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Flooding, doorstop crime
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SPRING 2011
Stir
ling
.go
v.u
k
Als
o in
sid
e
Countingeveryone in
Take part inthe 2011census Page 11
A life is forlearning
Adults brushup on theirskillsPage 24
New ways of workingModernising our local services Page 8
MAKE ASPLASHGET FIT AND HEALTHY WITH A RANGE OF FUN ACTIVITIES
FOR EVERYONE LIVING IN THE STIRLING COUNCIL AREA
A commitment to continuing change and improvement are at the heart of the council’sBudget for the coming financial year, agreed just as Stirling goes to print.
The council is facing up to the harsh economicsituation, taking the opportunity to review whatwe have been doing and identify ways to improveand modernise.
We are on a continuous journey of change. Over the past year we have been asking all ourservices to consider where efficiencies could befound and suggest ideas about how we can savepublic money while providing better local services.We’ve listened and encouraged local people to getin touch with their ideas, too. Everyone’s effortshave helped Stirling maintain a strong financialposition compared to many other Scottish councils.Working together within the council, with localpeople and with our partner organisations is thekey to the best future for our area.
The severe weatherat the end of last year led to some outstanding examplesof this. We saw community spirit at its best, and thesupport and assistanceof local people was vital. Residents cleared pavements in front of their homes and checked on vulnerable neighbours. Community councils worked in partnership with council staff to distribute extra supplies of sand to neighbourhoods to top up grit bins. It was teamwork in action.
It’s this kind of joined-up, positive approach that we need to build on over the coming years,facing the challenging times head on. Throughstrong leadership, sound management and partnership working we aim to deliver the best possible services for local people and the Stirling area.
4 Stay a step ahead of flooding 5 Beware of crime on your doorstep6 Get fit and active this spring8 Committed to getting the most out of every public pound10 Don’t miss your chance to vote on 5 May12 East Plean Primary: newsurroundings, new friendships13 Behaviour in schools:information for parents
14 What’s on in your area16 Interview: chair of StirlingStrategic Learning Alliance 18 News from NHSForth Valley19 Get the jab, stop the flu 20 Working together to cut our carbon footprint21 Enjoying our awesomeoutdoors responsibly22 The History of Stirling in 100 Objects24 Great courses for adults26 Find out how to contactyour local councillor
Comment
Stirlingmagazine is published by Stirling Council.Editor: Susan Cunningham Email: [email protected]: 01786 443360
Design and editing: Connect Communications, Studio 2001, Mile End, Paisley PA1 1JS.Tel: 0141 561 0300Visit: www.connectcommunications.co.uk
Print: More. Printed on 90gsm (cover), 70gsm (inside) FSC® paper
About…
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
Formats
To contact Stirling Council, please call 0845 277 7000, text: 07717 990 001,email: [email protected], visit us online at www.stirling.gov.uk or writeto Stirling Council, Viewforth, 14-20 Pitt Terrace, Stirling FK8 2ET.
Contact
What’s inside…
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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 emailing [email protected]
“We saw manyexamples ofcommunity spirit at its best”
StirlingCouncil Leader
GrahamHouston
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Stirling p02-3 22/2/11 10:51 Page 2
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IMPROVEMENTS
Council leader Graham Houston has writtento community councils asking for their help.
He wants to hear about people’s winterweather experiences; where the council per-formed well, where any problems were, and howwe can do things better in future. The answers,with all the comments and queries we’ve receivedthrough our contact centre and on the council’spopular Facebook page, will help the councildeliver services during severe winter weather.
In brief
Don’t miss the
residents survey
Stirling Council’s sixth residents’ survey will takeplace in March. The surveyasks for residents’ views on:● satisfaction with a range
of services/facilities provided by the council
● how residents have, andprefer to contact us
● experiences of contactingthe council
● communication with andinformation from us
● quality of life in theStirling Council area.The survey is an important
way of consulting and listening to local residentsand council service users. Itcan highlight areas whereimprovements or furtherinvestigations are needed.
The survey will be sent to1,300 members of the StirlingSounding Board, thecouncil’s statistically repre-sentative citizens’ panel.
You can also have your say online by visitingwww.stirling.gov.uk
We’re looking for yourdigital photos of theStirling area – a locallandmark, a favouriteview, or a greatday out sharedwith family orfriends. Pleasesend, along with a little back-ground information,to [email protected]
Reader GrahamHarris Graham sent inhis favourite view, pictured. He said:“Picking a favourite
photo of the Stirlingarea is tough. I guessthis is the photo that
gets most attentionfrom friends.
“It’s the viewlooking westtowards theTrossachs from
the memorial toColonel Sir David
Stirling (founder of theSAS) near Doune. Ishot this at daybreaklast December and hadto lie in the snow to getthe viewpoint. It wasminus 12°C.”
Learning fromhardest winter
Stirling Council is to get £326,000 to cover theimpact of last winter’s big freeze on Scotland’s roads.The money is a share of the extra £15 million that theScottish Government is giving councils to deal withurgent repairs on local roads and cover the extracosts of winter roads maintenance.
After the big freeze
Pict
ure
© G
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rah
am
YOURVIEW
What’s your‘Stirling’ image?
Ice and frost damagedmany roads
STIRLING.GOV.UK4
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April will see changes to housingbenefit for people who rent froma private landlord.
