Stirling Council - Focus Autumn 09

Focus

STIRLING

o back t l schoo

special

Have an awesome autumn

Woodland walks, events and more

for everyone living in the Stirling Council area

autumn 2009

Win B&B at an Adamo Hotel

in Stirling or Bridge of Allan

Park and Ride

now it goes to Stirling Royal Infirmary too

We’ll cross that bridge...

at Forthside

Spread the word!

Introducing Stirling’s new

Business Ambassadors

delivering quality services 0845 277 7000 stirling.gov.uk

In this back to school issue we’re looking at all the work that goes into smoothing the transition from primary to secondary, especially where children are moving on from small rural schools. The enthusiasm of teachers, parents and pupils came across strongly when Focus visited both Trossachs Primary School and McLaren High School (see page 14).

We also meet Stirling’s new Business Ambassadors, focus on our first-ever Carbon Management Plan, visit Allan Lodge in Bridge of Allan, go behind the scenes with the Housing Services team, and much more.

To:

Send

bob jack

Stirling Focus is published by Stirling Council and delivered by the Royal Mail’s Door to Door service. It costs approx 21p per copy to print and distribute.

Competition winners in the last issue of Stirling Focus were: C Morgan, St Ninians (one year’s membership of The Peak). T Walton, Stirling (meal at Nandos, Forthside).

Copyright © Stirling Council 2009. No article or photograph in this magazine may be reproduced without the consent of Stirling Council. Details are correct at the time of going to press.

Read and Recycle

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Register for text or email alerts at www.stirling.gov.uk/my Councillor

Bob Jack is Stirling Council’s new Chief Executive, replacing Keith Yates, who retired earlier this year after 38 years service in local government. Bob was previously Director of Corporate Services.

Commenting on his appointment Bob said, “I’m delighted to have been appointed and look forward to the challenges ahead as we strive to make Stirling Council one of the best councils in Scotland.”

focus facts

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@ info@stirling.gov.uk

Graham Houston

Chief Executive

For all Stirling Council services phone the contact centre on:

& 0845 277 7000 text: 07717 990 001 www.stirling.gov.uk 8

Finally, I hope you’ll be able to take part in some of the many walks and other activities on offer across our area in the next couple of months. Full details in the ‘Awesome Outdoors’ feature.

Enjoy Focus.

Cllr Graham Houston Leader, Stirling Council

Contact us

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STIRLING FOCUS

HELLO

Focus Comments?

Questions? Ideas?

& @

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Tel 01786 443360 email stirlingfocus@stirling. gov.uk or write to Stirling Focus, Communications and Marketing, Old Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET.

If you need this information in large print, Braille, audio or in another language please contact 0845 277 7000 and quote reference number 8682.

0845 277 7000 0845 277 7000 0845 277 7000 0845 277 7000

Autumn 2009

The Park and Ride bus is a great alternative to Regulars

taking the car and parking at the hospital.

2 What’s on

(P&R to SRI p.25)

33 Your councillors 34 Spotlight on your services 34 Number crunching

Contents

20

1

Your top bin questions answered.

18

13

12 Big names at the Stirling Book Festival

8

Back to School A special 4-page pull-out.

A bonus for Bandeath’s dogs

On track with activities at Allan Lodge

Feature Stories 6 Healthy Hearts at The Peak

4 Awesome ideas for autumn

10 Our Footbridge to Forthside 17 Central Scotland Safety Camera Partnership 23 New mart makes its mark 24 Committed to cutting carbon 27 Votes for women: A Gude Cause

Cover photo: Robert Graham of Graham’s Family Dairy, Bridge of Allan, is one of Stirling’s new Business Ambassadors (p22).

Forthside Bridge see pages 10 - 11

A selection of attractions in the Stirling Council area.

For full details visit www.stirling.gov.uk/whatson

ALBERT HALLS

Sat 12 Aug 7.30pm

Box Office 01786 473544

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac

www.stirling.gov.uk/alberthalls

With an array of styles and a mixture of musical genres, they have perfected the legacy of blues, rock and pop classics. Tickets £15/£14

Tues 25 Aug 7.30pm

Phil Cunningham & Aly Bain These legendary ambassadors of Scottish Traditional Music go from strength to strength.

Tickets £16/£14/£12

Fri 25 Aug 7.30pm

W3L Wrestling Doors 7.00pm, First bell 7.30pm The World Wide Wrestling League brings the stars of professional wrestling to Stirling for the first time for a night of hard-hitting, bodyslamming action. Tickets: Adult £12 Child £10 – Family (of 4) £35 Wed 30 Aug 7.45pm

Let’s Hang On

Phil and Aly

Sat 29 Aug 7.30pm

One Night with Elvis This serious production features Lee “Memphis” King, the UK’s most successful Elvis impersonator.

Tickets £17.50/£15.50 Fri 4 Sep 7.30pm

Manhattan Nights Proudly Presents’ You Don’t Bring Me Flowers’ Celebrating the chart-topping careers of Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond.

Tickets £13.50/£12 Sat 12 Aug 2.30pm

Sylvia Troon – Story-telling Sylvia brings her wonderful puppets to help her tell magical stories from all over the world.

Tickets £3/£10 Family of Four

Stairwell Sisters

STIRLING FOCUS 2

✽ ✽

✽ What’sOn

An outstanding live band who perform, with the greatest of accuracy. A marvellous tribute to the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.

Tickets £16.00/£14.50 Wed 21 Oct 7.30pm

Tony Stockwell

✽

This evening of mediumship promises to be full of fun and laughter and will be a celebration of the reunion of our world and the next.

Tickets £19.00 Fri 23 Oct 7.30pm

Sun 25 Oct

The Drifters in Concert This energetic show features the only legitimate Drifters line-up in the world.

Tickets £20 Thur 29 Oct 8.00pm

The Best of the Eagles Now in their 12th year together, Talon are set to bring you the most exciting Eagles music show yet. Tickets £16

Tolbooth Box Office 01786 27 4000 www.stirling.gov.uk/tolbooth Wed 19 Aug

Summer Ceilidhs A fantastic night out with a genuine introduction to Scotland’s living culture. £8 each or 4 tickets for £24 Fri 21 & 28 Aug 7pm, Free

Summer Sessions with Gavin Clarke Free music sessions in the café bar from Stirling’s local musicians. Free Wed 2 Sep 8pm

Classic Clapton The show is a 2-hour journey through the music of Eric Clapton including all of his hits. Tickets £12/£10

Vetiver

Gerry & Donal O’Connor A father and son duo, the very best in Irish fiddle music. £10/£8 Wed 9 Sep 8pm

Vetiver American alt folk from San Francisco. £10/£8 Sat 19 Sep 7.30pm

The Radio Ballads Celebrating the story and music of The Radio Ballads. £12/£10

Autumn 2009 work: illustrations for his own poems in Old Negatives first published in 1989; and The Scots Hippo print series, Gray’s adaptation of the TS Eliot poem The Hippopotamus from 2007.

Screenings

✽ The Drifters

Wed 23 Sep 8pm

T Model Ford

A genuine Mississippi blues legend. £12/£10 Sat 26 Sep 8pm

Jenna Reid Band

Sat 12 Sep, 4pm Tolbooth Auditorium

Award-winning Shetland fiddler is back at The Tolbooth. £12/£10

Alasdair Gray 0 – 70 A rare chance to see this 25minute long documentary made for BBC Scotland celebrating Alasdair Gray’s seventieth birthday.

Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum

Exhibitions 12 Sep– 8 Nov

British Tapestry Group This fascinating exhibition shows the ancient skills of tapestry weaving in a contemporary context and will be accompanied by workshops and talks.

3

19 Sep – 6 Dec

Scottish Society of Architect Artists Scottish architects show off their outstanding artistic skills in a variety of media during their 22nd annual exhibition, for the first time held at the Smith.

at the Tolbooth Box Office 01786 27 4010

11 July – 5 Sep

Art is not a mirror, it’s a hammer!

Launching a long-term project with artists Katy Dove, Simon Yuill and Luke Fowler. The exhibition explores the working relationship between Stirling-born Norman McLaren and John Grierson, as a starting point for the contemporary artists’ new works.

12 Sep – 24 Oct

Alasdair Gray Old Negatives / The Scots Hippo This exhibition focuses on 2 series of

tition e p m o c o m Ada WIN one night’s bed and breakfast for 2 people at one of Adamo’s luxury boutique hotels in Stirling or Bridge of Allan.

Complimentary entry to Adamo’s late night venue Eva at Bridge of Allan included.

30 June - 13 Sep

Italy in Stirling Season 16 July - 13 Sep

Men of Bannockburn Exhibition 21, 28 Aug, 4 Sep 11.00am

Italy in the Stirling Smith, inside and out

Victorian - - - town

A guided tour of Italian influence by the Friends of the Smith Gallery Guides.

Admission free, but pre-booking essential

Name

11 Sep 11.00am

Just fill in the missing word: Bridge of Allan found fame as a

Address Send your entry to: Adamo Competition, Communications and Marketing, Old Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET or email stirlingfocus@stirling.gov. uk Prize must be used before Nov 31st 09. www.adamohotels.com Draw will be on 14 Sep 09. See website for competition rules.

Gerry O’Connor

Events

Cappuccino and Chips An illustrated talk on Stirling’s Italian community by historian Michael Gianandrea.

Tickets £4.00 Telephone 01786 471917 to reserve tickets.

Men of Bannockburn

www.stirling.gov.uk/changingroom Gallery Open Tue – Sat, 10AM – 6PM Admission Free

STIRLING FOCUS 4

Stirling Ranger Service

Sat 5 Sep, 1.30pm – 3.30pm

01786 442971 (Mon - Fri 9-5pm)

History of Mugdock

www.stirling.gov.uk/countryside

Enjoy a 2 mile stroll through Mugdock’s countryside and embark on a dramatic journey of discovery of Mugdock’s past, £3. Booking essential 0141 956 6100.

Booking is essential for some events.

For all our countryside events, including volunteer days, children are welcome, but must be supervised by an adult at all times unless stated otherwise.

Sun 20 Sep, 2 – 4pm

Mugdock Country Park Information Afternoon

A chance for visitors and local communities to meet staff and find Sat 22 Aug, 8.15pm – 11pm out more about country park services, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Bat Experience the bats and moths of the events and future plans.

Back Walk. Places free, but advanced Tues 22 Sep, 10pm – 3pm Wester Moss - Countryside Action booking essential. 01786 442971.

Sun 23 Aug, 2pm – 4pm

Mugdock Superdog Can you control your dog in the countryside? Find out on our crafty course. All shapes and sizes welcome, but beginners only please.

Meet in the overflow car park near the Visitor Centre. £1 Sun 23 Aug, 10pm – 3pm

Green Mapping - Have your say Plean Country Park car park. Join us for walks to discuss conservation tasks and sign up to help with the tasks in October. (Sun 11 Oct, 10am-3pm) Sun 30 Aug, 2pm – 4pm

Live Music in the Bandstand An afternoon of fine traditional Scottish music from the Bearsden Fiddlers in the bandstand of the Mugdock walled garden.

Day Help Wester Moss stay a special, soggy place! Wear wellies. Places free, but advanced booking essential.

Sat 10 – Sun 18 Oct

Mid Term Treasures A full programme of children’s and family events to entertain you during the school mid-term break. Visit mugdock-country-park.org.uk Mon 12 Oct, 2pm – 4pm

Mugdock Wood Adventure Afternoon No parents required! Explore your local countryside with the ranger service.

Children must be eight years and over.

Booking essential. 0141 956 6586.

Sun 18 Oct, 10am – 4pm

Photography Walk Learn how to take great outdoor and wildlife photographs with your own camera, then see your results on screen. Cost £15. Booking essential.

0141 956 6100.

Loch Katrine Full steam ahead Veteran Loch Katrine steamship the Sir Walter Scott is back in service after a three-year restoration project.

Below decks the original steam engine has been overhauled and passenger accommodation totally upgraded. A new enclosed lounge area has been added together with fully accessible toilet facilities.

“The Sir Walter Scott is a longtime Trossachs treasure, and now passengers will be able to enjoy their cruise and the wonderful scenery even more,” said Director Gordon Allan.

Throughout the 2009 summer season, until 18 October, the boat offers daily return sailings to Stronachlachar (leaving from Trossachs Pier at 10:30am), as well as shorter 1-hour cruises in the afternoon.

For more information and to make your reservation visit www. lochkatrine.com or phone 01877 332000.

autumn 2009

s k l a w d n woodla

Woodland and Greenspace Officer Jane Begg.

and Around Towns initiative, to have long-term woodland management plans drawn up for several of the woods. Since then work has been carried out in the woods around Stirling Castle; Balquhidderock Wood the Local Nature Reserve at Broomridge; the young woods on the former bing at Fallin and the nearby mature oak woodland known as Doctor’s Wood; the lovely bluebell woods around the National Wallace Monument on Abbey Craig; and the popular Mid and Mine Woods at Bridge of Allan.

“In many of the woods the trees have

5

CHILDREN FROM TROSSACHS PRIMARY SCHOOL ENJOY DISCOVERING THE GREAT OUTDOORS

been thinned out to give more light and open up views,” says Jane.

“Where necessary trees have been felled or dead branches removed.

In many of the woods deadwood has been left, though, because it’s a habitat for all sorts of fungi and invertebrates, as well as birds such as woodpeckers.”

Well-used routes through the woods have also been upgraded so that they can be used all year round.

SURPRISES ROUND THE CORNER! WALKING IN WOODLAND MINUTES FROM STIRLING CASTLE

Sustainability / better services

“We’re lucky in Stirling to have some beautiful woodland areas right on our doorstep - ideal for autumn,” says Woodland and Greenspace Officer Jane Begg.

In 2006 the Council’s Countryside Team secured funding from Forestry Commission Scotland, as part of their Woods In

We’re encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy our wonderful woodland and get involved in preserving it.

I never thought recovering from having a heart attack An exciting new partnership between the NHS and Active Stirling PARTICIPATION & RESPONSIBILITY

STIRLING FOCUS 6

could be so much fun!

Harry Kerridge Healthy heart members keeping up the pace!

Healthy hearts at

Earlier this year all out-patient cardiac rehabilitation programmes moved from Stirling Royal Infirmary’s recreational hall to Active Stirling’s brand new sports facilities at The Peak.

“People who have had heart attacks and heart surgery now come along to The Peak for cardiac rehabilitation, and we’re all really enjoying our bright new environment,” says Catherine Mondoa, Consultant Nurse in Cardiology.

“The programmes we run are tailored for individuals. We focus on encouraging and supporting physical activity needs and at the same time both educational and emotional needs are taken

care of. It’s a team approach that involves specialist nurses, physiotherapists, dieticians and support staff. Patients attend for 12 weeks.

