stirling summer 2011
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quarterly Stirling magazineTRANSCRIPT
Stir
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It’s a new beginning
Opening of Community Hospital Page 20
Customer comes first
City centre access to services Page 24
Our White Ribbon City
Stirling pledges to help end violencePage 28
Take a spinSee more of Stirling
thiS Summer
summer 2011
For everyone living in The sTirling council area
The world-class attractions and outstanding natural beauty of our area come into their own in the summer. This issue is packed with ideas about getting out and about, and suggestions for things to do and places to visit for all the family.
Our amazing outdoors is one of our area’s most precious assets. And protecting and enhancing it – making sure we leave a legacy for future generations to enjoy – is one of the council’s key priorities.
Developing and encouraging the use of sustainable transport is part of this. Stirling is a great place to explore, and walking or cycling is an enjoyable, healthy option. The urban walks featured in this issue, for instance, could introduce you to parts of our area you’ve never discovered before.
Keeping our surroundings clean, safe and tidy is consistently a top concern of local people and a challenge we need to work together to tackle. We’ve been consulting with communities about how best to use and look after our open spaces, and will be coming back with a plan in the autumn. Meantime, this summer sees the launch of a major campaign to encourage dog owners to use any bin to “Bag it and bin it”.
Making it possible for everyone to enjoy being out and about safely is a key aim.
As well as enhancing our surroundings and quality of life, measures like these will help attract as many repeat visitors as possible to the Stirling area. We’re in the spotlight with the 150th anniversary celebrations at Wallace Monument, the re-opening of the Royal Apartments at Stirling Castle after a £12m renovation and the start of the countdown to the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn in 2014.
Stirling is stepping onto a world stage – and we’re ready for it.
4 online registration saves public money 5 Details on digital tV switchover6 Big anniversary for Wallace monument8 great improvements to Baker Street 9 Workplace training scheme secures an award10 fun activities for the kids this summer12 how to get out and about for cycling adventures14 What’s on in your area
16 explore Stirling with a range of walking routes18 inspiration to grow edible borders in your garden19 encouraging local people to be “active travellers” 20 Stirling royal infirmary becomes a community hospital22 Bag it and bin it23 Project helps to turn offenders away from crime24 Access a range of services at Customer first26 find out how to contact your councillor, mSP or mP
Comment
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Stirling magazine brings you current news and stories fromacross Stirling’s public sector organisations. Please let us haveyour comments and ideas for future issues by [email protected]
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Stirling royal
infirmary becomes a
community
hospital, on
hand to deal
with minor
injuries and
provide other
vital services
Local
careCOMMUNitY HOSPitAl
The opening of the third phase of
the Forth Valley Royal Hospital
will not only mark the final
chapter in the development of
the new hospital, but also herald
a new beginning for Stirling
Royal Infirmary.
Following the transfer of acute
services from Stirling to Larbert
from Tuesday 12 July, Stirling Royal
Infirmary will take on a new role as
a community hospital, one of four
which will support the work of
Forth Valley Royal Hospital.
This will ensure local people
from across Stirling and Forth
Valley continue to have access to
a wide range of health services,
including a new Minor Injury
Unit (see right).
As well as this new unit, Stirling
Community Hospital will also
provide a wide range of outpatient
services, including GP out-of-hours
services, women’s health (including
medical clinics, therapy services and
mental health services), children and
young people’s services (including
medical clinics, therapy services
mental health services), and a
range of outreach clinics. There
are plans to transfer some inpatient
services from Bannockburn
Hospital to the
Stirling Community
Hospital site.
Know who to turn to
when you need advice about health or you are feeling unwell,
it is important to know who to turn to. to help you make the
right choices, nHS Forth valley has produced a booklet
which has been distributed to gP practices and community
pharmacies and is also available on the Forth valley website
www.nhsforthvalley.com
Minor
Injury
unit in
focus
What is a Minor
injury Unit?
a Minor injury unit is a
centre which provides
treatment for a wide range of
injuries that require urgent
care but are not serious or life
threatening. it’s important to
remember that accident and
emergency Services
should only be used
by people who are
seriously ill and need
emergency care.
Minor injury units can
treat a wide range of
injuries, including:
• sprains and strains
• suspected broken bones
• minor eye injuries
• minor burns and scalds
• cuts and grazes
• minor head and neck
injuries • infected wounds.
Who can be treated
at a Minor injury Unit?
Minor injury units provide
treatment for adults and
children over the age of one.
Children under the age of
one should be taken to the
emergency Department at
Forth valley royal Hospital
(from 12 July) which will
also provide a full minor
injury service.
What if i need to see a
doctor at night or at
weekends?
if you require to see a gP
out of hours phone nHS 24
on 08454 242424 and you
will be directed to one of a
number of gP Out-of-
Hours centres within
Forth valley.
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FEEDBACk
a group of 12 looked-after young
people from across the Stirling
area have been talking about
their thoughts, feelings and
experiences around leaving
care – in their own
words and in their
own way.they have been
taking part in
“Hear my voice”,
a partnership
project between
Stirling Council and
the Scottish
throughcare and
aftercare Forum which is
looking at ways to help young
people make the move out of
care and into work and an
independent life as positively
and successfully as possible.
the group, who are
representing young people
leaving care across the Stirling
area, recently organised an
informal “Hear my voice”
evening of discussion and
debate and invited
representatives from a cross-
section of local organisations.
they talked to politicians
and managers about their
experiences and needs, and how
to shape services for the future.
Cllr graham Houston, leader
of Stirling Council and Portfolio
Holder for Care, attended
the event. He said:
“we were able to
hear from our
young people
directly and
involve them
at the start of
our work to
shape this
service rather
than at the end.
“Councillors and
council officers take our role
as corporate parents very
seriously, and the ‘Hear my
voice’ initiative is helping build
the relationship between us and
the young people we have
responsibility for.”
Four areas for improvement
identified at the event were:
• a greater say in the process of
leaving care
• more accommodation options
• access to employment
opportunities
• involving young people in
decision-making.
Stirling Council and the
Scottish throughcare and
aftercare Forum will now
continue to offer support and
involve the young people in
shaping leaving Care services.
Hear our
voices...
in their own words...
Some comments from the looked-after young people at the
event were:
• “if you take me into care, make my life better – don’t make it
worse. Be the corporate parent you are meant to be.”
• “we need enough money to live and eat healthily. Could you
survive on £52 a week and pay bills?”
• “i just need a safe place to stay.”
FACT As part of the “Hear my
voice” project, young
people in care in the stirling
area have also been making
a DVD about their
experiences of being
looked after
Changes to
emergency
services
the third and final phase of the new
Forth valley royal Hospital at
larbert will open in July 2011.
this will allow a wide range of
acute services currently based at
Stirling royal infirmary to transfer
across to Forth valley royal Hospital
as planned.this includes accident and
emergency services for the whole
of Forth valley, which will transfer
from Stirling royal infirmary to
Forth valley royal Hospital on
tuesday 12 July.
the new purpose-built
emergency Department at Forth
valley royal Hospital is bigger and
brighter than the existing a&e at
Stirling royal infirmary and has
been designed to give patients
more privacy.
a new Minor injury unit will also
open on 12 July on the Stirling
royal infirmary site, which will
become Stirling Community
Hospital after acute hospital
service have transferred to Forth
valley royal Hospital.
For further information, visit
www.nhsforthvalley.com
“Local people from
across Stirling
continue to have
access to a wide
range of health
services”
“Making it possible for everyone to enjoy being out and about safely is a key aim”
Stirling Council leader
graham houston
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About…Stirling magazine is published by Stirling Council.editor: Susan Cunningham email: [email protected]: 01786 443360Design and editing: Connect Communications, Studio 2001, mile end, Paisley PA1 1JS.tel: 0141 561 0300Visit: www.connect communications.co.ukPrint: more. Printed on 90gsm (cover), 70gsm (inside) fSC® paper
FormatsCopies 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
Contactto contact Stirling Council, please call 0845 277 7000, text: 07717 990 001, email: [email protected], visit us online at www.stirling.gov.uk or write to Stirling Council, Viewforth, 14-20 Pitt terrace, Stirling fK8 2et.
On the coverCycling or walking to work is part of Dunblane Primary School teacher karen Patrick’s regular routine, but especially enjoyable on fine summer mornings. read more in our features on cycling (page 12) and urban walks (page 16).
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Walk this wayexplore the city with these great routes...Abbey Craig and the Wallace Monument
Distance: 2km Time: 1 hour 15 Terrain: Tarmac and rough path map: Os Landranger 57 Access: Bus (62) from stirling to Hillfoots road
The Wallace monument sits on Abbey Craig, with a network of wooded paths and dramatic views over stirling and the Forth Valley.From the visitor centre car park, it’s a steep 15-minute climb to the top by the road. (it’s also possible to reach this road via steps from the park by Causewayhead Corner.) Halfway up,
walkers can branch right onto a gravelly path where you get your first close-up views of the wallace Monument.
