Stirling Magazine - Autumn 2010

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AUTUMN 2010

OPEN SPACES AND GREENER PLACES! LET’S WORK TOGETHER TO CREATE A BETTER ENVIRONMENT FOR EVERYONE

Also inside

Community Teaching people vital skills to improve their future

Change Get involved in shaping Stirling’s 2011-12 budget

Healthcare A sneak preview of the new Forth Valley Royal Hospital

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FOR EVERYONE LIVING IN THE STIRLING COUNCIL AREA

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Contents and comment

Stirling Council Leader Graham Houston

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Stirling Council Chief Executive Bob Jack

Comment Councils are at the heart of local life. As leader and chief executive, it is a privilege to serve local people and shape the way our organisation makes a difference to people’s lives every day. However, the current economic situation means that, like every other council, Stirling is now having to cope with challenge and change on a scale we’ve never known before.

But we’re ready for this.

We have £30m less to spend over the next three years. This is a time for radical change: for rethinking ways of working, empowering our communities, looking at new partnerships, exploring new ways of doing things, and finding opportunities to provide services that cost less but deliver more.

We need to make sure that every pound of public spending secures real value. Our services must be as efficient and effective as they “This is a time can be, and this means for radical change: keeping an open mind and exploring all avail- for finding able options. opportunities to Our organisation is provide services changing. What won’t change is our commit- that cost less but ment to the priorities deliver more” that we have agreed with our partner agencies and which are set out in Stirling’s Single Outcome Agreement. These are about working sustainably to create a vibrant Stirling economy, encouraging opportunities for everyone, strengthening our communities and protecting our environment – and doing this in a way that includes everyone and gives help and support to those who need it most.

Over the coming months, we’ll be continuing to talk with local people, businesses and partners.

We all need to work together to shape the council of the future. ■ Stirling magazine replaces Stirling Focus. It has been designed to bring you current news and stories from across Stirling’s public sector organisations. Please let us have your comments and ideas for future issues.

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What’s inside…

3 News round-up; 4 Beauly-Denny power line consultation;5 Making Stirling a special place to shop; 6 Groups and schemes making a difference to our communities;7 Social care – helping people become more independent; 8 Local Development Plan questions answered;9 News round-up; 10 Change and Challenge;11 ASPIRE– offering training in the workplace; 12 Working together to protect our children;13 Private fostering – what you need to know; 14-17 Introducing the new Forth Valley Royal Hospital;18-19 Sustainable development – making the area greener; 20 Adult learning – in the garden or elsewhere!; 21 School term and holiday dates; 22-25 What’s On listings;26-27 Your councillors and other useful contact information

About…

Stirlingmagazine is published

by Stirling Council.

Editor: Susan Cunningham Email: cunninghams@stirling.gov.uk Tel: 01786 443360 Design and editing: Connect Communications, Studio 2001, Mile End, Paisley PA1 1JS. Tel: 0141 561 0300 Visit: www.connect communications.co.uk Print: More Printed on 80gsm FSC

Formats Copies of articles are available by request in a range of other languages, large print and on audio tape. To request articles in any of these formats. please email or write to Stirling, or call 0845 277 7000

Contact To contact Stirling Council, please call 0845 277 7000, text: 07717 990 001, email: info@stirling.gov.uk, visit us online at www.stirling.gov.uk or write to Stirling Council, Viewforth, 14-20 Pitt Terrace, Stirling FK8 2ET.

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New council homes for the next generation COUNCIL HOUSING

The first phase of new council houses to be built by Stirling Council in more than 24 years is well under way, with 16 homes already completed.

Developments at Torbrex,

Cracking down on fraudsters in Stirling FIGHTING FRAUD

Stirling Council must protect the public money it administers.

One part of doing this is sharing information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds, in order to prevent and detect fraud.

Each of Scotland’s 32 councils takes part in the National Fraud Initiative (NFI), organised every two years by Audit Scotland.

Computer techniques are used to compare information about individuals held by different public bodies on different financial systems. This is usually personal

St Ninians, Plean and Top of the Town are included.

The energy efficient, sustainable houses are part of a new-build programme aimed at providing essential housing for older people and people with disabilities.

“Stirling Council has now

received £3.4m grant funding from the Scottish Government to provide 127 new social rented homes in rural and urban Stirling,” said Tony Cain, head of housing.

“It’s great news for people on the council house waiting list.”

News

Left: the Vann family are delighted to be moving into their newly built council home in Torbrex

In brief Summer Shuttlebus to Stirling Castle It’s right on the doorstep and the perfect place for a great day out for all the family. So if you’re visiting Stirling Castle this summer, why not save time and money and use the Park & Ride Castle Shuttlebus service?

Buses run every 20 minutes between 9.10am and 5.15pm (Monday to Saturday) from Castleview Park & Ride to the Castle Esplanade. Tickets are £1 return (adult) or 50p return (child), and concession card holders travel free.

For the low-down on everything the Castle has to offer, from the Chapel Royal and Great Kitchens to Argyll’s Lodging and the Tapestry Studio, visit the award-winning www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk

fraud or error has taken place, payments can FRAUD then be stopped and action TEAM taken to try to If you suspect fraud, you recover the can contact Stirling Council money. fraud team’s 24-hour confident The most ial fraud hotline on 01786 44 recent NFI 3088 or email reportfraud@ report to be stirling.gov.uk published shows that Stirling Council has already uncovered £154,000 of fraudulently claimed benefits. It also highlights the council’s need to improve how the exercise is administered, and shows that a total of £201,000 of overpaid public funds has been discovered.

Recovery of this is under way.

In October, the council will Robert Black, auditor general for Scotland again submit data to Audit (Source: BBC News website) Scotland as part of the 2010/11 information, for example from awards of rebates and public National Fraud Initiative. payroll, pensions, insurance funds. The data is matched with Find out more at claims, creditors, benefits and information from organisations www.audit-scotland. housing records. including the police, fire service gov.uk/work/nfi.php or Like other councils, Stirling uses and Electoral Registration Office. www.fraudcentral.org.uk credit reference agencies to verify If the cross-check shows that

“Most people are honest and behave with integrity. Some do make genuine mistakes. But there is a small number who set out to cheat the public sector”

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Development

Steering group is seeking your views on the Beauly-Denny power line

The route of the proposed Beauly-Denny power line

Beauly

Consultation gives power to the people PYLON PROPOSAL

Earlier this year, Scottish Ministers approved the construction of a 440kv power line from Beauly to Denny.

The power line passes through the Stirling Council area, extending 22km from Cambushinnie to the north of Kinbuck, over Sherriff Muir to the east of Dunblane, through Logie, across the River Forth east of Stirling, south of Fallin, and east of Cowie and Plean.

The line will consist of about 80 pylons ranging in height from 44 to 62 metres.

Stirling Council has requested that the Scottish Government requires the power companies to bury the sections of the line within the council area, and has urged ministers to take all precautions to reduce any potential risks to health and to minimise visual impact.

A steering group of four councillors – one from each political party – and three members of the public has been

set up to oversee consultations with communities, interest groups, key stakeholders, the power companies and Scottish ministers, and to consider issues around visual intrusion, health, and the community and environmental impacts of the proposed power line.

The steering group has had discussions with representatives

Denny

“The council will work with local MSPs, interest groups and others to achieve the best possible solution for the people of Stirling” Councillor Callum Campbell from the Scottish Government and the power companies, and has called for consultation on proposals for the Stirling Visual Mitigation Scheme from Scottish Power Transmission before they are submitted to Scottish ministers for consideration.

Steering group chair Councillor Callum Campbell

said: “This is a project that will affect many local people along its proposed route. It’s important that all interested parties are given the opportunity to comment on and influence the proposed measures to minimise the impact of the line environmentally and economically.

“Through the steering group,

the council will work with local MSPs, interest groups and others to achieve the best possible solution for the people of Stirling.

We will be lobbying power companies to make sure all necessary measures are taken to reduce the impact on our area during the construction and commissioning of the line.”

Community consultation meetings on the proposals will be held during late summer and early autumn – dates will be publicised in the local press and on the council’s website. ■ Find out more at www.stirling. gov.uk/beaulypowerline

Trossachs on-demand bus service launched PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Aberfoyle Coaches and Stirling Council have teamed up to offer a new kind of public transport service for residents and businesses in Balquhidder, Callander, Killin, Strathfillan, Strathard and the Trossachs.

Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) is the equivalent of an ondemand bus service. It fills a gap between a big bus

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and a taxi – but at the cost of a bus fare rather than a taxi fare.

Customers pre-book their journey, ideally 24 hours in

advance. A pick-up point and time are agreed and the journey may be shared with other passengers with similar requests within a given zone. The journey can be either to connect with existing public transport links or another destination in the DRT area.

The Trossachs DRT service replaces the Trossachs Trundler, which had disappointing passenger numbers in recent years. DRT offers

greater flexibility to cope with local people’s appointment and work schedules, shop opening hours and connections with other services.

National Entitlement Cards are welcome. To book, call 08445 675670, email sales@aberfoylecoaches.com or text 08445 675670. ■ For more DRT information and maps of the areas covered, go to www.stirling.gov.uk/drt-3 or www.aberfoylecoaches.com

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The Stirling Business Panel, which gives local businesses a voice to raise important subjects and discuss concerns on issues that affect them, was recently short-listed for a national Enterprising Britain Award 2010.

The panel now has more than 611 members.

Through links with Forth Valley College and the University of Stirling, it is also involved in the development of training and courses which help meet the needs of the local business community.

Making Stirling a special place to shop “The improvements make our city centre a nicer place to buy, browse and Finding ways to attract shoppers and relax. However, that alone is unlikely visitors is a challenge for every high to be enough to attract new shops and street in the current financial climate, shoppers, and it’s only one part of our but Stirling Council’s vision for local retail. head of economic “Stirling has always development Des been a thriving Friel is confident market town and we that Stirling’s believe we can build retailing future is on this in exciting an exciting one. new ways.