“Moving into the NHS Hub here at The Peak has also let us expand services to include a programme for frailer patients and patients with cardiomyopathy.”

Daytime and evening Healthy Hearts Clubs have also made the move. Now members can attend The Peak at least twice weekly

and take part in activities such as exercising to music, aqua-aerobics, volleyball and badminton.

“There are several more programmes getting started, all designed to help people live better with other long-term conditions,” adds Catherine.

The Healthy Hearts Club is the continuation phase of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme. Members have all completed the programme and chosen to continue in an effort to maintain physical fitness.

If you would like to find out more about the Healthy Hearts Hub at The Peak, please get in touch with the Cardiac Rehabilitation Team on 01786 469819.

Moving healthy hearts to the Peak gives us an opportunity to try other activities. I’m planning to tackle the climbing wall and test my skills on the ice!

gill ferguson

Autumn 2009

Find out more at www.stirling.gov.uk/fundingsources

Community Newsletters

jean (left) with Cultenhove support worker margaret-anne

Find out about Funding Is your community or voluntary group trying to raise funds? Maybe Jean Cowie can help.

Jean, Stirling Council’s Funding Officer, helps community and voluntary groups identify and access sources of funding for projects that will benefit local people.

“I work closely with community and rural development workers right across the Stirling area,” Jean tells Focus.

“For example, I was able to help the Cultenhove Opportunities Partnership successfully bid for £257,519 from the Big Lottery to employ a Support Worker who will work with residents over the next five years as the area is regenerated. And I’ve also worked with Throsk Community Enterprise Ltd, who are raising funds to build a new community centre. They’re £84,755 closer to their target thanks to an award from the LEADER programme.

(LEADER is European and Scottish Government funding awarded to community and business groups for

innovative or pilot “grassroots” rural development.)

“As the current economic situation continues to bite credit unions may prove a preferable alternative to banks for many people,” continues Jean.

“We’ve been able to secure £8,900 from Awards for All for the Mercat Cross and the Bruce Credit Union. It’ll go towards new ICT equipment and software. The organisation will be able to give better service to members, and encourage new people to join.”

As well as helping groups to access external funding, Jean administers the Council’s Community Grants Scheme.

“Local groups can apply for up to £1000 to help with projects,” she explains. “This is a flexible grants programme, and can be used to fund both revenue and capital costs.

If you’d like more information about the Community Grants Scheme, or funding in general, tel Jean on 01786 432268.

Local news is the lifeblood of local communities, and to prove it the Stirling area has more than 25 community newspapers, with a combined circulation of over 33,000. Produced by volunteers, they provide news, views and information on everything from environmental initiatives to festivals and fetes.

Stirling Council provides support, advice and expertise to all community newspapers through the Community Resource Centre and Communities Team.

Focus would like to profile some of our area’s community newspapers. If you’d be interested in working with us on an article or interview, please contact Pauline on robertsp@ stirling.gov.uk or stirlingfocus@ stirling.gov.uk

The Funding officer works at the heart of communities

7

STIRLING FOCUS better services

8

Walkies...

with more of the wow factor

This is a great example of local government working together..........

LESLIE FISHER environmental health service manager

at Bandeath Dog Shelter We’ve never met the dog whose day isn’t made by a walk and a good old explore, and the strays and abandoned dogs being looked after at the Council’s Bandeath Dog Shelter are no exception.

“The Bandeath team and local volunteers take the dogs out for regular walks, and it’s a crucial part of keeping them fit, active and ready for a new life with a new owner,” says Environmental Health Service Manager Leslie Fisher.

“We were keen to make the area around the shelter a more interesting environment for dogs and humans alike. When the landlord gave permission for a dog walk area to be developed we successfully applied for development grant money for the project. We’ve also received kind donations from local people.

New trees have now been planted, complete with bat boxes, and we’re sowing wildflower seeds to attract butterflies and other wildlife.”

Activity equipment including a seesaw, raised walkway and climbing frame was built for the new dog-walking area by prisoners at Glenochil, specially designed so that the dogs can play on it while still on the lead.

“This has all been a great example of local government working together,” adds Leslie. “Our Countryside team cut the grass and Countryside Rangers gave advice about planting. We used Stirling Council’s own Castle Compost.

The Scottish Conservation Project, who are based in Stirling, gave advice about which plants attract wildlife, and our colleagues in Criminal Justice arranged for young offenders to carry out the labour.

“The shelter’s residents love their new playpark, and look forward to their walks more than ever.

Walk on! animal control officer bobby cranie and corry try out the new playpark

Planning some changes The biggest transformation in Scotland’s planning system for 60 years is underway. We asked Planning Manager Peter Morgan for the lowdown.

Thanks to everyone who helped make it happen, especially the people who contributed and who help walk the dogs.”

Bandeath is run by Stirling Council and looks after stray dogs found in the Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire area which have been picked up by either the local council or by the police.

The dog shelter’s gallery of stray and abandoned animals is always one of the most popular pages on our website. www.stirling.gov.uk/dog-shelter Contact: Unit 70, Bandeath Industrial Estate, Throsk Tel 01786 812908 Opening hours: Mon–Fri 9.00 am–12.00 noon and 1.00 pm–4.00 pm Sat and Sun 9.00 am–12 noon

focus facts • Bandeath Dog Shelter has 40 kennels • Last year the shelter looked after 694 strays • 314 were re-claimed by their owners • 280 were sold to new homes and others were given to dog welfare charities

Q So what will be different?

A In the future, we will produce only one plan for the Stirling Council area - the Local Development Plan (LDP). It will replace the Structure and Local Plans and provide a planning framework for our area for the next 20 years (reviewed every 5 years).

Q What about planning applications?

A It’ll depend on whether they are national, major or local.

National developments are essentially ones of national and strategic importance, such as new bridges or motorways.

Scottish Ministers will decide the need for these and include them in a National Planning Framework. There are no national developments in the Stirling Council area at the moment.

Local developments basically cover smaller and householder applications such as extensions or satellite dishes.

We expect the majority of these will be determined by officers, but with a right of appeal on a refusal of consent to a review body made up of local councillors (and not Scottish Ministers, as is currently the case).

9 PARTICIPATION & RESPONSIBILITY

Q Peter, why is planning changing?

A A new Planning Act was passed in 2006, with the aim of making planning more efficient, sustainable, inclusive and fit for purpose.

Q at the moment householders can do some things to their properties without needing planning permission. is that changing?

A This is called ‘permitted development’. The Scottish Government intends to increase these rights so that many minor planning applications can be removed from the planning system, and people can have more freedom to develop their property.

Q when will these changes take effect?

A Most will be in place by the end

Major developments are not of the summer. We’ve started national, but are still significant work on the new Local Development in scale. Examples would be a Plan, and the proposed changes to shopping centre or a large housing Permitted Development Rights, if development of over 50 houses. approved, will come into force in Applicants will have to consult spring 2010. with relevant community councils and hold at least one public meeting before submitting any The Planning Newsletter from Peter’s planning application.

team is online at stirling.gov.uk/planning

STIRLING FOCUS

Forthside Bridge

10 PARTICIPATION & RESPONSIBILITY

Best foot forward on the

a special day celebrating stirling’s spectacular bridge to the city’s newest quarter.