By the monument there
are excellent views right across the Forth valley: on a good day you can even see the Forth Bridges.after you’ve explored, follow the road to an information board and veer right onto a track. keep children under control as this track skirts along the edge of the crags. Descend on the path by the edge of the woods and crags, ignoring any turn-offs. towards the bottom of the slope, ignore a minor path on the right and keep to your path as it curves round to the left. where it branches, you can go either way to walk beside a wall. take the next left, up three old stone steps, for the return leg. this runs through the heart of the woods, away from the crags. after some five minutes walking uphill, you’ll come to a crossroads by a large tree and a red and white orienteering marker. go right to reach the far side of the crag. Continue to climb before the path narrows and winds through a beech copse. Still trending upwards, the path comes to benches. From here, a few paces lead back to the monument access road.
Stirling Castle Back WalkDistance: 3km Time: 1 hour Terrain: Paths and roads; short, steep sections, some steps but mostly suitable for all-terrain buggies
map: stirling street Guide (Nicolson maps) Access: stirling train and bus stations are a short way from the startenjoy a stroll around the ancient walls of stirling Castle.
Start from Stirling library to join the upper Back walk. Following the old town walls, the walkway leads upwards to the castle. after 50m, you reach the ladies’ rock for a commanding view of the graveyards. turn left ahead, signed Ballengeich road, to enjoy a leafy walk on the path below the castle walls. Cross Ballengeich road and take the path for Motte Hill. at a fork, descend left to reach this hill,
where you’ll see a beheading stone with views to die for! Plenty of heads rolled here in the 15th century. a quaint form of sledging was also practised on the hill. Hurley Hawkie involved sliding down the steep hill on a cow’s skull, using its horns as handlebars. return to the fork and bear left, signed Castlehill. the path emerges opposite the castle on a grassy bank. walk round to the road and go left to reach a ramp and steps up to the castle esplanade. go through the car park and down a flight of steps by the Portcullis Hotel. turn right and follow Castle wynd, passing Broad Street, where the tolbooth Cross can be seen, to go down St John Street. this top of the town return passes the victorian Old town Jail and other notable buildings.
get 20 per cent off this fantastic guidebook from the Pocket Mountains website, www.pocketmountains.com by entering the code SCO10 at the checkout
these routes appear in Stirling, 40 Town and Country Walks – available from all good bookshops, outdoors shops and visitor centres, priced £6.99.
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Cambuskenneth PilgrimageDistance: 4km Time: 1 hour Terrain: Flat, paved; suitable for buggies map: stirling street Guide (Nicolson maps) Access: Walk starts from stirling train or bus station
explore stirling’s old harbour and an ancient abbey, both just a short walk from the centre of the city.Start from the bus or train station: facing away from the station, turn right along goosecroft road and take the first right turn onto Seaforth Place. Cross the road and follow a walkway ahead, which leads down to the river and a tiny park where Stirling’s harbour once stood. walk through the park to follow abbey road to a footbridge over the river. Cross it, go straight on and turn right at the end of the street to arrive at peaceful Cambuskenneth abbey. return across the river and take the riverside path past a white boat club, under a railway
bridge and down an underpass to a clocktower. Divert right to see Stirling’s medieval Old Bridge.
return to the clocktower and continue straight ahead to walk along wallace Street, past tesco, turning left to rejoin goosecroft road and reach the city centre.
A Bannockburn Trail
Distance: 5kmTime: 1 hour 30Terrain: minor hills, muddy paths, footpaths map: Os Landranger 57 Access: Bus (31, x39, 54, 53 or 24) from stirling Bus station to Glasgow road, Whins of milton
The route begins at the National Trust for scotland’s Bannockburn Heritage Centre. Walk up to the drumlin mound, where the Battle of Bannockburn commenced. retrace your steps to follow a path on the right. where this joins a road, turn right to enter Chartershall. Just before the old bridge over the Bannock Burn, take a path left, signed whins of Milton,
which follows the old mill lade. Cross a road and continue to glasgow road. walk along the road behind the garage, signed Milton Farm, and turn left onto Colliers way. after the farm, take the first right. the road soon branches: take the lower option to cross the Bannock Burn. Continue above a wooded gorge and go right at a junction, signed Coal wynd. in 20m, at another junction, climb steeply left up the wynd. From the top, there’s an excellent view of the Ochils. Head downhill to the Brae, and turn left. Before the bridge, go left on a path, signed Milton. Stay on the surfaced path, ignoring side-paths, to return over the river on a bridge above a weir. a track leads to a road that will take you back to Milton
Farm for the easy return stretch.
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text © Fergal MacErlean
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Fu
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approaching and it’s time to start
planning ways to keep the kids active
Jumpinto
summer
Get on board
the Superbus
a converted double decker
bus run by Stirling Council
provides a play environment
in the holidays for kids aged
2-12. look out for times and
places on the Stirling Council website.
Go back in time for games
earn brownie points by teaching kids the playground games you loved as a child: skipping, yo-yo, hula-hooping, leap frog and hopscotch.
Take a walk
there are lots of ways to help even
the most reluctant wee walker
enjoy a stroll. take plenty of snacks
and dish them out from time to
time to stop moaning and keep
energy levels up. Make walks more
interesting by calling them nature rambles, minibeast
hunts or history trails, and giving kids checklists of things to find or collect in bags. Page 16 has lots of walking routes to
choose from.
Have fun indoors on a rainy day
resist the temptation to let the kids sit in front of the tv all day. instead,
bake, do crafts or play silly games such as rough-housing, chase the
monster and hide and seek. Or stick on music and dance.
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Hunt bugs
this is an activity that is suitable for children from
the age of two up. all you need is a child, a patch
of grass and an insect, but if you want to make it
more fun, you could use a magnifying glass and
a bug list/child’s insect identification book.
look up which bugs you’re likely to find in
your local area first and make a list of ones
you hope to discover. Older children can write down the names of
the insects they find, while younger ones
could draw a picture. ask them to
describe the insect and write what
they say. watch the bugs in
their natural environment,
rather than trapping them in
a tub, as kids often want to
keep them as pets and they’re likely to die.
You could even turn your
bug hunt into a summer
project that your child could
bring a record of to school.
Spot red kites at Argaty
view these stunning birds of prey and
their spectacular flying in the wild at
argaty near Doune. the farm lies in
an area where the rSPB and
Scottish natural Heritage have
reintroduced these birds, native
to Scotland but once extinct
here. argaty is Central Scotland’s only red kite feeding station. a small amount of food is put out for
the kites every day so that
visitors can watch from a
purpose-built hide as they
swoop down for their prey. For
more information, call 01786 841373
or visit www.argatyredkites.co.uk
Go camping
Set up a tent in the garden – or make one in the
house using chairs and sheets. Or have a cheap
break at a campsite. there are plenty to choose
from in the trossachs, or closer to home in
Dollar, aberfoyle, Blairlogie, Doune,
thornhill, Fintry or Blair Drummond.
Go geocaching
kids love treasure hunts and this hugely
popular high-tech version should capture
their imaginations. geocachers hide
treasure chests in secret locations, and
then give clues to their whereabouts
on websites (such as www.
geocaching.com). there are hundreds
of secret caches all over the Stirling
area, from countryside areas to the
city centre. when you find a cache,
open the treasure chest to discover
some small gifts (such as toys or
pennies), take one and replace it with
something else, then write in the guest
book and go on to the next site.
Visit parks
there are wonderful countryside parks in the
Stirling area – so make a day of it, take a picnic
and enjoy! Mugdock Country Park (0141 956
6100) has walks, cycling, a tree trail and history
trail, archery, horseriding, a play park, nature
activities and an adventure trail.
Plean Country Park has an excellent network of
footpaths. there are three marked trails of different
lengths starting from the car park, an
orienteering course, horse trail, toilets
and picnic areas. at the David Marshall lodge
in aberfoyle (01877 382383)
you can watch ospreys or
enjoy walks in Queen elizabeth Forest, the new
play area and the orienteering course.
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A landmark perspectiveSince it’s a special anniversary summer for the wallace Monument (see story on pages 6 and 7) we’re featuring a photo of the iconic landmark in this issue’s “Your view”
– your chance to showcase a picture you have taken of the Stirling area.
Dunblane reader ralph Young, who took the picture above, said: “we recently returned to our beloved Scotland after ten years in Cheshire and leased a property up the hill in Causewayhead for around a year.
this gave us the privilege of seeing all the different ‘moods’ of the monument.”
