Stirling Magazine - Winter 2010

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WINTER 2010

ENJOY A SNEAK PREVIEW OF THE MAGNIFICENTLY RESTORED 16TH-CENTURY ROYAL APARTMENTS AT STIRLING CASTLE Also inside

Breaking down the barriers Adult learners enjoy a ‘global’ education

Waste not, want not Turn your rubbish into a valuable resource

Tricks of the trade Apprentices on the path to a new career

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Page 20

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Stirling.gov.uk

FOR EVERYONE LIVING IN THE STIRLING COUNCIL AREA

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APPRENTICESHIPS

STIRLING.GOV.UK

B e at t h e Keeping the roads open

Come rain, hail, snow or sleet, we’re ready to keep the Stirling safely on the move this area winter

ent options, from “There are differto welcoming a young offering a room family or household” person into your

Drop in to find out all the info…My Stirlin

s: Opening time

10

will be sent direct to your mobile if you sign up for the My Stirling service. More details www.stirling.gov.uk/my at

STIRLING.GOV.UK

Priority two ❄ Ice and snow cleared when the daily flow of traffic in both directions is more than 600 vehicles and ice or snow are likely for more than 24

Weather forecasting The Met Office has the current contract to provide forecasts for the Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmanna nshire council areas.

There are also 20 weather monitoring stations embedded in road surfaces which give constant data on road conditions.

This information helps us plan and make decisions about treating the roads.

Exhibitions at The Smith Art Gallery & Museum

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hours from the weather prediction r forecast received Decembe at midday.

THE 20TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY TOUR PRESENT ABBA, THE ‘MAMMA MIA’ CONCERT

What you can do to help…

Stirling Council and local people working in partnership is the best way to beat the freeze

Stirling Council will... ❄ Provide a prioritised

winter service on the local road network. ❄ Make as large an area as possible accessible as quickly as possible.

Friday 3 December

Halls – 7.30pm Sometimes thisAlbert will mean treating the pavement £15 ❄ Consider not travelling Ticketson if roads a non-stop one side of a road are likely to Voulez only. Vous perform become all including blocked. barrage of Abba hits Slow We ask you to...the songs from❄the down! Avoid highly sudden braking ❄ Plan your journey Mia. and use successful carefully.film Mamma dipped headlights Check weather forecasts if visibility is poor. and avoid using minor ANTIQUE FAIR ❄ Keep wheelie bins roads if possible. out 4 December the way of snowploug of ❄ Travel early or theSaturday hs. day Halls❄ Remember Albert before if heavy snow neighbours £1 is tickets who 10am, may be older or forecast. have a disability.

WOMEN OF SCOTLAND QUILTS

20 November 2010 – 9 January 2011

CHRISTMAS TINGLES

15 November 2010 – January 2011 Selection of artwork and crafts ideal for christmas presents.

CLARE YARRINGTON PRINTS

15 January – 13 March 2011

Venues ● The Albert Halls Tel: 01786 473544 www.stirling.gov.uk/alberthalls ● Tolbooth Tel: 01786 274000 www.stirling.gov.uk/tolbooth ● Smith Art Gallery Tel: 01786 471917 www.smithartgallery.demon. co.uk ● MacRobert Arts Centre Tel: 01786 466666 www.macrobert.org ● Other event information www.stirling.gov.uk/my/events

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On Sunday 21 November Santa and his reindeer come to Stirling, and an afternoon of fun, music and dancing will lead up to the switching on of the city centre Christmas lights. Here’s our guide to the day.

THISTLES SANTA AND REAL REINDEER PARADE

Corn Exchange and King Street, Stirling Noon Come wrapped up in winter woollies or festive fancy dress to join Santa, Rudolph and friends as they arrive at Corn Exchange and set off on the sleigh down King Street.

SANTA OPENS THE THISTLES GROTTO

Outside HMV, The Thistles From 12.30pm Santa will leave the reindeer to enjoy a nosh outside Costa Coffee while he and his helpers lead the procession to a brand-new magical grotto outside HMV. Tell Santa what’s on your Christmas list, receive a special gift, and there’s a chance to have your photograph taken.

MEET THE REAL REINDEER

Outside Costa Coffee, Murray Place 12.30pm-2pm After the procession, the real

reindeer will be grazing in their pen outside Costa Coffee from 12.30pm-2.00pm. It’s a chance to see Rudolf and friends before their big night, so bring along your camera to capture the moment.

CENTRAL FM ROADSHOW WITH LAZY TOWN SPORTS CLUB

Bottom of King Street 3pm-5pm Music and fun with the Central FM roadshow. Keep warm and keep moving as Lazy Town Sports

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!

A selection of beautiful Christmas cards from the 1880s and 1890s are one of the archive service’s festive features this year.

The Victorian designs are part of the Stirling of Gargunnock collection. “It’s interesting how they are so different from the cards of today – and from how we probably imagine cards from this era

careers

Stirling of Gargunnock Papers

DOUGIE MACLEAN

Saturday 4 December Gartmore Village Hall Tickets £17 Come and see the hugely popular singer in this intimate setting.

& 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

HOGMANAY CEILIDH

Friday 31 December Albert Halls – 8pm Tickets £47.50

STIRLING.GOV.UK

The place to be to bring in the New Year,

with singer/songwriter Moira Kerr as your host.

Club take to the stage and get everyone bopping to Bing Bang (Time to Dance). Entertainment will also include performances from Stageworx.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON

Bottom of King Street, near the Christmas tree 5pm Join the big countdown to the switch on of Stirling’s Christmas lights with Provost Fergus Wood and Central FM.

A Victorian-style Christmas from the archives might have looked,” said Assistant Archivist Jane Petrie.

“These pre-date the redcoated Santa Claus, and although some of the cards are decorated with snowy scenes, others display spring or summer flowers.

These are no doubt intended by the Victorians as a sign of spring and new life to come, or a symbol of the resurrection.”

Hogmanay at the Castle year’s Hogmanay event, Real Radio’s Ewen Cameron will host this with special guests and fireworks at midnight.

TICKET SALES TIMES

Gates open 9pm, event ends just after midnight

TICKET PRICES £20 – 16yrs and over nine £18 – (per ticket for 10) Buy 10 and pay for with an adult ticket £15 – child ticket eight-15yrs when purchased

Tickets will also

● Tolbooth ● Ticketsoup.com ● Albert Halls ● Macrobert ● Online from

01786 27 4000 (Mon – Sat, 10am – 6pm) 0844 395 4000 (Open 7 days, 9am – 9pm) 01786 47 3544 01786 46 6666 www.stirlinghogmanay.com

and from the Community be on sale from all of Stirling’s Libraries

Resource Centre on Dumbarton Road

STIRLING.GOV.UK

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STIRLING.GOV.UK

What’s inside…

4 Find a Safe Base in the city centre 5 Comforting news for local shoppers 6 Stirling Castle’s royal palace is given a stunning multi-million makeover 8 How have we done?

Looking back at our performance last year 10 Giving young people a better start in life 12 How the digital TV switchover will affect you 13 Stirling gets ready to

to do

Floodline

Tuesday 21 December Albert Halls 7.30pm, tickets £14/£12 Buddy Holly & The Crickets are guaranteed to get you in the seasonal mood.

Santa Claus is coming to town!

Burst pipe? Here’s what

If you get ❄ Contain leaks or frozen pipes use buckets and towels to collect ❄ Turn off the water and supply at soak up the water. the main stopcock. ❄ If your ceiling bulges, ❄ If you can, collect place water in a bucket under it. Use the bath for washing a and screwdriver to pierce flushing the toilet. a hole to allow the water through. ❄ Turn on all cold taps to drain ❄ Call a registered plumber. the system. Don’t turn If hot you are a tenant, call taps on – the water your cylinder landlord. may Council The salt in these bins collapse if the pipes tenants, is please call the Repairs feeding it are frozen. for the whole community Line on 0800 027 5888 during ❄ Flush the toilet. and should only be used on office hours, or the ❄ Switch off the central routes and footways contact heating – not centre on 0845 277 and immersion heater on individual driveways.

7000 at years with the and let other times. any solid fuel fires die 11 down.

STIRLING.GOV.UK ❄Try to defrost the pipe using Going on holiday? warm air (use a hairdryer) Priority three or If you are away from warm water. Start by PAVEMEN TS ❄ Treated only in home for a warming few days exceptional during cold weather: the pipe as close as Priorities weather conditions. possible ❄ Keep your heating to the tap or valve, then ❄ Places with a group ❄ Routes where the on low work of daily flow and leave the loft hatch along it. Defrost it slowly. three or more essential of traffic in both directions open. ❄ Pour salt into the ❄ Don’t use fierce heat premises such as food toilet pan is more than 400 vehicles. or a and other waste pipes naked flame – the pipe shops and post offices.

– it may helps stop the water burst. If you’re unsure ❄ Steps and ramps Priority four freezing. to how ❄ Ask someone to to contain burst pipes, underpasses and bridges. ❄ Treated only in check the don’t very house while try to defrost them. ❄ Pavements connecting exceptional weather you’re shopping areas to conditions. nearby away.

If you get a burst public buildings. ❄ All other roads pipe on the ❄ Turn off the water ❄ Outside individual public roads network. supply at essential the premises main stopcock.

Priority will be given in towns or village ❄ Turn off the electricity shopping centres. to difficult junctions, at theand ❄ At sheltered housing mains. gradients, bends or friends. children, relatives of ❄ Turn off water heaters and residential sharp inclines. This significant collection homes forThe Stirling of Gargunnock (let solid fuel fires that estates, to thepeople. material relates older heat water diefor papers are available down). family and holdings of the view to to ❄ Turn public the on We’re not able all taps members of who owned to... familywill drain your the build up until the along with the ❄ Keep all roads freeStirling ofsystem. rest papers from If you can, Archive. ploughThe snow and ice all theGargunnock Estate. gets back again. material held by the collect time. of charters books, water ❄ in ❄ Prevent ice from include rent Clear roads blocked by bath open forming.

FREEtheand The Archiveforiswashing and maps, plans When it rains, salt Gargunnock,stranded and vehicles. already 9.30amflushing ❄ Treat Monday-Wednesday the roads laid will be washed accounts, along toilet. blocked because with family away. If Warn of inconsiderate parking. 12.30pm ❄ 1.30pm-4.30pm. your neighbours. and the temperature then letters, falls notebooks, sketchbooks suddenly, ice will form.

There are also will then take severalandItphotographs.

To find out more contact birthday, several albums ofOur hours to treat all roads. conta archive@stirling.gov.uk ct cards New Year Even after the salt Christmas andcentr e is here to or phone 01786 450745. is applied, it takes time received by help from their the family 24 hours for the ice to melt.