D

ancers, singers, drummers, jugglers, a talking dog, hundreds of local people and visitors, business representatives and more real-life William Wallaces than you could shake a broadsword at all helped make the opening of the Forthside Bridge a day to remember for the Stirling community.

a cause for celebrations: forthside bridge links old with new

The theme of the big day in May was ‘linking old and new’, as the £6m bridge links Stirling’s historic heart with the new Forthside city quarter. A call went out for genuine William Wallaces from across Scotland to be guests of honour (given the original’s close links with another famous Stirling bridge), and was answered by Wallaces

from Cumbernauld to Aberdeen.

“There was a fun, carnival atmosphere and a real community spirit, ” Provost Fergus Wood told Focus. “It was great to see so many local people turn out to be part of the day. Creating a new bridge is a massive project involving a huge number of people, so it was also an opportunity to say thank you to everyone who’s been a part of it.

“The bridge is a stunning structure, offers great views, and really expands the city centre to bring in all the businesses and attractions of Forthside and the Forth.”

I had a fantastic day in Stirling - and a great meal at Frankie and Benny’s in Forthside.

William Wallace (Cumbernauld)

Autumn 2009

It was great to be one of the first

people across the bridge. I had a really fun day.

Abbie, aged 7 (Bannockburn)

Cross the bridge to Forthside to discover: • 8-screen Vue Cinema • Nando’s Restaurant • Frankie and Benny’s Restaurant • Toast Cafe • 600 space car park • a new walkway from Shore Road to the landscaped viewing area opposite the cinema.

focus facts The 113.4m Forthside Bridge was designed

by Wilkinson Eyre Architects, engineered by Gifford and constructed by Edmund Nuttall Limited.

The ‘spiky’ shape is said to have been inspired by the historical Stirling skyline. www.stirling.gov.uk/forthside

hundreds of people and visitors made the opening a day to remember

STIRLING FOCUS

Photograph © Ian Rankin

BETTER SERVICES

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Book festival

Ian rankin is headlining the event

Book Festival set for best yet This year’s Off the Page Book Festival, now in its fourth year, is bringing big names to stirling.

Organised by Stirling Council Libraries and sponsored by the Scottish Arts Council, the Festival runs from September 12 to 19 and international best-selling author Ian Rankin headlines this year’s event.

While his appearance at the Tolbooth on September 14 will start a stampede for tickets, there are many others to enjoy.

Rodge Glass will talk about his biography on Alasdair Gray, Hector MacLeod and Malcolm McLeod will discuss their book on serial killer Peter Manuel, while Ken McNab will talk about his best-selling book The Beatles in Scotland. Laura Marney will also be along for what should prove a very popular event.

Janet Paisley, Doug Jackson and Stirling Makar Magi Gibson will also be involved in an exciting week, while children are equally well catered for in a great programme.

al at ar’s book festiv ye is th f o ils ta e Full d www.stirling.gov.uk/offthepage

Jeremy Strong, Kaye Umansky, Joan Lennon, Karen McCombie and many more will be coming along, while there will also be a special appearance by the BookStart Bear.

Last year’s event set new box office records and with such a strong line-up 2009 could set a new benchmark.

Tickets are available from the Albert Halls (01786 473544) and the Tolbooth (01786 274000) and full details can be seen at www.stirling.gov.uk/ offthepage Make sure that you support the Festival and take the opportunity to see top authors on your own doorstep. We look forward to welcoming you to events in September.

Above: Karen McCOMBIE OPPOSITE: JerEMy STRONG

It’s free!

Your local library is absolutely free to join. There’s no charge for borrowing books, and requests are also free.

DVDs are on our shelves on the same day that you can buy them in the shops or hire them elsewhere, and our rental prices are second to none. You’ll be amazed at how quickly new books and CDs make it onto our library shelves, too. www.stirling.gov.uk/libraries

bANNOCKBURN hIGH sCHOOL hEAD TEACHER JIM mCaLPINE AND pupils are welcoming the changes.

A brighter Bannockburn HS Bannockburn High School is being transformed with a major refurbishment and upgrade programme.

The upgrade is being staged over four phases and already a new extension with a gym and changing rooms, and an all-weather sports pitch have been completed.

All windows have been replaced with double glazing, and the familiar red brick exterior is being replaced with a contemporary cream render.

The third phase is now well underway. Every classroom in the west wing will be upgraded, and new Design, Technology and Home Economics departments will be created, along with a new library, music department and dining room.

The final phase, due to be completed in October 2010, will see all classrooms upgraded in the central wing, along with the swimming pool and changing areas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This upgrade, along with our new IT facilities, will ensure the school is fully equipped to meet the learning needs of our young people for many years to come,â&#x20AC;? says Bannockburn High School Headteacher Jim McAlpine.

the school will have a new cream render exterior.

13 BETTER SERVICES

The Bannockburn High School refurbishment is well under way.

STIRLING FOCUS 14

ON the up! loads of new opportunities at mclaren

new things to try at mclaren

Linda: “There’s something here for everyone.”

Off to a great start You might expect that for P7s used to the small, close community of a rural school such as Trossachs Primary in Brig o’Turk moving up to a much bigger secondary like Callander’s McLaren High School after the summer holidays would be quite a thought.

“In fact,” says McLaren Deputy Headteacher Liz Woods, “a lot of hard work goes into making the transition as smooth as possible for the children. We build links with teachers, parents and pupils from 14 primaries, starting very early in the P7 year, so when the time comes to start at McLaren things are familiar, and the children from all our cluster schools already know and are comfortable with each other.

It’s amazing how they gel.”

p7s lauren and jamie, with teacher gemma Luti.

We enjoyed the Induction Day, going to all the different classes, trying out sports and meeting teachers.

lauren and jamie, p7 trossachs primary school.

Events over the year leading up to the big move include: • Information evenings for parents • Visits to every associated primary school • An Active Stirling Primary Schools Day • A shared drama project • A ‘Netsafe’ event about keeping safe online • A ceilidh for all P7s, hosted by some senior McLaren’s pupils as well as members of staff Then, shortly before the summer holidays, all the pupils from Trossachs Primary and other primary schools are invited to be part of an Induction Day at McLaren. “There’s always a busy, varied programme arranged,” continues Liz. “This year, for instance, pupils getting the feel of the English class prepared a collage and displayed it at a parents’ evening. Their work will be up in the English class to welcome them when the new school year begins. And as a taster of Modern Studies they talked about the UN Charter on Children’s Rights.”

Autumn 2009

New nutritional standards in secondaries

15

The start of the new term will see the Schools Health Promotion and Nutrition Act come into effect in all secondary schools in Scotland.

It will affect the menu and the range of items that can be sold or provided in school, but still allows a good range of healthy items to be on sale at morning and lunchtime break.

The Act became effective in August 2008 in all primaries, so the new S1 intake will be familiar with the healthy and nutritious options available. Hungry for Success is now in its 4th year in secondaries and 6th year in primaries, so many of our young people are used to making healthy choices and will notice very little difference in the new term.

All secondary school pupils can collect points for healthy eating by registering on the fresh-eating rewards website and by doing so may be eligible for a reward each June. To find out more about menus, the Nutrition Act or school meals, visit the website at www.fresh-eating.co.uk

focus fact Last term Bannockburn High School’s S4s produced a dvd for P7s due to make the move to secondary to help make the change as easy as possible. The project was run by the school’s Prince’s Trust XL club, with help from Stirling Council Youth Services.

g sweets, in ll e s e b l ow ls won’t n ks, but you can stil o o h c s h ig H rin cluding: or fizzy d in e s t k la in o r c d o h d c an hy snacks lt a e h ing y u b d refresh

- new an s t o P y it • Fru n • popcor d cold filled rolls s • hot ans, pancakes and crumpet • Scone baking nd fruit a e e s m o e e h h c , • r oatcakes o s r e k c a r •c ice • fruit jukimmed milk • semi-s Free School Meals Free school meals are available to families on low income. Applications can be made at any time during the year.