Thanks to everyone who sent in images. If you’d like to see your view
in Stirling, email it with background information to [email protected]
Have a great time at Gaelic gatheringenjoy great music and top craic at the midsummer gaelic gathering the Stirling and galway sessions, held between 20-26 June.
the very best of irish and Scottish celtic musicians will be playing at evening events in venues right across Stirling, including many city centre pubs, as well as holding free lunchtime music sessions at the new John Cowane’s Coffee House (guildhall), to get your feet stamping and your hands clapping day and night!
Building on the success of the
2010 Stirling and galway sessions, the second Stirling galway celtic music festival (an offshoot of the hugely popular traditional irish galway Sessions) features performers including Sean ryan, one of the foremost exponents of tin whistle playing and all-ireland champion; award-winning harpist kathleen loughnane; Cormac Cannon, one of the most admired
up-and-coming young pipers in ireland; fiddle player and singer Breda keville; Cormac Begley on concertina, and many others,
including greg Cotter (singer/guitar/mandolin/accordion); Harry Donaldson (singer/guitar) and dancer emma O’Sullivan.
For a full programme, visit www.stirling.gov.uk/
stirlinggalwaysessions
Project helps save butterfliesButterfly Conservation Scotland has been working in partnership with Stirling Council to adopt its third reserve at wester Moss near Fallin – the first for large heath butterflies in the uk.
local residents have also been involved in the project.
the large heath is a uk Biodiversity action Plan species, and is disappearing throughout the country. Butterfly Conservation is the largest insect conservation charity in europe, running conservation programmes on more than 60 threatened species of butterflies and moths. For details, visit www.butterfly-conservation.org
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if people register electronically to vote, £60,000 of public money could be saved across the Stirling area, according to estimates by the electoral registration Office (erO).
each year the erO sends a voter registration enquiry to every address and it is a legal requirement to respond. electors who supply their email address by 1 July will have their current details emailed to them instead
of receiving a letter and if no changes are necessary they can simply reply to the email. “we estimate we can save as much as 50p per household,” said electoral registration Officer Brian Byrne.
To register electronically, send an email giving your name, address and email address to [email protected]
Register by email to save funds
in Brief
Houses completedSix cottage flats, ten houses and two wheelchair bungalows have now been completed in St ninians on the site of the old St Modan’s High School as part of the council’s new house-building programme to provide rented homes in local communities. the building programme is scheduled to provide 158 new homes at a total cost of £18.86m, and should be complete by 2014.
Apprentice of the YearCongratulations to Housing Services apprentice kenneth Mclellan, who has been named as Sig roofing Supplies group 1st Year roof Slating and tiling apprentice of the Year. kenneth received his award at a recent ceremony at Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline.
Become an archive volunteerStirling Council archives has a lively and motivated team of volunteers involved in a range of tasks and making all sorts of exciting archival discoveries along the way. if you’d like to join the team, please contact Jane Petrie, assistant archivist, on 01786 450745 or [email protected] to find out more.
Meeting rooms availableif your community group is searching for a meeting room in a central location, Stirling Council can help. whether it’s a large conference or a small gathering, get in touch on 01786 443383. audio visual equipment and catering can be provided.
Code to tackle traffickingScotland’s first protocol on human trafficking to cover children as well as adults was launched recently in Stirling at an event chaired by george Hunter, chair of Stirling Child Protection Committee.
the protocol is the work of organisations including Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Councils, Central Scotland Police, Forth valley nHS and representatives from the voluntary and independent sectors. the Scottish intelligence Co-ordination unit, Scottish Crime and Drug enforcement agency supported the working group.
we have a winnerlocal children have been taking part in a competition to design a new logo to be used on child protection information and publicity materials.
the entry from Borestone Primary School pupil Callum allport, pictured centre front with the runners up and representatives from Stirling Child Protection Committee, was the winner. the committee is responsible for the development, co-ordination and review of child protection policy and practice.
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Time for the switchoverDigitAl tV
it’s almost time for the digital tv switchover. it’ll happen in two stages. at stage one, on 8 June, analogue BBC two is switched off. the BBC Freeview channels are then boosted in power and become available from local relay transmitters for the first time. a fortnight later, on 22 June, stage two will see all analogue services switched off. the remaining Freeview channels will increase in power and become available from relay transmitters.
viewers with digital tvs or Freeview, top up tv or Bt vision boxes will need to retune their equipment at both stages of switchover.Full details are available at www.digitaluk.co.uk or by calling 08456 50 50 50.
Help schemeYou could be eligible for the Switchover Help Scheme, which will help you convert one tv set to digital if you:
are aged 75 or over
get or could get Disability living allowance, attendance allowance, Constant attendance allowance or mobility supplement
have lived in a care home for six months or more
are registered blind or partially sighted.You can apply for help until 22 July 2011.
The Help scheme’s National manager for scotland, Luke mcCullough, can be contacted on [email protected] or 07950 306972 (or visit helpscheme.co.uk) and would be happy to help with any questions you may have in the run-up to switchover.
Self-help renewalSome communities have a self-help transmitter.
these areas will need to renew their licences before the switchover to ensure that their systems continue to operate to a satisfactory level.
existing licences are valid only for analogue transmissions. see http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk for more information or advice.
Passport to wisdomlibraries across central Scotland have teamed up to create a new library Passport scheme, offering readers the key to a wealth of books and information.
the libraries in Central Scotland (liCS) scheme covers Stirling Council library Service, Falkirk Council library Services, Clackmannanshire Council library Service, Stirling university library, Forth valley College library and the Dementia Services Development Centre, as well as the national library of Scotland in edinburgh.
the liCS Passport, which is valid for one year, is used along with your library card and gives access to catalogues, books and journals – users can consult these materials at all participating libraries.
a partnership project between Stirling Council and Stirling Community Health Partnership which won a prestigious award last year is now being used as an example of good practice for other organisations. the project helps improve employment prospects for people with learning, mental or physical disabilities.
“employability and Health – an integrated
approach” was selected overall winner in the Health and employment Partnership category of the 2010 Scottish government-sponsored SurF awards for Best Practice in Community regeneration.
representatives from other organisations visited Stirling in May to learn more about the award-winning project and the work of Stirling Council’s employability Service.
Great job with project
Case manager Steven Penman (left) helps ewan Wright improve
his employment prospects
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On 24 June 1861, a crowd of more than 100,000 people thronged Stirling’s streets and climbed the Abbey Craig to take part in a huge ceremony as a foundation stone was laid. And, a century and a half later, the National Wallace Monument stands as a testament to the high esteem in which Sir William Wallace is still held.
To mark the anniversary, the first 150 visitors on 24 June 2011 will each receive the gift of a commemorative medal replicating the 1861 original, specially minted to mark the occasion.
It’s part of a colourful programme of special events, including:
150th Anniversary of the Laying of the Foundation Stone (24 June 2011). The events of 150 years ago will be recalled, when historians will tell visitors the amazing story of how the monument came to be built. To set the scene, entertainers and musicians will create the atmosphere of a day out in Victorian times.
A Walk with Wallace (1–3 July 2011). Visitors will be able to join a foot-soldier from Braveheart’s army for a walk through the woods of the Abbey Craig to meet Wallace himself!
Encounter with Wallace (19–29 August 2011). Unique dramatic performances of scenes from the life of Wallace will mark the
anniversary of his brutal execution in London on 23 August 1305.
Falconry displays during the Walk with Wallace
weekend will add to the special atmosphere.
“Visitors come to Stirling from every corner of the world, because they want to
find out more about the fascinating figure of William Wallace, a man prepared to sacrifice his life for freedom,” said Ken Thomson, marketing manager with Stirling District Tourism. “We hope that the special events planned for 2011 will help to make their visit to the city and the whole Stirling area especially memorable.”
more information on all events is available from
The National Wallace monument at 01786 472140, or at www.nationalwallacemonument.com
Five things to know about the Wallace Monument...
Opened in 1869 attracts more than 130,000
visitors each year Open each day from 10am visitor facilities include free
car parking, a courtesy bus service from the car park to the
Monument, souvenir and gift shops and the popular legends Coffee House
a new map for visitors, showing woodland walks and nature trails on the abbey Craig, is available from visitor reception at the monument, or from www.nationalwallace monument.com
the 150th anniversary of the foundation stone being laid at Stirling’s national wallace Monument is being celebrated this summer with a series of special events at the iconic landmark
Monumental anniversary
the national Wallace monument attracts more than 130,000 visitors a year
FACTStirling Council archives has a treasure trove of
information about the monument including original plans, minutes, accounts, newspaper articles and
programmes relating to the opening in 1869.
Visit www.stirling.gov.uk/archives
Stirling on the world stage in 20142014 will see the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn – and thousands of visitors are expected to flock to Stirling and central Scotland for the celebrations.
with the Commonwealth games in glasgow and the ryder Cup in gleneagles taking place the same summer, the special year has already been designated Scotland’s second Year of Homecoming.
