market from 10am 7th Meet Big Shuggie from 12-4pm 8th Zippos Circus www.lochlomondshores.com for times 8th Continental market from 10am 8th Callander Brass Band 2.30-4pm 9th Zippos Circus www.lochlomondshores.com for times 9th Continental market from 10am 11th Meet Big Shuggie 12-4pm 16th Farmers’ Market from 10am 16th Glasgow Accordian Band 11.30-2.30pm 18th Facepainting 12-4pm

shop

eat

22nd Loch Lomond Wedding Exhibition www.lochlomondshores.com for times 23rd Loch Lomond Wedding Exhibition www.lochlomondshores.com for times 23rd Dug café ‘Bulldog’ event from 12.30pm 23rd Artmania -kids arts & crafts from 12-4pm 29th Great Scottish Swim www.lochlomondshores.com for times 29th Artisan craft market from 10am 29th Facepainting 11am-5pm 29th Meet the Minions (look-alike mascots) 12- 4pm 30th Artisan craft market from 10am

September 3rd Continental market from 10am 4th Continental market from 10am 5th Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival (10th Anniversary) from 10am 6th Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival (10th Anniversary) from 10am 19th Arttoon Caricatures 12-4pm 20th Farmers’ Market from 10am 26th Artisan craft market from 10am 27th Artisan craft market from 10am 27th Artmania -kids arts & crafts 12-4pm

play

Close to home, far from ordinary The ultimate shopping and day trip destination

Open daily from 9.30am Free parking Balloch G83 8QL 01389 751031

www.lochlomondshores.com

78 |

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

Inaugural Water Park • Kayaking • Hamster Ball • Canoeing Horse Riding • Fishing • Archery

Outdoor adventure activities for all ages and abilities Groups • Children Corporate Groups Group and Fun Days Take advantage of our equipment hire experience, we hire all equipment including Canoe and Bike Hire!

Go Country, Kinlochard, nr Aberfoyle, Stirlingshire FK8 3TL Tel: 01877 387750 0845 6437089 lo-call rate Email: info@gocountry.co.uk www.gocountry.co.uk

Snapdragon Foundation

Summer Party sell out success!

Comedienne Viv Groskop performed a preview of her hilarious Edinburgh Fringe show “Say Sorry to the Lady” and local band Dave and the Turtles supported a barnstorming set as support.

Clay Pigeon & Rifle Shooting • Mountain Biking Gorge Walking • Climbing & Abseiling

The hall was beautifully decorated by Events Decor, lights and music were supplied by 5 One 2 Pro (www.5one2pro.com) under their AmDram Pro scheme, and the draft beer was sponsored by the Gartness Beer Festival. Many people and businesses contributed to the raffle and silent auction to make the night go with a swing.

GRAY LG LAURA SCHOOL OF DANCE LG

The evening, which took place in Gartmore Village Hall on 13th June, was a sellout and raised over £2600 which will go to fund projects working with 14-24 year olds on areas outwith the standard curriculum.

Boys and Girls welcome from 2 years.

The deadline for the next round of grants is 16th October.

Principle Teacher: Miss Laura Gray (F.B.A.T.D Freestyle & Cheer Pom, M.B.A.T.D Stage, Jazz, Freestyle & Cheer Pom, A.B.A.T.D Stage & Freestyle, Fully Qualified Zumba & Zumbatomic Instructor, NCSSE Cheer Coaching levels 1,2,3 & 4, Bsc Sports Therapy, Fully Qualified FitSteps & Boogie Bounce Instructor)

Classes held every Thursday evening from 3.30pm onwards in Balfron Church Hall and Balfron High School.

Every Saturday morning in the Allan Church Hall Bannockburn.

TAP, MODERN, STAGE, FREESTYLE, CLASSICAL BALLET, JAZZ, MAJORETTE, CHEER POM, STRETCHING TECHNIQUES, STREET/HIP HOP, GYMNASTICS & COMPETITIVE CLASSES

** BOYS ONLY STREET / HIP HOP CLASSES**

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CLASSES CONTACT MISS LAURA GRAY:Telephone: 01389 298296 / 07921214350 E-Mail: laura_gray_school_of_dance@hotmail.com All pupils taught to BATD standard, with amateur and professional examinations.

All teachers are disclosure checked.