Tel 01786 443210.

School menus are available on

our website at: menu and www.stirling.gov.uk/primaryfor high schools www.stirling.go v.uk/secondary-menu

STIRLING FOCUS

The weekly EMA allowance normally depends on the financial circumstances

16

of the family.

Staying on at school?

EMA Education Allowance The EMA is an allowance of up to £30 per week which can be paid to eligible young people who stay on in education after their official school leaving date. To receive an EMA you must also complete a Learning Agreement, a contract between you and your school or college.

You could qualify if you: • remain in full time education between 16 and 19 (inclusive) • are attending a school in the Stirling Council area • are following a recognised full- time course of study.

• if you attend college you may also be entitled to an EMA - check with your college.

For students who have received EMA prior to 2009/10 there will be three EMA weekly payment bands, £10, £20 and £30. It depends on your household’s weekly income: £0 to £22,403 £22,404 to £27, 465 £27,466 to £33,157

£30 £20 £10

For students applying and qualifying for the first time in 2009/10 there will be one EMA weekly payment band of £30.

Eligibility for £30 per week will be for young people in households of income of up to £20,351, or income of up to £22,403 for households with more than one child in fulltime education (at school or in further or higher education). It applies up to the age of 19 (inclusive).

The weekly payment depends on the required attendance levels being achieved. Bonuses of £150 may be paid in January and June/July.

These take into account attendance, behaviour, attitude and progress/ attainment measured against the Learning Agreement.

Application forms are available from your school or local office.

Visit the Council’s website for more information. www.stirling.gov.uk/ schools/financial.htm Tel 0845 277 7000

Holiday dates 2009-2010 Autumn Pupils return 18 Aug 2009 Local holidays and development days Mon 7 Sep 2009 (except Balfron) Mon 28 Sep 2009 (Balfron Area) Fri 9 Oct 2009 (staff development day)

October holiday Mon 12 - 16 Oct 2009

Winter Staff development days Mon 9 & Tues 10 Nov 2009

Christmas holiday Tue 22 Dec 2009 - Mon 4 Jan 2010

Spring Local holiday and development Mon 15 Feb - Fri 19 Feb 2010

Easter holiday Fri 2 April 2010 (Good Friday) Mon 5 April 2010 (Easter Monday) Tue 6 April - Fri 16 April 2010

Summer Local holiday Mon 3 May 2010 last day of term Fri 25 June 2010 pupils return Tue 17 Aug 2010

autumn 2009

Supporting and protecting adults from harm Stirling Council and our Health and Police partners have a responsibility to investigate and intervene where it is suspected that an adult is at risk of harm.

Safety Cameras Encouraging and educating motorists to drive within the speed limit is the aim of the Central Scotland Safety Camera Partnership, and seven key sites along the Stirling-Dumbarton road are the current focus of operations.

Formed in 2006, the Partnership includes Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Councils, Central Scotland Police, Transport Scotland and the Scottish Court Service, and is supported by NHS Forth Valley, the Scottish Ambulance Service and Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service.

“Over the past few years our data analyst has researched routes in this area where there is the opportunity to influence vehicle speed and reduce casualties,” explains Neil MacSporran, Central Scotland Safety Camera Partnership Manager.

“The A811 Stirling - Dumbarton Road has been highlighted because from 2004 to 2008 there were 344 recorded collisions on this route.

Late last year we installed remote speed monitoring loops at specific locations along the road and discovered that on average 2,000 vehicles were exceeding the 60mph speed limit a day, with some travelling at excessive speeds.”

Safety camera units will now be operating along the A811 at: • Dumbarton Road about 1 mile west of the M9 overbridge • Opposite Gargunnock village • Kippen bypass • Arnprior • Buchlyvie • Between Buchlyvie and junction with A875 • Drymen bypass although enforcement can take place at any point along the A811 route.

We encourage all motorists to drive within the speed limits for the safety and benefit of all road users.

Neil MacSporran

What is meant by harm? It can be physical, psychological, neglect (including self-neglect/self-harm), financial or material, sexual, or verbal abuse.

Harm may happen anywhere, including in the person’s own home.

Who is involved?

Councils, health and police staff and others must now work together to help protect adults at risk.

Stirling Council has a duty to inquire and investigate where harm is known or suspected.

What can I do?

If you are worried that you or someone you know is being harmed, is suffering from neglect or is being abused, it is important to tell someone.

Who should I contact?

Contact your local social work office on 01786 471177 and ask to speak to the Intake Worker for Community Care. You can also speak to a health professional or the police.

Your concerns will be treated with the respect and attention you deserve.

better services / participation and responsibility

A811 speed limit

the focus is on seven key sites along the route

Who is an adult at risk?

People aged 16 or over who may be unable to protect themselves from someone harming them, or from exploitation or neglect because of a disability, mental disorder, illness and/or physical or mental infirmity.

17

STIRLING FOCUS

Allan Lodge

18 better services

Active

Hopefully we’re showing the older people who come into our care home, and their families, that quality of life does not come to an end. In fact, it can be a new beginning. elizabeth macdonald

all aboard!

Allan Lodge Resident JOHN pritchard.

Elizabeth Macdonald, Manager of Bridge of Allan’s Allan lodge residential home for older people, invited Focus to visit earlier this summer to let us see just what an active place Allan lodge can be.

“We take a personalised approach in the care of our residents and try to fulfil wishes wherever possible,” says Elizabeth. “For example, one of our residents, who’s almost 90

For information about community

ct hone our conta care services p centre on 0845 277 7000.

years old, is about to set off on a helicopter ride for the first time! We have a Nintendo Wii game which is great fun and good exercise, and other activities include gardening, ten-pin bowling, karaoke and tea dances.

“Many residents have dementia, and having all

these interests and projects on the go can help them a great deal.”

Recently the older people have been enjoying a large-scale model railway

Autumn 2009

The railway has been

The Council is committed to adding

really successful. It’s

d life to years. years to life an

therapeutic and a great way to prompt stories and reminiscences.

.

“Our residents have been involved in this project from the beginning, and have spent many happy hours looking at model buildings, trains and figures,” adds Elizabeth.

COMMUNITY CARE A family of community care leaflets is now available packed with info on what’s available and how to access services.

Titles include: • Allan Lodge Care Home • Home Support Services • Telecare Services • Carers’ Assessment • Paying for Community Care Services • Mental Health Officers • Home Support – Housing Support Services • Strathendrick Care Home • Care Management Services – What is an Assessment?

• Equipment and Adaptions

opposite: RESIDENTS AND STAFF ARE ENJOYING THE RAILWAY.

etween April and June this year a 4-member crossparty Scrutiny Group, chaired by Councillor John Hendry, took time out to review the Council’s plans for how older people should be cared for in the future. The Panel reported its findings and recommendations to the Council meeting in June.

During its review the Panel heard from a wide range of people and organisations. It looked in detail at the services already on offer or being developed for older people, and studied research about the changes we expect to see in Stirling’s population in the future.

Three open sessions were also held

to discuss the progress of the review with members of the public and receive feedback.