“We have already “We’re keen to invested £3 million to explore the idea of create an attractive developing the city as Des Friel streetscape around a specialist shopping Port Street, Friar destination. So, as Street and Baker Street in the city well as being somewhere to buy all the centre, and there will be further normal range of goods and services, investment in Baker Street next year,” Stirling would be the place to come for something a little bit special and he told Stirling magazine. out of the ordinary.

“The new Forthside district, for instance, could be developed as a marketplace for the best in speciality local foods and crafts. We can also boost our retail sector by taking steps to attract tourists and shoppers alike, reducing the divide between these two groups.

Although the vacancy rate for “Cities like Chester and Durham are shops in Stirling is below the using the appeal of their outstanding national average, there are history in imaginative ways to enhance some vacant properties in the the city centre shopping experience. shopping streets.

Stirling, with its world-class heritage, You may have noticed artwork can take inspiration from them and in the windows of some of the create an attractive shopping environshops that are empty, helping ment to be enjoyed by everyone. to keep the shop fronts “active” “We’ll be working hard over the and colourful. coming months to involve the Cornton Youth Space, the Rock business community, property owners Project in the Raploch, Youth and key agencies – and, of course, local Voice and Cowie Youth Space residents and visitors – in looking at have all contributed designs. how we can make this happen.” ■ CITY CENTRE INVESTMENT

“We have already invested £3m to create an attractive city centre streetscape”

Window of opportunity

Economic development

Meeting the needs of local businesses

If your business is not already a member of the Stirling Business Panel, you can register online at www.stirlingbusinesspanel.co.uk

Welcoming visitors Stirling Council and The Thistles in the city centre have been working together to make sure visitors to our area experience the very best of everything Stirling has to offer.

A new plasma information screen in the shopping centre now gives shoppers and visitors information about all kinds of Stirling area attractions and the latest news on events, campaigns and special offers.

Council information is also covered, and the council’s communications team keeps the screen up to date.

A visitor information desk has also been set up, staffed every day by a Thistles team ready to answer questions and recommend places to visit and things to see and do.

Since the desk opened in spring the team has been helping with about 60 queries every day.

Park and Ride The easy way to travel into the heart of the city. ● 200 car park spaces at Castleview P&R ● 215 car park spaces at Springkerse P&R ● six days a week ● every 12 minutes ● 7.30am-6.30pm Monday to Saturday ● until 8.30pm on Thursday evenings ● £1 return adults, 50p children ● regular users can save by buying season tickets at the bus station ● National Entitlement Card concessionary rates apply.

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Our communities

Training centre is helping people improve their prospect of employment

Skills for life Growing success Amy Tasker from Whins of Milton started with the Raploch Community Enterprise in April 2010 after being referred by JobCentre Plus, and is now

COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE

A new training facility in Raploch is giving people the opportunity to improve their employment skills.

The Raploch Sustainable Community Enterprise provides training and employability skills to local unemployed people, those who are in work and employers wishing to up-skill their staff.

James has a bright future James McGuire is a local Raploch resident who has found employment with the Raploch Community Enterprise through the Future Jobs Fund. James had previously undertaken training with the Community Enterprise in 2007 and that led to a job. However, because of the downturn in the labour market, he found himself looking for work once again.

James is now a Future Jobs Fund team leader.

A community to be proud of DUNBLANE YOUNG PEOPLE’S PROJECT

Young people in Dunblane have come together to try to improve community safety and tackle antisocial behaviour in the town.

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At the start of the year, the local volunteers formed Dunblane Young People’s Project (DYPP), one of the first of its kind in the UK.

The demand for training has led to the new facility being built at the existing premises on Glendevon Drive, funded through the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Regeneration Fund.

The centre is SQA-approved and delivers up to SVQ Level 2 in Construction Operations.

It’s also a Learn Direct centre, offering the facility of accepting ILA £200 in payment for training.

One-day accredited courses are also available in First Aid Awareness, Manual Handling and Abrasive Wheel training.

Practical skills training is carried out on live projects in Raploch and recent projects have included the installation of a wildlife garden and town seal at the Old Bridge.

The project has been funded by the Scottish Government’s Community Wellbeing Champions Initiative and Stirling Community Planning Partnership.

DYPP members have held a consultation through interviews and questionnaires.

And they are also working with local partners to organise various activities that will encourage young people and the wider community to work

“I enjoy working outside and meeting new people” employed as a ground maintenance worker. Amy has worked in horticulture before and wanted to develop her existing skills and learn new ones. She has been involved in the installation of the wildlife garden and also works on all the soft landscaping.

The enterprise has provided training to 97 people since January and employed 32 people through the Future Jobs Fund since it began in 2009, with a further 38 jobs being created during the programme. ■ together locally and identify how the project’s budget can be used for the benefit of the community.

DYPP has already shown that young people in Dunblane are committed to making a positive contribution to their community and its members hope that the successful delivery of the project in late summer 2010 will continue to improve perceptions of young people in Dunblane. ■

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“Everyone has been really supportive and understanding, and working with them has built up my confidence again” Katherine McGowan

Home carer Katrina Parker helped Katherine McGowan regain her independence after a stay in hospital

Social care

Home is where the heart is Our re-ablement team is helping people in need of care live independently in their own home RE-ABLEMENT TEAM

Helping people live healthy, independent lives and stay in their own homes for as long as possible are key aims of social care’s re-ablement team.

Re-ablement is about providing services efficiently and effectively to people most in need of care in their own home. Each re-ablement team includes staff such as senior care workers, occupational therapists and trained home care workers.

Re-ablement is a service tailored to meet people’s individual needs, helping with regaining confidence and the skills needed for everyday living. It allows people to remain in their own home while the team reviews their progress over a number of weeks.

CASE STUDY After a stay in hospital this spring, Bridge of Allan resident Mrs Katherine McGowan needed support with personal care, washing, dressing and showering, seven days a week.

When Katherine came out of hospital, the re-ablement team made sure that a home carer

was on hand for daily visits to promote her independence.

The team occupational therapist identified that a “wet floor” shower room would allow Katherine to again live independently at home.

The shower room was installed, and by week six Katherine had regained such confidence and ability that there was no longer a need for carers to assist.

Katherine said: “The re-ablement team helped me to re-establish a daily routine.

They were very friendly and listened to my concerns and acted on them. This allowed me to gain back control of my life.

“Everyone has been really supportive and understanding and working with them has built up my confidence again.”

Katherine’s husband Allan added: “It’s very difficult to watch your wife struggle.

This service has been such a benefit for both of us. It’s given a real boost to Katherine’s sense of achievement, but re-ablement helps to relieve the pressure on carers, too.

“The team kept me in the loop and I never felt left out. I could contact them at any time for advice and support. This is an excellent service.”

Katrina Parker, home care worker, said: “Re-ablement is a different way of providing a service. It gives me the opportunity to use the skills I have learned to increase the person’s abilities to remain independent.

“It’s great to see the people I visit make progress and regain confidence, skills and independence. Re-ablement is about the team, including carers and occupational therapists, working with each individual to make our service the best it can be.” ■

“It’s great to see the people I visit make progress and regain confidence, skills and independence” Katrina Parker STIRLING.GOV.UK

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Local Development Plan

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Shaping the future of Stirling The new Local Development Plan (LDP) for Stirling is starting to take shape. Thank you to everyone who came along to the recent community roadshows.

All your comments on the Main Issues Report will help to prepare the Proposed Plan, due to be published for consultation in May 2011.

Lots of great questions were asked at the roadshows, so we’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions, with their answers.

What is the Local Development Plan, and what stage is it at?

The LDP will shape the use and development of land in our area for the next 20 years, and will replace the current Structure Plan and Local Plan. We’re currently in the early stages, consulting on the main issues. The next stage will be to prepare a Proposed Plan and there will be further public consultation on that.

Why does the Main Issues Report suggest more housing for the area?

The Main Issues Report identifies the amount of land required for building new housing over the period of the plan. Three options

The Local Development Plan will provide a blueprint for our area. Here are some of the main topics under consideration are presented which reflect three different levels of growth – low, medium and high. These represent between 7425 and 10,150 additional homes, of which 4000 are already planned for.

The amount of new housing is based on population forecasts (taking into account births, deaths, in-migration, people living longer and so on), changes in the size of households (more single person households) and the need to have a generous supply to meet need and demand.

A proportion of affordable housing will also be necessary in new developments: this could mean council or housing association housing for rent, shared ownership, private rented, or cheaper housing to buy.

Where is the council suggesting most development be built?

The Main Issues Report identified locations where the majority of new housing development could take place.

These include the city centre and extensions to Stirling city at

Bannockburn and Bridge of Allan/ Causewayhead; the Eastern Villages, and the new village at Durieshill.

No largescale housing developments are proposed for Dunblane, and only small-scale housing is proposed for the rural villages west of Stirling.

New commercial (business and retail space) is proposed for Springkerse/Milhall, Broadleys and Manor Powis.

Why is development proposed on greenfield sites and in the Green Belt? Why can’t more development be in the city centre and on derelict sites?

Previously developed sites or brownfield sites have been identified for development, but these will not be sufficient to meet the scale of development required. Greenfield

Have your say on your community’s open spaces OPEN SPACE STRATEGY

How do you use and value local open spaces?

In the Stirling area we’re lucky enough to be surrounded by some of Scotland’s most beautiful countryside. It’s a magnificent landscape and for

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many people one of the best things about life here.

But we believe the local open spaces in our neighbourhoods, right on our own doorsteps, are just as important. Our area has a wealth of these open spaces – parks, riverbanks, play areas, shared gardens and so on. They

development will be needed as well.

Why do we need more development if the roads are already congested?

We want to encourage developments where public transport and alternatives to the car can be real choices in getting about the Stirling area. The strategy is based on trying to achieve this, and that is why most proposed development is located around Stirling city or within the “city corridor”.

There is no space in local schools – how will the

contribute to the quality of life and wellbeing of local people and are also important places for wildlife.

The council is in the process of drafting an Open Space Strategy.

We want open spaces that are: well-located and accessible and seen as part of the local neighbourhood distinctive, adding to Stirling’s special sense of place appropriately managed, with involvement from the local community well-connected “green

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How will the plan ensure there is adequate drainage for the new development?