365 days a a day, Call 0845 988 1188 week ❄ Stop snow from lying. rocking with Floodline you have will that is treat a 24-hour Even if we are ploughing telephone information KETTLE PRESENTS a way service all the and singing the whole route continuous THE SINGING laughtercovering of Scotland offering ly, snow the latest monitoring SANTA’S FUN FACTORY information up for dress Remember onto home. river levels, rainfall and tidal predictions, as Wednesday 29 weather hat!forecasts. in aasSanta funwell

CALL 084 277 70005

HOLLY AT CHRISTMAS

STIRLING.GOV.UK

Salt bins There are 475 salt bins across our area. The salt is for use on public roads and footpaths with particular hazards, for example, a sharp bend or steep hill.

In villages and land smaller communities the council’s , started with community bins will be services team. provided help them general treatment Their work will of for skills, ofrange the public learn a wide androads. plants Salt bins will be checked from nurturing with garden working topped up flowers to and regularly, as three during their machineryresources allow. council.

new Trio’s budding

g

School closures We always try to keep our very severe conditions, schools open in bad weather. But in a school for safety reasons. decision may be taken not to open a Closures will be highlighted page of the council on the front website as early as possible in the morning.

Announcements will also be made on local radio.

Events and activities

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.

Winter planning

With budget-setting for 2011-12 and beyond now under way nationally and locally, this is a particularly challenging time for everyone.

We need to make the most of every opportunity to provide improved local services with the much-reduced funding that will be available. There is no doubt that the Stirling Council of the future will look and feel very different.

Over the summer and autumn, we’ve been continuing to identify further efficiencies and explore new ideas. The new one-stop shop set to open early next year in Stirling’s Port Street is a good example. It will give our customers convenient access to an advice centre where council staff can help with queries and applications on everything from council tax and housing to parking and planning.

But this new approach will also help us keep running costs as efficient as they can be. Services currently offered at the Municipal Buildings will move to the one-stop shop in the spring.

We hope other organisations will join us in the one-stop shop. By sharing our ideas and resources in partnerships like this, we will be able to provide the most efficient and effective services. We remain committed to doing everything we can to support our communities, especially our most vulnerable people.

Today’s circumstances are hard. But as a recent survey by business analysts Experian showed, our area is the fifth best-placed in Scotland (and 94th out of 356 British districts) to bounce back once the upturn in the economy comes. So as well as meeting the current challenges, we are planning for a vibrant future for Stirling.

There are exciting things on the horizon. Next Easter’s reopening of the Royal Apartments at Stirling Castle will heighten the appeal of our premier tourist attraction.

And as we count down to 2014 with the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn and Scotland’s hosting of both the Ryder Cup and Commonwealth Games, the opportunities for the Stirling economy will be considerable.

We are determined that local people and businesses will benefit from the anticipated boost to tourism. Maximising opportunities for Stirling people as we shape the council of the future remains at the heart of everything we do.

y to The active wa ce! build confiden

Events and activities

Comment

ASSISTED LODGINGS

l opportunities agreement, older of fun and educationa Through the activity enjoy a range teenagers can

celebrate a bumper year of events in 2014 14 Excelling in education – what the new curriculum means for pupils 16 Brrr! What you can do to prepare for winter’s grip 18 Top tips to keep you and your family healthy this winter 20 Working together to cut our carbon footprint 22 The essential guide to what’s on in your area 26 Find out how to contact your local councillor

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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Winter planning

John were Macmillan, Four young peopleby housing on Stirling recently taken apprentices. services as tradesan (apprentice Council building Leon Templem Rankine services gas fitter), Martin (apprentice plumber), manager, Blair Hillhouse said: “We can’t ) at the end of (apprentice bricklayer guarantee a job training, but and Aaron Tasker their four years’ we will help and we do guarantee (apprentice painter professional started them get their decorator) all ons. trades qualificati the trade work in August. “I’m said: “We agreed with Aaron (above) per cent of our my role. Every unions that 10 be made up of really enjoying project and workforce would workforce day there’s a new is our paid All Getting apprentices. skills to learn. with these young that I’m on enjoy working on the great and knowing might be able and and helping them road people right the employment.” business one road to future to start my own day is really good.”

secure, We need to findfor young supportive placestaking their are people who adulthood. the love, comfirst steps into to Could you offer are a couple understanding So whether you mitment and e home environchildren, single with or without in your own give a supportiv year old? or a single parent,working or ment to a 16-21 that young home or renting, or Research shows young grown up unemployed, heart, please people who have at from young benefit simply living in care helping a when they think about additional support person. towards living vulnerable young need to move Stirling Council independently. kinds of people Priority one and all Preparation is looking for supportive ❄ Snow and ice cleared a support, including to help everyone 24 who can offer ent. trust. We aim e hours a day. Precaution s, will be allowance and knowledg ❄ The Scottish TS To home environm ary Governmen gain new skills to all carers. covers different salt treatment.

ACTIVITY AGREEMEN t provided future success.”

The scheme provides contactservice a winter to shape their offering a room ❄ All routes where out more, find love my job. It’s ROAD CLEARING options, from young person aged 16-19 the daily for motorways on 01786 471177.

She added: “I a Young people to hear Lorraine Kubski and trunk flow of traffic in both repeated, but if bad ready for to welcoming or household. roads that run through always very rewarding weather me who do not feel , training made family ‘It’s the directions is more does strike, we’re ready into your Stirling Council teams, comments like, and, ‘I don’t Stirling Council area. than further education know to work ’, but 800 vehicles daily. in partnership with together with our partner more confident ❄ BEAR Scotland treat or employment, (A bus local people l future to write me off the successfu people equivalent to 40 vehicles).is a to keep everyone moving want organisations Falkirk they want M9 and M80 (including enjoy school’.” exciting safely. and ❄ Routes to emergency because I didn’t Clackmannanshire are being offered roundabouts and slip agreement is service through Councils, Each activity bases, and ROADS opportunities for monitor Stirling example individual conditions on fire stations, roads). Tel 0800 138 ts.

David Rae, Ross growing tailored to meet Improving 9903. are hospital activity agreemen supported Park A&E roads 24 hours a day the area’s There will always be a limit Callum department and ❄ TRANSERV Scotland services s needs and goals. the gym, or and are to Working with skills with land treat and ambulance al, the the salt available for to ready to respond if garages. the A82, A84 and A85. treating our health by going e by abseiling the mercury by a trusted profession ❄ Routes to primary of topics.plummets roads. That’s why we to take part in Tel 0800 n on all kinds building confidenc some and this winter. have an teenagers agree 028 1414. informatio just e of secondary schools agreed plan about employment, Everyone’s hoping Scot down a cliff are also help ❄ BEAR Scotland Youngwhich from a personal programm chosen These include that last ts, treat the the nearest priority activities 11am-4pm to treat first and most roads year’s prolonged freeze examples. There’s activity agreemen learning and A9. Teltraining, one eships are Monday frequently 0800 587 reading, writing, isn’t 1108. of fun and route (except and Young Scot when conditions are available with Modern apprentic 11am-4pm from a range has Inversnaid health issues, Youth many other skills. bad.

The aim is ! The council Tuesday Entitlement.

Primaryflowering numeracy and for challenging options.

School are s and National funding because 11am-4pm of secured & health see what they young volunteer recently its remote Wednesday Young Scot to help them Services staff, like to find location). rists from the and build their from partner 5pm-8pm If you would 1pm-8pm budding horticultuent’s modern drop-in from ❄ representatives capable of doing the way.

Park there’s and if and to or Thursday Ride Governm routes out more, are on hand Scottishbus confidence along part of the organisations on the days scheme. your family who theseeships and give advice. services someone in apprentic The scheme is 11am-4pm answer questions Stirling are running. from an activity Choices More Friday Young Scot David Rae, Ross might benefit council’s More ION STATION ❄ Priority one ip.

11am-4pm please text Park recently INFORMAT contact Youth Callumare agreement, androutes You can get the latest For more info, Saturday Chances Partnersh co-ordinator by your 432211, in the treated in advance based SUCCESS followed99 6884.

Marie McGrath, said: “Many Services on 01786 ing. information Station, of on ice and is about e, Informati road ices@stirl snow as a precaution message to 07717 Street, Stirling, of the programm get in email: youthserv 07717 996 884. , and Old Arcade, King whereconditions, closures people have not the team will young and also during the formation of these young and need help One of gov.uk or Infotxt: one-stop shop anddisruptions can also contact a out of You in time find the Stirling easy touch. in ice and snow. All other had an on Station with Council area at www.stirling people can drop their lives. Our the Informati to move on in an priority treatments . . with them on gov.uk or from the for any enquiries contact role is to work happen after ice and roads and build their centre on 0845 277 7000. snow individual basis Alerts has formed.

Stirling Council Chief Executive Bob Jack

le

le

Stirling Council Leader Graham Houston

Young peop

Young peop

Contents and comment

Learning the tricks of their trades

and loving homeone some By offering a caring you could help environment, steps into adulthood take their first

“Maximising opportunities for Stirling people remains at the heart of everything we do”

2

up Apprentices sign training for four years’

oor to The open dfuture r te a brigh eople for young p

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PHOTO: MARC MARNIE. CHILDREN FROM RAPLOCH PERFORM AT STIRLING’S ALBERT HALLS LAST SUMMER

Congratulations to children from Raploch who recently made a Big Noise at the Scottish Parliament!

Big Noise is a children’s orchestra programme delivered by a charity called Sistema Scotland. The UK’s first Big Noise centre is in Raploch.

Through learning to play together, children learn about more than making music – the experience teaches them about confidence, teamwork, pride and aspiration, and helps children grow up as confident people with respect for themselves and each other.

If you have a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument in good condition to donate to the orchestra, the Big Noise would love to hear from you. Please get in touch by emailing george. anderson@sistemascotland.org.uk Find out more at www.sistemascotland.org.uk and www.makeabignoise.org.uk

Breaking down the barriers ADULT LEARNING

Stirling Council has successfully secured funding from the Grundtvig European Partnership for a project linking local adult learners with learners in Austria, Spain and Portugal.

“Breaking Down Barriers” supports older adult learners with a range of literacy and ICT skills, using multimedia and new technology to link up with learners from different countries, cultures and backgrounds.

Participants have the opportunity to gain ASDAN (Awards Scheme Development

Looking for somewhere to meet up?

COMMUNITY VENUES

Is your community group looking for a venue for a meeting? Rooms of different

News

A Big Noise at Holyrood

Bookbug, the new Scottish book-gifting scheme for young children, was officially welcomed to Stirling as part of the recent Off the Page book festival. Bookbug aims to encourage parents and children to read, sing and tell stories together. There are now plans for sessions in libraries across the council area.

and Accreditation Network) recognition for their work.

An exchange visit to Gratz in Austria has already taken place as part of the first phase of the project, and learners from Austria, Spain and Portugal are set to visit Stirling in May 2011.