The Panel’s final report concludes that in future services should be redesigned to provide more support for older people that helps them stay healthy and able to live at home for as long as possible. It challenges the Council’s Services and those of its Community Planning partners, in particular NHS Forth Valley, to work together better to deliver this.

Information on the work of the Panel and a copy of its final report is available at www.stirling.gov.uk/ careolderpeople

b

Helping Children Recover From Domestic Abuse

19

CEDAR (Children Experiencing Domestic Abuse Recover) is a new three-year pilot project being run across the Forth Valley to help children understand and recover from domestic abuse.

Funded by the Scottish Government, CEDAR will help children and mothers who have experienced domestic abuse and who live in the Clackmannanshire, Falkirk or Stirling areas. Pilots are also being carried out in Edinburgh and Fife.

The project provides a twelve-week programme of support for children and young people from 4 to 16 to help them identify and express emotions surrounding domestic abuse. Groups are also being run for mothers to help them support their children in coming to terms with their experiences and discuss how they can keep safe.

Based at Stirling Council, the service will operate across the Forth Valley. If you would like more information about the Forth Valley Cedar Project visit www.cedarfv.org.uk or contact either Susan Walker on 07717 544 502 or Joyce Whyte on 07717 544 537 email cedarproject@stirling.gov.uk

b

The collection includes a guide to community care services produced jointly with NHS Forth Valley. This is also available from the publications directory on the council website at www.stirling.gov.uk/pubdir or call 0845 277 7000 for more information.

B

better services / participation and responsibility

in one of Allan Lodge’s sensory gardens.

It was made possible through a donation from the Bridge of Allan Round Table and money raised by staff and the Friends of Allan Lodge group at various events in and around the home.

Caring for older people: Scrutiny Panel

STIRLING FOCUS

box? Just call 0845 277 7000 or use the online request form at www.stirling.gov.uk/ waste

20 graham: the sticker system is helping reduce the number of overflowing bins.

We now recyle all plastic bottles.

better services / sustainability

Need an extra recycling

Keeping recycling up and bin lids down! over 41% of all the waste generated by people living in the Stirling area is being recycled - which is one of the highest figures in scotland.

Breaking through that 40% mark is a great achievement, but, as Waste Awareness and Compliance Officer Graham Vincent tells Focus, we all have to keep recycling more and chucking out less. Because there’s still a long way to go to meet the next goal - 50% by 2011, and 70% by 2025.

the general grey bin. So the amount of waste going in Stirling area grey bins should be getting less and less.

“For most people the days of thinking it’s OK to fling pretty much everything into one big bin are long gone,” says Graham, who is out and about every day talking to local people and helping explain how the recycling system works.

Graham’s role involves monitoring where bins are regularly being crammed so full of unsorted rubbish that the lids won’t fit on.

“The majority of people in the Stirling area are doing a great job, sorting their waste into what can be re-used, what can go for recycling, and what can go in the brown bin to help make compost.

Only then does the remainder go in

“That’s great, because that’s what ends up in landfill, where it breaks down to release methane and other noxious greenhouse gases that damage our environment. We need to keep it to the absolute minimum.”

“When this is happening repeatedly there’s obviously a problem, “ he says.

“Our crews can’t lift the bins because loose material tends to fall from bins with open lids when they are emptied.

This creates a health and safety risk and can add to street litter problems.

“The Waste Compliance team will put stickers on overflowing grey bins explaining why they can’t be emptied

and asking the resident to sort the different kinds of items for recycling or waste into the correct containers.

One week we put stickers on 100

Our crews can’t lift open bins because loose material falling from them when emptied creates a health and safety risk.

.

bins in a particular area, the next week there were 10 bins that were still a problem, and the week after that not a single bin needed a sticker. So it’s really working - and we’d like to say thank you.”

There’s lots of information online .gov.uk/waste at www.stirling

Autumn 2009

To achieve a 50% recycling and composting rate by 2011 we need to increase the amount recycled by 4% each year for the next two years.

That’s about 5,000 more tonnes recycled.

I’ve got clothes I want to recycle.

Do I just put them in the blue box?

Clothes and other textiles should be clean, dry and in a bag. An untied plastic carrier bag is fine. Then just pop the bag in the blue box.

Where should broken glass go? In the grey bin. Please don’t put any broken glass into your blue box.

21 One of the best ways to cut the amount we’re sending to landfill and substantially reduce our carbon footprint is to collect food waste... which makes up around a third of the average household wheelie bin in Stirling.

A

weekly kerbside food waste collection service is being rolled out across the area this summer. Following a successful pilot run over the winter in Riverside, food waste (including peelings, meat, bones, fish, bread and plate scrapings) is put inside a food waste caddy which then goes in the kerbside recycling box. Caddies are emptied into a specially designed, covered container on the back of the vehicle and the food waste is sent to a fully licensed contractor to be turned into compost.

If you’d like more information about food waste, please phone 0845 277 7000 or visit stirling.gov.uk/ foodcollection.

Where can I get the compost that’s made from brown bin contents?

Our Castle Compost is available free from Polmaise and Balfron Household Waste Recycling Centres. It’ll also be available from the Callander HWRC, due to open this autumn.

Please bring your own bags.

Can I recycle plastic bottles? Yes. All kinds of plastic bottles can go in your blue box.

Should I put envelopes with ‘windows’ in the recycling with other paper? All kinds of envelopes can be recycled.

Junk mail too – just remove the plastic wrapping first.

when will I get my food caddy?

When weekly collection of food waste comes to your area, residents who put out a recycling box will be the first to get a food waste caddy. Go to stirling.gov.uk/foodcollection to check your address against the rollout timetable.

If you’d like to buy a subsidised com

post bin

phone 0845 600 0323 or visit nd.org.uk/compost tla co es ar aw te as .w www

STIRLING FOCUS Vibrant economy

22

s s e n i s u b r o f d Ahea

in Stirling

ROBERT GRAHAM OF GRAHAM’S FAMILY DAIRY: “STIRLING INSPIRES US AS A BUSINESS.”

Stirling’s Business Ambassadors are a group of dynamic local

Our Business Ambassadors are representative of a range of world-class business that Stirling can take great pride in.

business people from a variety of sectors who share a real passion for and commitment to the city and area.

The Business Ambassador scheme was launched earlier this year by Provost Fergus Wood to help grow and develop Stirling’s economy. Each ambassador has agreed to promote the city and area to customers and contacts, spreading the word about all Stirling has to offer as a great place to live, work, study and visit.

and their successful businesses, it gives each the chance to share the personal and business reasons why Stirling is the best location for them.

A new brochure, ‘Ahead for Business’, has been produced to support the scheme. Featuring profiles of the ambassadors business ambassadors: launching the new brochure at stirling castle

neil mclean of stirling agricultural centre is also a business ambassador

Mart makes its mark United Auctions’ brand new auction mart opened last month at the Stirling Agricultural Centre. The Centre is now hub of operations for leading livestock auctioneers’ Perth and Kildean businesses, and UA’s new headquarters.

It’s also the new home for the company’s biannual ‘Perth Bull Sales’, which are keeping their wellknown name.

With 400 pens, a purpose-built exhibition hall for showing animals and three rings, the new mart offers a busy mixture of weekly and special sales.

“It’s an exciting time for the company and for Stirling, and we’re delighted to be making ourselves at home in the new mart,” says Executive Chairman David Leggat.