**CLASSES ALSO HELD IN CLYDEBANK** Annual show held in the Mitchell Theatre and MacRobert Centre.

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

| 79

Local Events September The Winslow Boy Sat 24th & 25th Sept Rattigan’s plays have been enjoying a bit of a revival recently and The Winslow Boy is no exception having recent success in London’ West End and Broadway. It was first performed in 1946 and was based on an actual incident in the Edwardian era, which took place at the Royal Naval College, Osborne. There have been two films in 1948 and again in 1999 This is a powerful piece of drama and the issues are as relevant today as they were then. www.fintrydrama.org.uk

Callander Jazz & Blues Festival 2nd-4th Oct Ten years of great Jazz and Blues!

Come and join us for this milestone musical event.

Now in its 10th year, this years Festival promises to be a long weekend of live music with some great headline bands.

We look forward to welcoming once again for a weekend of great fun and music in and around Callander. www.callanderjazz.com

It’s Going To Be Magic Magician Ryan Davidson Culcreuch Castle, Fintry.

Sun Oct 4th Tickets £25 Following the tremendous success of last year’s Ladies’ Lunch with Frox of Falkirk Fashion Show, CRUK Strathendrick Local Committee will be staging another ladies’ luncheon event in the autumn……….this time with the incredible Ryan Davidson, Magician and Sleight of Hand Artist.

Proceeds to Cancer Research UK 80 |

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

Contact Janet Rutherford on 449214 (or your local CRUK committee member) for tickets.

Tir na nOg Events Dog Training Tues evenings Carla 07527252990 bwd.dogtraining@gmail.com

Mindful Hatha Yoga Flow Wed Evenings Adelaide ashalhope@hotmail.com 07809 469572

The Travelling Folks of Elsewhere 5th & 6th Sep see pg 81 for more details Magical world of circus and stories 01360 449300 or email info@tirnanog.co.uk for show times

Crystal & Craft Fair 26th & 27th Sep 11am-5pm TIr na nOg free entry www.tirnanog.co.uk

Alternative Wedding Fair 26th & 27th Sep

Supporting Success for Self-Employed Women - networking group with Ann Brown Fri 28th Aug & Fri 25th Sep 9.45am - 12.30

Swedish Sollerökoren and the Helensburgh Family Singers Sun Oct 4th 7pm The evening is in the style of Sunday at Seven and will be in support of Christian Aid.

Park Life | Family

The travelling folks of Elsewhere 5th & 6th Sep Magical world of circus & stories Elsewhere is an experiential circus and storytelling installation that will tour Scotland by horse drawn caravan. We envision this production to be much more than a performance. It is an interactive, immersive experience inspired by the theories of JRR Tolkien and influenced by Scottish folklore, Scottish travelling culture, Victorian romanticism, and Celtic and Norse mythology.

The installation itself comprises the brightly coloured tents and ornate wagons of a 19th century travelling circus. This is not, however, an historical re-enactment.

Rather, It is a recreation of the enchanted spaces found in Scottish faerie folklore when humans cross over into the Otherworld. Audiences are invited to go beyond mere suspension of disbelief by physically stepping through a gateway in a familiar contemporary setting, and become visitors to the world of a living faerie tale.

Tel: 01360 449300 or email info@tirnanog.co.uk for show times

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

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Park Life | Green Gallery

Remains of the day by Sandra Moffat.

Farmyard by Susan Mitchell.

greengallery Autumn Exhibition Sunday 13th September-18th October Tel: 01360850180 • E: greengallery@sol.co.uk

You can now buy direct from www.greengallery.com and we offer interest free credit.

Local Wildlife Hotspot RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond is one of the best places for wildlife in Scotland. It forms part of the Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve and is managed by RSPB Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The site was acquired

by RSPB Scotland in 2012 and since then work has been ongoing to make it an even better home for wildlife as well as somewhere people can get closer to nature.

A major development has been the completion of an access road. At present the road and car park will only be used for special public events as there are no paths or other visitor facilities at the site yet. The team have already hosted a number of guided walks, taking in some of the special habitats including ancient woodland, grassland and meadows. Visitors particularly loved tiny frogs hopping over their wellies, listening to grasshopper warblers and seeing the first few orchids appearing in the aptly named orchid field.