Right: Thomas Connelly, Gordon Parkhill, Hugh Coyle and Elizabeth Lamb proudly display their ASDAN certificates

sizes, with capacity ranging from a handful to several hundred people, are available at competitive rates in some of the council’s high schools and primary schools. For example, Stirling High School can offer: ● an assembly hall – 250 people ● classrooms – 25 people ● a community suite – 20 people ● a heritage room – 15 people

In brief

● six small meeting rooms – 6/8 people ● meeting room – 12 people ● meeting room – 18/20 people ● staff lounge – 60 people ● conference room – 26 people ● library – approx. 50 people.

For more information and to make a booking, please email bookings@stirling.gov.uk or phone 01786 432251

The City of Stirling has been given the accolade of Best Student Living Experience in the UK in the 2010 National Student Housing Survey awards. This award is based on satisfaction levels of students living in private rented housing in the city. More than 10,000 responses were received from more than 120 universities and colleges across the UK. Find out more at www.nshs.co.uk/ awards2010.html STIRLING.GOV.UK

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News

In brief If you have changed your address or name recently, please remember to re-register your new details with the Register of Electors as soon as possible so you can vote in future elections and make sure your credit rating is not affected.

Want to vote by post at future elections, including the Scottish Parliament elections on 5 May 2011 and in the proposed referendum on the UK voting system? Please apply as soon as possible.

Forms are available in all libraries or from www.saa.gov.uk/central

Marshals will be back at Stirling city centre’s main taxi stances in Murray Place and the Railway Station on Friday and Saturday nights over the festive period to manage the busy queues and help people returning from Stirling’s pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants get home quickly and safely.

Provided by G4S Security, the marshals will be on duty from midnight to 4am for five weekends from 19 November until 18 December, plus Christmas Eve and Hogmanay.

Stirling was the first city in Scotland to introduce taxi marshals.

Find a Safe Base in the city centre FESTIVE SAFETY

Stirling’s successful night-time safety initiative Safe Base is returning to the city centre in the run-up to Christmas.

Safe Base, in the Back Walk

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16 Days of Action Campaign calls for end of violence against women WOMEN’S SAFETY

Each year, international campaign 16 Days of Action – runs from 25 November (International Day against Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).

The campaign highlights the fact that violence against women is a violation of human rights.

In Forth Valley, a planning group with representatives from Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling

Councils, Central Scotland Police, Forth Valley NHS and a number of local voluntary organisations, is organising various events.

It will also raise awareness of issues such as domestic abuse, rape, sexual assault, forced marriage and human trafficking.

For more information about the campaign, and for the latest information on events in the Stirling area, please contact Anne Meikle on afmeikle@ gmail.com or Gail Cook on gail.cook1@tiscali.co.uk

“Although White Ribbon is focused on involving men, we welcome the support of women too” Anne Meikle, Violence Against Women policy co-ordinator – Stirling

Stirling’s White Ribbon March 2010 Date: THURSDAY 9 DECEMBER 2010. Time: 6PM Gathering at: The Esplanade, Stirling Castle Marching to: Stirling city centre. Everyone welcome.

Wearing a white ribbon has become a symbolic way of showing you have made a pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about men’s violence against women in all its forms.

The White Ribbon Campaign works to raise awareness about domestic violence, and, specifically, to involve men in

just below the Central Library, is a safe place to go for people out late in the city centre who find themselves in a vulnerable situation or who need basic medical assistance.

It will be open from 10pm-2am on Friday and

the prevention and eradication of violence against women.

Stirling’s White Ribbon March has become a regular annual event as part of the 16 Days of Action.

The Stirling area is aiming to become the first in Scotland to achieve White Ribbon status.

This would recognise the commitment of the council and

Saturday nights between 19 November and 8 December.

“We know that weekends, particularly over the festive period, are peak times for increased risk to personal safety because of excessive alcohol consumption and associated crime

local communities to the aims of the campaign.

Anne Meikle, Violence Against Women policy co-ordinator, said: “This is an issue that affects the whole of society and the effects are long-term – especially for children in homes where violence occurs.”

For more information, visit www.whiteribbonscotland.org.uk or contact Anne at afmeikle@gmail.com

and antisocial behaviour,” explained Peter Walker, Safer Cities programme co-ordinator.

“Trained staff can give basic first aid and information about transport, safety and support services. The base can be used as a pick-up or contact point, and there’s access to emergency services.”

Safe Base is part of Stirling Community Safety Partnership’s night-time economy action plan.

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Businesses invited to offer free toilet facilities to the public

Comforting news!

News

In brief

11:16

TOILET FACILITIES

Stirling Council, in partnership with the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, is carrying out a study to gauge demand for business space in rural Stirling.

We are keen to hear from businesspeople across the rural area. A questionnaire has been sent out to rural businesses, and you can take part online at www. stirling. gov.uk/ruralsurvey For more information, or to request a copy of the questionnaire, please contact Joelle Russell on 01786 442778 or email russellj@stirling.gov.uk

Local businesspeople who took part in Stirling Business Panel’s first trade fair at Castle Business Park this autumn are hoping for more of the same in the future.

Businesses say they made useful contacts, and there were several requests for the panel to hold more trade fairs in the future. More than 50 local businesses took the opportunity to network and publicise their products and services at the event, which was sponsored by the Stirling Development Agency, the Stirling Observer and Central FM. Any Stirling area business wanting to join the Stirling Business Panel can contact Bill Fortune, business partnership executive, Stirling Council on 01786 443172, email panel@stirling.gov.uk or go online at www.stirling businesspanel.org

Local hotels and pubs, private businesses and public buildings are being invited to form “comfort partnerships” with Stirling Council and make their existing customer toilets available free to members of the public – whether they are customers or not.

In return, the businesses receive an annual payment from the council, depending on the standard of the facilities, to help with extra cleaning and upkeep costs.

Free advertising on the council website and new signage are also part of the partnership deal.

Councillor Scott Farmer, portfolio holder with responsibility for economy, tourism and finance, said: “Access to public toilets is obviously important for everyone – particularly older people, people with disabilities and families with younger children.

“In the current financial situation, we can’t sustain or improve the level of council-run toilet provision in every location.

“But this innovative

Potential partnerships The Council has reviewed its current toilet facilities and is targeting a number of locations where it would like to enter into a comfort partnership.

public/private scheme is a way to make sure that by working with local businesses and other organisations, we can offer local people and visitors adequate, accessible public toilets when they are out and about.”

We are hopeful of having comfort partnerships up and running in Doune, Inversnaid, Drymen and Balmaha shortly.

For more details about the Comfort Partnership Scheme, or if your business would be interested in becoming a partner, please visit www.stirling.gov/comfort or contact Ian Anderson at the Council’s strategic corporate asset management service on 01786 442809 or email andersoni@stirling.gov.uk

These are: ● Balfron – Buchanan Street ● Balmaha – car park ● Blanefield – Glasgow Road ● Buchlyvie – lay-by ● Callander – South Church Street ● Crianlarich – A82/85 junction ● Doune – Moray Park ● Drymen – Stirling Road ● Dunblane – Bridgend and Chimes ● Killearn – Station Road ● Killin – near Falloch Bridge ● Killin – Station Road ● Kippen – Fore Road ● Lochearnhead – car park ● Strathyre – car park ● Thornhill – Orchard Mills Road ● Tyndrum – A82.

Retailer in line for top UK award BUSINESS AMBASSADOR

Congratulations to Stirling business ambassador Keith Ewing on the success of his new retail store, Number Eight in King Street, Stirling.

Over the last year, Keith has introduced top brands including Barbour, Joules and Superdry to Stirling. Now Number Eight has been shortlisted for the prestigious Draper’s UK Independent

Keith has built up a successful business over the last year

Retailer of the Year award.

As one of Stirling’s business ambassadors, Keith, who is also setting up a new independent retail consultancy, is willing to provide informal advice to

anyone interested in setting up a new business in the area.

For more info, phone 01786 461166 or email info@numbereightclothing.com STIRLING.GOV.UK

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Tourism

A palace fit for a King (and Queen) THE PALACE PROJECT

Next Easter’s reopening of Stirling Castle’s magnificently refurbished Renaissance royal palace promises to be a landmark moment for the area – and Historic Scotland hopes that its spectacular new attraction will draw in tens of thousands of extra visitors a year from all over the world.

A total of £12 million has been invested in returning six royal apartments to how they may have looked in the 1540s, as a newly-completed residence created for King James V and his French queen Mary of Guise.

Some of the finest traditional craftsmen and women from Scotland, England and France have been involved in the project – creating wonderful furnishings and fittings in authentic mid-16th century style.

Visitors are likely to be overwhelmed by the colour and grandeur of some of the apartments with their intricate and colourful decoration, glorious tapestries, hand-knotted carpets and heraldic stained glass windows.

Peter Buchanan, manager of the Historic Scotland Palace Project, reveals what visitors will find at the stunning restoration of the jewel in Stirling’s crown

Above: costumed performers outside the palace.

Right: an embroiderer with a royal coat of arms that will form part of a 1.5m high cloth of estate

The sense of stepping into another world will be completed by the presence of costumed interpreters who will take on the characters of courtiers, servants and soldiers

– telling people about the palace and the intrigues that took place within its walls.

And there would have been no shortage of plots! The king died in late 1542, leaving a daughter of less than a week old to inherit the crown. Foreign monarchs and Scots nobles all competed to determine the fate of the infant Mary, Queen of Scots, and with it the future of the kingdom.

Her mother, however, was an intelligent, determined and hugely talented woman

Questions and answers with Ruth Parsons, chief executive of Historic Scotland How important is Stirling to Scottish tourism?

Scotland’s historic environment contributes £2.3 billion to our economy and supports more than 60,000 jobs. It also tells a wonderful story of Scotland and its people – who we are and where we have come from – attracting people from across the world to visit. Stirling plays a key role with such a rich history captured in its buildings and landscapes, which is central to the story of Scotland and its people.

This is something that we very much want to

harness through the Palace Project. While much of the magic of the castle is in its setting, we want visitors to get a sense of life at the castle during its heyday. The Palace Project is intended therefore to transport visitors back to another place and time so that they can truly get a feel for life at the castle at a critical moment in time, and its place at the centre of Scotland’s history.

What do you feel the future holds for Stirling Castle and for Stirling as a visitor destination?

“We want visitors to get a sense of life at the castle during its heyday” 6

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who used Stirling as their main residence, and the powerbase from which she successfully fought for the rights of the little queen.

Historic Scotland is also introducing a series of exhibitions and displays about the history of the castle and those who lived there, and about the Renaissance world.

There will be lots specifically aimed at making a visit to the castle a great day out for children. At the same time, the Unicorn Café is having a complete facelift, and the main shop and ticket office are being improved. The idea is that tour operators and independent travellers will, more than ever, want to include a trip to Stirling

Castle on their itinerary.