“an invitation is going out to friends of Stirling and Scotland right around the globe,” said
Provost Fergus wood. “this is our chance to really put Stirling on the world stage.
“the planning has already started, and i hope local people and businesses will get involved with their ideas and input. it’s an
exciting time for Stirling and as always the warmest
of welcomes awaits our visitors.”
Find out more at www.stirling2014.co.uk
The beginning“. . . no such gathering of Scotsmen has ever taken place within the memory of living men, and Stirling presented one of the liveliest and most incongruous of spectacles it has ever been our lot to witness. the streets were swarming with people . . .”report in the The Stirling Observer and Midland Counties Advertiser describing the scene in stirling on monday 24 June 1861.
What else happened in 1861?
abraham lincoln (pictured) became the american President
the american Civil war started
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens was being serialised
Prince albert, consort of Queen victoria, died
the one o’clock gun at edinburgh Castle fired for the first time.
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right: the national Wallace monument Below: the statue of robert the
Bruce, whose army won the Battle of Bannockburn, which celebrates its
700th anniversary in 2014
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City
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Baker Street in the heart of Stirling has been given a makeover
“It was really important to carry the work out after the festive period, but before the summertime peak of the tourist season”City centre manager andy kennedy
CitY CENtRE iMPROVEMENtS
Baker Street is the latest area of Stirling city centre to receive a makeover thanks to the Vital Stirling initiative, funded through the Scottish Government’s Cities Growth Fund.
Vital Stirling focuses on streetscape improvements which bring economic and environmental benefits for people living, working in or visiting the heart of the city.
The 16-week, £400,000 project, carried out by Lanarkshire-based contractors the QTS Group, has focused on the section of Baker Street between the junctions with Friars Street and Morris Terrace. Corn Exchange Road has also
been upgraded between Back Walk and Spittal Street.
“Baker Street is a key link between the Castle, the Top of the Town and the city centre, and it was really important to carry the work out after the festive period but before the summertime peak of the tourist season,” said city centre manager Andy Kennedy.
“We’re making our streets more people-friendly – and with Baker Street and Corn Exchange, taking action to help an important area
achieve its economic potential. The facelift is the latest stage in a regeneration plan we’ve been working on for a number of years. Port Street, Friars Street, Baker Street and Corn Exchange have all been upgraded since 2006.
“The wider pavements, cobbles and generally neater appearance add to the area’s appeal. There is now space to encourage a more relaxed pedestrian experience, with the additional opportunity for businesses to develop a ‘street café’ vibe for everyone to enjoy.
“We’re grateful for everyone’s patience and co-operation.”
new look will pave the way
the latest Baker Street phase of vital Stirling improvements has: • strengthened the street’s historic atmosphere by uncovering the original
cobbles from under a layer of tarmac
• helped encourage more visitors and tourists to discover more of Stirling
beyond the Castle, boosting
local shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants
• widened pavements and created ‘landing points’ for pedestrians• increased the area’s night-time economy potential by making it an attractive choice for an evening drink or meal• reduced traffic speeds.
FACT since improvements
began in 2004, the ground floor property vacancy rate
in Baker street has reduced from 44 per
cent to 11 per cent
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EMPlOYMENt
Provost Fergus Wood recently hosted a civic ceremony for Stirling’s ASPIRE Project to congratulate participants on their achievements and to announce the ASPIRE Learner and Employer of the Year.
Participants, employers, tutors and Stirling Council staff gathered to celebrate the success of the project and individuals’ achievements. Over the past year and a half, ASPIRE has offered free workplace training to more than 250 people from small to medium-sized businesses across the Stirling Council area.
The ASPIRE Learner of the Year trophy was awarded
to Rasa Ivanauskaite for her commitment to her own learning and the help she has given to other members of her class. Employer of the Year was Westerlands Care Home in St Ninians for
their commitment to staff development and wellbeing.
Project co-ordinator Marianne Eik said: “I’m pleased that we have been able to support so many employees in such a short space of time. The success of the project is due to the participants and their employers embracing the training opportunities on offer.”
The ASPIRE project has offered training in a variety of subjects including:• literacy and report writing• numeracy• IT • English in the workplace• Sage (accountancy software)
• English and dementia classes for people working in care homes to increase communication with residents• entrepreneurial business start-up workshops for migrant workers delivered in Polish, Hungarian, Russian and English languages as well as qualifications (SVQs and NVQs) and bespoke training in British Sign Language, forklift operation, food hygiene and first aid at work.
For further information on the AsPIre Project, contact
marianne eik on 01786 432366 or email [email protected]
in their words...“the aSPire Project has been wonderful for our business – a fantastic opportunity to learn and develop skills which have boosted our business and which otherwise would have been delayed indefinitely.”Craig MacFarlane, employer, Stirling Cycle Repair
“the ten-week english and dementia training i did has given me more confidence and knowledge, and improved my language skills. it’s inspired me to learn more on my own.”liene Vitola, employee of Westerlands Care Home
Aspire to succeedworkplace training scheme awards best learner and best employer accolades at civic ceremony
from left: ASPire co-ordinator marianne eik with learner of the
Year rasa ivanauskaite and irene Bruce of
Westerlands Care home, employer of the Year. Provost fergus Wood presented the awards
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Fu
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ities The summer holidays are fast
approaching and it’s time to start planning ways to keep the kids active
Jumpinto
summerGet on board the Superbus
a converted double decker bus run by Stirling Council provides a play environment in the holidays for kids aged 2-12. look out for times and places on the Stirling Council website.
Go back in time for games
earn brownie points by teaching kids the playground games you loved as a child: skipping, yo-yo, hula-hooping, leap frog and hopscotch.
Take a walk
there are lots of ways to help even the most reluctant wee walker enjoy a stroll. take plenty of snacks and dish them out from time to time to stop moaning and keep energy levels up. Make walks more
interesting by calling them nature rambles, minibeast
hunts or history trails, and giving kids checklists of things to find or collect in bags. Page 16 has lots of walking routes to
choose from.
Have fun indoors on a rainy day
resist the temptation to let the kids sit in front of the tv all day. instead, bake, do crafts or play silly games such as rough-housing, chase the monster and hide and seek. Or stick on music and dance.
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Hunt bugs
this is an activity that is suitable for children from the age of two up. all you need is a child, a patch
of grass and an insect, but if you want to make it more fun, you could use a magnifying glass and a bug list/child’s insect identification book.
look up which bugs you’re likely to find in your local area first and make a list of ones you hope to discover.
Older children can write down the names of the insects they find, while younger ones
could draw a picture. ask them to describe the insect and write what
they say. watch the bugs in their natural environment, rather than trapping them in a tub, as kids often want to keep them as pets and they’re likely to die.
You could even turn your bug hunt into a summer
project that your child could bring a record of to school.
Spot red kites at Argaty
view these stunning birds of prey and their spectacular flying in the wild at
argaty near Doune. the farm lies in an area where the rSPB and
Scottish natural Heritage have reintroduced these birds, native to Scotland but once extinct here. argaty is Central Scotland’s only red kite feeding station. a small amount of food is put out for the kites every day so that visitors can watch from a
purpose-built hide as they swoop down for their prey. For
more information, call 01786 841373 or visit www.argatyredkites.co.uk
Go camping
Set up a tent in the garden – or make one in the house using chairs and sheets. Or have a cheap break at a campsite. there are plenty to choose from in the trossachs, or closer to home in Dollar, aberfoyle, Blairlogie, Doune, thornhill, Fintry or Blair Drummond.
Go geocaching
kids love treasure hunts and this hugely popular high-tech version should capture their imaginations. geocachers hide treasure chests in secret locations, and then give clues to their whereabouts on websites (such as www.geocaching.com). there are hundreds of secret caches all over the Stirling area, from countryside areas to the city centre. when you find a cache, open the treasure chest to discover some small gifts (such as toys or pennies), take one and replace it with something else, then write in the guest book and go on to the next site.
Visit parks
there are wonderful countryside parks in the Stirling area – so make a day of it, take a picnic and enjoy! Mugdock Country Park (0141 956 6100) has walks, cycling, a tree trail and history trail, archery, horseriding, a play park, nature
activities and an adventure trail. Plean Country Park has an excellent network of
footpaths. there are three marked trails of different lengths starting from the car park, an
orienteering course, horse trail, toilets and picnic areas.
at the David Marshall lodge in aberfoyle (01877 382383)
you can watch ospreys or enjoy walks in Queen elizabeth Forest, the new play area and the orienteering course.
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tRANSPORt
Summer’s here and with improved cycle routes in Stirling and special cycle training for kids, it’s the perfect time to make the most of the better weather and get active.
In 2010/11 the Council completed the Dunblane to Doune cycle route and made improvements to the national cycle network at Fallin, Causewayhead and Strathblane. Signposting of the Stirling City cycle network also began.