We will assess sewage treatment works to see if they can accommodate more development.

Improvements carried out by Scottish Water and/or developers might be necessary and may well affect the timing of developments.

How will the plan make sure that housing built is of the right quality and size, and whether it should be for sale or rent?

Housing need and demand across the area is being carefully assessed. All sites will be expected to provide a range and choice of housing size and include an element of affordable housing to rent or buy.

How can the council assess sites fairly when some of them are in council ownership?

As a landowner, Stirling Council has submitted sites for consideration in the same way as any other landowner/ developer, and these have been assessed using the same criteria as all the other options.

networks”, designed for everyday life, for example encouraging safer routes to schools and play opportunities attractive, safe places where local people and visitors can enjoy the outdoors.

We believe everyone living, working or visiting the Stirling area can benefit from open spaces that are designed for life and well maintained.

The strategy will help the council meet challenges such as changing demand for parks and open spaces, limited resources

What does a growth in housing mean for the economy of our area?

New housing generates the need for more commercial uses in terms of providing new jobs to support the growth in population and access to other facilities such as shops.

Improving the economic growth of the Stirling area through allowing new development in the right locations is an important part of the plan’s strategy.

The public is also being consulted on the council’s Open Space Strategy. How does this link to the Local Development Plan?

We’ve been asking local people which open spaces they value and how they use them. The results of this consultation will feed into the LDP. How does the Local Development Plan relate to the Local Housing Strategy (LHS)?

The LHS is being prepared alongside the Local Development Plan. It will describe the extent and type of housing need and demand for the area. The plan will then identify the amount of housing land required to help meet the need and demand. ■ You can keep up to date with the Local Development Plan process and find out more about how to get involved at www.stirling.gov.uk/localdevplan

and the need to provide land for woodland and new housing.

Do you share our vision? We hope as many local people and organisations as possible will join in the consultation.

Your comments will help shape Stirling’s Open Space Strategy which, together with Stirling’s Local Development Plan, will help the council maintain and improve our area for the future. ■ There’s still time to have your say. Visit www.stirling.gov. uk/openspace for more information.

Loch Katrine, the location for Sir Walter Scott’s poem The Lady of the Lake

News

plan solve this?

New primary and secondary schools will need to be built where necessary. New development will create the need for a range of services and facilities – health centres, open spaces and so on.

The council may seek financial contributions from developers for these where they will be worsened by new development.

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A celebration of Scott Scottsland, Celebrating the Language of the Landscape marks the 200th anniversary of the publication of Sir Walter Scott’s Lady of the Lake, a poem which changed the way people viewed the Scottish landscape and generated the first surge of tourists to the Trossachs.

The celebrations run up to October and feature all kinds of cultural and literary events.

Highlights include an art and literary trail, a film festival, literary conference, sports events and exhibitions, guided walks and cruises.

For the full programme, visit www.scottsland.co.uk

Help stub out cigarette litter 23-28 August Stirling Council, Central Scotland Police and city centre retailers are joining up for a week’s special anti-cigarette litter drive this summer.

Portable ashtrays will be distributed, an information stand set up and smokers will be reminded about using ashtray-top bins and not discarding their stubs.

Information station Stirling’s Arcade in King Street has something new at No. 33 – an Information Station to give young people aged 15-25 a place to go for info and advice.

The shop will be open six days a week, with information on all kinds of subjects that affect young people, including employment, training, further education, and volunteering. You can also find out about issues such as alcohol and drugs misuse, smoking, healthy eating, sexual health, careers, mental health, housing, youth rights, social activities and NEC/Young Scot cards.

Opening times

For further information, contact Stirling Council Youth Services on 01786 432211, email youthservices@ stirling.gov.uk or Infotext 07717 996 884.

Mon-Wed and Fri-Sat: 11am-4pm Thu: 1pm-8pm (Young Scot & Health Drop In from 5pm-8pm).

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Change

Council leader Graham Houston wants local people to get involved in shaping the council’s 2011/12 spending priorities. What do you think the priorities should be?

Change and challenge Like every other public sector organisation, Stirling Council is having to cope with change and financial challenge, and we must find ways to reduce our costs.

The money given to us by the Government will reduce by £30 million over the next three years – and it’s likely that more than £12m of these savings will have to be made next year alone.

We have actually adapted quicker than many other councils to this new reality. A new streamlined management structure introduced last year has resulted in annual savings of almost £4m.

We are looking at how we can increase our efficiency and save money across the organisation, and specifically in the areas of employment costs,

administration and support services, education, social care, assets, and income and procurement.

Our commitment to delivering efficient, effective and customer-focused services is as strong as ever. Indeed, making our services as efficient as they can be, cutting out waste

“Our commitment to delivering efficient, effective and customerfocused service is as strong as ever” at every stage in the process, is one important way to drive costs down.

We are very clear that every pound of public spending for which we are responsible is targeted to address key public

What are your priorities for Stirling Council?

Let’s talk it through... ● online at www.stirling.gov.uk/changeprogramme ● through Stirling magazine ● at councillors’ surgeries ● or write to me at: Cllr Graham Houston, Leader, Stirling Council, Old Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET email houstong@stirling.gov.uk

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priorities and secures real value for the people who rely on our services.

However, there’s a limit to what can be achieved through efficiencies alone. I want to open up a conversation with local people not just about where efficiencies can be made in existing services, but also

about other ways we can save money and still deliver for our communities. Instead of talking about the funding that’s being lost, we need to move on and agree how we achieve the best with the funding we do get.

In these extraordinary circumstances, we need to start thinking in new ways about what it is councils do and how they do it. To make savings on the scale that we have to achieve, there will need to be major changes to the way that services are delivered – and some services may no longer be provided.

We have a legal duty to live within our means. We must reduce costs. Discussions are already under way about sharing

more resources with our partner organisations. And we are working with the voluntary sector to make sure there is no wasteful overlap in our services.

Perhaps we need to re-evaluate how council and communities work together. Could the council take on a different kind of role, encouraging and enabling community groups to deliver services themselves?

This is a conversation the council should have been holding with our stakeholders a long time ago, and I realise that the current set of challenges we face does not make the timing ideal.

However, I think it’s time for a frank discussion about the way forward and the role of local government in this new financial world. Things can’t remain the same, but, of course, that brings great opportunities as well as considerable challenges.

One thing that is certainly not changing is our commitment to informing, engaging and involving local people in the decisions that affect them. Please join in the conversation. The decisions that need to be taken to save £30m over the next three years affect everyone, and I want everyone to have their say. ■

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Training

ASPIRE to improve your work skills A free training programme is helping people across all kinds of businesses achieve more from their work Are you in employment? Do you want to get on at work but lack key skills and qualifications?

Feel you’re struggling to keep up with changes in technology?

Do you have a disability or health issue that could be holding you back in the workplace?

Would you like the chance to

improve your English, or do you want to catch up on skills from school or to learn and gain qualifications for work?

Stirling Council’s ASPIRE Project may be able to help.

Here are some of the local people already benefiting from free training through ASPIRE:

● Jennifer Kidd, of the Bannockburn Group of the Riding for the Disabled Association, received free training with colleagues to catch up on her Microsoft Access computer skills.

“What I liked about the training was that it was tailored to our specific requirements.

Rather than being taken through a manual, we were able to work and learn on our own database” ● Andrew Fleming, production manager at Cowie Panel Processors, asked ASPIRE for help to learn British Sign Language so he could communicate better with one of his colleagues.

“During difficult and busy times, this is not the type of training that we would normally be able to prioritise, but because it is free and delivered on site, I’ve attended the classes”

FAST FACTS The ASPIRE project is funded

by Stirling Council and the European Social Fund Lowlands and Uplands Scotland Programme 2007-2013. The ASPIRE project will run until August 2011.

To find out more, contact Marianne Eik on 01786 432366 or email eikm@stirling. gov.uk

● Laraine Binnie, owner and manager of Airth Station Cattery and Kennels (pictured above with Annie the dog), has six members of staff currently completing their Animal Care Qualifications – 100 per cent funded by ASPIRE.

“The training gives staff recognition for their work and the skills they have. It also helps them further their career in working with animals. The ASPIRE training has also been helpful in terms of business: customers welcome the fact that our staff are qualified animal care assistants and feel confident about leaving their animals” STIRLING.GOV.UK

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Child protection

Action to keep our children safe We’re working hard to ensure vulnerable youngsters are protected CHILD PROTECTION

Our plan ● Make sure more children and families get the help they need at an early stage before their situation becomes more serious. ● Improve the actions taken in immediate response to children when there are concerns about their safety. ● Improve assessments of risks and needs. ● Improve plans for children and ensure their individual needs are fully met. ● Develop more effective ways of identifying what services need to do to improve and involve children, families and staff more fully in these processes. ● Strengthen the leadership of the CPC to improve services to protect children.

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Immediate action has been taken to strengthen child protection in the Stirling area after an official inspection earlier in the year identified a number of weaknesses.

In its report, the HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) highlighted a number of instances of good practice, in particular the ways that children in Stirling Council care are listened to and respected, and how the council works with other agencies to protect children.

But inspectors found that there had not been enough improvement in other areas. It also reported some inconsistencies in practice that had not been picked up properly in the quality assurance and self-evaluation work carried out by the three public agencies with overall responsibility for children’s safety and welfare – Stirling Council, Central Scotland Police and NHS Forth Valley .

Stirling Council chief executive Bob Jack, speaking

on behalf of the Chief Officers’ Group (chief executives of Stirling Council and NHS Forth Valley and the chief constable), told Stirling magazine: “A full review and improvement plan was ordered immediately.

“The finding that children under our care may have been left at risk for too long was a particular concern. A full review of cases highlighted that appropriate action had been taken to protect vulnerable children.

inspection have already led to changes which we are confident will help us better protect the most vulnerable members of our community. We are wholly committed to making sure standards of care and support in the Stirling area are as high as they possibly can be.