Visitors are directed to park at the Kilmaronock Millennium 82 |

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

Hall in Gartocharn where they can walk down to the Shore Wood via the Aber Path. This is a beautiful woodland walk which leads to Net Bay viewpoint where ospreys can be seen in summer and flocks of geese in the winter.

For more information contact RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond on 01389 830670 or email loch.lomond@rspb.org.uk

Colin Johnson Traditional Upholstery Service

*Upholstery classes available Colin: 01786 850 615 E: colin.johnson6@btconnect.com The Old School House, Ruskie FK8 3LG

If you go down to the woods today...

Santa’s Woodland Experience was inspired by a visit to Christmas Tree Farms throughout America 15 years ago. I saw on a small family farm, a woodland house, where the whole family could walk and meet Santa together. Having grandchildren has stimulated me to try and recreate that experience in my woodland, in Balfron. We have taken the idea a little further to include a trip on the farmers tractor and trailer through the woodland to find Santa’s house.

We started in July last year with a target of trying to attract 200 local children to come

with their families, we were overwhelmed with the response, people travelled up to 3 hours from all points in Scotland to visit.

Such was the demand for places, we had to open in the evenings as well, which was hugely popular, resulting in just under 2000 children and their families attending.

Everyone was so taken by our lighting at night, we have decided to launch a new experience for 2015. ALIVE……. our Woodland Lights Experience (more information on this in the next issue)

Santa’s Woodland Experience and Woodland Lights

Experience “ALIVE” new for 2015 Light Show: Our spectacular light show “ALIVE” is a walking experience and is fully accessible to all

Santa Experience: Take a tour of the woodland onboard Santa’s very own tractor and trailer and then meet Santa himself!

Woodland Lights Experience “ALIVE” Opens 12th November 2015; Santa’s Woodland Experience Opens 27th November 2015

Book online

www.woodlandexperiences.co.uk North Ballochruin Farm, Balfron Station, G63 0LE

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

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Park Life | Index Accountants & Banks

Baxter Accounting 38 HSBC 4 Sykam & Co Chartered Accountants 38

Activities

Bridge of Allan Sports Club 13 Camphill Blairdrummond 64 Fintry Sports Centre 34 Go Country 79 Loch Katrine Music on the Loch 74 Loch Katrine Cruises 3 Loch Lomond Shores 78 MacRoberts Centre 64 McLaren Leisure Centre 71 Peloton Bike Shop 65 The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre 66 The National Wallace Monument 19 Woodland Experiences 83

Architects/Planning/Consultants MW Consultants MH Planning Malcolm Parry Architects Morris Architects

23 54 55 54

The Sewing Room

86

Stirlingshire Caravans

14

Gemini Solutionz Kappa Computer Microcroft

39 39 39

Minerva Sales & Lettings

40

Alterations Caravans

Computer Services

Estate Agents & Landlords Financial Planning/Advisors

St James Place Wealth Mgt 38 Vision lifestyle financial planning ltd 39

Food Drink & Accomodation

Gardening & Outdoors

Allander Aggregates Ltd 44 Barclay’s Landscaping 44 Ballochruin Engineers 41 Benview Garden Centre 43 Craig Tree Services 44 Cruachan Landscaping 42 Fraser Robb 22 John Currie Brick and Stonework 43 MacColl Landscaping 46 Moorpark Horticultural Consultants 41 Oakburn Gardens and Trees 42 Scotia Contracts Ltd 45 Y-MAC Engineering 42

Health & Wellbeing

Cherrybank Dental Practice 72 Clements hearing services 68/69 Killearn Fitness Health & Wellbeing 72 Physio Fit Scotland 71 Polly Douglas Nutritional Therapist 71 Salann Halotheraphy 71 Tir Na Nog 81 The Yoga Place Killearn 73

Homes & Interiors

Apollo Blinds 14 Burndale Workshop 52 Colin Johnson Traditional Upholstery 82 Elspeth Bennie artist blacksmith 53 J Walker Interiors 53 Kitchen & Bathroom Interiors 53 Oyster 55 Screwit 48 Sparkle Carpets 7 Steven Burgess Fine Furniture 26 & 27 The Aga Shop 60 The Fabric Gallery 53 The Flooring Studio 20 Town & Country Designs Coffee Shop 30 Twice as Nice Blinds and Shutters 52