Twenty-five primary schools will be getting on their bikes with special safety cycle skills training from Active Schools in Stirling. The programme has been designed by Cycling Scotland and is being delivered by volunteers, supported by Active Schools Coordinators.
Claire Peebles, Active Schools Coordinator, said: “We hope this will encourage children and their families to consider using their bikes as a means of transport. We are very
lucky to have local community police officers involved in the programme, as they help with testing at the end of the training programme and deliver road safety talks to the children.”
In addition, Bannockburn, Stirling, Wallace and St Modan High Schools were given copies of the city cycle map for every pupil.
Adults are invited to join in the fun too! Whether you’re a bike club racer, a two-wheel commuter to work, school or the local shops, or one of the happy band who cycles for fun and bit of exercise, there’s a way for you to get involved.
See right for ideas on what you can do...
it’s the perfect season to get out and about on a bike
Pedal power
“There’s a way for you to get involved”
Stirling reporter Deborah Kilpatrick gives Amy and Claudia Preiss and Sophie monteith a spin in Daisy Chain the cargo bike
Why not cycle to work like Dunblane Primary School teacherKaren Patrick?
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BikE DiARY
A weekend in the life of cargo bike ‘Daisy Chain’Friday My first Stirling ‘owner’ Deborah arrived to pick me up. She shrieked a lot as she steered me around the car park, but quickly got the hang of cargo-biking. we headed through lovely fields and countryside at Cambuskenneth then picked up a little girl called Sophie and her wee friend neve at Bridge of allan primary school.
Saturday My nice cosy cover was whipped off this morning and before i knew it, three very noisy children were clambering into my trailer, demanding to be taken to the shop for sweeties. later it was a trip to the supermarket with Deborah. She seemed pleasantly surprised by the number of heavy bags i was able to carry.
Sunday another day, another photo-shoot. this time the photographer said i might get to be in Stirling magazine. Suppose i’ll have to share the limelight with some humans. never mind – it’s been a really fun weekend.
trial a cargo bike a fun, alternative form of transport, cargo bikes (pictured left) are a common sight in europe and can be used to transport children or shopping. as the result of a grant from the Climate Challenge Fund, going Carbon neutral Stirling (gCnS) now has more than 10 continental-style bikes which are available for a month’s free trial for individuals and communities. Contact the team on 01786 468765 or [email protected] if you want to give it a go. See the diary of cargo bike Daisy Chain below left for the start of her Stirling journey!
reduce car use according to going Carbon neutral Stirling (gCnS): “One of the biggest contributors to a person’s carbon footprint in the uk is driving a car. if you cycled to work instead of driving once a week, you could trim a quarter of a tonne of CO2 equivalent off your carbon footprint (based on a round-trip commute of 15 miles). and if you cycled for two days out of five, and then persuaded a workmate to cycle with you? the carbon savings start to multiply – and you arrive home from work in a healthier and happier frame of mind.”
Join in a Stirling Cycle Connections event a series of events is being planned to celebrate the new, upgraded cycle paths that connect routes across Stirling. On Saturday 18 June there will be an easy-paced cycling cavalcade from Bridge of allan to Cambusbarron.
Join Stirling’s cycling family going Carbon neutral Stirling (gCnS) is aiming to get 500 people signed up to a new CycleStirling database.
every method of communication is being used, from texting to Facebook and email, to encourage people to sign up.
“we want to gather together cyclists of all ages and ability levels,” explained rachel nunn, gCnS manager. “and we also want to attract back into the saddle people who used to cycle.”
Carbon reduction is at the heart of all low Carbon Stirling initiatives. its promotion of cycling is aimed at fewer car journeys with considerable carbon savings as a result.
If you would like to be part of stirling’s Cycle Family, take part in future activities
or would like more information, please text CYCLesTIrLING to 82055, email [email protected] or phone 01786 477175 or visit www.cyclestirling.org.uk
PiCture ©
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What’s on Your essential pull-out guide to upcoming events in our area. For more information, visit www.stirling.gov.uk
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Saturday Sunday TuesdayMonday
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Welcome home to
the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, returning from Afghanistan www.stirling.gov.uk/
armedforcesday
Longest DayHow about a night time walk up Dumyat to watch the sunset?
25 June - 20 AugustLibrary reading scheme - The Circus.Details available in all Stirling libraries
The kids would love a swim at the Peak!
REMEMBER!
Digital TV switch
over! Check dates for
your area on:
www.digitaluk.co.uk
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Stirling Military Show
18–19 June Armed Forces Day Parade and Military Show Bridge of allan18–19 June Doune Hill Climb
Watery Weirdies Join us in exploring the world of pond dipping. kippen, 1.30-3.30pm
Woodland Weirdies Minibeast hunt. kippen, 10am-noon
Pokey la Farge tolbooth, 8pm
tea and Cake Recital tolbooth, 2-5pm
twice Brightly – the good Old Daysgo back to the days when variety was king. albert Halls, 2.30pm
Scribbler’s Picnic
Fathers Day... time to give dad a treat!
Stirling Highland games
Chamber Philharmonia CologneConcert of summer music,
Holy trinity Church, Stirling, 7.30pmScottish Schools Orchestra trust 2.45pm and 4.45pm
lochearnhead Highland games
Pond dipping Doune Ponds, 1.30-3.30pm
30-31 July Callander World Highland games
international Bog Day Find out all about this fascinating place, with
its specialist plants and insects. wester Moss, Fallin, 1-3pm
Bridge of Allan Highland games
Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham albert Halls, 7.30pm
South African Navy Band Charity Concert albert Halls, 7pm
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term starts
(teachers only)
Stirling Art Club ExhibitionHoly trinity Church, Dumbarton road, Stirling
School holidays
start
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COlOUR kEY:Sports events
Outdoor eventsSchool and bank holidays
tourism, theatre etc
Tuesday Wednesday Thursday FridayLongest DayHow about a night time walk up Dumyat to watch the sunset?
Time to get organised
for going back to
school. Stirling’s city
centre has everything
you need to get them
kitted out!
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the law Breaker hill racetillicoultry
Watery Weirdies Join us in exploring the world of pond dipping. kippen, 1.30-3.30pm
Woodland Weirdies Minibeast hunt. kippen, 10am-noon
Old Blind Dogs tolbooth, 8pm
tellison tolbooth, 7pm
Young trad Concert tolbooth
1–2 July Moth Night and Family Camp OutPlean Country Park
Bio-Blitz Action Day Fallin Bing and wester Moss, 10am-4pm
Pond dipping Doune Ponds, 1.30-3.30pm
lazytown Sports Fun DayStirling County FC, 10am
killin Highland games
Doune Action Day ragwort flowers and Hima-layan Balsam can be great
for wildlife but are invasive. Help us to pull the plants up before they seed. 10am-3pm
Minibeast Safari Plean, 10am-noon
Wet and Wild Safari Plean Country Park, 1.30-3.30pm
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Walk this wayexplore the city with these great routes...
Abbey Craig and the Wallace Monument
Distance: 2km Time: 1 hour 15 Terrain: Tarmac and rough path map: Os Landranger 57 Access: Bus (62) from stirling to Hillfoots road
The Wallace monument sits on Abbey Craig, with a network of wooded paths and dramatic views over stirling and the Forth Valley.
From the visitor centre car park, it’s a steep 15-minute climb to the top by
the road. (it’s also possible to reach this road via steps from
the park by Causewayhead Corner.) Halfway up, walkers can branch right onto a gravelly path where you get your first close-up views of the wallace Monument.
By the monument there
are excellent views right across the Forth valley: on a good day you can even see the Forth Bridges.
after you’ve explored, follow the road to an information board and veer right onto a track. keep children under control as this track skirts along the edge of the crags.
Descend on the path by the edge of the woods and crags, ignoring any turn-offs. towards the bottom of the slope, ignore a minor path on the right and keep to your path as it curves round to the left. where it branches, you can go either way to walk beside a wall. take the next left, up three old stone steps, for the return leg. this runs through the heart of the woods, away from the crags.
after some five minutes walking uphill, you’ll come to a crossroads by a large tree and a red and white orienteering marker. go right to reach the far side of the crag. Continue to climb before the path narrows and winds through a beech copse. Still trending upwards, the path comes to benches. From here, a few paces lead back to the monument access road.
Stirling Castle Back Walk
Distance: 3km Time: 1 hour Terrain: Paths and roads; short, steep sections, some steps but mostly suitable for all-terrain buggies map: stirling street Guide (Nicolson maps) Access: stirling train and bus stations are a short way from the start
enjoy a stroll around the ancient walls of stirling Castle.