“George Hunter has been appointed as independent chair of the Stirling Child Protection Committee (CPC). George is a former director of East

“The lessons from this inspection have led to changes which we are confident will help us better protect the most vulnerable members of our community” Bob Jack, Stirling Council chief executive Nonetheless, we must now ensure that processes are strengthened through greater partnership working so that these inconsistencies do not occur again.

“The lessons from this

Renfrewshire Community Health and Care Partnership. The committee oversees the child protection work of Stirling Council, Central Scotland Police, NHS Forth Valley and voluntary sector organisations.

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If you see behaviour that worries you, or if a child or young person tells you something that makes you concerned, you need to take them seriously and act.

USEFUL NUMBERS

● Social work 01786 471177 ● Social work After 5pm and at weekends 01786 470500 ● Police 01786 456000 ● Health Contact your GP or local health centre ● Reporter to the Children’s Panel 01786 476400 If you wish to remain anonymous when you report a case of suspected child abuse, you can. However, it is helpful if you give your contact details as there might be further information you could give. www.stirling.gov.uk/ childprotection

“There’s a huge amount of work done by dedicated staff every day in every field of child protection, but ultimately the safety of our children isn’t just a matter for councils, police and health professionals. It’s everyone’s responsibility, and we would urge any adult worried about a child to take action,” continued Bob. “Regrettably, no system of child protection can ever offer 100 per cent assurance. But by continuing to work together, sharing information and listening and responding to children and families, we can help make Stirling a place where our children and young people are safe, healthy and have the opportunities they need to achieve their potential.” ■

Are you looking after someone else’s child?

Fostering

Our children’s safety is everyone’s responsibility

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There’s something you need to know…

PRIVATE FOSTERING

Are you looking after a child for someone who’s working away from home? Maybe a friend or neighbour has been struggling with a new baby and has asked you to look after him or her full time for more than four weeks continuously? Perhaps friends from abroad have asked you to let their child stay with you while he or she attends school here?

These are all examples of private fostering – when parents make arrangements for their child to be cared for by someone who is not a close relative or an officially approved foster carer for four weeks or longer.

“Where a child under schoolleaving age is being looked after in an arrangement like this, both the parent and the carer must let the council know, by law,” said Bill Eadie, head of social care.

“The penalty for not informing the council is a fine or prison sentence, or both.

“We have to be sure of the safety and wellbeing of every privately fostered child.

Once noti-

FAST FACTS Read the Scottish Government’s electronic leaflet on private fostering at www.scotland. gov.uk/resource/ doc/1141/ 0093244.pdf

fied about the arrangement, we’ll be able to give any advice – including legal advice – or support the carer or child might need.

“We will ask some questions and carry out some checks such as who the main carer will be and where the child will be living and so on, and we will visit to make sure everything is all right.

“We will also keep in contact for the period that the child is living with the private foster carer.”

It’s easy to get in touch to tell us about a private fostering arrangement. Contact Lorraine Kubski on 01786 471177 or email kubskil@stirling.gov.uk

Thinking about fostering?

To find out more about fostering please email Lorraine Kubski, senior practitioner, adoption and fostering, children’s services, Drummond House, Wellgreen Place, Stirling. Email kubskil@stirling.gov.uk ● You can also phone the duty social worker on 01786 471177. ● More information can be found online at www.stirling.gov.uk/fostering and www.couldyoufoster.org.uk ● The Scottish Government funds the Fostering Network to provide an advice and

information service for foster carers. Visit www.fostering.net/scotland ● Fosterline is a confidential help line which provides information on issues such as concerns about a child’s future, allegations and complaints, changes in legislation and financial matters. They are also able to advise you on how to take the next step in dealing with any fostering issue and how to access other useful services and support.

Freephone 0800 040 7675 or email fosterlinescotland@fostering.net

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Healthcare

A warm welcome The new Forth Valley Royal Hospital will be the jewel in the crown of healthcare in Scotland

FORTH VALLEY ROYAL HOSPITAL

The first phase of the new Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert is now complete and patients from across Stirling will be among the first to benefit from the world-class accommodation and facilities.

Due to its sheer size and scale, services will move across on a phased basis over the next year until the hospital is fully operational in summer 2011.

However, from August 2010, thousands of patients from across Forth Valley, including Stirling, will attend the new hospital for a number of services, previously provided at Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary.

These include renal dialysis, chemotherapy, planned medical and surgical operations and a wide range of outpatient clinics.

Designed with you in mind So if this includes you, what changes and improvements can you expect to see in this new 21st-century hospital?

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Well, firstly you’ll notice the hospital is far bigger than any other hospital in Forth Valley – in fact, it’s the largestever healthcare development in Scotland.

Inside, it’s been designed to be as bright and welcoming as possible, with a large open atrium which acts as a hub for the whole building.

Large windows have been installed throughout the hospital to let in as much natural light as possible and take advantage of the spectacular views across to the Forth Bridges, the Lomond Hills and the Ochils.

The hospital also has separate corridors and lifts for patients to increase privacy and there is a range of special features to help CONTINUED OVERLEAF>>

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Healthcare The Forth Valley Royal Hospital is the biggest healthcare development in Scotland and sits among stunning woodland

HOW TO GET TO YOUR NEW HOSPITAL By bus To help improve public transport links, NHS Forth Valley has commissioned a number of new bus services including a shuttle bus from Larbert Train Station, which is free for anyone with a valid train ticket. The 38 service, operated by First Scotland East, also provides a direct link to the hospital from Stirling Bus Station every 20 minutes.

By train You can catch a train to Larbert from Stirling station.

From there, you can either walk or catch the new hospital shuttle bus which will drop you off at the main entrance.

is expected to last longer than four hours, including those undergoing renal dialysis and chemotherapy.

By car There are separate car parking areas for patients and visitors, including an area outside the main entrance.

Car parking is free, however, during peak periods (Mon-Fri, 6am-4pm) there is a maximum four-hour stay. Special arrangements will be in place for patients whose treatment

By bike To make it easier to cycle to the new hospital, a number of bike storage racks have been installed opposite the main entrance. Improvements are also being made to walking and cycling routes around the new hospital to encourage people to consider these options and get more active.

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Healthcare

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE>>

Modern facilities The new hospital has a wide range of facilities to make your stay or visit as pleasant and reduce the risk of infection. For comfortable as possible. These include a example, there are disposable bedside restaurant and café with panoramic views, a curtains and window blinds have been Starbucks coffee shop and a WH Smith in enclosed in the glass. the main entrance area and a WRVS café in Within the grounds, there are woodland the front of the mental health building. walks, ponds, landscaped courtyards Other facilities include a patient and a visitor garden to help you enjoy the hospital’s stunning and unique information area with internet access, a surroundings. volunteer office, Radio Royal and a spiritual care centre.

Anyone admitted for treatment FULL LIST will be cared for in either a OF SERVICES spacious single room or a fourwww.nhsforth bedded ward with en-suite valley.com/ bathrooms. There are also free forthvalley personal TV screens at every bedside and hospital meals that are royal freshly prepared on site each day in the hospital’s own kitchens.

The latest technology has been installed to help with a range of day-to-day duties. This includes a new robotic supply system, the first of its kind in a UK hospital, which delivers and collects supplies such as linen, meal trolleys and clinical waste using a separate network of corridors and lifts.

This not only helps to keep patient areas free of trolleys and other clutter, but will also help to reduce infection risks and free up support staff to focus on patients.

Other innovations include a fully robotic pharmacy system, capable of labelling medicines as well as stocking supplies and picking up drugs. The system is not only quicker and more efficient, but also makes the dispensing process safer. ■

YOUR NEW HOSPITAL: MOVING-IN DATES Services will transfer across to the new Forth Valley Royal Hospital in three main phases: PHASE 1 Services from Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary August 2010 Wide range of inpatient, outpatient and day services including medical and surgical wards, renal dialysis unit, oncology unit, day surgery, endoscopy, oral surgery and orthodontics, day hospital (rehabilitation centre) and a number of outpatient clinics.

PHASE 2 Mental health services September 2010 Wide range of inpatient and specialist mental health from Stirling Royal and Falkirk and District Royal Infirmaries, including adult and elderly mental health acute admission wards, intensive psychiatric care unit, intensive home treatment team, adult liaison psychiatry services and mental health outpatient services.

PHASE 3 Services from Stirling Royal Infirmary July 2011 Wide range of inpatient, outpatient and day services including A&E, intensive care, the maternity unit, children’s services, acute assessment unit, cardiology, day hospital (rehabilitation centre) and a number of outpatient clinics.

For details of the full range of services in phase 1, 2 and 3, please visit www.nhsforthvalley.com/forthvalleyroyal or check your copy of the Forth Valley Royal Hospital Essential Guide which was delivered to every home in Stirling during July.

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Child health clinics will continue to be provided locally in Stirling

STIRLING COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

As well as the modern, new facilities at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, a wide range of health services will continue to be provided locally in Stirling.

Most of these will be based in Stirling Community Hospital, which will be developed on the Stirling Royal Infirmary site after A&E and other acute services move to the new Forth Valley Royal Hospital in July 2011.

What’s at Stirling Stirling Community Hospital will provide a range of outpatient clinics, GP out-of-hours services and inpatient care for patients who require rehabilitation and palliative care.

It will also have a minor injuries unit to ensure that many local people who currently attend the A&E department at Stirling Royal Infirmary will continue to be treated locally. As a result, it is expected to handle more than 200,000 patient appointments each year.

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Audiology Appliance and orthotics Child health (including mental health services) Dermatology Diabetes Dietetics GP out-of-hours service Hepatology Minor injuries Minor illness Neurology

Healthcare

Your Stirling Community Hospital outpatient clinics Ophthalmology Pain clinics Physiotherapy Rheumatology Speech and language therapy Sexual health clinics Women’s health (including midwifery-led clinics, antenatal and post-natal care).

Delivering care

closer to home New facilities The existing Queen Elizabeth Wing and Theatre Block will be taken down in early 2012 to make way for the new purpose-built outpatient and inpatient facilities, which will benefit patients and staff.

Many of the beds currently provided in Bannockburn Hospital will transfer to the new inpatient facility in summer 2013 to ensure patients who require rehabilitation or palliative care have access to modern, en-suite accommodation.