We hope visitors will also take the opportunity to discover everything else the Stirling area has to offer – from shops, hotels, B&Bs, pubs and restaurants to other heritage and leisure attractions, not least the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. ■

IMAGES © CROWN COPYRIGHT REPRODUCED COURTESY OF HISTORIC SCOTLAND. WWW.HISTORICSCOTLANDIMAGES.GOV.UK

We are very excited about the opportunities that the opening of the Palace will mean for both the profile of the Castle and Stirling as a tourist destination. The work that has gone into the Palace project is the result of years of research and the final result will be truly magnificent. As a result we have ambitious targets to increase our visitor numbers to the Castle. We hope that with the opening of the Palace and the change in the visitor experience, Stirling Castle will become a “must see” visitor attraction, both for Scots and for visitors from further afield.

How important is it to work in partnership to promote the Castle and Stirling as a visitor destination?

It is incredibly important that the city and all the tourism partners work together to benefit the destination as a whole. There is a great tourism product in Stirling with the range of attractions on offer and we need to work together to create a seamless visitor experience which will encourage more

people to come to the city and to stay longer.

The anticipated increase in visitor numbers to the Castle should benefit the whole city if we can create a tourist environment where there is an expectation that there is lots to see and visit and it is made easy for people to get around, both walking and using public transport. It is only by working in partnership that we can make this happen.

From Russia... with a passion for Scottsland!

Tourism

Final touches: decoration of the queen’s apartments is almost finished. By the time the Palace reopens next spring, the wall tapestries will also be in place. Details show external statues and work on a piece of stained glass

This year’s Scottsland celebrations marked the 200th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott’s famed “The Lady of the Lake”, the hugely popular Trossachsset poem which can claim to have kick-started Scotland’s tourist industry.

One highlight was the re-emergence after more than 200 years of a priceless, neverpublished Scott manuscript “A Highland Journal”, together with several letters written by the author which show his love of the Stirling area and how it inspired some of his most popular works.

Scott enthusiasts from near and far had the unique opportunity to hear the rare poem read aloud at a September event in Callander hosted by Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and Callander Amateur Operatic Society.

The audience included a television crew from Russia who filmed a TV special for the many fans of Scottish landscape and literature watching at home.

You can see the Russian television report at www.ntv.ru/ novosti/ 205686

What is your favourite Stirling Castle fact or artefact?

There are so many facts about the castle that it is difficult to decide. However, I like this one. When Mary Queen of Scots baptised her son, James VI, it is reported that celebrations went on in the Great Hall at Stirling Castle for three days and three nights!

With the refurbishment of the Great Hall in 1999, we were once again able to bring celebrations back to this wonderful setting, and this time offer it as a venue to the public.

And with the new developments at the castle, we hope it will continue to be enjoyed by many more generations visiting the castle.

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Our performance

Each year, it’s important to look back at our performance to see where we’ve done well and identify where we could do better…

A year in review ...

Where we’re performing well During 2009/10, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate for Education (HMIe) inspected 10 schools in the Stirling area – eight primary and two secondary. Of these, 90 per cent were graded as good or very good. We are acting on all the recommendations made.

In 2009’s exam results, 93 per cent of school leavers achieved level 3 in English and Maths by the end of fourth year – well above the Scottish average.

2009/10: The highlights As Stirling Council publishes its annual report 2009/10, we look back at some of the achievements that made the headlines Tennis ace Andy Murray’s mum Judy officially opens The Peak. The facility at Stirling’s Sports Village offers local people the chance to enjoy a great range of sports and activities and improve their health and wellbeing.

>>> APR 2009

Public demand for the Castleview Park and Ride means the service extends to include a stop at Stirling Royal Infirmary.

>>> MAY 2009

Provost Fergus Wood launches Heroes Welcome – a flexible discount scheme for visiting service personnel to show Stirling’s support for our armed forces.

>>> JUNE 2009

In an inspection, St Mary’s Episcopal Nursery in Dunblane receives four “excellent” grades from the Care Commission.

>>> AUG 2009

Callander’s new, purpose-built >>> household SEPT waste recycling 2009 centre opens, helping make it easier for rural residents to recycle more.

>>> OCT 2009 curling event.

A new era for United Auctions begins with the opening of the Stirling Agricultural Centre on the outskirts of the city.

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The Council and partner organisations secure funding to create 31 jobs for long-term unemployed young people aged 18-24 and young people living in areas of deprivation.

>>> JAN 2010

Stirling Council’s land services team wins the Keeping Scotland Beautiful Best Local Environmental Quality Innovation Award for its work with communities.

>>> FEB 2010

>>> NOV 2009 >>> JULY 2009

Twelve curlers take to the ice at the Peak for Stirling’s first wheelchair

country’s most popular attractions, with visitor numbers topping 600,000.

The Council agrees to build new council houses to be available for

rent in 2010.

>>> DEC 2009

Mugdock Country Park is named by VisitScotland as one of the

In the run-up to the General Election, Stirling Council encourages anyone who might have difficulty getting to the polling station to sign up for a postal or proxy vote.

>>> MAR 2010

Local people have helped to increase the percentage of waste that is composted or recycled in the Stirling area. Stirling now ranks in the top six of Scottish councils for recycling Local people have helped to increase the percentage of waste that is composted or recycled in the Stirling area. This is partly due to the recent roll-out of new food waste collections. Stirling now ranks in the top six of Scottish councils for recycling.

We will continue to work with communities towards Scottish Government targets. When inspected by Keep Scotland Beautiful, most of our areas were awarded a B grade and we will work to protect and enhance Stirling’s quality environment.

Some 97.2 per cent of council tax was collected. This places Stirling as the best-performing council in

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Our performance

mainland Scotland for collection of council tax. We have also added to the number of transactions that customers can carry out on our website. These now include making payments, reporting faults and submitting planning applications. We will be continuing to make improvements to our website.

Where we know we have to improve Finding jobs and opportunities for some young people in our area continues to be a challenge in the current economic climate and we are continuing to work with partners, including local colleges and employers to maximise employment opportunities for all.

The council will continue to tackle the shortage of social rented housing in our area, and at the same time help to encourage employment in the construction

industry and stimulate the local economy. Our programme of council house building will continue into 2011.

The number of bin collections completed on the scheduled day fell by 3 per cent to 93 per cent.

The severe weather experienced during December 2009 affected bin collections, as several routes were inaccessible due to ice and snow.

We are reviewing winter maintenance and road gritting, and we have also invested in three new waste vehicles to help improve our performance.

The combination of a large road network and severe winter weather affected the condition of our roads.

Some 44.5 per cent of roads are in a condition where maintenance should be considered. The Scottish average is 36 per cent. ■ For the full Stirling Council Annual Report 2010, visit www.stirling.gov.uk/ annualreporting More information is available from Lesley Carnegie, performance and improvement officer, on stirlingperforms@stirling.gov.uk or call 01786 443025

Commitment to improvement HMIe carried out a child protection inspection of the Stirling Council area in 2010, looking at how well services are doing to protect children, meet their needs and improve wellbeing.

Stirling was rated as weak for four of the six quality indicators and several areas for improvement were identified. An action plan has since been agreed to strengthen the role of the child protection committee to help improve services to protect children.

One action already under way is the new “Keeping Children Safe” child sex offender disclosure scheme.

The scheme, which has been adopted across Central Scotland, aims to protect children from sex offenders by allowing improved access to information. For the first time, parents, carers and guardians of children under 18 can ask the police if a person who has contact with that child has a record for sexual offences against children, or other offences that might put that child at risk.

If it’s found the person in question does pose a risk of causing harm to the child concerned, then information may be given to the parent, carer or guardian as a protective measure. If there is serious or immediate risk, measures to protect that child will be taken immediately by Central Scotland Police and its partner agencies.

Anyone wanting to raise a concern regarding a child in their care can do so directly by visiting their local police station or calling Central Scotland Police on 01786 456000, where your call will be directed to the Keeping Children Safe co-ordinator.

However, if you believe a child is in immediate danger, phone 999 and tell the operator.

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Young people

The open d a brighter for young By offering a caring and loving home environment, you could help someone take their first steps into adulthood ASSISTED LODGINGS

Through the activity agreement, older teenagers can enjoy a range of fun and educational opportunities

The active way to build confidence!

ACTIVITY AGREEMENTS

Young people aged 16-19 who do not feel ready for further education, training or employment, but know they want a successful future are being offered exciting opportunities through activity agreements.

Working with and supported by a trusted professional, the teenagers agree to take part in a personal programme of learning and activities chosen from a range of fun and challenging options. The aim is to help them see what they are capable of doing and build their confidence along the way.

The scheme is part of the council’s More Choices More Chances Partnership.

Marie McGrath, co-ordinator of the programme, said: “Many of these young people have not had an easy time and need help to move on in their lives. Our role is to work with them on an individual basis and build their

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trust. We aim to help everyone gain new skills and knowledge to shape their future success.”

She added: “I love my job. It’s always very rewarding to hear comments like, ‘It’s made me more confident’, and, ‘I don’t want people to write me off because I didn’t enjoy school’.”

Each activity agreement is tailored to meet individual needs and goals. Improving health by going to the gym, or building confidence by abseiling down a cliff are just some examples. There’s also help available with reading, writing, numeracy and many other skills.

If you would like to find out more, or if there’s someone in your family who might benefit from an activity agreement, please text SUCCESS followed by your message to 07717 99 6884.

One of the team will get in touch. You can also contact the Information Station with any enquiries.

Could you offer the love, commitment and understanding to give a supportive home environment to a 16-21 year old?

Research shows that young people who have grown up living in care benefit from additional support when they need to move towards living independently. Stirling Council is looking for all kinds of people who can offer a supportive home environment.

The scheme covers different options, from offering a room to welcoming a young person into your family or household.

We need to find secure, supportive places for young people who are taking their first steps into adulthood.

So whether you are a couple with or without children, single or a single parent, in your own home or renting, working or unemployed, young or simply young at heart, please think about helping a vulnerable young person.

Preparation and support, including allowances, will be provided to all carers. To find out more, contact Lorraine Kubski on 01786 471177.

“There are different options, from offering a room to welcoming a young person into your family or household”

Drop in to find out all the info…

INFORMATION STATION

information on all kinds of topics.

These include employment, training, activity agreements, health issues, and Young Scot and National Entitlement. Youth Services staff, young volunteers and representatives from partner organisations are on hand to answer questions and give advice.

Information Station, based in the Old Arcade, King Street, Stirling, is a one-stop shop where young people can drop in and find out

For more info, contact Youth Services on 01786 432211, email: youthservices@stirling. gov.uk or Infotxt: 07717 996 884.

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Young people

n door to r future g people

Apprentices sign up for four years’ training

Learning the tricks of their trades APPRENTICESHIPS

Four young people were recently taken on by housing services as trades apprentices.