Blane Valley Buchlyvie Pottery Shop & Coffee Kiln Culcreuch Castle & Estate Ground Bean and Bistro House for an Art Lover Inn at Kippen MacDonald Forest Hills Hotel MacMillan’s Kitchen Poppies Hotel & Restaurant Red Kite Yurts St Mocha The Courtyard Cafe & Creamery The Oak Tree Inn the Old Mill Bar and Restaurant Three Sisters Bake

28 29 35 35 36 31 21 30 34 61 37 37 2 31 32

Andrew Anderson & Sons Archibald Billet Grant Coubrough Funerals

58 54 61

Laundry & Domestic Services The Cat’s Pyjamas The Laundry Lady

86 86

The Paper Cut Artist Ian Gallagher Jewellers The Green Gallery Wonderland

62 15 82 81

Scotia Spice

29

Lomond Logs Ltd Tartan Timber

86 25

Funeral Services

Galleries/Gift Shops & Jewellers

84 |

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Image Consultancy The Leo Look

Kids Section

67

Beaconhurst School 16 Guitar Tuition by Andrew 62 Kelvinside Academy 76 Kip McGrath Education Centre 18 Laura Gray School of Dance 79 Loch Lomond Sea Life Centre 77 Lomond School 88 Lynda Turner School Of Dance 77 Mulberry Bush 75 Razzamataz 77

Local Produce Logs

Painting & Decorating Endrick Decorators of Killearn Jack Brand Decorating Strathendrick Decorators The Paint Shed

47 48 48 47

Pet Supplies Scotia Pet Supplies Ltd

63

Photography Aye in the Sky 56 Paul Saunders Media & Photography 63

Plumbers Dunrite Plumbing 50 MJM gas services 48 Stewart Reid Plumbing Services 61

Renewable Energy, Biomass AC Gold Energy Alva Northern Eco Living Fraser C. Robb MW Consultants Tartan Timber

24 23 23 22 23 25

Stoves Ardstove Stirling Stove Centre Tartan Stoves

50 17 52

Trades & Services Aberfoyle Satellite Company Adrian Pirie A Ferguson Plastering Appliance Repairs & Spares Alastair Wilson Joinery Bathroom Transformations Buchlyvie Electrical CMC Home Improvements C-Mix Drymen Tiling Fowler & Son GS Roofing Ltd G Ford & Son Homeworx Killearn Household & Industrial Floor sanding services Hubbards JTM Plumbing & Heating KM Joiners Man Aboot the Hoose McKay Tiling Render Mender RM Contractors Stewart Hollington Electrical SD Garage Doors Tradstocks

47 85 85 59 58 6 50 59 85 59 85 49 59 49 85 49 52 58 85 58 51 51 61 50 51

Window Cleaning Night & Day

7

Park Life | Business

Household & Industrial Floor Sanding Services Fraser Murray, 22 Graham Rd, Killearn G63 9RR

Tel: 01360 550630 Tel: 07802156368

Email: theeonlyfrasermurray@gmail.com

Before

After

A. Ferguson Plastering

Free No Obligation Quotes

General Building • Plastering • Roughcasting Decorating • Kitchen Fittings • Bathroom Fitting Plumbing • Electrical Roman Rd, Balfron, G63 OPW Mob: 07789 137215 Tel: 01360 440 065 E: a.ferguson_plasterers@hotmail.co.uk

Fowler & Son CHIMNEY SWEEPS Modern sweeping with a traditional twist.

Cowls supplied & fitted T: 01436 670124 M: 07875 068510

FRESH LOCAL CONCRETE SUPPLIED 07771 562 661 www.cmix.co.uk

• Only pay for what you use

• No Waste

• Deliveries from 1m3

• No Part load charges

• Barrow Service

• No waiting charges

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

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Park Life | Business

• Fully seasoned firewood logs & kindling.

• Delivered in bags or bulk loads.

• Best prices guaranteed.