It is possible that new claimantswill get less than their actual rentas new lower limits are imposed.
Existing tenants who stay in thesame property will get more timebefore these new limits affect them.
Tenants affected will receive aletter on the changes. You canalso find out more at www.stirling.gov.uk/housing/benefit or by calling the benefits team on 01786 443210.
Floods are on the rise in
the Stirling area
The frequency of floods hasrisen dramatically in Scotlandover recent years. In fact, thereare now approximately 100,000properties at risk from riversand the sea.
Your property is yourresponsibility – but help isavailable. Although theScottish EnvironmentProtection Agency (SEPA)can’t prevent floods fromoccurring, it can provide youwith advance warning aboutwhen and where floods arelikely to occur through theFloodline service, so you cantake the appropriate action to limit the damage to yourhome or business.
For more information, just
call 0845 988 1188 orvisit www.floodlinescotland.org.uk/floodupdates
Your area even has adedicated quick dial codeso you can go straight to theflood messages relevant foryou. The quick dial codes willchange in the next few weeks.If you don’t already have yournew area code, please check thewebsite or call Floodline.
Improved Floodline
service
In the next few weeks you willbe able sign up to receive freemessages to your mobile orlandline that will notify youwhen SEPA has issued a floodalert or warning for your area.
The messages will direct you
to the website or Floodline’srecorded telephone service formore detailed information onthe river or coastal floodingnear you. With new user-friendly flood warning symbolsand messages that are easier tounderstand, it will be clearwhat action you should take toprotect your property.
You may also receive information through yourdoor about the new service. To find out more, visit
CITY CENTRE
Major work to replace gasmains and service pipes in partof Stirling city centre is set tolast until June. The project isbeing carried out by TurriffContractors on behalf ofScotland Gas Networks (SGN).
Work is necessary alongGoosecroft Road and then upStation Road, finishing at thejunction with Murray Place.
Stirling Council is in contact
with SGN to agree and arrangeclosures, temporary trafficlights and diversions.
A few stances in Stirling BusStation and some bus stops inMurray Place and Barnton Streetwill close while the work takesplace, with alternative stops provided on Goosecroft Road.
SGN and Stirling Council willbe keeping local people andaffected businesses informedabout the changes as the work progresses.
In brief
Shelter Scotland directorGraeme Brown has congratu-lated Stirling Council fortaking a major step in helpinghomeless people. The councilhas reduced red tape byremoving the “priority need”requirement, so everyone presenting as homeless can be helped on an equal basis.
The homelessness charityhas also welcomed the newsthat Stirling Council hasreduced by half the numbersof homeless people it accom-modates in bed and breakfast.
Stirling Council’s ArchiveService has joined with theNational Archives of Scotlandon a project to digitise andmake available online the kirksession records for the wholeof Scotland. These are free to view at the Archive – alaptop and Wi-Fi is available, so you can just drop by andaccess the information.
The Archive is now openfour days a week fromMonday-Thursday, 9.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-4.30pm.It’s free to visit and staff areon hand to assist researchers.Groups and tours can bearranged by appointment on Fridays.
Visit the Archive at
5 Borrowmeadow Road,
Stirling, call 01786 450745 or
visit www.stirling.gov.uk/
archives
A scheme set up by CentralScotland Police and CentralScotland Fire & Rescue Servicein conjunction with thecouncil’s housing and socialcare services has scooped anaward for innovation.
The Vulnerable Person FireReferral project is helping tosave lives by identifyingpeople who are at risk andwho would benefit from firesafety checks.
Stay a stepahead ofthe floodsKeeping up to date with floodingrisks so you can protect yourproperty has never been easier
Changes tobenefits forprivate renters
Vital pipe replacementwork to last until June
Archive picture of Buchlyvie
STIRLING.GOV.UK 5
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KEEPING SAFE
The Stirling Doorstep CrimePartnership is warning localpeople to be cautious aboutagreeing to buy goods or serviceson the doorstep or allowingunknown persons intotheir homes.
Doorstep criminals oftentarget older and vulnerablepeople, but afew simple stepscan help you stay safe:
Always check tosee who is at the doorbefore answering, and lookout the window for traders’ vehicles.
If you are not expectingsomeone to call, or are suspicious atall, don’t open the door. Contact thepolice and tell them your concerns.
Check any leaflets that are putthrough your door. For example,look for full contact address informa-tion. A good tradesperson is usuallya busy tradesperson and doesn’thave to resort to knocking on doorsto find customers.
Be wary of special offers or warn-ings that your house is unsafe. Your
local community police officer can arrange a free and independent safety and securitycheck on your property.
Don’t make snap decisions, anddon’t be afraid to talk to someone
you trust before making adecision. Always
obtain three independent
quotes fromdifferenttraders. Agood traderwill behappy for
you to checkthem out.
Check with family members,
neighbours and friends ifyou need work done, and ask themto recommend someone they trust.
Most utility (gas, water and elec-tricity) companies offer customers apassword identification scheme. You can contact the company toarrange this.
For more information on
protecting yourself from
doorstep criminals, contact
Central Scotland Police on
01786 456000 or Stirling Trading
Standards on 01786 443322.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
A new scheme to helpcustomers makeinformed choices aboutwhere they eat or buyfood is being intro-duced in 26 councils acrossScotland, including Stirling.