Leon Templeman (apprentice gas fitter), Martin Rankine (apprentice plumber), Blair Hillhouse (apprentice bricklayer) and Aaron Tasker (apprentice painter and decorator) all started work in August.

Aaron (above) said: “I’m really enjoying my role. Every day there’s a new project and skills to learn. Getting paid is great and knowing that I’m on the right road and might be able to start my own business one day is really good.”

Opening times: Monday

11am-4pm

Tuesday

11am-4pm

Wednesday

11am-4pm

Thursday

1pm-8pm

Friday

11am-4pm

Saturday

11am-4pm

John Macmillan, Stirling Council building services manager, said: “We can’t guarantee a job at the end of their four years’ training, but we do guarantee we will help them get their professional trades qualifications.

“We agreed with the trade unions that 10 per cent of our workforce would be made up of apprentices. All our workforce enjoy working with these young people and helping them on the road to future employment.”

David Rae, Ross Stirling and Callum Park are growing skills with land services

Young Scot

Young Scot & health drop-in from 5pm-8pm Young Scot

Trio’s budding new careers Modern apprenticeships are flowering! The council has recently secured funding for budding horticulturists from the Scottish Government’s modern apprenticeships scheme.

David Rae, Ross Stirling and Callum Park recently

started with the council’s land services team.

Their work will help them learn a wide range of skills, from nurturing plants and flowers to working with garden machinery during their three years with the council.

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Community information

How to make the switch

Our guide to digital TV switchover, coming to Stirling in June 2011 What’s it all about?

Digital TV switchover is the biggest change in television since the introduction of colour.

Analogue TV signals will be switched off and replaced with new digital services across central Scotland, making Freeview available for the first time to thousands of homes. To continue watching television after switchover, you will need to convert your TV to digital before your area’s switchover date.

TV switchover. There are a number of options available and it need not be expensive. Check out the different ways of getting digital TV, including subscriptionfree options, by visiting the switchover postcode checker at digitaluk.co.uk or by ringing the advice line on 08456 50 50 50.

What about older people or people with a disability?

The Switchover Help Scheme is run by the BBC under an

Will this affect me?

Digital TV switchover is coming to the Stirling Council area in June 2011 and will affect everyone living, working and studying here who receives their TV signal via an aerial. Satellite TV services are not affected by switchover.

Do I need to do anything now?

No – we’re just letting everyone know that switchover is coming up.

There will be lots of information available as the switchover date for our area gets nearer. Digital UK will be launching a public information campaign in November which will include roadshows, advertising and information leaflets sent to every home.

What are the benefits of digital TV? Many residents have already converted at least one of their television sets to digital and are enjoying extra TV channels as standard, subscription channels, better-quality pictures, on-screen listings and interactivity, plus access to services such as audio description and subtitling.

When it’s the right time, how do I make the switch?

Most people will be able to convert to digital themselves, with the support of information and advice available from Stirling Council and from Digital UK, the not-for-profit company responsible for leading the digital 12

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● are registered blind or partially sighted.

What is the extra help?

For £40, eligible householders will be given equipment to switch one TV per household to digital.

The standard offer includes: ● easy-to-use digital equipment ● home delivery and installation if you wish ● where we can, an aerial check and replacement if needed ● a helpline and retuning advice ● a 12-month digital TV aftercare service.

upgraded to receive digital signals and to deliver them with sufficient quality to every household.

This applies to all properties where the TV signal comes from a single set of aerials or dishes shared with other households in the property.

We will be consulting you fully about the different options and costs involved to make sure that you get the system you want.

Will my radio be affected?

No. The digital switchover relates to TV only and not radio.

From June next year, the Stirling area will switch to digital television

agreement with the Government to help older and disabled people make the change to digital TV. Every eligible person will be offered practical help to convert one of their TV sets to digital in the run-up to switchover in each region. More information on the Help Scheme is available on 0800 408 7654 and online at helpscheme.co.uk How do I find out if I’m eligible for this extra help?

You are eligible if you: ● are aged 75 or over; or ● get or could get Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Constant Attendance Allowance or mobility supplement; or ● have lived in a care home for six months or more; or

This equipment and help is free to eligible householders who also receive pension credit, income support or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.

Everyone who is eligible will be contacted by post up to three times prior to switchover and offered practical help to convert one TV to digital. People need to respond to get the help.

Other options are available at an extra cost and these details are included in the information booklet sent by the Help Scheme to all eligible people.

I’m a council tenant with a communal TV aerial. What will happen at switchover?

As your landlord, the council is responsible for making sure all communal TV systems are

Where can I find out more information? ● Phone Stirling Council’s contact centre on 0845 277 7000. ● For more about the switchover, visit www.digitaluk.co.uk or call 08456 50 50 50. Lines are open Mon-Fri 8am-7pm, Sat 9am-5pm. ● For more about the Switchover Help Scheme, visit www.help scheme.co.uk or call free on 0800 40 85 900. Lines are open 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 8am-6pm Saturday and Sunday. Calls from mobiles may be charged depending on your network provider. ■

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With the country hosting both the Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup, 2014 is set to be a wonderful year for Scotland – and a bumper year for Stirling, which is also set to benefit with a new £5 million visitor centre being built.

Battle of Bannockburn will be built in time for the 700th anniversary of the battle in 2014.

The landmark project will see Historic Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland work in partnership to deliver a world-class

visitor attraction incorporating an immersive digital experience designed to transport visitors back to the 14th-century battle.

It will set new standards for Scotland’s tourism industry, generate significant additional income for the local economy and increase visitor numbers.

The council wants as many people as possible to join in this celebratory year.

Plans are already under way for a celebration of youth involving all of our schools.

News

We’re running into battle!

COUNTDOWN TO 2014

Send in your celebration ideas to 2014@stirling.gov.uk

Children from Clermiston Primary School in Edinburgh join forces with National Trust for Scotland chief executive Kate Mavor (second left) and culture minister Fiona Hyslop MSP at the Bannockburn Monument to celebrate the announcement of the new visitor centre

Supporting people with disabilities into paid work Stirling has successfully bid to be one of only two council areas to test out the Scottish Government’s new Supported Employment Framework for Disabled People.

“This framework has been created to help remove barriers to work and offer people with disabilities and health conditions

out the initiative. It’s a great opportunity to build on the work already being done by Stirling Council and our partners in supporting people with disabilities and health conditions support in finding and keeping to access jobs. paid work,” said Councillor “Too many people with much Scott Farmer, portfolio to contribute are being holder for Economy, excluded from the Tourism and workforce, for a Finance. variety of reasons, JUST UNDER HAL (48.1 PER CENT) F and this initiative “Together with OF DISABLED PE Midlothian, will help us tackle OPLE IN SCOTLAND AR E we have been and change this IN WORK chosen to test situation,” he added.

Source:

FAC T

Scottish Governm ent, 2010

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Curriculum for Excellence

Its aim is to transform education in Scotland and it is being rolled out this year to pupils in S1.

But what exactly is Curriculum for Excellence?

Stirling magazine invited five S1 pupils from St Modan’s High School to quiz acting head teacher Owen Kelly to get to the heart of the new curriculum and discover how Stirling is leading the way

Asking the questions: left to right S1 pupil representatives Leighton Mackenzie (1E), Arebe Ayub (1B), Anna Michels (1F), Luke Matheson (1A) and Lisa Mulholland (1D)

Excel in education Lisa: Is Curriculum for Excellence going to change everything?

No – we don’t want to lose all the good things we’re already doing! The main difference will be in the quality of the learning experience, giving young people as wide an experience as possible, helping them to gain the skills they need to do what they want when they leave school. We will be looking at the whole person, not just grades, and helping young people develop through things like our Social

Responsibility Week, which will explore areas such as bullying.

Leighton: Who came up with Curriculum for Excellence?

It was thought up six years ago by the Scottish Government, and universities, schools and colleges were consulted.

Lisa: Why did it not happen sooner?

It took five or six years to prepare for – it’s been a long time coming. Some would say we’re still preparing for the senior levels. But this year’s S1s are not guinea pigs, they are pioneers!

Arebe: What’s the main difference between this year and how things were before?

Your experience will be more in-depth and probably more enjoyable.

Teachers once only taught their own subject, now they’ll all be encouraged to work together. With Curriculum for Excellence, a teacher also has more flexibility to look at a topic in detail.

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For example, if a history class is interested in learning more about Roman civilisation, the teacher can choose to spend two or three weeks on it. There is more choice now, and pupils will also fill in evaluations.

Luke: What kind of assessment will we get?

Assessment will be more than a test. It will focus on what you have achieved well and on what you need to do to improve. Teachers will involve young people in talking about assessment to ensure that the work they provide is appropriately challenging. z Anna: Will Curriculum for Excellence help us prepare for exams?

That won’t change. You’ll still be prepared, for example, by

going down to the hall to practice for S4 assessments.

To help you prepare, in S3 you may have options such as studying individual subjects in more depth and the opportunity to spend more time on them if needed.

Leighton: Is there a 7th year? I heard there are some people who have come back after S6.

Yes, one pupil signed up for Falkirk FC and wants another qualification; he comes in one day a week. There are four or five pupils in the school who are 18. Curriculum for Excellence aims to ensure that no pupil leaves school without having something to go on to.

Motivating Mondays Every year, for four blocks of six weeks, St Modan’s pupils are given a choice of activities to choose from for Period 7 on Mondays. It’s a chance for pupils to try out whatever it is they have always fancied having a go at, whether that’s a sport, musical instrument, drama, or singing. The focus is on doing something that makes you happy, with no pressure – and no exams.

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A broader approach to learning for everyone

“The main difference will be in the quality of the learning experience, giving young people as wide an experience as possible” Owen Kelly, acting head teacher Leighton: Why does this school have Period 7 and Motivational Mondays?

Three years ago we were awarded School of Ambition funding and decided to use it for Motivational Mondays.

Everyone is encouraged to have a go at something they’ve always wanted to do, with no pressure – and no exams. It’s been massively successful.

What it says is “This is a mandatory part of the day – as important as maths or French.”

The activities can be artistic, sporting or vocational.

Motivational Monday is not mandatory for S5/6, although lots of the senior pupils do opt in. They are offered enterprise development, work experience, work visits, business start-up etc. We have

had a very good response from parents and pupils.

Luke: What do you like best about Curriculum for Excellence? How would you mark it out of 10?

It gives the opportunity and freedom for pupils to develop skills and confidence across the school and for teachers to support pupils by being creative and imaginative in their own subjects and in inter-disciplinary work. At the moment I’d give Curriculum for Excellence a seven out of 10 as we’re still at a relatively early stage, but I’m looking forward to seeing how it progresses this session. ■

Curriculum for Excellence

Above: Owen Kelly, acting head teacher at St Modan’s High School

The Curriculum for Excellence is concerned with everything that’s planned for a child. A lot of what we used to call extra-curricular activities are now part of the school day.