LOMOND

Order your regular supplies from Andrew on m: 07793 158817, t: 01360 660911 or by email: andrew@lomondlogs.co.uk www.lomondlogs.co.uk

LOGS LTD

Call Karen on

T: 01389 721095 Commercial

“THE CAT’S PYJAMAS” DOMESTIC CLEANING SERVICES

Contract Hire for: Bed, Bath & Table Linen Laundering Linen for: Hotels • B&B’s Restaurants • Health Clubs • Hairdressers

Established 2010

Domestic Laundry & Dry Cleaning • Service Wash Ironing • Equine Laundry • Pet Beds

Units 8 & 9, North St Ind Est, North Street, Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire G83 0EA

www.thelaundrylady.co.uk

86 |

www.parklifescotland.co.uk

20%

for P OFF custoark Life me When you p rs! res th is adv

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Holiday Lets Office Cleaning Including Carpet Cleaning Fully Insured 01360 440901 | 07960 156044 | fatcat10@mac.com

www.thecatspyjamascleaning.co.uk

Farmers Markets

Incredible Edible

France Farm Fridays

Every Friday; 9am-5pm Beside Millennium Hall, Gartocharn Family run market with a huge selection of local produce including fruit & veg, cooked meats, cheese, eggs, butcher meats.

A selection of breads from Mhor bread also available.

Milngavie Farmers Market

1st Wednesday of the month; 10am-2pm Douglas Street. A weekday market, which is extremely well supported locally.

A wide variety of producers from all over Scotland in a splendid central position give this market a tremendous traditional atmosphere.

Loch Lomond Shores Farmers Market

1st & 3rd Sunday of the month; 10am-4pm Balloch Most panoramic location of any Scottish market. A magnificent selection of produce, nearby parking, wonderful shopping in the Lomond Shore Gateway Centre, picnic areas and restaurants.

Stirling Farmers Market

2nd Sat of each month; 10am - 4pm Port Street, Stirling.

A very busy and well organised market with a superb cross section of produce from all over Central Scotland. The market is located in the pedestrian area of the city centre (outside M&S) and is within easy access of the main streets, car parks, rail and bus stations.

Boquhan Farmers Market

Wednesday & Thursday each week; 7am – 2pm Boquhan Estate Wednesday – fruit, veg & dairy products.

Thursday- additional fresh fish, bread, jams cakes & Edenmill fresh meats.

Benview Farmshop

Open: Mon-Sat 9.30-4.30pm Sun 10.30-4.30pm From 1st March Mon-Sat 9am-5pm Sun 10am-5pm Farm shop stocking veg, cheeses, preserves, biscuits, cakes etc 01360 850525 www.benviewgardencentre.co.uk Ward Toll, Balfron Station G63 0QZ.

Incredible ideas can sprout from unexpected places.

For community project Incredible Edible Balfron, inspiration came from a chance glance through a doctors surgery magazine. An article about Incredible Edible Todmorden, a west Yorkshire town that began the movement to grow food locally, educate people and support local business, inspired a group of villagers to start up Incredible Edible Balfron.

Supported by Balfron Community Council, permission was granted in May by Stirling Council for the project to plant up 3 council owned plots in the village with all things edible; these plots now boast an array of vegetables, herbs, and various other delights to be harvested from now till next spring. The project is now broadening its ambitions to include other food production subjects such as apple pressing & cider making, bee keeping, herbalism and fungi foraging.

Plans are being made to locate more plots around the village and organise autumn projects and workshops, using both the considerable talents, knowledge and experience that already exists in the village, and bringing in skills from other areas. A stall at August 15th’s Balfron Bash hopes to present tasters of this year’s earliest harvest and there are plans to get Balfron nursery, primary and high schools all involved as the seasons roll on.

Want to get involved? If you eat, you’re in! Contact incred.balfron@gmail.com for more info or find Incredible Edible Balfron on Facebook.

Edenmill Farm Shop

9am - 5pm Wed to Sun Edenmill deliver to local areas every Friday. If you would like to place an order, give the shop a call (01360 771 707) on a Wednesday, and your order will be delivered straight to your door on Friday, at no extra cost!

Killearn Country Market

Local Produce & Crafts Diary Dates 2015 - Sun 2nd Aug, Sun 6th Sept Killearn Village Hall 1-4pm Come along and support local! www.parklifescotland.co.uk

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Open Morning Nursery, Junior and Senior School Saturday 3 October 2015 10am – 1pm

Join us at our Open Morning to discover life at Lomond.

Register attendance by email or phone.

To find out more please call 01436 672 476 or email admissions@lomondschool.com