Start from Stirling library to join the upper Back walk. Following the old town walls, the walkway leads upwards to the castle. after 50m, you reach the ladies’ rock for a commanding view of the graveyards. turn left ahead, signed Ballengeich road, to enjoy a leafy walk on the path below the castle walls. Cross Ballengeich road and take the path for Motte Hill.
at a fork, descend left to reach this hill,
where you’ll see a beheading stone with views to die for! Plenty of heads rolled here in the 15th century. a quaint form of sledging was also practised on the hill. Hurley Hawkie involved sliding down the steep hill on a cow’s skull, using its horns as handlebars. return to the fork and bear left, signed Castlehill. the path emerges opposite the castle on a grassy bank.
walk round to the road and go left to reach a ramp and steps up to the castle esplanade. go through the car park and down a flight of steps by the Portcullis Hotel. turn right and follow Castle wynd, passing Broad Street, where the tolbooth Cross can be seen, to go down St John Street. this top of the town return passes the victorian Old town Jail and other notable buildings.
get 20 per cent off this fantastic guidebook from the Pocket Mountains website, www.pocketmountains.com by entering the code SCO10 at the checkout
these routes appear in Stirling, 40 Town and Country Walks – available from all good bookshops, outdoors shops and visitor centres, priced £6.99.
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Cambuskenneth Pilgrimage
Distance: 4km Time: 1 hour Terrain: Flat, paved; suitable for buggies
map: stirling street Guide (Nicolson maps) Access: Walk starts from stirling train or
bus station
explore stirling’s old harbour and an ancient abbey, both just a short walk from the centre of the city.
Start from the bus or train station: facing away from the station, turn right along goosecroft road and take the first right turn onto
Seaforth Place. Cross the road and follow a walkway
ahead, which leads down to the river and a tiny park
where Stirling’s harbour once stood.
walk through the park to follow abbey road to a footbridge over the river. Cross it, go straight on and turn right at the end of the street to arrive at peaceful Cambuskenneth abbey.
return across the river and take the riverside path past a white boat club, under a railway bridge and down an underpass to a clocktower. Divert right to see Stirling’s medieval Old Bridge.
return to the clocktower and continue straight ahead to walk along wallace Street, past tesco, turning left to rejoin goosecroft road and reach the city centre.
A Bannockburn Trail
Distance: 5kmTime: 1 hour 30Terrain: minor hills, muddy paths, footpaths map: Os Landranger 57 Access: Bus (31, x39, 54, 53 or 24) from stirling Bus station to Glasgow road, Whins of milton
The route begins at the National Trust for scotland’s Bannockburn Heritage Centre. Walk up to the drumlin mound, where the Battle of Bannockburn commenced.
retrace your steps to follow a path on the right. where this joins a road, turn right to enter Chartershall. Just before the old bridge over the Bannock Burn, take a path left, signed whins of Milton,
which follows the old mill lade. Cross a road and continue to glasgow road. walk along the road behind the garage, signed Milton Farm, and turn left onto Colliers way. after the farm, take the first right. the road soon branches: take the lower option to cross the Bannock Burn.
Continue above a wooded gorge and go right at a junction, signed Coal wynd. in 20m, at another junction, climb steeply left up the wynd. From the top, there’s an excellent view of the Ochils. Head downhill to the Brae, and turn left. Before the bridge, go left on a path, signed Milton. Stay on the surfaced path, ignoring side-paths, to return over the river on a bridge above a weir. a track leads to a road that
will take you back to Milton Farm for the easy
return stretch.
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CAR SHARiNg
the end of May saw the launch of a car club in Fintry, in response to ever-increasing transportation poverty issues and rises in fuel costs.
“when the fixed bus service to the village was discontinued, there was an opportunity to respond by becoming more sustainable and resilient,” said kelly Mcintyre of Fintry Development trust (FDt).
FDt believes that the new car club will eventually meet and exceed the local transport needs.
the project is ambitious – Fintry’s nearest neighbouring village is seven miles away – but
FDt believes the community-owned vehicles will allow for sustainable partnerships to be formed across the area.
kelly added: “we truly believe that the car club will enable Fintry to remain a place people can live and flourish, throughout all stages of their lives and needs, at a level that is accessible and affordable.
“it also enables the community to show tangible reduction in private journeys, dependence on fossil fuels and carbon emissions.
“Maximising the benefits from FDt’s partnership with the national car club Moorcar, the aim is to show the wider
region the viability of car clubs for combating contemporary rural transportation
challenges.”
For more information on moorcar, visit
www.moorcar.co.uk
gROW YOUR OWN
this growing season, low Carbon Stirling would like you to join us in a unique project to create your own “edible borders”.
By replacing traditional garden bedding plants with vegetables and herbs we want you to create gardens that provide healthy, locally grown, seasonal produce for you to enjoy.
to help you find inspiration to create your own edible borders, we are working with Stirling Council’s land Services team who will be transforming seven sites with a collection of vegetables, herbs and annual bedding.
this project is providing a unique learning opportunity for three modern day apprentices. the apprentices will follow the
journey of the edible borders from seed to harvest later on in the year. they will have responsibility for maintaining specific beds and they will be updating the low Carbon Stirling website regularly with the progress of the beds.
You can see these edible borders at Quakerfield Bannockburn, Milton terrace/glasgow road, viewforth, Pitt terrace, Burns Statue, lower
Bridge Street, and airthey road, Causewayhead.
to find out how to grow your own, why not take a look at the planting plans on www.goingcarbon neutralstirlingstirling.gov.uk to see just how creative you can be. towards the end of the season we are hopeful there will be opportunities to share the harvested crops with local groups or individuals.
Edible treats in Broomridge
edible Broomridge is a community-wide campaign to get residents growing,
cooking and eating vegetables, with events running from May to October culminating
in a food festival. For more details, visit the website
www.broomridgefood festival.co.uk
Make your borders edible
Fintry’s miles better
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Pupils find a natural identityDoune and St ninian’s primary schools recently took part in a natural identity project, funded by awards for all.
Pupils investigated the natural environment, recording what they learnt through the visual arts
and poetry. the project looked at the
identity of plants and trees, their uses, their needs, the folklore that surrounds them, their origins and why they are so important to our environment.
through this project the children developed a deeper understanding of their environment and the plants and trees within it. the project was completed in February with a presentation and exhibition at the Changing room gallery in Stirling.
Schools map out routesWAlkiNg AND CYCliNg
Six local schools including Doune, Bridge of allan, Balfron and St ninian’s have helped produce maps showing safe walking and cycling routes.
the children worked out how far they’ll travel in a year if they walk or cycle to school and the information is included in fun facts on the maps.
at the end of april, Bridge of allan primary school also held a successful “walk to School Challenge”, encouraging pupils to walk to school for three days.
the ideal way to travel in the city this summerleave your car at Castleview or Springkerse and hop on the park and ride bus direct to the heart of the city.Monday to Saturday,£1.20 adult return,60p child return.and during June, July and august, Historic Scotland will be running the Summer Castle Shuttle between Castleview and Stirling Castle.
WAlkiNg AND CYCliNg
People across Stirling are being encouraged to become more active by walking and cycling.
Jonathan Padmore, of the transport planning team at Stirling Council, said: “active Stirling, the Council, going Carbon neutral Stirling and others are all continuing to improve safety, provide routes and training and promote the opportunities and benefits of ‘active travel’.
“these walking and cycling initiatives, however, are just one part of Stirling’s local transport Strategy. we realise that walking and cycling is affected by other factors, including traffic volumes and road safety, and thanks to all the other measures that have been introduced,
our roads are becoming quieter and safer. “Stirling is a compact and attractive city within
an attractive setting, with lots within walking distance. the city has:
a good network of existing paths routes of historic and cultural interest a relatively flat environment a pedestrianised city centre relatively low traffic levels compared to many
other urban areas.“try walking and cylcing a bit more – hopefully
you’ll enjoy it and find yourself feeling a bit healthier.”
Obtain cycle maps for stirling City, Dunblane and stirling university by calling
0845 277 7000.
Be an active traveller
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Stirling royal infirmary becomes a community hospital, on hand to deal with minor injuries and provide other vital services
Local careCOMMUNitY HOSPitAl
The opening of the third phase of the Forth Valley Royal Hospital will not only mark the final chapter in the development of the new hospital, but also herald a new beginning for Stirling Royal Infirmary.
Following the transfer of acute services from Stirling to Larbert from Tuesday 12 July, Stirling Royal Infirmary will take on a new role as a community hospital, one of four which will support the work of Forth Valley Royal Hospital.
This will ensure local people from across Stirling and Forth Valley continue to have access to
a wide range of health services, including a new Minor Injury Unit (see right).
As well as this new unit, Stirling Community Hospital will also provide a wide range of outpatient services, including GP out-of-hours services, women’s health (including medical clinics, therapy services and mental health services), children and young people’s services (including medical clinics, therapy services mental health services), and a range of outreach clinics. There are plans to transfer some inpatient services from Bannockburn Hospital to the Stirling Community Hospital site.