The approach gives more independent decision making in the classroom for individual teachers and this will impact hugely on learning. Education will be broader and in more depth.

This summer, we began giving teachers the chance to take a whole year group for a day. That gave staff two days in-service training instead of one and allowed a completely creative approach to learning and teaching.

A social subjects teacher and one year group created an Auschwitz Museum in only a morning in the history department. Pupils acted as guides and set up PowerPoint presentations, photo-montages, posters, the sign over the door – it was amazing and I couldn’t believe what they had achieved. The young people really surpassed themselves and they still talk about it. It was real evidence of what pupils can do.

This is about helping our pupils progress as people, not just concentrating on what grade they get in an exam.

We are really looking forward to working together with the whole school community to take Curriculum for Excellence forward in St Modan’s High School.

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Winter planning

Beat the Keeping the roads open ❄ The Scottish Government provides a winter service for motorways and trunk roads that run through the Stirling Council area. ❄ BEAR Scotland treat the M9 and M80 (including roundabouts and slip roads). Tel 0800 138 9903. ❄ TRANSERV Scotland treat the A82, A84 and A85.

Tel 0800 028 1414. ❄ BEAR Scotland treat the A9. Tel 0800 587 1108.

Come rain, hail, snow or sleet, we’re ready to keep the Stirling area safely on the move this winter ROAD CLEARING

Stirling Council teams, together with our partner organisations Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Councils, monitor conditions on the area’s roads 24 hours a day and are ready to respond if the mercury plummets this winter.

Everyone’s hoping that last year’s prolonged freeze isn’t

repeated, but if bad weather does strike, we’re ready to work in partnership with local people to keep everyone moving safely.

ROADS There will always be a limit to the salt available for treating our roads. That’s why we have an agreed plan about which roads to treat first and most frequently when conditions are bad.

My Stirling You can get the latest information about road conditions, closures and disruptions in the Stirling Council area at www.stirling. gov.uk or from the contact centre on 0845 277 7000. Alerts will be sent direct to your mobile if you sign up for the My Stirling service. More details at www.stirling.gov.uk/my

Weather forecasting The Met Office has the current contract to provide forecasts for the Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire council areas.

There are also 20 weather monitoring stations embedded in road surfaces which give constant data on road conditions.

This information helps us plan and make decisions about treating the roads.

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Priority one ❄ Snow and ice cleared 24 hours a day. Precautionary salt treatment. ❄ All routes where the daily flow of traffic in both directions is more than 800 vehicles daily. (A bus is equivalent to 40 vehicles). ❄ Routes to emergency service bases, for example fire stations, hospital A&E departments and ambulance garages. ❄ Routes to primary and secondary schools from the nearest priority one route (except Inversnaid Primary School because of its remote location). ❄ Park and Ride bus routes on the days these services are running. ❄ Priority one routes are treated in advance of ice and snow as a precaution, and also during the formation of ice and snow. All other priority treatments for roads happen after ice and snow has formed.

Priority two ❄ Ice and snow cleared when the daily flow of traffic in both directions is more than 600 vehicles and ice or snow are likely for more than 24 hours from the weather prediction forecast received at midday.

What you can do to help…

Stirling Council and local people working in partnership is the best way to beat the freeze Stirling Council will... ❄ Provide a prioritised winter service on the local road network. ❄ Make as large an area as possible accessible as quickly as possible.

Sometimes this will mean treating the pavement on one side of a road only.

We ask you to... ❄ Plan your journey carefully.

Check weather forecasts and avoid using minor roads if possible. ❄ Travel early or the day before if heavy snow is forecast.

❄ Consider not travelling if roads are likely to become blocked. ❄ Slow down! Avoid sudden braking and use dipped headlights if visibility is poor. ❄ Keep wheelie bins out of the way of snowploughs. ❄ Remember neighbours who may be older or have a disability.

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We always try to keep our schools open in bad weather. But in very severe conditions, a decision may be taken not to open a school for safety reasons. Closures will be highlighted on the front page of the council website as early as possible in the morning.

Announcements will also be made on local radio.

Salt bins

Burst pipe? Here’s what to do

There are 475 salt bins across our area. The salt is for use on public roads and footpaths with particular hazards, for example, a sharp bend or steep hill.

In villages and smaller communities, community bins will be provided for general treatment of the public roads.

Salt bins will be checked and topped up regularly, as resources allow.

If you get frozen pipes ❄ Turn off the water supply at the main stopcock. ❄ If you can, collect water in the bath for washing and flushing the toilet. ❄ Turn on all cold taps to drain the system. Don’t turn hot taps on – the water cylinder may collapse if the pipes feeding it are frozen. ❄ Flush the toilet. ❄ Switch off the central heating and immersion heater and let any solid fuel fires die down. ❄Try to defrost the pipe using warm air (use a hairdryer) or warm water. Start by warming the pipe as close as possible to the tap or valve, then work along it. Defrost it slowly. ❄ Don’t use fierce heat or a naked flame – the pipe may burst. If you’re unsure how to contain burst pipes, don’t try to defrost them.

Priority three ❄ Treated only in exceptional weather conditions. ❄ Routes where the daily flow of traffic in both directions is more than 400 vehicles.

Priority four ❄ Treated only in very exceptional weather conditions. ❄ All other roads on the public roads network.

Priority will be given to difficult junctions, gradients, bends or sharp inclines.

We’re not able to... ❄ Keep all roads free from snow and ice all the time. ❄ Prevent ice from forming.

When it rains, salt already laid will be washed away. If the temperature then falls suddenly, ice will form. It will then take several hours to treat all roads.

Even after the salt is applied, it takes time for the ice to melt. ❄ Stop snow from lying.

Even if we are ploughing a route continuously, snow

The salt in these bins is for the whole community and should only be used on routes and footways – not on individual driveways.

PAVEMENTS Priorities ❄ Places with a group of three or more essential premises such as food shops and post offices. ❄ Steps and ramps to underpasses and bridges. ❄ Pavements connecting shopping areas to nearby public buildings. ❄ Outside individual essential premises in towns or village shopping centres. ❄ At sheltered housing and residential homes for older people.

will build up until the plough gets back again. ❄ Clear roads blocked by stranded vehicles. ❄ Treat roads blocked because of inconsiderate parking.

Our contact centre is here to help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

CALL 0845 277 7000

Winter planning

School closures

❄ Contain leaks or use buckets and towels to collect and soak up the water. ❄ If your ceiling bulges, place a bucket under it. Use a screwdriver to pierce a hole to allow the water through. ❄ Call a registered plumber. If you are a tenant, call your landlord. Council tenants, please call the Repairs Line on 0800 027 5888 during office hours, or the contact centre on 0845 277 7000 at other times.

Going on holiday?

If you are away from home for a few days during cold weather: ❄ Keep your heating on low and leave the loft hatch open. ❄ Pour salt into the toilet pan and other waste pipes – it helps stop the water freezing. ❄ Ask someone to check the house while you’re away.

If you get a burst pipe ❄ Turn off the water supply at the main stopcock. ❄ Turn off the electricity at the mains. ❄ Turn off water heaters (let solid fuel fires that heat water die down). ❄ Turn on all taps to drain your system.

If you can, collect water in the bath for washing and flushing the toilet. ❄ Warn your neighbours.

Floodline Call 0845 988 1188 Floodline is a 24-hour telephone information service covering the whole of Scotland offering the latest monitoring information on river levels, rainfall and tidal predictions, as well as weather forecasts.

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Winter health

Don’t bring in the bug INFECTION CONTROL

Infection control specialists in NHS Forth Valley are urging people to realise that a bunch of flowers may not be the only gift they are taking into a ward if they are feeling unwell. The move is designed to help prevent an outbreak of norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, in Forth Valley hospitals.

Infection control nurse Lesley Shepherd said: “You don’t just catch norovirus in hospital.

People bring it in when they visit. If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, wait at least 48 hours after these symptoms have stopped before visiting.

“The winter vomiting disease can pass from one

Visitors can quickly spread the winter vomiting disease through hospitals, so if you’re feeling ill, please stay at home person to another very easily and patients may have to stay in hospital longer because of norovirus.”

Dr Anne Maree Wallace, NHS Forth Valley’s director of public health, added:

“Diarrhoea and vomiting is very common during the winter months so we are appealing to visitors who may not feel well to help us by staying away until they feel better.

“All wards in the new Forth Valley Royal Hospital have isolation rooms to help control this type of infection.”

Symptoms include a sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhoea,

nausea (feeling sick), stomach pains or cramps, headaches, fever and tiredness. Although these usually resolve in 48-72 hours without complications, norovirus is highly contagious and unpleasant.

It is very difficult to prevent infection, but thorough hand washing is highly recommended. People with

“We are appealing to visitors who may not feel well to help us by staying away until they feel better” Dr Anne Maree Wallace

Make sure you’re protected against flu FLU VACCINATION

By Henry Prempeh, consultant in public health medicine, NHS Forth Valley

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Flu is an illness caused by a virus.

For most people, the flu is just a nasty experience, but for some, it can lead to much more serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia. As people get older, they often become more vulnerable to these viruses.

Because flu viruses are always changing, people need a new vaccine each year. This year, Influenza A (H1N1) is expected to be the predominant influenza strain and the seasonal flu jab will contain protection against three strains of influenza, including H1N1.

The vaccine does not contain a “live” virus so it is therefore impossible you will catch flu as a result of getting the jab.

NHSScotland will offer free flu vaccines this winter to everyone currently aged 65 and over, and anyone who will reach 65 years of age on or before 31 March 2011.

NHSScotland will also offer a free vaccine to those under the age of 65 who are considered “at risk”.

This includes people with chronic illnesses such as heart disease and asthma, chronic renal and liver disease, Type 2 diabetes on medication, and those with neurological

conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Pregnant women and unpaid carers are also eligible for vaccination.

People currently aged 65 and over are also entitled to a free vaccination against pneumococcal disease if you have not already had the vaccine.

Pneumococcus bacteria can cause serious illness, including pneumonia and meningitis.

Unlike the flu vaccine, most people require only one dose of the pneumococcal vaccine. If you are unsure about whether you have already received the pneumococcal vaccination or if you think you need the

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Winter health

Stay well this winter If you are ill, there is a wide range of health services for you and your family throughout winter, including Christmas and New Year. Cut out and keep this handy guide to the health services available

symptoms should not prepare food for others.

People should also remember that if they are caring for someone with norovirus, it is important to encourage them to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. ■

Ask your pharmacist

● Advice on common complaints including coughs and colds, sore throats, stomach upsets, head lice and athlete’s foot. ● Minor ailments service for patients exempt from prescription charges – free advice and supply of medicine without having to see a GP. ● Check www.nhsforthvalley.com for pharmacy opening times over the festive season.