Environmental health foodsafety officers will rate premisesas part of routine inspections andissue “pass” or “improvementrequired” certificates for publicdisplay. All 1,500 food businesses
in the Stirling Councilarea have been sentletters about the schemeand how it will apply to them.
Find out more from
the Food Standards
Agency Scotland’s website at
www.food.gov.uk/scotland/
safetyhygienescot/
foodhygieneinfoscot or call
the council’s food safety team in
environmental health on
0845 2777000.
www.floodlinescotland.org.uk/signup or call 0845 988 1188.
Out and about
for advice
Stirling Council’s floodingteam, SEPA and the ScottishFlood Forum have beenmeeting with communities inareas particularly at risk of
flooding to raise awarenessabout flooding and give adviceon how to prepare.
As Stirling goes to press,Strathard, Bridge of Allan,Gargunnock, Riverside andCambuskenneth communitycouncils have already beenvisited, and workshops areplanned in Callander, Raploch,Causewayhead, Cornton,Fintry, Thornhill &Blairdrummond and Port ofMenteith. Visits to other com-munity councils at lower riskof flooding are also planned.
Beware of crimeon your doorstep
FACTThe Stirling Doorstep Crime
Partnership is made up of CentralScotland Police, Stirling Trading
Standards, Victim Support,Age Scotland and
other agencies
Food safety scheme keeps public informed
The frequency of floods has risen dramatically in
Scotland over recent years
Doorstep criminalsoften target older andvulnerable people
STIRLING.GOV.UK6
He
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Spring is a great time to think aboutgetting fit and healthy. With ourstunning rural surroundings and widevariety of energetic activities andcoaching available, there’s something foreveryone – so get out there and go for it!
Get a healthy heart
Challenges to motivate you
The internationally renownedsports coaching and facilitiesat Stirling University’sGannochy Sports Centre areopen to the public to use.
Pop in and try out theswimming pool, sports hall,squash courts, running track,tennis courts, golf facilitiesand gym. Classes for adultsand children, personal trainingand sports challenges willhelp keep you motivated assummer approaches, but ifyou’re looking for Easterholiday activities, there’splenty on offer between 4–15 April.
All the regular favouritesare back: canoeing and kayaking, pre-school swimming, beginner andimprover swimming, mini
tennis, golf, football, tiny tumblers, gymnastics, aquatic activities and trampolining.
New this year, there’s SuperSavers, a rookie lifeguardcourse; Triathlon Club, anopportunity to practise yourswimming, running andcycling skills; and water polo,an introductory course whichdevelops all the basic skillsrequired for water polo.
Bookings can be made
in person at the
Gannochy Sports Centre
reception, or phone 01786
466900/500. Please call to
make a booking. Easter
special offer: pay for one class
and get the second one half
price during the same week!
Easter Egg Hunt: Whynot organise an egg
hunt outside for the family –you’ll enjoy munching thechocolate even more after allthe extra exercise and fresh air.Play in the park: Stirling hasmany fantastic play parks,from King’s Park with its biketrack, tennis courts, skate areaand wide selection of equip-ment, to Bridge of Allan’s playarea at the foot of the Wallacemonument with water andsandpit fun. Pushing the kids
on swings and roundabouts isa great workout.Back-to-school games: Jointhe children in a game of tigfor an alternative interval-training session, or go back in time with skipping, hula-hooping or even pogo sticks to burn caloriesand have fun as a family.Go wild: Check our events calendar for exciting wildlifeactivities, or enjoy walkstogether – having fun togetherdoesn’t have to cost the earth!
The Peak is host to HealthyHearts, an NHS-run rehabilita-tion group for people of all ages.
Cardiac patients are referredby hospitals or GPs for a 12-week programme, involvingclasses and educational sessions. Progress is checkedregularly by nurses and group leaders, who also deviseindividual programmes.
Kirsty Wilson has beengoing to Healthy Hearts for12 years and said: “They’re sokind and committed. It’s keptme as healthy as I can be.
“The group is a great
support and I’ve made lots of new friends. They evenphone to check I’m okay if Idon’t turn up one week!”
Get up and Ideas to get fit with kids...
STIRLING.GOV.UK 7
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Active Stirling has a fun-packedkids’ Easter programmeplanned. Highlights includedaily ice-skating and swimmingclasses, dance, cheerleading,Peak Fit and Peak Play.
With new gym equipment andclasses ranging from zumba tothe popular Les Mills’ classessuch as Bodycombat andBodybalance (the next Les Millslaunch takes place on Monday 11 April) at the Peak, there’splenty for grown-ups too. Butyou don’t have to travel far toget fit – Active Living Express is
a new scheme offering local resi-dents the chance to use leisurefacilities in high schools between6–10pm, Monday to Friday.
Classes at Stirling HighSchool include zumba,pilates and yoga. Thecurrent block runs until 1 April and the next runs from18 April–26 June. Membershipis £3.50/4.50 per week.
At Raploch CommunityCampus, gym member-ship is £10/8 per month andwith brand new machines,it’s a fantastic facility.