Know who to turn to when you need advice about health or you are feeling unwell, it is important to know who to turn to. to help you make the right choices, nHS Forth valley has produced a booklet which has been distributed to gP practices and community pharmacies and is also available on the Forth valley website www.nhsforthvalley.com
Minor Injury unit in focus
What is a Minor injury Unit?a Minor injury unit is a centre which provides treatment for a wide range of injuries that require urgent care but are not serious or life threatening. it’s important to remember that accident and
emergency Services should only be used by people who are seriously ill and need emergency care.
Minor injury units can treat a wide range of injuries, including: • sprains and strains • suspected broken bones • minor eye injuries • minor burns and scalds
• cuts and grazes • minor head and neck injuries • infected wounds.
Who can be treated at a Minor injury Unit? Minor injury units provide treatment for adults and children over the age of one. Children under the age of one should be taken to the emergency Department at Forth valley royal Hospital (from 12 July) which will also provide a full minor injury service.
What if i need to see a doctor at night or at weekends? if you require to see a gP out of hours phone nHS 24 on 08454 242424 and you will be directed to one of a number of gP Out-of-Hours centres within Forth valley.
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a group of 12 looked-after young people from across the Stirling area have been talking about their thoughts, feelings and experiences around leaving care – in their own words and in their own way.
they have been taking part in “Hear my voice”, a partnership project between Stirling Council and the Scottish throughcare and aftercare Forum which is looking at ways to help young people make the move out of care and into work and an independent life as positively and successfully as possible.
the group, who are representing young people leaving care across the Stirling area, recently organised an informal “Hear my voice” evening of discussion and debate and invited representatives from a cross-section of local organisations.
they talked to politicians and managers about their experiences and needs, and how to shape services for the future.
Cllr graham Houston, leader of Stirling Council and Portfolio
Holder for Care, attended the event. He said:
“we were able to hear from our young people directly and involve them at the start of our work to
shape this service rather
than at the end.“Councillors and
council officers take our role as corporate parents very
seriously, and the ‘Hear my voice’ initiative is helping build the relationship between us and the young people we have responsibility for.”
Four areas for improvement identified at the event were:• a greater say in the process of leaving care• more accommodation options• access to employment opportunities• involving young people in decision-making.
Stirling Council and the Scottish throughcare and aftercare Forum will now continue to offer support and involve the young people in shaping leaving Care services.
Hear our voices...
in their own words...Some comments from the looked-after young people at the event were:• “if you take me into care, make my life better – don’t make it worse. Be the corporate parent you are meant to be.”• “we need enough money to live and eat healthily. Could you survive on £52 a week and pay bills?”• “i just need a safe place to stay.”
FACT As part of the “Hear my
voice” project, young people in care in the stirling area have also been making
a DVD about their experiences of being
looked after
Changes to emergency services
the third and final phase of the new Forth valley royal Hospital at larbert will open in July 2011.
this will allow a wide range of acute services currently based at Stirling royal infirmary to transfer across to Forth valley royal Hospital as planned.
this includes accident and emergency services for the whole of Forth valley, which will transfer from Stirling royal infirmary to Forth valley royal Hospital on tuesday 12 July.
the new purpose-built emergency Department at Forth valley royal Hospital is bigger and brighter than the existing a&e at Stirling royal infirmary and has been designed to give patients more privacy.
a new Minor injury unit will also open on 12 July on the Stirling royal infirmary site, which will become Stirling Community Hospital after acute hospital service have transferred to Forth valley royal Hospital.
For further information, visit www.nhsforthvalley.com
“Local people from across Stirling continue to have access to a wide range of health services”
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sPERSONAl RESPONSiBilitY
later this month we’re launching a campaign to remind dog owners that it’s their responsibility to clean up after their pet.
when setting off for walkies, please remember to pick up the lead and pick up a dog waste bag so you can ‘bag it and bin it’.
You don’t need to find a red waste bin. any bin will do – as long as the waste is bagged first. You can even take it home and put it in your grey bin. we’ll be getting the message across on radio, and online with a film on Youtube and a page on Facebook.
Please play your part. Dog poo is a health hazard, especially for
young children. Picking up and binning dog waste can also help stop the spread of disease to other dogs and avoids owners facing expensive vet bills.
Maybe your dog could star in our campaign. Send in a pic of your pet and we’ll include it in a doggy gallery of clever Stirling-area pooches who are supporting the bag it and bin it message!
You can send pics to:Stirling magazine, room 17
Old Viewforth, stirling FK8 2eTemail stirlingmagazine@ stirling.gov.ukTweet to @stirlingcouncil or upload to our We Bag It and Bin It album at www.facebook.com/stirlingcouncil
CHANgiNg BEHAViOUR
Bannockburn-based Positive Changes was set up in 2008 to support young people and divert them away from antisocial or offending behaviour. The team has provided an early and effective intervention service in partnership with Social Care and Central Scotland Police, and recently became a mainstream part of Stirling Council’s social care service.
The Positive Changes team encourages young people aged between 11 and 16 to develop personal and social skills with the goal of diverting them from antisocial or offending behaviour.
Parents and guardians are also encouraged to get involved with a programme of activities in the evenings and at the weekends – the most common times for
antisocial behaviour to take place.
Young people attend focus groups and guest speaker nights on issues such as mental health, anger management, sexual health, preparation for work, thinking about the consequences of actions and relationship problems. A parent support group runs at the same time, with individual support available, if required.
By working in partnership with the young people and their parents and guardians, as well as other agencies, we’ve helped reduce antisocial and offending behaviour, reduce the number of young people who get involved with the court system, and encourage young people to get involved positively in their own communities.
It’s local people who ultimately benefit from this early intervention – for
Positive futurethe Positive Changes project is now making a real difference to many young lives, explains its team leader Pam Jackson
bin itBag it
and
FACT Dog waste is consistently a top concern with local people, and again features as an important issue in the latest residents’ survey. more details on the survey in the next issue of Stirling.
thistle from Dunblane is supporting the campaign
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example, the reduction of police hours required to deal with antisocial and offending behaviour means a greater police presence in the community, helping residents to feel safer. And reducing the time social workers need to
spend attending hearings or writing reports means more of their time is available for child protection. Early intervention is the key.
Last November, Positive Changes was awarded the Scottish Policing Award 2010
for Outstanding Contribution, and we’ve also received the Chief Constable Certificate of Merit for our multi-services residential activity that’s on offer three times each year. This is a chance for 24 young people to
take part in a three-day Opportunity Knocks for Youth (OKFY) course organised by Positive Changes in partnership with the Army, Central Scotland Police, Central Scotland Fire and Rescue and the Ambulance Service, Youth Services and the Marines.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to try all kinds of activities that develop team building, confidence and life skills, and young people taking part have the chance to gain outstanding achievement awards.
Positive future
PC mike Parsons, project workers Suzanne mcPhee and Debbie Allan, and team leader Pam Jackson display the Scottish Policing Award that was secured by the Positive Changes project for its work diverting young people away from antisocial behaviour
in their words...“Positive Changes has made a difference to my life. the staff spent time with me and helped me understand i was taking too many risks and putting myself in unsafe situations. getting into trouble was holding me back. going to different activities helped me to see i could do better and achieve what i want to in life. i gained a lot of confidence on the OkFY residential, and i’m now ready to go to college.”
Chelsea gray, Positive Changes participant
the Mill (Momentum in lifelong learning) Project was set up in summer 2010 as part of the Offender literacies Challenge Fund. it aims to build on the initial work carried out by Stirling Council’s adult learning team on behalf of Stirling literacies Partnership with prisons across the Forth valley area.
the project works closely with Forth valley Criminal Justice services and charity aPeX to provide learning opportunities as
part of programmes designed to support previous offenders and prevent reoffending and further imprisonment. whereas one in five of the general population struggles with literacy or numeracy, it is estimated that 50 per cent of the prison population has literacy problems.
By working closely with these services, Mill hopes to engage people through community service orders and promote the benefits of learning in everyday life. it also
aims to engage those about to be released from prison who currently don’t see themselves as learners.
Mill has established links with all three prisons in the Forth valley area. it is supported by Continuing learning Departments in Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling Councils, in partnership with Criminal Justice Service in Forth valley and apex and works within prisons and young offenders’ institutions in Forth valley.
From offender to learner
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HElP AND iNFORMAtiON
You can now access a whole range of local services in one convenient city centre location with the opening of Customer First at 1–5 Port Street, Stirling, just opposite King Street.
Here you can make payments, get help with filling in forms, hand in documents and speak to our customer services team face-to-face. If we can’t answer your enquiry straight
away, we’ll provide you with a freephone service or internet access to the appropriate team.
We’re also able to process debit and credit card payments for all council services.