Working in partnership NHS Forth Valley is working with Stirling Council to explore a number of joint developments, including building care homes or sheltered housing on the Stirling Community Hospital site.

Discussions are also under way with local GP practices to explore opportunities for them to operate from improved accommodation, including options on the Stirling Community Hospital site. ■

FAST FACTS

Did you know…

Stirling Community Hospital will provide inpatient care for patients who require rehabilitation and palliative care

Find out more at www.nhsforthvalley.com/ stirlingcommunityhospital STIRLING.GOV.UK

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Sustainable development

Groups working in their communities to reduce use of fossil fuels and associated emissions Blane Valley Carbon Neutral An active group of committed locals who meet regularly and collaborate via email to work on a range of projects to reduce their contributions to global warming while saving money on heating and electricity bills. ● www.strathblanefield.org.uk/carbonneutral

Stepin Stones to a greener Cornton Since the end of last year, the Stepin Stones project has been working in the community in Cornton to make better use of the open and green spaces created through regeneration. The project is also working with Forth Environment Link to consider the possibility of creating a children’s orchard.

Callander and Climate Change A sub-group of Callander Development Trust funded by the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund, the team aims to support the Callander community in reducing its impact on the environment and lowering individual and collective carbon footprints. ● www.callanderandclimatechange.org.uk

Keep your home warm

Fintry Development Trust A community development trust that aims to promote the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency within the Fintry community to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and the effects of global warming.

All homes in the Stirling area now qualify for energy saving advice and measures as the Home Insulation Scheme is expanded to include more areas of Scotland.

The scheme, funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by the Energy Saving Trust, is supported by Stirling Council. Benefits, available for a limited period only, include: ● loft top-up insulation free if you already have between 60mm and 160mm, irrespective of the size of your loft ● cavity wall insulation and/or loft insulation at a specially negotiated price or free to certain eligible householders. Trained advisers can discuss the full qualifying conditions with you ● additional support to install insulation, for example, with getting your loft cleared or erecting scaffolding

● www.free-energy.org.uk

Find out more If you have not yet responded to the invitation card that should have been sent to your home, you can still complete a Home Energy Check form: On the phone* Call 0800 512 012 to complete a Home Energy Check form with a trained energy adviser over the phone.

● energy saving advice which could save you up to £300 a year. You can also get help to check your entitlement to pension credits, tax credits and other allowances.

Some people discover they could be receiving up to £1000 extra a year.

Extra help such as draughtproofing, solid wall insulation or central heating could be available through the Energy Assistance Package. An energy assessor will check whether you qualify for this.

Stirling Council urges all residents to take up the invitation to participate and benefit from this opportunity.

On the web* Fill out the form at www.energysaving trust.org.uk/proxy/view/full/165/ homeenergycheck

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● www.killincdt.co.uk/kcc/index

Low Carbon Raploch Project Aims to improve opportunities for the whole community by reducing emissions and energy bills, promoting home insulation, and improving green spaces. ● Based at 96 Drip Road, Stirling. Tel: 01786 445500. Email carol.lowcarbonraploch@ btconnect.com

Sustainable Dunblane A group concerned about the issues of climate change and peak oil who are working together to move Dunblane from a town reliant on fossil fuels to one sustainably powered by renewable energy.

Initial ideas have now blossomed into fully formed arts, energy and transport working groups. ● www.sustainabledunblane.org

On your doorstep* Wait until a qualified Home Energy Assessor comes to your doorstep and complete the form then. Call 0800 512 012 to find out when they will be in your area.

* Please note that by filling out the form you are under no obligation to proceed with any installation.

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Killin Cutting Carbon A project team within the Killin and Ardeonaig Trust funded by the Climate Challenge Fund to until March 2011 which aims to promote the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency within the community by connecting people with relevant information, funding sources and practical ideas.

Transition Stirling A group working on the transition town model (www.transitionnetwork.org/about) to develop initiatives to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and build resilience for a future with limited access to oil. ● Email transition.stirling@googlemail.com

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Sustainable development

Our two-year campaign aims to involve local people and partners in finding ways to reduce our area’s carbon footprint

Let’s work for a lowcarbon Stirling will be positive action from residents, communities, businesses, the council and its community planning Stirling Council, in partnership with partners to reduce Stirling’s overall Going Carbon Neutral Stirling carbon footprint.

(GCNS), is leading a two-year campaign The campaign will take the form of to raise awareness of the climate impact events, activities and debates on issues of current lifestyles and to present of carbon reduction. The intention positive opportunities for change. is to allow co-ordination rather than We intend to engage with local duplication of activity to ensure a communities and other groups and higher impact for individual events and organisations to have an ongoing activities under an over-arching “Low conversation and debate about what Carbon Stirling” umbrella. carbon emissions are, why we need to While much needs to be done at reduce them, and how we can all do central Government level, local action our bit by changing our behaviour. is necessary and options for policy That might mean, for example, change will also be explored as part of buying more locally produced food, the overall campaign. improving insulation in our homes, Food is the first theme that we want walking or cycling instead of taking the to explore by encouraging people to car, or recycling more of our waste. think in new ways about the food we The four priority themes of food, eat and where it comes from. We’ll be energy, transport and waste have been looking at things such as security of selected to shape the campaign and food supply, the benefits of eating more we want to explore these issues with vegetarian food, and why it makes sense local people and partners over the to eat more in-season, local produce. next two years of the “Low Carbon We’ll be considering possibilities for Stirling” campaign. creating street gardens, edible borders, The focus will be neighbourhood veggie-box on carbon reduction deliveries, and a city in a sustainable orchard scheme. development context and LOCAL Energy is the second what that means for RY O FOOD DIRECT theme of this first Stirling – now and for Compiled by Forth Valley the future – by raising year of the campaign, ails Food Links, this gives det awareness and where we intend nity of businesses and commu increasing knowledge to explore the w, projects that produce, gro of the issues connection between e duc pro ve ser process, sell or while highlighting energy generation th For the m fro g atin gin ori opportunities for and its carbon impacts, Valley area. Read it online change and action. encourage reduced at www.fvfl.org.uk A key outcome energy use through a CLIMATE CHANGE

Above: On your bike!

Council employees took part in a fun event with GCNS to highlight the interlinking themes of food, health and energy. Left to right Gavin Smith, GCNS; Paul McNamara, research officer, and chef David McNee

FAST FACTS Peak oil refers to the point where the maximum rate of global oil extraction is reached

combination of energy efficiency and reduced demand, and consider the potential impacts of “peak oil” for our communities and businesses.

We will also be leading discussion on how communities can be supported to plan and deliver their own community renewable energy projects.

The transport element of energy use will be considered at a later stage in the campaign, along with the climate impacts of the waste we all generate.

This is just a glimpse of what we hope to achieve with our Low Carbon Stirling partners.

We recognise it will be necessary to work with a broad range of partners and stake-holders to co-ordinate, organise, promote and run events. So please join in! We’d love to have your comments. ■ Email the campaign at lowcarbon@stirling.gov.uk STIRLING.GOV.UK

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Adult learning

Want to learn something new?

Book your place!

ADULT LEARNING TEAM

There certainly will be Learning for Everyone this coming autumn with Stirling Council’s adult learning team.

For those looking to brush up on their reading, writing, spelling or number skills, perhaps because your child has started school or because you are trying to get back in to training or employment, the usual support is just a call away. Our programmes, part of the national Big Plus Campaign, continue weekly from late August in a variety of venues across the Stirling Council area. For help, call the team on 01786 432360.

Classes in English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) also return in late August.

If you know of someone who may need help with English and wants to access one of our classes, contact Duncan Carmichael, ESOL co-ordinator, on 01786 432360, who will advise on the opportunities available.

Our usual range of community classes will begin in late September.

Whether you want to learn how to use a computer, do some creative writing or take part in one of our reminiscence classes, the new programme is sure to have something of interest to you.

The programme will be available to book from the end of August. For a copy of the programme or to book a place, call the adult learning team on 01786 432360.

Remember, if you belong to a community group and there is something your whole group would like to learn, we’d be happy to meet with you to discuss this.

The adult learning team has a range of volunteering opportunities you may wish to get involved in. For example, have you thought about helping another adult with their learning? To find out more, contact Ruth Martin on 01786 432360. ■

Growing ne Gardening classes are helping adult learners at Stirling’s Riverbank and Cowane Centres

“The new programme is sure to have something of interest to you”

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GARDENING AND LITERACIES CLASS

Carrots, peas, potatoes, cauliflowers, beans, courgettes and tomatoes are just some of the tasty fare grown by

Gardenshare Are you a keen gardener? Fancy growing some vegetables? Stirling Council is backing the Gardenshare programme, which encourages people with spare corners of garden or some unused land to donate it to a greenfingered enthusiast to make the most of. Gardenshare is not only community-spirited, but a real step forward for green living.

For more information or to register for free, please contact Philippa on 07577816262 or email gardensharestirling@gmail.com

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2010-2011 School dates AUTUMN TERM

● Term starts Monday 16 August 2010 (teachers only) • Staff development day: Monday 16 August 2010 • Tuesday 17 August 2010 (pupils return) • Local holiday: Monday 6 September 2010 (except Balfron Cluster) • Local holiday: Monday 27 September 2010 (Balfron Cluster only) ● Term ends Friday 8 October 2010 • October holiday starts Monday 11 October 2010 • ends Friday 15 October 2010

School holidays

Members of the gardening and literacies class with volunteer Libby McKenna and literacies specialist Duncan Carmichael

WINTER TERM

new skills hand by a group of adult learners at Stirling’s Riverbank Centre – and now being enjoyed by visitors to the centre’s cafe.

The members have learning disabilities and have been using the gardening project to help with language and reading skills.

The class is facilitated by the council’s adult learning team and supported by staff, volunteers and other partners.

Flowers have also been part of the project, with the sale of hanging baskets generating funds to buy further equipment and materials. The class is likely to develop further skills with the addition of a polytunnel at the Cowane Centre to extend the growing season.

“Flowers have also been part of the project, with the sale of hanging baskets generating funds”

Allotments Growing your own makes health sense and economic sense – so it’s no surprise that demand for allotments has been growing too.