Dental helpline/ emergencies

● Registered dental patients – your dentist can give advice and assistance. ● Non-registered dental patients – can obtain advice and assistance, Monday-Friday, 8.30am-6pm by contacting the Forth Valley Dental Helpline on 0844 800 6886. ● For emergency dental advice after 6pm and during the weekends and public holidays, contact NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24.

Contact your GP (doctor)

● For more serious illnesses, make a routine appointment with your GP. GP practices will be open on Monday 20 to Friday 24 December as well as Wednesday 29, Thursday 30 and Friday 31 December 2010.

They will be open as normal from Wednesday 5 January 2011.

For urgent medical advice out of hours

● When your GP surgery is closed, contact NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24.

If required, you will see a GP, nurse or paramedic from the NHS Forth Valley out-of-hours service.

Minor injuries

● The 24-hour minor injuries service at Falkirk Community Hospital can see any patient over one year old with a minor injury including simple fractures (broken bones), minor eye infections, foreign bodies or scratches, cuts and grazes, sprains and strains, nose injuries, minor burns and scalds, bites – human, animal or insect – and infected wounds. Open throughout the festive period, including public holidays.

Accident and emergency/ 999

● For accidents and serious emergencies, go to A&E at Stirling Royal Infirmary or call 999. It is open throughout the festive period, including public holidays. At present there is no A&E or minor injuries unit at Forth Valley Royal Hospital. Call NHS 24 if you are unsure what to do (08454 24 24 24).

vaccination again, discuss it with your GP or practice nurse at your appointment for flu vaccination. ■ For further information, please call the NHS helpline free on 0800 22 44 88 between 8am and 10pm, seven days a week, speak to your GP or pharmacist, or visit www.infoscotland.com/flu

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Low Carbon Stirling

Food recyc l borders in the city. If your community would also be interested in planting veg, STOP Renewable Energy Fair on please contact Going Carbon PRESS Saturday 20 November at Neutral Stirling on 01786 Stirling Baptist Church 10am477175, email gcns@ksbscot4pm. For full details of the fair, land.org.uk turn to page 23. or visit www.going Energy monitors are now availcarbonneutralstirling.org.uk able to borrow in libraries. Find Big Street Challenge: streets out how much energy the difacross the country are coming ferent appliances in your house together to work on practical use and how much it costs. and obtainable solutions to Together with NHS Forth some of the challenges preValley, we are looking at ways sented by climate change and to provide information about peak resources. Can you and reducing food waste (see your neighbours do the same? right), using leftovers and not Households taking part in the dashing to the shops as the Big Street Challenge will fridge empties! We are also receive absolutely free: working with local food energy saving devices producers and partner an energy survey and thermal organisations to reduce the imaging photo of your home carbon footprint of our food. a fruit tree Plans are in place for areas support from Going Carbon around Stirling to be planted Neutral Stirling. with vegetables in place of For more information, decorative flowers, please contact Simon creating edible Gooden on 01786 GET IN 468762 or TOUCH simon.gooden@ SEND AN EMAIL TO ksbscotland.org.uk THE LOW CARBON

Latest news

STIRLING CAMPAIGN: LOWCARBON@ STIRLING.GOV.UK

Video shows how food waste can be used to cut our carbon footprint FOOD WASTE

A video guide to food waste recycling is now available on the Stirling Council website.

The film shows how easy it is to give us your food waste for collection every week, and why it’s so important to keep it out of the grey bin and landfill. It covers: how to set up your kitchen caddy how to recycle meat, fish, veggie peelings and other food waste how to put the caddy out for collection in your blue box.

There are also reminders about what not to put in your caddy – for example, plastic bags.

Check out the film – and the others on the site – today, and let us know what you think. Your comments will help us make our information as useful as possible. Visit www.stirling.gov.uk/ wastevideos Food (waste) for thought One third of the average

Home insulation grants

To find out more, contact Brian Cree, Home Energy Officer, on 01786 443569, email creeb@stirling.gov.uk

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Scottish household bin contents is food waste. And that’s a real waste, because when it’s buried in landfill it produces methane and other

Festive waste collections – m RECYCLING COLLECTIONS

Local people in the Stirling Council area will be able to benefit from a grant of £270,000 from the Scottish Government’s new Universal Home Insulation Scheme. This is a £10 million programme supporting free energy efficiency measures in homes across Scotland.

The scheme aims to provide free energy-saving measures for private home-owners and private tenants in most need of help to reduce fuel poverty.

An early adventure in kitchen waste collection by The Royal Burgh of Stirling in 1937!

There will be no changes to the scheduled collection programme over the festive season, with the usual collection of bins and recycling boxes over the public holidays on 27 and 28

December and 3 and 4 January.

You can recycle real Christmas trees by cutting them up and placing them in your brown bin for collection.

Wrapping paper goes in the blue box, and cards, boxes from toys and gifts and other

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DON’T LET IT GO TO WASTE!

Every home in the Stirling area has access to a waste collec tion service that will collect up to 11 different materials at the kerbside. We collect a wid er range of waste than many other Scottish councils.

Share the journey Fancy saving money, helping the environment and having some friendly company to make the journey to and from work less of a grind?

Liftshare could be the answer.

“We’re asking everyone in the Stirling area to look at how often they travel alone by car, because there’s nearly always someone going the same way – especially on the daily commute,” said Penny Stoddard, Access Officer.

“If you take a passenger or two, you’ll also probably save hundreds of pounds a year, as well as easing local pollution and congestion.”

You don’t need your own car to join Stirling Liftshare.

Many members are happy to give someone a lift in return for a contribution to the fuel costs and someone to chat with on the journey.

Low Carbon Stirling

c ling on the menu

Search for someone to share your commute on www.stirlingliftshare.com Recycled food waste can be used to produce renewable energy or fertiliser

noxious greenhouse gases.

“Food waste isn’t something we should throw away, but is a valuable resource we can recycle using the Stirling Council kerbside collection,” said Jim McBrier, waste projects & communications team leader.

“Recycling leftovers and other food waste is one of the

best ways of helping our environment – and lowering our carbon footprints.

“Food waste collected in food caddies at the kerbside is used to produce renewable (green) energy, which is then routed back into the national grid. The end product provides an organic crop fertiliser for use in agriculture.”

Most of the Stirling Council urban area has access to the weekly food waste collection service and it’s being rolled out to the rural areas.

To check your local collection or for more information, please contact 0845 2777000 or visit www.stirling.gov.uk/foodwaste

– make a note of the dates in your diary cardboard items go in the brown bin. Please make sure bin lids are fully closed. If you have excess materials, they can be recycled or disposed of free at household waste recycling centres.

Visit www.stirling.gov.uk/ my/recycling_centres for details of where these centres are and when they are open, or tel 0845 277 7000.

Year-long guide to collections A handy calendar showing the 2011 collection schedule for grey and brown bins is online at www.stirling.gov.uk/ publications-waste If you would like a paper copy, please phone the contact centre on 0845 277 7000.

How to get from A to B Tactran Connect is a new regional one-stop travel website from the Tayside and Central Scotland Transport Partnership (Tactran), packed with information to help you get from A to B, whether on foot or by bike, taxi, bus, car, rail or air.

There’s everything you need to know about liftshare and park-and-ride options, a link to the Traveline Scotland journey planner, plus weather forecasts, real-time news on hold-ups and roadworks, and ideas on things to see and do in the Stirling area.

FAST FACTS

Tactran covers the Stirling, Perth and Kinross, Dundee City and Angus council areas.

Find out more at www.tactranconnect.com STIRLING.GOV.UK

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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

We are delighted to start off the winter festivals with a wide range of events to celebrate St Andrew’s Day. There is something for all ages and all tastes…. Come and enjoy!

Stirling’s St Andrew’s Day Celebrations JESS SMITH AND SHEILA STEWART Thursday 25 November Bridge of Allan Library 7.30pm, tickets £4 Stories and songs of Scotland’s travelling people. Jess Smith, a charismatic speaker with innate storytelling ability, is one of Scotland’s most popular authors for her best-selling autobiographical trilogy Jessie’s Journey. Sheila Stewart shares a wealth of songs and stories handed down from her family, most especially her mother, Belle Stewart, now documented in her book Queen Amang the Heather.

CEILIDH MINOGUE Friday 26 November Brig O’Turk Village Hall 7.30-11pm, tickets £5 (children free) Come and enjoy the craic with the fabulous Ceilidh Minogue, in the stunning setting of Brig O’Turk Village Hall, deep in the Trossachs.

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An evening of birlin’ around the dance floor including all the favourites, plus a few new ones, all explained expertly by the band.

SKIPINNISH AND FRIENDS Friday 26 November McLaren Hall, Killin 7.30-10pm, tickets £8/£5 A treat in store which should set the walls of the McLaren Hall a-shudder with a rare outing for the Skipinnish big band to perform. The core of Skipinnish are accordionist Angus MacPhail and piper Andrew Stevenson and tonight they will bring their acclaimed band to Killin, featuring Gaelic singer Catriona Watt.

SONS AND DAUGHTERS PLUS SUPPORT Friday 26 November Tolbooth, Stirling Doors 7pm for 8pm start, tickets £10 To ensure a memorable evening, a rare performance from one of Scotland’s most acclaimed indie bands Sons and Daughters – part of the esteemed roster at Domino Records, they have worked with luminaries including Bernard Butler.

DAY OF SONG Saturday 27 November Tolbooth, Stirling Workshops start from 10.30am.

Performance at 7.30pm.

RUARIDH CAMPBELL & FRIENDS, AND MEMBERS OF GET REEL Saturday 27 November Killearn Village Hall 7.30-10pm, tickets £5 (children free) In partnership with Get Reel. Ruaridh Campbell (left) was a star of the solo fiddle competition scene, and had the privilege of being a pupil of virtuoso fiddler Douglas Lawrence. Ruaridh plays with some of Scotland’s top musicians, some of whom he will be inviting to play with him this evening. The evening will start with a spot from the members of Get Reel, followed by a performance from Ruaridh and friends. The floor will be cleared for a ceilidh in the second half to round off a perfect evening.

Tickets £18/£14 to include lunch. Limited concert tickets available for the performance, tickets £5 In partnership with local song groups. A day for local song groups Liltin’ Lassies, The Bracklin Singers, Kippen Wee Sing and Tolbooth’s Singing Stirling – with workshops in different styles, and an evening performance featuring each of the local song groups, the guest tutors and a mass song.

DISCOMBOBULATE – WHERE LITERATURE AND COMEDY COLLIDE Tuesday 30 November Tolbooth, Stirling Doors 7.30pm, for 8 pm start, tickets £5 Expertly guided by compere Ian Macpherson, right, (The Comedian’s Comedian – Irish Times) and featuring Stirling Makar Magi Gibson, Novelist Alan Bissett (Talent to Burn – Scotsman), poets Billy Letford and RJ Ritchie.