Great activities for everyone
INFOActive Stirling:
www.activestirling.org.uk01786 432323
The Peak:www.the-peak-stirling.org.uk
01786 273555University of Stirling
Sports Centre:www.sports.stir.ac.uk
01786 466 500
go for fun
STIRLING.GOV.UK8
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COUNCIL LEADER
The current economic situation makessetting council budgets this spring more challenging than ever. In Stirling, we are committed to making the best use of scarceresources and ensuring that every publicpound is spent wisely, and we’re doing this by reviewing and changing what we do – and how we do it.
Change is never easy, but it’s also an opportunity to review, refocus and modernise
our services for local people andhow we work together with our
partner organisations, forexample NHS Forth Valleyand Central Scotland Police.It’s also a time to examinewhere we can join up withother councils to streamline
services and make savings.Our programme for change
means Stirling is already wellahead in some of these areas.
For example, we have agreed withClackmannanshire Council to deliver twoservices jointly – education and social care.This will allow us to share expertise, workmore efficiently and provide improved services for local people.
In social care, we’re also changing ways ofworking to ensure we can meet the needs of our most vulnerable people. For example,reablement is a new approach to tailoringservices for older people on an individualbasis, helping them get the support they needwhen they need it.
For most people, contacting the council byphone or web is the preferred option, but weknow some people prefer to talk with anofficer face to face. Our new partnership one-stop shop is opening soon in the city centre.
The council is continuing to review everythingwe do to make sure we’re getting the most outof every pound, explains council leader GrahamHouston. Your views on how to make serviceseven more efficient are always welcomed
New technology
We are exploring how new technology can help us work more efficiently. This could open up opportunities for more working from home and mobile working.
Reviewing andmodernising
WHAT’S YOUR VIEW?
HOUSTONG@STIRLING.
GOV.UK
Out and about: Housing Services joinerRobert Hunter (left) and third-year apprenticejoiner David Taylor consult their electronicnotebook to check on jobs and log work
It will be a convenient place for local peopleand visitors to get advice and informationfrom the council and VisitScotland. As well asenhancing our customer service, the one-stopshop will let Stirling Council make savings onproperty costs over time.
We’re also using new technology to makeefficiencies and savings in how we work.The council’s housing repairs team, forinstance, is introducing mobile computertechnology so tradespeople can receive real-time work requests while out and aboutand respond more quickly to customers’needs. And our new Easybuy system willhelp make sure the council is buying goodsand services efficiently.
I’m always keen to hear your views andideas about how we can work together to make local services as efficient asthey can be. ■
Ch
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Get in touch
Reablement
The service begins withabout six weeks oftailored services to helpan older person getback up to speed andlive independently at home again, wherepossible. Service users are involved indecisions about whatwill work best for themand in setting theirpersonal goals.
Stirling andClackmannanshireCouncilsjoint services
The project to join upeducation and social care will mean pooledmanagementarrangements, but each council will havecontrol over decisionsabout services for theirparticular area.
Your local services
Each year every council sends out acouncil tax bill to each household. Aninformation leaflet must also be includedexplaining how council tax is workedout and where your money is spent.There are also details about reductions, exemptions and benefits, and where to getadvice if you are having difficulty paying.
Your money
One-stop shop
Located in Port Streetat the bottom of KingStreet, the one-stopshop will transform aprominent buildingthat has been unusedfor some time into awelcoming, easilyaccessible advice centre.
STIRLING.GOV.UK 9
Make contact... through Stirlingmagazineat councillors’ surgeriesemail [email protected] 0845 277 7000or write to me at: Cllr Graham Houston,
Leader, Stirling Council, Old Viewforth,Stirling FK8 2ET
STIRLING.GOV.UK10
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VOTING
On Thursday 5 May, there will be an election for the ScottishParliament. There will be twoparts to this: a vote to show yourpreference for your constituencyMember of the ScottishParliament (MSP), and anothervote for your regional MSP.
And a referendum on the sameday will decide whether the UK’sParliamentary voting systemremains as First Past the Post orchanges to the Alternative Vote(AV) system.
It’ll be the first UK-wide refer-endum for more than 30 years.
Polls will be open on Thursday5 May from 7am-10pm, andpolling staff will be available tohelp with any queries.
Can I vote?
You can vote in the ScottishParliamentary election and thereferendum if you are registeredto vote in Scotland, are 18 or overon 5 May 2011 and are:
a British citizen, or
a qualifying Commonwealthcitizen, or
a citizen of the Irish Republic. British citizens living overseas
can’t vote in the ScottishParliamentary election. However,they can vote in the referendum.
Citizens of other EuropeanUnion countries registered to vote in Scotland can vote in theScottish Parliamentary election.However they can’t vote in the referendum.
You have to be registered to
vote by Friday 15 April to vote inthe election and referendum.
Ways of voting
There are three ways of voting:
1In person on 5 May
Voting in person is straightfor-ward and a member of staff is
on hand to help. You will receive apoll card in the post telling youwhere your polling place is. If you donot receive one, you can contact theelections office on 01786 443370 to
The Scottish Parliament elections and UK Parliamentary Referendum on 5 Maywill be your chance to exercise your democratic rights – so don’t miss out!
The ElectoralCommission will besending a booklet toevery household in the UK in early Aprilexplaining about votingin both the ScottishParliament poll and theReferendum.