We’d like to know more about your interest in allotments in our communities. Please help shape this important part of the Council’s Open Space Strategy by filling in the online questionnaire at www.stirling. gov.uk/allotment provision You can also pick up a paper copy of the questionnaire from your local library or community centre.

● Term starts Monday 18 October 2010 • Staff development day: Monday 8 November 2010 • Staff development day: Tuesday 9 November 2010 • Staff development day:* Wednesday 10 November 2010 ● Term ends Thursday 23 December 2010 • Christmas holiday starts Friday 24 December 2010 • ends Wednesday 5 January 2011 SPRING TERM

● Term starts Thursday 6 January 2011 • Local holiday: Monday 14 February 2011 • Local holiday: Tuesday 15 February 2011 • Staff development day:* Wednesday 16 February 2011 • Staff development day: Thursday 17 February 2011 • Staff development day: Friday 18 February 2011 ● Term ends Friday 1 April 2011 • Spring holiday starts Monday 4 April 2011 • ends Friday 15 April 2011 SUMMER TERM

● Term starts Monday 18 April 2011 • Good Friday: Friday 22 April 2011 • Easter Monday: Monday 25 April 2011 • Local holiday: Monday 2 May 2011 ● Term ends Friday 24 June 2011 • Summer holiday starts Monday 27 June 2011 • Summer holiday ends Monday 15 August 2011 (teachers only) • Tuesday 16 August 2011 (pupils return) * Additional Curriculum for Excellence Days

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Events and activities

What’s on

Your essential guide to upcoming events in our area. For more information, visitwww.stirling.gov.uk

August STIRLING ACCESS FESTIVAL Until Saturday 21 August This festival celebrates Stirling’s magnificent scenery, heritage and wildlife. More details online soon at www.stirling.gov.uk

ACTIVE STIRLING – FOOTBALL CLASSES 21 August-18 November (Various courses, times, venues and abilities) For full details, see the SFA Football brochure on www.activestirling.org.uk

RELOADED Saturday 21 August Tolbooth – doors 7pm Tickets – £4 Reloaded 2 – Rock/Pop Friday 3 September Tickets – £6 Rock/Pop headliner TBC Friday 10 September Tickets – £4 Reloaded 2 – Rock/Pop

BLAZIN’ FIDDLES Saturday 28 August Tolbooth – 8pm Tickets – £14/£12 Fiddles and bows blaze away with guitar and piano for one of the most exciting and memorable fiddle ensembles ever to take the stage.

TWINKLE, TWINKLE, LITTLE BAT Saturday 28 August 8.15-11pm From the bats and moths of the Back Walk to the skies above Stirling Observatory, a fascinating walk with local experts.

ACTIVE SCHOOLS OUT OF SCHOOL EVENT Sunday 29 August King’s Park, Stirling – noon-3pm Free – come along on the day A fun day out for all the family!

Activities include golf, dance, cycling, climbing and many more.

RENAISSANCE STIRLING SEASON Friday 3 September Stirling Smith – 5.30pm/7.30pm Tickets: £6 This short drama with live medieval music revolves around the love affair between King James IV and Lady Margaret Drummond.

BANDA SINGH BAHADUR & WILLIAM WALLACE Saturday 4 September Stirling Smith – noon-4pm Admission free Bravehearts, struggle and sacrifice, the will to survive and fight on – this is the glorious story of the history of Panjaab and Scotland.

RAGWORT AND THE REST

MEET THE MAKARS!

Monday 30 August Doune Ponds – 10am-3pm The insects have made full use of the flowers so help us remove the ragwort plants and clean up this well-loved site.

Tuesdays 7 September – 12 October 2010 Stirling Smith – noon Tickets: £3 for each session or £15 for all six sessions Travel through time, push aside language barriers and get to know some distinguished Scottish poets of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

September KNOCK, KNOCK Until 12 September Stirling Smith Admission free Exhibition of Galway photographs by Jane Talbot.

THE JOHNNY CASH STORY STARRING ROGER DEAN AND THE LAZY BOYS Thursday 2 September Albert Halls – 7.30pm Tickets £16/£14 Roger Dean captures the sound and spirit of Johnny Cash, singing classics such as Big River, Ring of Fire, I Walk the Line and Hurt.

POKEY LEFARGE & THE SOUTH CITY THREE Thursday 2 September Tolbooth – 8pm Tickets – £10/£8 After a solo appearance at the Tolbooth last year and an amazing reaction, Pokey returns with his full knock-’em-dead band.

SCOTTISH CHRYSANTHEMUM & DAHLIA ANNUAL FLOWER SHOW Tuesday 7 & Wednesday 8 September Albert Halls – Open to the public from 12.30pm-7pm on Tuesday and 10am-noon on Wednesday Free!

Growers from all over the UK make this event a winner. Flowers will be sold to the public on Wednesday so don’t miss out.

RANGER SERVICE GUIDED WALK Friday 10 & Saturday 11 September In association with the East Dunbartonshire Walking Festival, we will be co-leading a guided walk with the Mugdock Ranger Service in Stirling’s south west corner. Contact the Mugdock Ranger Service for more information on 0141 956 6586.

MUSIC FOR KING JAMES V

Explore the great outdoors The Ranger Service provides a range of events for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoors. They are a great way to discover nature, explore new areas and enjoy the health benefits of being out and about. Children are welcome at all our events but an adult must supervise under 16s at all times.

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Unless otherwise stated, all of our events must be booked in advance. For further information about the events and to book, please call 01786 442971 during office hours.

If you have booked a place and can’t make it, please call to cancel so your place can be given to someone else.

Saturday 11 September 2010 The Great Hall, Stirling Castle – 7.30pm Tickets are priced at £10 with a special offer to Friends of Historic Scotland of £5.

Set within Stirling Castle’s Great Hall, the music of Robert Carver is brought to life as part of a unique choral concert on the anniversary of the battle of Stirling Bridge.

STIRLING BOOK FESTIVAL 2010 Monday 13 September Tolbooth – 7.30-9pm Tickets £7/£6 Back to open the fifth Off the Page Stirling Book Festival, Christopher Brookmyre talks about his work.

Off The Page Book Festival Stirling Council Library Service’s annual book festival is taking place from 11-18 September. This year it is bringing to Stirling an exciting array of popular authors such as Christopher Brookmyre, Iain M. Banks and Louise Welsh. Local authors and poets will also be showcased.

Whisky tasting, poetry and creative writing events are all on the menu too. Off the Page is part-funded by the Scottish Arts Council.

For more information, please visit: www. stirling.gov.uk/offthepage Tuesday 14 September Stirling Smith – 11am Willie Thom reads some short stories of Robert Bontine Cunninghame Graham.

Tuesday 14 September Tolbooth Attic – 7.30-9pm Tickets – £5/£4 An Evening of Crime: authors Alex Gray and Craig Russell discuss their work, chaired by Jim Fraser, professor of forensic science.

Wednesday 15 September Tolbooth – 7.30-9pm Tickets – £7/£6 An Evening with Iain M Banks: the Fife author talks about his novel Transition and his latest science fiction novel.

Wednesday 15 September Stirling Smith – 11am Lesley Duncan, Herald Poetry Editor, reads her Stirling poems.

Thursday 16 September Stirling Smith – 11am Young Stirling poet Billy Letford Thursday 16 September Tolbooth Attic – 7.30-9pm Tickets – £5/£4 Denise Mina has written nine novels, three graphic novels, short stories, plays, and contributes to BBC radio and television.

Friday 17 September Stirling Smith – 11am Stuart Kelly speaks on Scott’s Land Friday 17 September Tolbooth Attic – 7.30-9pm Tickets – £5/£4 Bestselling author Louise Welsh in conversation with Laura Marney on her latest novel, Naming the Bones.

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BIG BRILLIANT BOOK SALE Saturday 18 September Smith Lecture Theatre – 10.30am-3pm On the last day of the Book Festival, a huge sale of art and quality nonfiction books, donated by a Friend of the Smith to raise funds for the Smith.

MOISHES BAGEL Tuesday 14 September Tolbooth – 8pm Tickets – £12/£10 An intoxicating, life-affirming mix of Eastern European dance music, Middle Eastern rhythms and virtuoso performances.

THE ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA GREATEST HITS TOUR FEATURING THE FABULOUS ELO EXPERIENCE Thursday 16 September Albert Halls – 7.30pm Tickets £16/£15 Talented musicians bring this show, recently back from Las Vegas, to UK theatres with the most popular songs of ELO.

STIRLING WEDDING SHOW Saturday 18 September Albert Halls – noon-4.30pm Tickets £5/£4 in advance The City of Stirling’s biggest and best wedding show presents the finest of all things bridal – catwalk shows at 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

Doors Open Days 18 and 19 September

This is your chance to visit all kinds of historic and interesting buildings all over the Stirling area.

Participants (at the time of going to press) include: ● Blair Drummond House ● Carbeth Huts ● Church of the Holy Rude ● Cowane’s Hospital ● Georgian House ● Holy Trinity Episcopal Church ● Lecropt Kirk ● Leighton Library ● Mugdock Castle ● Stirling Council Archives ● Stirling Highland Hotel and Observatory ● Stirling Old Town Jail (visit also includes 10% discount on entrance to the jail’s exhibition afterwards) ● Stirling Tolbooth ● Stirling Youth Hostel Association ● Stirling Sheriff Court.

Photographs that say it all Have Your Say, an exhibition of photographs taken by a group of adult learners with learning disabilities, is on at the Smith Art Gallery and Museum until 31 August. Further photographs will be on show later in the year at the Macrobert.

“This group of learners has traditionally been the subject of photographs, rather than the creators of them,” said Colleen Blyth, literacies specialist. “So this project has been a fantastic way to give the participants control over how they are DAWN SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY 18 September – 31 October Smith Art Gallery Admission free An exhibition of portraits from a photographer skilled in showing her subjects to advantage. All are invited to the private view at 7.30pm, Friday 24 September.