“In the company’s 150th year it’s very satisfying to see the creation of a brand new facility for all our customers - and a national landmark for Scottish agriculture.”

The Stirling Business Ambassadors are: Graham’s Family Dairy • Rok Group • Norbord Ltd • Capita Life & Pensions • CA Models • Tradstocks • Outside Now • United Auctions • Ogilvie Group Ltd • Iona Crawford • Scotbeef Limited • Aurora Hotels & Resorts

23

the sda team: MAJOR plans for burghmuir.

Stirling Development Agency Stirling Development Agency Ltd (SDA Ltd), the Council’s 50/50 Joint Venture Partnership with Valad Property Group, is now into its second year of operation. Despite extremely difficult market conditions, it remains focused and on course to make a significant contribution towards the delivery of the economic objectives within the Council’s Strategic Plan through the development of high profile sites and by actively managing and expanding the existing property portfolio.

A £12 million portfolio of investment properties is now under the management of SDA Ltd including Bandeath, Springkerse and Callendar.

SDA Ltd is in the process of securing appropriate planning consents for a number of key development sites including Station/Goosecroft Road, and Forthside Crescent, having already

Stirling Development Agency Ltd aims to bring £100m of investment into Stirling over the next five years.

been successful in obtaining a Detailed Consent for 127,000 sq ft offices at Forthside and an Outline Consent for a mixed use development at the former Burghmuir Industrial Estate and Stirling Miner’s Welfare Club, which will be used as a Council Pay and Display car park until construction works start In the current economic climate SDA Ltd has to take a prudent approach.

Once the economy turns, SDA are exceptionally well placed to react quickly on a number of schemes.

If you would like more details on any SDA Ltd projects call 01786 431729.

focus fact Stirling Eye is the Council’s business magazine, packed with news and information with an economic development focus.

Read the latest edition and back copies at www.stirling.gov.uk/ stirlingeye

STIRLING FOCUS

3. by 20% by 201

Committed to

Cutting Carbon

24 sustainability

reduce Our target is to carbon emissions

>

For the first time Stirling Council has a Carbon Management Plan, developed in partnership with the Carbon Trust. Sustainability Policy Officer Angela Heaney writes for Focus about what’s being done across the organisation to meet the carbon reduction challenge.

from left: Angela Heaney accepts a certificate from John Stocks, Manager, Carbon Trust Scotland, and Stewart Stevenson, MSP, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change, to mark the council’s graduation from the sixth phase of the Carbon Trust’s Carbon Management Programme.

The vast majority of the world’s scientists agree that our planet’s climate is changing due to global warming from increased levels of greenhouse gases – and most of this change is due to human activities.

We will all need to adapt to the impacts of a changing climate, and also make changes in our use of energy to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.

This will mean significantly reducing demand for fuels, using energy more efficiently, and moving to a low carbon economy.

we were responsible for 39,200 tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2006/7.

We have agreed a target to reduce emissions by 20% - the equivalent of 7,840 tonnes - by April 2013.

A Council review of energy consumed, fuel used and waste data shows that

• training drivers in fuel efficiency

18 projects will be helping us meet the reduced emissions target, including: • upgrading lighting systems and heating controls in buildings • installing smart meters • replacing old boilers with more efficient models • diverting food waste from landfill • encouraging employees to use more sustainable transport • training staff about saving energy.

Stirling Council’s Carbon Emissions Street Lights 7%

Business Travel 2% Fleet Transport 10%

Employee Commuting 16%

25

Buildings 33% jenny and carol can help you decide on an action plan Next stop SRI: (l to r) Sister Lorna Perry; Auxiliary Nurse Angela Nicol and Student Nurse Sharon Iggo.

Towards a low carbon culture A core team of officers in areas such as buildings, waste, travel to work, fleet, street lighting, data management, finance and awareness-raising will work together on the Plan. Informing, encouraging and motivating all staff to become carbon managers and to promote a low carbon culture across the whole organisation will be key.

focus facts The activities of Stirling residents result in an average of about 11 tonnes of greenhouse gases per person being added to the atmosphere every year.

One tonne of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas, is equivalent to a 10m diameter balloon and one tonne would be generated by: • 22 televisions being left on standby all year • driving 5,500 km in an average car • travelling 18,000 km by train.

Source: The Carbon Trust

www.carbontrust.co.uk

Hop on for the Hospital

...NOW SRI’S ON THE PARK AND RIDE ROUTE

A stop at Stirling Royal Infirmary has been added to the Castleview Park and Ride bus route.

The addition to the route has been made possible thanks to £35,000 funding from Forth Valley NHS for a new turning circle at the hospital.

“Park and Ride has arrived at SRI, and will help improve access and resolve some of the parking issues in the surrounding area, “ says Roads and Transport Manager Brian Roberts.

“With buses running on the Castleview P&R line every 12 minutes going by bus is now a great alternative to taking the car and parking at the hospital.

“Our customers were very keen to see the service extended to include SRI, and we’re delighted that by working together with NHS FV we’ve been able to make it happen.”

Stirling has two Park and Ride services linking straight to the heart of the city:

Castleview To the west of Stirling, just off Junction 10 of the M9 motorway, opposite Castle Business Park. It has 200 car park spaces.

Springkerse To the east of Stirling, just off the A91 at Muirton Roundabout, next to Springkerse Retail Park. It has 215 car park spaces.

focus facts More Park and Ride info...

• six days a week • every 12 minutes • 7.30 am – 6.30 pm, Mon to Sat • until 8.30 pm on Thur evenings • £1 return adults, 50p children • regular users can save by buying season tickets at the bus station • National Entitlement Card concessionary rates apply

better services / sustainability

Landfilled Waste 32%

STIRLING FOCUS better services/ participation & responsibility

26

One for the

Archives Preserving the murray of Polmaise collection A collection of letters and other documents from the famous Murray of Polmaise collection of family papers has been re-packed and preserved for future generations to enjoy by Stirling Council’s Archives team and local volunteers.

“This was a fantastic project, and I’m delighted with the team’s work,” says Council Archivist Pam McNicol. “We made a successful bid to the Scottish Council on Archive’s Small Grants Scheme, and were awarded almost £1500 to buy conservation storage materials.”

The Murray of Polmaise collection gives a unique insight into the lives of a wealthy, landowning family in central Scotland, from the 14th to 20th centuries. The letters and papers, which include a charter from Robert the Bruce, are rich in social history and cover events such as the Crimean War, elections 17081832, and the growth of radicalism in the 1820s.

“The work involved carefully removing the documents from existing storage, auditing the material against the catalogue to

check for any items mis-filed, and re-storing in acid-free envelopes and boxes,” continues Pam. “There was a huge amount to be done, but luckily we had help from members of the local National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies.

The team thoroughly enjoyed themselves, reading small portions of the letters and following Murray family gossip!”

My wife received the Goose, and the Ten Pound Note within it was safe. extract from a letter from william wilsone to WILLIAM MURRAY 1744

Focus fact Access to the Archives is free and everyone is welcome to use the service. www.stirling.gov.uk/archives

Snapshots of life over the centuries

“It’s about reminding people

ggle for the of the long stru vote for women.”

27

A Gude Cause

By Elspeth King, Director of the Smith Art Gallery and Museum

O

n 10 October the great Scottish national suffrage demonstration which brought the city of Edinburgh to a halt one hundred years ago will be re-enacted. The “gude cause” is to remind people of the long struggle for the vote for women, and to encourage women to use their vote to make a difference today.