Benefits and housing specialists are on hand to help, along with advisers from HM Revenue and Customs. Visit Scotland staff are also available to help with accommodation bookings and information
access a range of services at a convenient new centre for local people
The customer comes first
Consumer network needs new volunteers
Consumer Focus Scotland are looking for new volunteers from our area and would like to hear from people who are interested in consumer issues such as education, the environment, health, food, housing, post and public services.
the Consumer network is a group of home-based volunteers who act as Consumer Focus Scotland’s ‘eyes and ears’ across the country – helping to keep the organisation informed about the
1-5 Port
Street, Stirling
from left: portfolio holder for economy, tourism and finance
councillor Scott farmer, Stirling Council chief executive Bob Jack, hm revenue & Customs manager Cath Joyce and Vicki miller, head of local marketing at
Visit Scotland, at the official opening of Customer first
the centre provides a range of services
a to Z of services available
l Building controll Community groupsl Council housingl Council tax benefits and
enquiriesl education, including eMa
applications, placing applications
l employabilityl environmental healthl equipment hirel Family history research
servicesl Fishing permitsl Footwear and clothing
grantsl grants for disabled
adaptationsl grass cutting requests for
servicel Hire of community halls
and school letsl HM revenues and
Customs (thursdays and Fridays)
l Homelessnessl Housing benefitl Housing repairsl licensingl landlord registrationl Money advicel naming ceremoniesl needle upliftsl Parking payment of finesl Parking residents’ permitsl Payments, including rent,
licensing, finesl Permitsl Pest controll Planningl Play parksl registration of births,
deaths, marriages and civil partnerships
l rent enquiriesl renewal of vowsl roads repairsl Special upliftsl Street lighting repairsl visit Scotland – help with
accommodation booking and things to see and do in and around Stirling.
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issues that concern ordinary people throughout the country.
It’s a chance to:
l have your say on key consumer issues and give your views on government, regulators and service providers
l speak directly to experts at discussion groups and put your points and questions directly to people who have the answers and the power to act
l be part of a network of consumers and share your views, experiences and ideas with them
l investigate local services and facilities and how they are performing in your community
l keep up to date with consumer issues through Consumer network’s weekly/monthly email roundup of key press stories and quarterly newsletter.
Interested?
For more information, please visit www.consumerfocus.org.uk/scotland/consumer-network
for visitors and local people on things to see and do in and around Stirling.
There is full access for disabled people, and confidential meeting rooms are available for appointments with council staff and staff from our partner organisations.
Customer First is open from 9am–5.30pm
monday to Friday.
First customer for Customer Firstthe first to be welcomed through the doors of the new Customer First centre was kat Youd, who works in the city. She told Stirling: “it’s a very nice, modern building – i really like it. the big glass window is great, and it’s good to be able to watch the world going by. the staff were very friendly. Customer First will be useful for me for work purposes when i need to get things photocopied.”
the Stirling Council customer advisors will help with enquiries at the new centre
learn more about your councillors on our website www.stirling.gov.uk/councillors
Your Councillors
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For access to all Stirling Councilservices phone the contact centre on:01786 443322 or 0845 277 7000 • text: 07717 990 001visit www.stirling.gov.uk or email [email protected]
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Bailie tony ffinchConservativeemail:
Councillor Paul owensLabouremail:
Provost fergus WoodSNPemail:
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Councillor Alistair BerrillConservativeemail:
Bailie graham lambiePortfolio holder for education
SNPemail: [email protected]
Bailie Colin o’BrienLabouremail:
WARd 3 DunBlAne AnD BriDge of AllAn
Councillor Callum CampbellConservativeemail:
Councillor Colin finlayLabouremail:
Councillor David gossLib Dememail:
Council leadergraham houstonPortfolio holder for Policy,
Strategy and Social CareSNPemail: [email protected]
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Councillor John hendryLabouremail:
Councillor graham reedLib Dememail:
Councillor Jim thomsonPortfolio holder for environment
and SustainabilitySNPemail: [email protected]
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Councillor neil BennyConservativeemail:
Depute leader Scott farmerPortfolio holder for economy,
tourism and financeSNPemail: [email protected]
Dates of meetings are online at www.
stirling.gov.uk/meetings or contact us by phone at 0845 277 7000
learn more about the Scottish and uk governments online at www.scotland.gov.uk and www.direct.gov.uk
CONSTITuENCy MSPs
Stirling
BRUCE CRAWFORD SNPtel: 01786 471899email: Bruce.Crawford.msp@ scottish.parliament.ukweb: www.brucecrawfordmsp.netConstituency officeunit 111, John Player BuildingStirling enterprise ParkStirling fK7 7rP
ClACKmAnnAnShire AnD DunBlAne
kEitH BROWN SNPtel: 01259 219333email: Keith.Brown.msp@ scottish.parliament.ukweb: www.keithbrownmsp.comConstituency office80 mill Street, Alloa fK10 1DY
LIST MSPS
miD SCotlAnD AnD fife
ClAiRE BAkERLabourtel: 0131 348 6759email: Claire.Baker.msp @scottish.parliament.uk
ANNABEllE EWiNgSNPtel: 0131 348 5066email: [email protected]
MURDO FRASERConservativetel: 0131 348 5293email: murdo.fraser.msp@ scottish.parliament.uk
JOHN PARkLabourtel: 0131 348 6753email: John.Park.msp@ scottish.parliament.uk
WilliE RENNiELib Demtel: 0131 348 5803email: [email protected]
RiCHARD SiMPSONLabourtel: 0131 348 6756email: richard.Simpson.msp@ scottish.parliament.uk
ElizABEtH SMitH Conservativetel: 0131 348 6762email: elizabeth.Smith.msp@ scottish.parliament.uk
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
Stirling
ANNE McgUiRELabourtel: 01786 446515email: [email protected]: www.annemcguiremp.org.ukConstituency office22 Viewfield Street, Stirling fK8 1uA
Councillor Andrew SimpsonLabouremail:
Ward 6 Stirling east
Bailie ian BrownLib Dememail:
Councillor Corrie mcChordLabouremail:
Councillor Steven PatersonPortfolio holder for empowerment and Citizenship
SNPemail: [email protected]
Ward 7 Bannockburn (Bannockburn, Cowie, Plean)
Councillor margaret Brisley Labouremail:
Councillor Alasdair macPhersonPortfolio holder for housing
SNP email:macphersona@ stirling.gov.uk
Councillor Violet Weir Labouremail:
Representing you in parliament
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OtHer uSeFul nuMBerS
active Stirling 0300 028 0101
Central Scotland Fire & rescue Service HQ tel: 01324 716996
Central Scotland Police tel: 01786 456000
Falkirk royal infirmary tel: 01324 624000
Floodline tel: 0845 988188
Forth valley College tel: 0845 634 44 44
Forth valley royal Hospital tel: 01324 566 000
Housing repairs 0800 027 5888
Hydro electric tel: 0800 300000
Macrobert arts Centre tel: 01786 467155/466666
nHS 24 08454 24 24 24
nHS Forth valley tel: 01786 463031
Quantum Meters tel: 0845 6066766
Scottish enterprise Forth valley tel: 01786 451919
Scottish Power tel: 0845 2727111
Scottish water tel: 0845 6008855
Stirling royal infirmary tel: 01786 434000
university of Stirling tel: 01786 473171
tranSCO (gas emergencies) tel: 0800 111999
traveline tel: 0871 2002233
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A pledge to tackle abuseStirling is committed to helping end male violence against women and children as a white ribbon City
“The people of Stirling have sent out
a clear message to the whole country
that we will not tolerate violence
against anyone in our community”
Councillor ian Brown, Stirling’s White ribbon Ambassador
1 in 5 young men believe
women often provoke
violence, a recent
survey found
Bannockburn high School
pupils Siobhan miller and
Alasdair Keane with Stirling’s White ribbon
City award. they represented
the city’s young people at the presentation
event
Stirling has become Scotland’s first White Ribbon City – an acknowledgement of our area’s work towards the goal of ending male violence against women and children.
The White Ribbon campaign is an international movement raising awareness of the nature and prevalence of violence against women and
children. It encourages men and boys to get involved in preventing such violence
and invites them to sign the White Ribbon pledge never to “commit, condone or
remain silent about violence against women”.
Stirling Action for Change partnership has led the way on our bid for White Ribbon City status. The partnership includes Stirling Council, Central Scotland Police, NHS Forth Valley
and the independent and voluntary sectors.
The White Ribbon March
(below), which many local people have joined over the past three years, has now become an annual part of Stirling’s campaign.
For more information, visit www.whiteribbonscotland.
org.uk or get in touch with Anne meikle, violence against women policy co-ordinator, on [email protected]
If you need help regarding domestic abuse, please call the scottish national domestic abuse 24-hour helpline on 0800 027 1234 or stirling Women’s Aid on 01786 470897. You can also look at www.scottishwomensaid.org.uk for advice and information.