STIRLING COUNCIL ARCHIVES 22 September Stirling Central Library – 3.30-4.30pm Chatterbooks storytelling and exhibition.

BIG BEAST TALKS SERIES Fridays from 24 September 2010 Stirling Smith – noon This series of talks is planned to give visitors an insight into the history of animal management and present practices in farming, and an opportunity to discuss the details with historians and practitioners.

24 September – Highland Cattle Una Flora Cochrane, BA FSA Scot.

Highland cattle from the 18th to the mid 19th century were one of the sources of wealth in Scotland.

1 October – United Auctions Since 1858 David Leggat MBE, Executive Chairman of United Auctions will tell the story of the establishment of local marts.

8 October – The Scottish Drovers Ian Scott, Saltire Society, is an expert on the history of droving and its main market, the Falkirk Tryst.

22 October – Scottish Butchers by Alasdair Beaton Gray’s, the Butcher in Upper Craigs, is the last of the market butchers in Stirling who select their own meat in the auction ring.

29 October – The Stirling Gold Torcs Dr Fraser Hunter, National Museums of Scotland, will describe the

perceived by the rest of the world – to use the power of the photograph to have their say.

Each has captured remarkable images full of colour and texture.

“It’s been great to see the learners’ confidence grow. They have overcome anxiety, low self-esteem and literacy barriers and created an improved vision of themselves through photography.” recent discovery of the gold torcs in a field near Stirling.

TEA & CAKE RECITAL Saturday 25 September Tolbooth – tea and cake from 2.30pm with recital at 3pm Tickets – £8 includes tea and cake This month we are joined by an unusual and beautiful combination of instruments, with Ruth Morley on Flute and Rhian Macleod on Marimba.

ACTIVE STIRLING HOST A CELEBRATION OF DANCE PERFORMED BY STIRLING’S SCHOOL CHILDREN Monday 27 September MacRobert Arts Centre – 7-8.30pm Tickets £5 – call MacRobert Box office

Each member of the group has successfully completed several photography qualifications.

STIRLING COUNCIL ARCHIVES 30 September Bridge of Allan library – 4-5pm Chatterbooks storytelling and exhibition.

October ERRORS + THE TWILIGHT SAD Friday 1 October Tolbooth – 8pm Tickets £12 Indie bands’ joint tour from Glasgow.

SCOTFAIRS ANTIQUE FAIR Saturday 2 October Albert Halls – 10am Admission £1

CONTINUED OVERLEAF>>

RACMSA Rally of Scotland 2010 15-17 October

The RACMSA Rally of Scotland roars into Stirling and Perthshire again this autumn.

The rally will be the penultimate round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, which includes other events in Monte Carlo, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Portugal, Czech Republic and Cyprus. Stirling stages of this exciting

event will include Loch Ard and Achrey Forest in the Trossachs, with a fabulous and free final ceremony at Stirling Castle on Sunday 17 October.

Rally spectator tickets for advance purchase are now available, and this year entry to the rally stages is free for children under 15. For further information on tickets and stages, go to www.stirling. gov.uk/rally Image courtesy of Les Kolczak www.worldrally pics.com

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More than 65 stalls selling everything from pictures, jewellery and glassware to quirky collectables make a great shopping experience.

CENTRESCENE STAGE SCHOOLS PRESENTS CINDERELLA Tuesday 5-Thursday 7 October Albert Halls – 7.15pm Tickets £10/£8 Come and capture this timeless fairy tale – an evening of fun and magic, and a definite must for the whole family.

THE DICKENS BOOK GROUP Wednesdays 6 October24 November Stirling Smith – noon Tickets £3 for each session or £20 for the eight sessions The Dickens Book Group meets again, under the guidance of Professor Grahame Smith, to read Our Mutual Friend.

SOUTHERN TENANT FOLK UNION Thursday 7 October Tolbooth – 8pm Tickets £12/£10

TEA & CAKE RECITAL Saturday 9 October Tolbooth – 2.30pm Tickets £8

SESSION A9 Saturday 9 October Tolbooth – 8pm Tickets £12/£10 Session A9 have been described as “the best band to have come out of Scotland in 100 years”.

FUNGUS AMONG US Sunday 10 October Plean Country Park – 10am-noon and Mine Woods, Bridge of Allan – 2-4pm Expert Liz Holden explains the fascinating fungus kingdom and introduces us to some of these amazing autumnal fruits.

Venues

The Provost Awards 29 October

The Provost’s Civic Awards are given to individuals or organisations who have made significant contributions to the life of their local communities, or who have achieved national recognition in their field over

the past 24 months. The awards give local people the opportunity to nominate those who they feel have really made a difference.

Provost Fergus Wood will make the presentations at a gala event in Stirling Castle.

Tuesday 12 October Balfron – 10am-3pm Help tidy up the route between Little Camoquhill and Wester Camoquhill – there are jobs, big and small. You can make a difference!

ROLLING BACK THE YEARS II Thursday 14 October Albert Halls – 7.30pm Tickets £12/£10 Performed by a cast of world-class singers and the brilliant Memory Lane dancers. The biggest nostalgia show in the UK!

MICHAEL McGOLDRICK Wednesday 20 October Tolbooth – 8pm Tickets £12/£10 Flute and tin whistle player.

STIRLING COUNCIL ARCHIVES 21 October St Ninian’s library – 3.30-4.30pm Chatterbooks storytelling and exhibition.

MOONLIGHT SERENADE ORCHESTRA UK Thursday 21 October Albert Halls – 7.30pm Tickets £16/£14 Come along to this evening of swing and nostalgia but be sure to bring your foot-tapping shoes with you!

Thursday 21 October Tolbooth – 8pm Tickets £10/£8

A truly great evening with a truly great British rocker! All proceeds donated to Strathcarron Hospice.

STIRLING COUNCIL ARCHIVES 26 October Fallin library – 3.30-4.30pm Chatterbooks storytelling and exhibition.

WORLDWIDE WRESTLING LEAGUE – WRESTLUTION IV Thursday 28 October Albert Halls – Doors open 6.30pm/first bell 7pm Tickets: £12/£10/£35 (family) A night of American-style professional wrestling great fun for all the family. For more information, visit W3Lwrestling.com

DRACULA Friday 29 & Saturday 30 October Albert Halls – 7.30pm Tickets £10/£8, group bookings of 15 or more £6 The evil Count Dracula plans to spread his curse from Transylvania to Britain in this bewitching and sinister horror tale.

November BIG BEAST PICTURES Until 14 November Smith Art Gallery Admission free Sponsored by United Auctions, this exhibition showcases the best of the animal paintings in the Stirling Smith’s collection.

BIODIVERSITY ACTION DAY

● The Albert Halls Tel: 01786 473544 www.stirling.gov.uk/alberthalls ● Tolbooth Tel: 01786 274000 www.stirling.gov.uk/tolbooth

ALVIN STARDUST – I LOVE ROCK & ROLL CHARITY CONCERT

Saturday 6 November Tolbooth – 8pm Tickets £12/£10 One of the world’s most respected guitarists with a myriad of styles and influences, John Etheridge is joined by special guest Kit Holmes.

Friday 22 October Albert Halls – 7.30pm Tickets £17.50

Tuesday 9 November

● MacRobert Arts Centre Tel: 01786 466666 www.macrobert.org ● Other event information www.stirling.gov.uk/my/events

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Bridge of Allan – 10am-3pm Join the rangers to work on the woods that create a beautiful green backdrop to the spa town.

SWAN LAKE Friday 12 November Albert Halls – 7.30pm Tickets £17.50/£16 Considered by many to be one of the greatest classical ballets of all time, Swan Lake showcases the stunning music of Tchaikovsky.

LET’S HANG ON BIODIVERSITY ACTION DAY

Friday 22 October Buchlyvie – 10am-3pm Join us as we work on a path near you – probably focusing on the Buchlyvie to Arnprior route.

● Smith Art Gallery Tel: 01786 471917 www.smithartgallery.demon. co.uk

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FAST FACTS

JOHN ETHERIDGE & KIT HOLMES

MID-WOOD MADE GOOD

From April 2009-March 2010, £35,740 was awarded to 72 groups delivering projects to the benefit of communities throughout the Stirling Council area – an average of £496 per award. Find out more at www.stirling.gov.uk/community

Saturday 13 November Albert Halls – 7.30pm Tickets £16/£14 A musical journey through the prolific career of one of the most successful bands of all time – Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.

SKERRYVORE Saturday 13 November Tolbooth – 8pm Tickets £12/£10 Bagpipes, fiddle and accordions, electrically fused with funky rhythms and soul-gripping songs – a Trad-rock fusion for the 21st century.

STIRLING COUNCIL SCHOOLS CONCERTS Saturday 13 November Callander McLaren High School – 7.30pm Tickets £6/£4 Stirling Council’s annual School’s Concert showcases more than 200 young musicians from all seven high schools. A second concert will take place at the Albert Halls on Sunday 21 November.

MAGIC OF MOTOWN Sunday 14 November Albert Halls – 7.30pm The best live Motown tribute concert boasts a superbly choreographed cast, 36 million-selling hits, and that authentic Detroit sound.ANDY

KIRKPATRICK – OFF THE WALL Tuesday 16 November Albert Halls – 7.30pm Tickets £13/£11 Concession UK’s only “stand-up mountaineer” combines narrative with stunning audio visuals to give his audiences a real taste of adventure.

CATRIONA McKAY & CHRIS STOUT Thursday 18 November Tolbooth – 8pm Tickets£12/£10 A harpist and fiddler who have been sparking creatively off each other for years – at their collaborative best.

CHARITIES CHRISTMAS CARD SALE Saturday 20 November Albert Halls – 10am Admission 50p A chance to support local and national charities who will be selling a range of Christmas cards and gifts.

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AN COMUNN GAIDHEALACH Saturday 20 November Albert Halls – 7.30pm Tickets £4 A voluntary membership organisation, actively encouraging the teaching, learning and use of the Gaelic language.

TEA & CAKE RECITAL Saturday 20 November Albert Halls – 2.30pm Admission £8 incl tea and cake

STIRLING COUNCIL SCHOOLS CONCERTS Sunday 21 November Albert Halls – 7.30pm Tickets £6/£4 The second of Stirling Council’s annual School’s Concerts showcasing more than 200 young musicians from all seven high schools.