There will also betelevision, radio andonline advertise-ments. And thewww.aboutmyvote.com website will beconstantly updatedwith all the latestinformation.
Stay up to date
FACTAt the elections in May,
voters in Ward 3 (Dunblane andBridge of Allan) will no longer be
in the Stirlingconstituency but will now
come under the newClackmannanshire
and Dunblaneconstituency
The big votingday is 5 May
On one day – 5 May –there will be two polls,
three ballot papers and44 polling places
Old: CallanderPrimary SchoolNew: Callander Kirk HallSouth Church Street,Callander FK17 8BN
Old: Doune Primary SchoolNew: Muir Hall
George Street, Doune FK16 6BZ
Old: Balfron Primary SchoolNew: McLintock HallBuchanan Street, Balfron G63 0TX
Old: St Ninians
Primary SchoolNew: BeechwoodScout HallNewhouse, Abbots Langley,Stirling FK7 9HQ
Old: RiversidePrimary SchoolNew: Stirling Indoor
Changes to polling places
Ce
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27 MARCH: CENSUS 2011
The next census will take place on Sunday 27 March,and will be Scotland’s biggestpopulation count.
The census provides asnapshot of conditions at apoint in time. It’s carried outevery 10 years and isconducted on a residentialbasis. The statistics relate towhere people usually live,rather than where they wereon census day.
The purpose locally is to geta clear picture of how manypeople live in the Stirling area,and our needs. The fundingStirling receives from theGovernment for each area isbased on this information,which means that the moreaccurate it is, the better.
Stewart Gibson, censusregional manager for Stirling, said: “It’s veryimportant that everyone iscounted in the census. Inthese times when every penny counts, it’s moreimportant than ever thatspending decisions are made based on goodinformation.”
Questionnaires will be delivered toevery household inStirling. Each onewill have aninternet accesscode, so you canfill it in online, oras a hard copy ifyou prefer.
If you havetrouble filling inthe census form,help is availablefrom theenumeratorswho will visit everyhousehold.
find outwhere your pollingstation is. Polling places are openfrom 7am-10pm. If you have notbeen issued with a ballot paperby 10pm you won’t be able tovote, so make sure you arrive inplenty of time.
2By post
To apply to vote by postyou will need to fill in a
form and send it to arrive at theelectoral registration office by5pm on 14 April.
A postal ballot paper can be sent to your home address or to any other address, even overseas.
You should receive your ballotpaper around 19 April. If itdoesn’t arrive, you can get areplacement from 27 April bycalling 01786 443301. Also callthis number for a replacement ifyour postal ballot paper gets lostor accidentally spoilt.
3By proxy
Voting by proxy meansallowing somebody you
trust to vote on your behalf. Youwill need to fill in a form and
send it to arrive at the electoralregistration office to arrive by5pm on 21 April.
Am I registered to vote?
If you’re not registered, youwon’t be able to vote. Mostpeople register using the formthat is sent to each householdevery year. If you’re not sure if you are registered, contact theelectoral registration office assoon as possible.
Applications to register orchange your details are available in local libraries or fromwww.saa.gov.uk/central
Complete, sign and return byfax, scanned email or by post by 15 April.
Get all the forms at
www.aboutmyvote.co.uk
Contact your local electoral
registration office at Central
Scotland Valuation Joint
Board, Hillside House,
Laurelhill, Stirling FK7 9JQ,
call 01786 892289 or email
STIRLING.GOV.UK 11
This year will be the firsttime that tick-boxes for
same-sex civil partnershipswill be included
Census in numbers
The date of thefirst UK census
100 The number of yearsthat personal census
information is held beforebeing made public
How much this year'sUK census will cost
25 millionTotal households which will
be questioned in March
2011
£250 million
1801If you give us your emailaddress we can email you anenquiry form each year tocheck your registrationdetails instead of sending aletter. This could save a significant amount inpostage and printing costs.Your email address will notbe included in the electoralregister and will only be usedfor communication from theelectoral registration office.Please email stirling@ centralscotland-vjb.gov.uk
Rather anemail than a letter?
Help usbuild up apicture ofStirling
Further details onScotland’s Census can be found at
www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk
Bowling CentreForth Street,Riverside FK8 1UE
Old: BraeheadPrimary SchoolNew: North Parish Church HallSpringfield Road,Stirling FK7 7QW
Old: Bannockburn Primary SchoolNew: BannockburnCommunity Centre15 West Murrayfield, BannockburnFK7 8NB
Throsk:For the first timeelectors in Throsk will have their own polling place at ThroskCommunity CentreKersie Road, Throsk FK7 7NA.
STIRLING.GOV.UK12
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RELOCATION
After a serious blaze in early Novemberbadly damaged East Plean Primary, theschool moved to a temporary home atRaploch Community Campus, and overthe winter pupils and teachers have beentravelling by bus to and from the campuseach day.
However, the school is planning toreturn to a temporary teaching village inPlean this March.
Head teacher Connie Desmond said:“The children have settled in really well. AtRaploch, we’ve been able to keep things asnormal as possible, with all the usual assemblies, awards and even the headteacher’s tea parties taking place. The life of the school goes on.
“I just want to say a huge thank you tothe whole Raploch community, particularlyeveryone here at the Community Campus,for their kindness, support and fundraising.