CEILIDH MINOGUE Tuesday 30 November Albert Halls, Stirling 7.30pm-midnight, tickets £8, to include stovies The ever-popular annual St Andrew’s Day Ceilidh featuring top band Ceilidh Minogue, who

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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.

RENEWABLE ENERGY FAIR Saturday 20 November Stirling Baptist Church 10am-4pm This showcase event is the first organised by Stirling Council and Going Carbon Neutral Stirling for the Low Carbon Stirling campaign. Come along to enjoy all kinds of stalls and get information about renewable energy. For more details, phone Clare Speedie or Angela Mitchell at GCNS on 01786 477175 or email gcns@ksbscotland.org.uk

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.

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

Park and Ride

ST ANDREW’S DAY LECTURE Tuesday 30 November The Smith Gallery and Museum Noon, tickets £3 The Smith Art Gallery and Museum has in its curator, Dr Elspeth King, one of Scotland’s most knowledgeable and respected historians. Come and hear her thoughts on our patron saint and his connections to Stirling.

ADDITIONAL EVENTS To mark the celebrations, there is free entry to both Stirling Castle, Doune Castle and the National Wallace Monument on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 November.

There will also be traditional music sessions in the Castle and across Stirling.

Park and Ride buses will also run from 10am-6pm on Sundays 28 November and 5, 12 and 19 December.

Direct to the heart of the city ● Castleview Circular Castleview – Stirling Smith – city centre – Viewforth – Stirling Royal Infirmary – Kings Park ● Springkerse Line Springkerse – Morrisons – Sports Village – Forthside – city centre ● £1 adult, 50p child return (National Entitlement Card users travel free) ● Buses every 12 minutes ● Free parking great mixture of tarmac and pathways giving an interesting route centred around Airthrey Loch set in fabulous university grounds. A fun course, with each participant getting

RNLI REINDEER RUN combine brilliant playing with expert calling and a big dash of fun. Get those dancing shoes on!

Events and activities

November

a medal and a mince pie at the end.

Sign up now either as an individual or part of a herd! 5k entry fee £10, 10k entry fee £12.50 For more information, call 01738 642999, email reindeer@ rnli.org.uk or visit www.rnli.org.uk/reindeer

Sunday 28 November University of Stirling From 10.30am Take part in this 5K or 10K run to support the work of RNLI crews to save lives at sea. The route has a

CONTINUED OVERLEAF>>

Ask Scotland Ask Scotland is a new online reference service which allows users to pose any question to a librarian in one of Scotland’s libraries and receive a fully researched answer within 48 hours.

Ask Scotland invites users to ask a question via an online enquiry form. Questions are then sent on to qualified librarians who research the answer using the wide range of information and resources held within Scotland’s libraries.

There is also a live chat function which allows people to connect directly to a librarian and ask a question in real time.

“Stirling Council Libraries are excited to be taking part in offering this new service which will open up the wealth of resources held in library collections to enquirers both locally and across the world,” said library and archives service manager Robert Ruthven.

If you’ve got a question for Ask Scotland please visit www.askscotland.org.uk

Historian and television presenter Neil Oliver supports the Ask Scotland campaign

Whether you need information for a school project, research paper or are digging into your family tree, Ask Scotland can help STIRLING.GOV.UK

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Events and activities

Exhibitions at The Smith Art Gallery & Museum

WOMEN OF SCOTLAND QUILTS 20 November 2010 – 9 January 2011

CHRISTMAS TINGLES 15 November 2010 – January 2011 Selection of artwork and crafts ideal for christmas presents.

CLARE YARRINGTON PRINTS 15 January – 13 March 2011

Venues ● The Albert Halls Tel: 01786 473544 www.stirling.gov.uk/alberthalls ● Tolbooth Tel: 01786 274000 www.stirling.gov.uk/tolbooth ● Smith Art Gallery Tel: 01786 471917 www.smithartgallery.demon. co.uk ● MacRobert Arts Centre Tel: 01786 466666 www.macrobert.org ● Other event information www.stirling.gov.uk/my/events

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Santa Claus is coming to town!

On Sunday 21 November Santa and his reindeer come to Stirling, and an afternoon of fun, music and dancing will lead up to the switching on of the city centre Christmas lights. Here’s our guide to the day.

reindeer will be grazing in their pen outside Costa Coffee from 12.30pm-2.00pm. It’s a chance to see Rudolf and friends before their big night, so bring along your camera to capture the moment.

THISTLES SANTA AND REAL REINDEER PARADE

Bottom of King Street 3pm-5pm Music and fun with the Central FM roadshow. Keep warm and keep moving as Lazy Town Sports

Corn Exchange and King Street, Stirling Noon Come wrapped up in winter woollies or festive fancy dress to join Santa, Rudolph and friends as they arrive at Corn Exchange and set off on the sleigh down King Street.

SANTA OPENS THE THISTLES GROTTO Outside HMV, The Thistles From 12.30pm Santa will leave the reindeer to enjoy a nosh outside Costa Coffee while he and his helpers lead the procession to a brand-new magical grotto outside HMV. Tell Santa what’s on your Christmas list, receive a special gift, and there’s a chance to have your photograph taken.

MEET THE REAL REINDEER Outside Costa Coffee, Murray Place 12.30pm-2pm After the procession, the real

CENTRAL FM ROADSHOW WITH LAZY TOWN SPORTS CLUB

Club take to the stage and get everyone bopping to Bing Bang (Time to Dance). Entertainment will also include performances from Stageworx.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON Bottom of King Street, near the Christmas tree 5pm Join the big countdown to the switch on of Stirling’s Christmas lights with Provost Fergus Wood and Central FM.

A Victorian-style Christmas from the archives A selection of beautiful Christmas cards from the 1880s and 1890s are one of the archive service’s festive features this year.

The Victorian designs are part of the Stirling of Gargunnock collection. “It’s interesting how they are so different from the cards of today – and from how we probably imagine cards from this era

might have looked,” said Assistant Archivist Jane Petrie.

“These pre-date the redcoated Santa Claus, and although some of the cards are decorated with snowy scenes, others display spring or summer flowers.

These are no doubt intended by the Victorians as a sign of spring and new life to come, or a symbol of the resurrection.”

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Stirling of Gargunnock Papers

THE 20TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY TOUR PRESENT ABBA, THE ‘MAMMA MIA’ CONCERT

This significant collection of material relates to the estates, family and holdings of the Stirling family who owned Gargunnock Estate. The papers include rent books, charters of Gargunnock, maps, plans and accounts, along with family letters, notebooks, sketchbooks and photographs. There are also several albums of birthday, Christmas and New Year cards received by the family from their

Friday 3 December Albert Halls – 7.30pm Tickets £15 Voulez Vous perform a non-stop barrage of Abba hits including all the songs from the highly successful film Mamma Mia.

ANTIQUE FAIR Saturday 4 December Albert Halls 10am, tickets £1

HOLLY AT CHRISTMAS

THE SINGING KETTLE PRESENTS SANTA’S FUN FACTORY

Tuesday 21 December Albert Halls 7.30pm, tickets £14/£12 Buddy Holly & The Crickets are guaranteed to get you in the seasonal mood.

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!

DOUGIE MACLEAN Saturday 4 December Gartmore Village Hall Tickets £17 Come and see the hugely popular singer in this intimate setting.

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

children, relatives and friends.

The Stirling of Gargunnock papers are available for members of the public to view along with the rest of the material held by the Archive.

The Archive is FREE and open Monday-Wednesday 9.30am12.30pm and 1.30pm-4.30pm.

Events and activities

December

To find out more contact archive@stirling.gov.uk or phone 01786 450745. 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 £47.50 The place to be to bring in the New Year, with singer/songwriter Moira Kerr as your host.

Hogmanay at the Castle Real Radio’s Ewen Cameron will host this year’s Hogmanay event, with special guests and fireworks at midnight.

TIMES

TICKET SALES

Gates open 9pm, event ends just after midnight

● Tolbooth ● Ticketsoup.com ● Albert Halls ● Macrobert ● Online from

TICKET PRICES £20 – 16yrs and over £18 – (per ticket for 10) Buy 10 and pay for nine £15 – child ticket eight-15yrs when purchased with an adult ticket

01786 27 4000 (Mon – Sat, 10am – 6pm) 0844 395 4000 (Open 7 days, 9am – 9pm) 01786 47 3544 01786 46 6666 www.stirlinghogmanay.com

Tickets will also be on sale from all of Stirling’s Libraries and from the Community Resource Centre on Dumbarton Road

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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

1

3

2

7

5

✃

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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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

4 6

Councillor Graham Houston SNP email: houstong@stirling.gov.uk

Councillor Scott Farmer SNP email: farmers@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

Representing you in Parliament

WARD 6 STIRLING EAST

Learn more about the Scottish and UK Governments online at www.scotland.gov.uk and www.direct.gov.uk

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

CONSTITUENCY MSPs 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 OCHIL

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

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

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

● Central Scotland Police Tel: 01786 456000 ● Consumer Direct Tel: 0845 4040506 ● Falkirk Royal Infirmary Tel: 01324 624000 ● First Bus Lost Property Tel: 08708 727271 ● Floodline Tel: 0845 988188 ● Forth Valley College Tel: 0845 634 44 44 ● Forth Valley Royal Hospital Tel: 01324 566 000 ● Hydro Electric Tel: 0800 300000 ● MacRobert Arts Centre Tel: 01786 467155/466666

KEITH BROWN

SNP tel: 01259 219333 email: Keith.Brown.msp@ scottish.parliament.uk web: www.keithbrownmsp.com Constituency Office 80 Mill Street Alloa FK10 1DY

ELIZABETH SMITH

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

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

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

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

● NHS Forth Valley Tel: 01786 463031 ● Quantum Meters Tel: 0845 6066766 ● Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley Tel: 01786 451919

LIST MSPS MID SCOTLAND AND FIFE

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

CHRISTOPHER HARVIE

Useful information

OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS

● Scottish Power Tel: 0845 2727111

CLAIRE BAKER

● Scottish Water Tel: 0845 6008855 ● Stirling Royal Infirmary Tel: 01786 434000

TED BROCKLEBANK

MURDO FRASER

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

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT STIRLING

● University of Stirling Tel: 01786 473171

ANNE McGUIRE

● TRANSCO (Gas Emergencies) Tel: 0800 111999

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

● Traveline Tel: 0871 2002233

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Caring for Stirling’s people

It hurt me and made me upset.

But he told me he was in charge and it was alright and I couldn’t tell anyone...

Then he did it

again... he truth is horrifying. Adults with learning disabilities are far more likely to be sexually assaulted than the rest of the population.

T

If you suspect someone is being harmed, please call us now. And speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves.

If you are worried about someone at risk of abuse, help, advice and action are available from the Adult Protection service. Please call 01786 471177.

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