In 1909, the struggle for the vote was already a century old. The novelist Anne Grant, writing from her house in Melville Terrace in 1806, imagined that women MPs would soon be breast feeding in the House of Commons. It was not until the

death of Prime Minister Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman in 1908 that the militant suffrage movement came to Stirling. Opposed to votes for women, Bannerman had been Stirling’s MP for 40 years and the Stirling Burghs by election of 1908 saw women take their politics into the streets.

When parliament refused to listen to the women, they took to damaging property in the belief that the insurance companies would listen.

Stirling was in the headlines when the Wallace Sword case

was broken in the Wallace Monument in 1912, when Ballikirain Castle was burned and Airthrey Spa Bowling Green was damaged in 1913, and when Prime Minister Asquith was attacked with a suffragette wielding a dog whip in Bannockburn.

Votes for women was fully won on equal terms in 1928. To celebrate and commemorate the achievement of the Scottish suffragettes, join the procession on 10 October. www.gudecause.org.uk Now it’s easier for us all to become involved in making decisions which affect our communities www.stirling.gov.uk/ get involved ANTI-Suffragette PROGAGANDA

One hundred years later, and there are lots of opportunities to be part of decision-making in your community for everyone.

Thanks to Stirling Smith for use of photographs.

STIRLING FOCUS BETTER SERVICES

28

The Focus interview Cllr Graham Houston, Leader, Stirling Council What do you enjoy most about your role?

The variety of the work. In one meeting you will be sorting out a problem for a constituent, and in the next assessing plans for a major new development.

collectively as a Council for the benefit of our citizens. We’ve reviewed Council structures, reducing the number of staff and bringing new thinking to how services are designed and delivered.

What makes it easier is having the support, professional advice and knowledge of Council officers.

I believe our services are well thought out and in the main well delivered. But we’re on a journey of continuous improvement, and there’s no room for complacency.

And the challenges?

All these aspirations are set against the very difficult financial picture facing the entire public sector. It’s not about needing more money: we have to live within our means and take difficult decisions over how and whether we provide certain services in the future. We need to use the funding available to us wisely and work effectively in partnership with other agencies like the NHS and the Police.

What would you say the Council’s recent achievements have been?

They include completing the schools PPP programme, our new sports centre at The Peak, and the bridge to Forthside, which opens up Stirling’s waterfront for the first time in 100 years. These projects were the work of the previous administration, and have provided a very good basis for us to progress the improvements we need for the area.

How do you see the future for Stirling Council?

We have to look at how we work

“We’re on a journey of

room for complacency.”

What are the big priorities?

This administration’s priorities for our remaining three year term are about making the Stirling area a better place to work, live and do business. (see panel opposite)

How can people get in touch with you?

I’m always interested in hearing the views of our citizens, and want to make sure we consult with local people as widely as possible. Email me at houstong@stirling.gov.uk, phone 0845 277 7000 or write to me c/o Old Viewforth, Stirling.

Cllr Houston identifies the key priorities for Stirling Council as:

Being open for business “The downturn requires us to support the local economy, in particular the construction industry, as we spend our capital budget.

We can also make bids to the government - two recent projects that have benefited are the new housing association homes built for rent in Cambusbarron and Callander. Our emerging economic strategy also has a strong focus on tourism, culture and leisure.”

Creating and sustaining jobs and opportunities “Through our partnership with the Stirling Development Agency we can make sure we have the right type of accommodation so that when the upturn comes we are well placed to help existing business expand and attract new business and jobs.”

Valuing and encouraging lifelong learning “Another priority is to get the development at Kildean underway and build a college that meets the needs and aspirations of local people and businesses.”

Improving wellbeing and adding life to years “We’ve reviewed how we provide care for older people. We have a growing and ageing population, and want to help more people stay in their own homes for longer.

We’ve had good participation from the public in this review, and now must implement the findings.”(see page 19)

Your Councillors

www.stirling.gov.uk/councillors

Ward 1

Trossachs and Teith

Ward 2

Forth and Endrick

Cllr Tony Ffinch

Cllr Alistair Berrill

Conservative

Conservative

ffincht@stirling.gov.uk

berrilla@stirling.gov.uk

Ward 3

Dunblane and Bridge of Allan

Cllr Callum Campbell

Conservative campbellc@stirling.gov.uk

Cllr Paul Owens

Cllr Graham Lambie

Labour

SNP

owensp@stirling.gov.uk

lambieg@stirling.gov.uk

29 Cllr Colin Finlay

Labour finlayc@stirling.gov.uk

Cllr Fergus Wood

Cllr Colin Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien

snp

Labour

Cllr David Goss

woodf@stirling.gov.uk

obrienc@stirling.gov.uk

Lib Dem gossd@stirling.gov.uk

Ward 4

Castle

Ward 5

Stirling West

Cllr Graham Houston

snp houstong@stirling.gov.uk Cllr John Hendry

Cllr Neil Benny

Labour

Conservative

hendryj@stirling.gov.uk

bennyn@stirling.gov.uk

Cllr Graham Reed

Cllr Scott Farmer

Lib Dem reedg@stirling.gov.uk

Ward 6

Stirling East

SNP

Cllr Ian Brown

farmers@stirling.gov.uk

Lib Dem browni@stirling.gov.uk

Cllr Jim Thomson

Cllr Andrew Simpson

snp

Labour

Cllr Corrie McChord

thomsonj03@stirling.gov.uk

simpsona3@stirling.gov.uk

Labour mcchordc@stirling.gov.uk

Ward 7

Bannockburn

Cllr Steven Paterson

snp patersonst@stirling.gov.uk

Cllr Margaret Brisley Labour Cllr Alasdair MacPherson SNP Cllr Violet Weir Labour brisleym@stirling.gov.uk weirv@stirling.gov.uk macphersona@stirling.gov.uk

phone

0845 277 7000

housing

We go behind the scenes at housing services with housing officer Jacqueline gibbs.

My Workplace: I’m currently based in the Raploch local housing office and have previously worked in the offices in Dunblane, St. Ninians, Cornton and Bannockburn. A good part of my working day is spent out of the office visiting tenants and potential tenants in their own homes.

My Roots: I’ve lived in the Stirling area all my life. I completed my Housing Qualification from Telford College Edinburgh in 2006.

tenants sustain their tenancies and achieve as good a quality of life as possible, and also direct them to other Council services that maybe able to assist them.

My Motivation: It comes from helping people with all kinds of dayto-day problems and longer-term housing needs. the whole team is aware of the work needed to eliminate homelessness by 2012.

My Team: There are nine members of staff in the Raploch office, covering the areas of Raploch, Stirling Town, Riverside and Causewayhead. We aim to be positive and professional in helping

Number Crunching

337 kitchen replacements 4,434 applicants on the housing waiting list

95%

repair appointments completed within time

53 council houses sold 95%

of tenants satisfied with the repairs service

314 houses re-let 253 bathroom replacements 508 enquiries about private sector grants

Edited and designed by Stirling Council’s Communications and Marketing Team, July 2009.

STIRLING FOCUS better services

30

spotlight on

470 central heating replacements

351homes fitted with a community alarm system (Stats apply to the period 2008/9)

is Visiting tenants b. part of the jo

e es have a rang Housing Servic of leaflets you can download

g .gov.uk/housin at www.stirling Stirling Council, Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET phone: 0845 277 7000 email: info@stirling.gov.uk text: 0771 799 0001 web: www.stirling.gov.uk

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