“Other areas have been wonderfully supportive as well. We recently took a representative from each class to BorestonePrimary School – their pupil council held a‘Plean in Need’ day instead of ‘Children inNeed’ last year, and presented our kids witha gym bag featuring the school crest foreveryone in the school, together with acheque for £206. It’s things like this thathave helped keep everyone’s spirits up, andbuilt lasting links between schools and newfriendships for the children.
“We’ve enjoyed being here, and nowwe’re looking forward to returning to ournew temporary home in Plean.”
A fire may have damaged their school, but the pupils of East Plean Primaryhave been thriving in new surroundings at Raploch Community Campus. Stirlingmagazine visited them as they prepared to return to Plean
Friendshipsfrom flames
East Plean pupils werehappy to tell Stirlinghowthey’ve been enjoying their temporary stay at the Raploch campus
In their words...
Primary 1
Arran: “This school is nice and theplayground’s good.”Rachel: “I like our classroom because ithas lots of toys. I like the seats in thedinner hall too.”Maya: “I like the other pupils and ourclassroom is nice because it’s so big.”’
Primary 4
Leah: “Raploch is good because it’s big.Getting the bus in the morning isawesome!”Kieran: “It’s kind of fun being here.”Ryan: “It’s exciting! We have a big play-ground and the East Plean boys playfootball with the Raploch boys.”
The fire-damaged school will be rebuilt. As Stirling goes to print, the structural engineers’ report is due, and the educationservice is working with the insuranceassessors to list everything that was lost.
The move to the temporary teachingvillage is expected in March. The villagewill have spacious connected rooms. The Balfour Centre will be used for gym and dinners.
Pupils make temporary move as school rebuilt
Stirling reporter Deborah Kilpatrickchats to East Plean Primary School
children at Raploch campus
STIRLING.GOV.UK 13
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INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
In June 2009, Stirling Councilestablished a scrutiny panel on dis-ruption within Stirling’s schools.The main objective was to improvethe learning environment, as dis-ruptive classes are a barrier toeffective teaching and learning.
The research generated more than3,500 responses. From the results, thepanel was able to make recommen-dations for improvement.
The study showed that thebehaviour of pupils in the Stirlingarea is generally better thannational averages. It also showedmany examples of positive behaviour in classrooms, withthe incidences of low-leveldisruption in Stirling’s schoolsreported as less frequent than inthe national picture.
In line with the national picture,the research highlighted a concernthat the most frequent incidentsof low-level classroom disruptioninvolved negative pupil-to-pupilinteractions.
Behaviour management
A range of approaches to promotepositive behaviour and respond tonegative behaviour are usedincluding:
staged interventionmulti-agency planningbuddying/peer monitoringrestorative approachescircle timereward systemsgolden timegeneral promotion of a positive ethos throughoutthe school.Pupils were asked to nominate
two options that would helppupils behave better and stop bad behaviour.
Primary school pupils citedgolden time/rewards and talkingabout behaviour as part of theirschool’s rules and values, whereas
secondary school pupils opted formore punitive measures withdetention and exclusion.
Support for staff
The majority (85 per cent) ofStirling’s primary school teachersagreed that they regularly discusswith colleagues ways of improv-ing behaviour in the whole schoolcompared with 70 per cent ofScottish primary school teachers.
More secondary school teachers(+11 per cent) than the nationalaverage agreed that teachers knowthere is confidential support andcounselling available should theyneed it.
Classroom support staff hadhigher levels of agreement thanthe national average with beingregularly involved in discussionsabout improving behaviour inthe classroom (+10 per cent),and that they’ve had adequatetraining on how to deal withbehaviour management difficulties (+18 per cent).
Recommendations
for improvement
The main recommendationswithin the action plan are to:
Continue to take forwardnational and local positivebehaviour polices and guidelines.
Further strengthen thesupport available to staff indealing with disruptive behaviour.Extend the work already beingdone to enhance positive relationships in schoolsthrough the health andwellbeing area of Curriculumfor Excellence. Focus on pupil-pupil interactionsEnsure that parents are fullyinvolved in the developmentof whole school policies onpositive behaviour and relationships.An Implementation Group has
been set up by the educationservice to take forward theserecommendations. The councilagreed to fund the training strategydeveloped by the service, and thisplan is now well under way.
All educational establishmentswill ensure that they consult withparents/carers and their commu-nities on their positive behaviourpolicy on an annual basis.
Further information forparents on Stirling Councilpolicies will also be made available.