FEED THE BIRDS DIY Friday 26 November Plean Country Park – 1-3pm Learn how to help our feathered friends through the winter. Make your own bird box and bird feeders.

All equipment provided.

Friends Lectures These acclaimed talks take place in the lecture theatre of the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, and feature a variety of different subjects.

Participants (at the time of going to press) include: ● 27 September 2010 Sundials and their uses in 17th Century Scotland by Cairns Mason FSA Scot. ● 25 October 2010 Species Action Framework

by Martin Gaywood – Scottish Natural Heritage ● 29 November 2010 Scottish Screen Archive by Ruth Washbrook ● 31 January 2011 Scotland’s Rural Past by Tertia Barnett – Royal Commission on Ancient Monuments ● 28 February 2011 Linnaeus – The Scottish Connection by Julian Ward – Mountain Guide ● 28 March 2011 The Artist and The Sitter

by Matilda Mitchell For more information, visit www.smithart gallery.demon.co.uk

Singalong Stirling Community choirs Singing Stirling and Kippen Wee Sing have released their first CD, with the help of an £800 community grant from Stirling Council, rehearsal and recording space from the Tolbooth, and support from other individuals and organisations.

Both groups have been getting together for the sheer enjoyment of singing for several years, and the CD reflects their diverse repertoire.

Tracks range from Scots songs such as Both Sides the Tweed

and Westlin Winds to Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds, by way of traditional AfroAmerican, Russian Orthodox and Swedish arrangements and a spot of Cole Porter!

Singing Stirling is open to adults with or without singing experience, and everyone is welcome. Classes meet regularly at The Tolbooth, Jail Wynd, Stirling.

Profits from sales of Singing Stirling and Kippen Wee Sing will be donated to local music projects. For more information

ST ANDREW’S NIGHT CEILIDH

Scottish pianist, bassist, composer and guitarist.

Tuesday 30 November Albert Halls – 8pm Celebrate St Andrew’s day in style.

CHRISTMAS CEILIDHS

December THE 20TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY TOUR PRESENT ABBA, THE ‘MAMMA MIA’ CONCERT Friday 3 December Albert Halls – 7.30pm Tickets £15.00 Voulez Vous perform a non-stop barrage of Abba hits including all the songs from the highly successful film Mamma Mia.

Thursday 18 December Tolbooth Family Ceilidh – 3-5pm Tickets £6 each or 4 for £20 Evening Ceilidh – 8-11pm Tickets £10 each or 4 for £30

ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN Monday 22 December Albert Halls – 7.30pm Tickets £18.50 Performed by Gary Mullen and The Works. With fantastic lighting, staging and sound, this show will rock you – guaranteed!

and to buy copies of the CD (£10 plus p&p), please visit www.spanglefish.com/singing stirling or email singinstirling@ googlemail.com The CD is also available for sale at the Tolbooth.

THE SINGING KETTLE PRESENTS SANTA’S FUN FACTORY Wednesday 29 & Thursday 30 December Albert Halls – 1pm & 3.30pm (Wed), 11am &2pm (Thu) Tickets £11.50/Family £42/ Groups 10+ £8.50.

Early Bird £9.50 A fantastic festive treat that will have you rocking with laughter and singing all the way home. Remember to dress up for fun in a Santa hat!

HOGMANAY CEILIDH Friday 31 December Albert Halls – 8pm Tickets go on sale on Monday 4 October 2010.

Bring in the New Year with a bang!

STIRLING ORCHESTRA – ENGLISH MUSIC MAKERS Friday 5 December Albert Halls – 7.30pm Tickets £9/£7/£2 accompanied schoolchildren The orchestra will celebrate the music of some favourite English composers, including Elgar and Vaughan-Williams.

BACK WALK BLITZ Sunday 7 December 10am–3pm Come along and lend a helping hand to remove litter from the paths, woodlands and grasslands of the Back Walk and Gowanhill.

NATIONAL YOUTH CHOIR OF SCOTLAND Sunday 7 December Albert Halls Established in 1996 to provide opportunities for young people, teachers and choir directors to support and develop choral singing across Scotland.

BILL WELLS BLACK CHRISTMAS (AIDAN MOFFAT/ STEVIE JACKSON) Wednesday 17 December Tolbooth – 8pm Tickets £14/£12

Win a great guide to local walks!

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs 40 Favourite Walks is the latest in a beautifully produced series of shorter walking guides by Pocket Mountains, Scotland’s leading outdoor publisher.

Accessibly written and illustrated with superb photography and colourful maps to inspire and guide you around every walk, the guide features 40 favourite walking routes in and around Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, many of which can be reached by public transport and are ideal for families. ★ We have 10 copies of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, worth £6.99 each, to give away to the first 10 readers who send a postcard to: Loch Lomond Walks Guide, Stirling Magazine, Communications and Marketing, Stirling Council, Old Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET Please remember to include your name and address. For more information, visit www.pocketmountains.com

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Useful information

YourCouncillors Learn more about your councillors on our website www.stirling.gov.uk/councillors

Councillor Tony Ffinch Conservative email: Tonyffincht@stirling.gov.uk

Councillor Fergus Wood SNP email: woodf@stirling.gov.uk

Councillor Graham Lambie SNP email: lambieg@stirling.gov.uk

WARD 2 FORTH AND ENDRICK

Councillor Paul Owens Labour email: owensp@stirling.gov.uk

Councillor Alistair Berrill Conservative email: berrilla@stirling.gov.uk

Councillor Colin O’Brien Labour email: obrienc@stirling.gov.uk

WARD 1 TROSSACHS AND TEITH

WARD 3 DUNBLANE AND BRIDGE OF ALLAN Councillor Callum Campbell Conservative email: campbellc@stirling.gov.uk Councillor Colin Finlay Labour email: finlayc@stirling.gov.uk Councillor David Goss Lib Dem email: gossd@stirling.gov.uk

WARD MAP

Councillor Graham Houston SNP email: houstong@stirling.gov.uk WARD 4 CASTLE Councillor John Hendry Labour email: hendryj@stirling.gov.uk Councillor Graham Reed Lib Dem email: reedg@stirling.gov.uk Councillor Jim Thomson SNP email: thomsonj03@stirling.gov.uk WARD 5 STIRLING WEST Councillor Neil Benny Conservative email: bennyn@stirling.gov.uk Councillor Scott Farmer SNP email: farmers@stirling.gov.uk

✃

For access to all Stirling Council services phone the contact centre on: 0845 277 7000 • text: 07717 990 001 Visit www.stirling.gov.uk or email info@stirling.gov.uk

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● BT (Faults) Tel: 0800 800151 ● Central Scotland Fire & Rescue Service HQ Tel: 01324 716996 Councillor Andrew Simpson Labour email: simpsona3@stirling.gov.uk WARD 6 STIRLING EAST Councillor Ian Brown Lib Dem email: browni@stirling.gov.uk Councillor Corrie McChord Labour email: mcchordc@stirling.gov.uk Councillor Steven Paterson SNP email: patersonst@stirling.gov.uk WARD 7 BANNOCKBURN (Bannockburn, Cowie, Plean)

Councillor Margaret Brisley Labour email: brisleym@stirling.gov.uk

● Central Scotland Police Tel: 01786 456000

Representing you in Parliament Learn more about the Scottish and UK Governments online at www.scotland.gov.uk and www.direct.gov.uk CONSTITUENCY MSP STIRLING BRUCE CRAWFORD

SNP tel: 01786 471899 email: Bruce.Crawford.msp@ scottish.parliament.uk web: www.brucecrawfordmsp.net Constituency Office Unit 111, John Player Building Stirling Enterprise Park Stirling FK7 7RP LIST MSPS MID SCOTLAND AND FIFE

Councillor Violet Weir Labour email: weirv@stirling.gov.uk

Conservative tel: 0131 348 5293 email: Murdo.Fraser.msp@ scottish.parliament.uk

● Floodline Tel: 0845 988188 ● Forth Valley College Tel: 0845 634 44 44 ● Hydro Electric Tel: 0800 300000 ● MacRobert Arts Centre Tel: 01786 467155/466666 ● NHS Forth Valley Tel: 01786 463031 ● Quantum Meters Tel: 0845 6066766 ● Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley Tel: 01786 451919 ● Scottish Power Tel: 0845 2727111 ● Scottish Water Tel: 0845 6008855 ● Stirling Royal Infirmary Tel: 01786 434000

MURDO FRASER

SNP tel:0131 348 6765 email: Christopher.Harvie.msp @scottish.parliament.uk

● First Bus Lost Property Tel: 08708 727271

ELIZABETH SMITH

Conservative tel: 0131 348 6762 email: Elizabeth.Smith. msp@ scottish.parliament.uk

TED BROCKLEBANK

CHRISTOPHER HARVIE

● Falkirk Royal Infirmary Tel: 01324 624000

RICHARD SIMPSON

Labour tel: 0131 348 6756 email: Richard.Simpson. msp@ scottish.parliament.uk

Labour tel: 0131 348 6759 email: Claire.Baker.msp @scottish.parliament.uk

Conservative tel: 0131 348 5610 email: Ted.Brocklebank. msp@ scottish.parliament.uk

● Consumer Direct Tel: 0845 4040506

JOHN PARK

Labour tel: 0131 348 6753 email: John.Park.msp@ scottish.parliament.uk

CLAIRE BAKER

Councillor Alasdair MacPherson SNP, email:macphersona@ stirling.gov.uk

Dates of meetings are online at www.stirling.gov.uk/ meetings or contact us by phone at 0845 277 7000

Useful information

OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT STIRLING ANNE McGUIRE

Labour tel: 01786 446515 email: mcguirea@parliament.uk web: www.annemcguiremp.org.uk Constituency Office 22 Viewfield Street, Stirling FK8 1UA

● University of Stirling Tel: 01786 473171 ● TRANSCO (Gas Emergencies) Tel: 0800 111999 ● Traveline Tel: 0871 2002233

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