For details of the scrutiny
panel on disruption
in Stirling’s schools:
www.stirling.gov.uk/
disruptioninschools
Behaviourin schools
FASTFACT
In the survey,
teachers and
head teachers
rated the overall
ethos of their
schools highly,
and children
reported that
they were
happy coming
to school
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14–25 MarchScottish Youth ParliamentElection Young people aged
12–25 can vote at polling stations throughout the Stirling council area
Bootleg SixtiesQuite simply the best ’60s showaround. Albert Halls, 7.30pm
Derek Acorah Albert Halls, 7.30pm
21–27 March Climate Week www.climateweek.com
Lecture, The Artist and theSitter by Matilda MitchellStirling Smith Museum, 7.30pm
Cinema Night: Fiddler on the Roof (1971)(cert U) Mugdock Country Park,7.45pm
Third annual Ondeo City ofStirling Sevens Bridgehaugh,Causewayside
Rollermania Albert Halls, 7.30pmAn evening with Leand the Legendary City Rollers
Strictly BallroomAlbert Halls, 8pm. Icourse carvery buffwelcome drink. Tick
Last date to regifor a proxy vote
Cinema Night: Twelve o’Clock High(1949) (cert U) Mugdock Country Park,7.45pm
We’ll Meet Again Albert Halls, 2.30pm
The Wiyos Tolbooth,8pm
Youth Parliament ElectionResults Night Venue tbc, 7–9pm. Young people and wider
community members are invited to attendour election results night to find out whoStirling’s elected Members of YouthParliament are for the next two years
Back Walk Spring Clean Back Walk, City Centre, Stirling,10am. Lend a helping hand to
manage the vegetation and remove litterbelow the castle
Habitat Surveying King’s Park,Stirling, 10am. Help the rangerswith a habitat survey of King’s Park
Talk Night: The Clydebank BlitzMugdock Country Park, 745pm
30
EasterMonday
May BankHoliday
13
DumyatHill Race
11
11 May - Challenge 66Andy McMenemy inStirling as part of hisGuinness World Recordattempt to run 66 UltraMarathons (50km) in 66days! Not to be missed!!
Let’s do
something!
Go for a walk in King’s
Park and enjoy the
spring crocuses and
daffodils
14Monday Tuesday ThursdayWednesday
ScottishParliamentelections
12
Check I’m registered
to vote in elections
on 5 May!
(Do I need to arrange
a postal or proxy vote?)
www.aboutmyvote.co.uk
Explore Doune ponds
with the kids
Forms for posta5 May electiontoday by 5pm
14
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out guide to upcoming events in ourmation, visit www.stirling.gov.uk
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27
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9 10
1717
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29 301
6 7 8
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m. es McKeownBay
m and Latinncludes a two-fet andkets £35.00
gister
Theatre Night: Indian Summerby Lucy Maurice MugdockCountry Park, 7.45pm
Timeless Theatre presents
Memory LaneAlbert Halls,7.30pm
Concert Night: The MickWest Trio Mugdock CountryPark, 7.45pm. Combining one ofthe best voices in Scotland withtwo superb musicians
Heart of Scotland ChoirAlbert Halls, 8pm
Buchlyvie 10k road race
10am Gardening Club:Easter Parade The country’stop 10 Easter plants for the homeand garden. Mugdock CountryPark, 10am
Walk in the Woods MineWoods, Bridge of Allan, 10am
Body & Soul Fair Albert Halls, 11am
The Nordic Fiddler’s Bloc & Samling Tolbooth, 8pm
Concert Night: Duo Alba Mugdock CountryPark, 7.45pm
Strathspey & Reel ConcertAlbert Halls, 7.30pm
Les Freres Guisse with Coca Tenorio &DJ Dolphin Tolbooth, 8pm
Scottish Youth Parliament ElectionOutreach city centre, 9am–6pm
Hallaig: A Celebration ofSorley MacLeanTolbooth, 1.30pm
Gaelic Song Workshop Tolbooth, 4.30pm
Facing The Atlantic: Julie Fowlis withRosa Cedron Tolbooth, 8pm
Stirling Duathlon and Kids’ Duathlon
Stirling Wedding Show Albert Halls, noon
Poetry and song fundraising concertStirling Smith Museum, 2.30pm
Riding for the Disabled Ceilidh Albert Halls, 7.30pm
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SchoolEaster
holidaysstart
Schoolsummer
termstarts
BankHoliday –
GoodFriday
2
16–17 April Doune Hillclimb16
StirlingOrchestraAlbert Halls,7.30pm
The SearchersAlbert Halls,7.30pm
14
Easter Sunday
King’s Knot is a great
place to roll eggs! Take
a stroll up to the Castle
afterwards to see
the restored
Stirling Heads
Mothering SundayMum would love a day outshopping at Stirling’sVictorian arcade with aspecial lunch at one of the many cafés in the city centre
Roary the Racing Car Albert Halls, 2pm
River Spring Clean River Forth, Stirling,10am. Help spring clean the fisheries
26
COLOUR KEY:Sports events
Outdoor eventsSchool and bank holidays
Tourism, theatre etc
Friday Saturday Sunday
al votes forns mut be in
15Last date to register to vote. 01786 [email protected]
8
15
PublicHoliday –
Royalwedding
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What is the Stirling Strategic
Learning Alliance?
It’s a partnership of people from differentorganisations involved in education in theStirling area. It involves the schools, college, university, community learning, the RaplochUrban Regeneration Company and Scotland’sskills body Skills Development Scotland.
We want to make the most of the knowledgeand expertise across our education sector, sharegood practice and learn from each other.
It doesn’t matter what age the learner is – theAlliance is working to make sure that educationcan progress throughout their lives.
It began two years ago and the stimulus for change was the new Forth Valley Collegecampus at Kildean. It was seen as a new beginning, so we wanted to take the opportunity to develop a new partnership
and explore new ideas.
What projects will the Learning
Alliance be working on?
One example is a research project whichinvolves work shadowing and workexperience between colleagues in collegeand schools. We could have a collegelecturer in engineering going into aprimary school to experience and learnfrom the techniques staff are using to
The Stirling Strategic Learning Alliance aims toswitch people on to learning throughout their lives. Its chair, Dr Ken Thomson, deputeprincipal of Forth Valley College, explains how
An artist’s impression of the interior of Forth ValleyCollege Kildean Campus, and right, Dr Ken Thomson
New
An artist’s impression of the Forth ValleyCollege Kildean Campus, opening 2012
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get the children interested in a project, say,about bridges. And there might be things thatare happening in a college setting that with a bitof imagination could be transferred to aprimary class. We hope to find new ways ofcapturing the interest and imagination of apupil who has become switched off to a subject,or enthuse a young person about a subject theyhadn’t even thought about studying before.
Any other examples?
There are also a number of other projectslinking college and university. Forth ValleyCollege now offers two degree courses in creative industries which are validated byStirling University. Our business department isworking with Stirling University’s School ofManagement, to link our Chartered Institute ofPersonnel and Development programme intothe university’s MSc programme – and we’replanning link-ups between science classes andthe university’s experts in aquaculture.
What are you looking forward to
most when the new Forth Valley
College at Kildean opens in 2012?
The view! The campus will have a riversidesetting, looking out on the WallaceMonument and the Ochils. It’s going to bestunning. The new campus will be three
times the size of our current Kerse Road site,with an à la carte restaurant open to thepublic, an atrium that can be reconfiguredto accommodate concerts, meetings and con-ferences, redesigned classrooms, learningcentre, library and lots more. We’ll befocusing on creative industries, hospitalityand tourism at the Stirling campus.
We will also have courses in construction,engineering and science which will allowprogression to our other campus in Falkirk.
It’s a tough time for young people
coming onto the jobs market.
What would you say to pupils and
students about job prospects?
The message is – work hard; look to thefuture; ask yourself what is it you want todo, and start planning now. Also, listen tothe advice from your school and focus on
making the most of your opportunities.Identify your interests and skills and work at them.
The Stirling area has real economicstrengths, particularly in the creative industriessuch as tourism and hospitality. Courses atForth Valley College are very much designedto play to these strengths so our young peoplehave the skills to go on to have the best possi-ble job prospects and opportunities.
“We hope to find new ways of capturing the interestand imagination of a pupil who has become switchedoff to a subject, or enthuse a young person about asubject they hadn’t even thought about studying before”Dr Ken Thomson, depute principal of Forth Valley College
Useful linkswww.forthvalley.ac.uk
www.raploch.com
www.skillsdevelopment
scotland.co.uk
www.stir.ac.uk
www.stirling.gov.uk/learning
www.stirling.gov.uk/
partnership.htm
The Stirling Strategic Learning Alliance isplanning a one-day conference in June toshare ideas on learning and teaching.
Coming up
way to learn
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OUTDOOR REHABILITATION
Scotland’s first hospital rangeris taking forward ambitiousplans at the new Forth ValleyRoyal Hospital in a bid toencourage patients, visitors,staff and the local communityto make more use of the
70 acres of green space surrounding the site.
Enjoying the greenoasis around thehospital can help
patients as part of their recovery, andprovides the local community with anatural asset on their doorstep.
New community ranger GordonHarper, who is employed by ForestryCommission Scotland, said:“Woodlands provide excellent oppor-tunities for green exercise, includingwalking, cycling or simply gettingaway from it all and enjoying sometime to de-stress. Gentle exercise canbe just the tonic for outdoor rehabili-tation and can form part of a patientrecovery programme.
BENEFITS
Since March 2007, more than £10 millionin previously unclaimed benefits has beenawarded to people across Forth Valleywith help from Macmillan Money Matters,a joint initiative between Stirling,Clackmannan and Falkirk Councils,Macmillan Cancer Support and NHSForth Valley.
Initially, Macmillan Money Mattersfocused on cancer patients, their familiesand carers. People with cancer can havemany worries and concerns aroundincome, remaining in employment or fuelpoverty at a difficult time.
The small, dedicated Macmillan MoneyMatters team can help people to navigatethe maze of the welfare benefit and taxcredit system by giving comprehensiveadvice that meets individual circumstances.
Brenda Mitchell, Stirling Council’s professional officer, financial wellbeing,said: “This is a fantastic amount of moneygenerated by the team. The Forth Valleyproject was one of the first of its kind inScotland, and its phenomenal success hasled to other similar projects being rolledout nationally.”
Building on this success, additionalfunding was secured in April 2010 toextend the service to incorporate otherlong-term conditions.
Brenda continued: “It’s important thatpeople know that our service is no longeronly for cancer patients, but also for peoplewith other conditions such as dementia,stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonarydisease. Recently, one sick patient had anumber of financial issues which resultedin them securing £28,000.
“Most of the £10m will be spent locally –so, as well as helping individuals, it’s animportant boost for our area’s economy.”
For many patients, family members andcarers, the service has become invaluable,and the team is currently exploring newopportunities to use its existing patientbase to develop additional services forpeople across Forth Valley.
For more information on
Macmillan Money Matters, contact
Brenda Mitchell, professional officer,
financial welfare, on 01786 442438 or
email [email protected]
Patients claimcash with help
Green oasisfresh medic
“Gentle exercise can be just thetonic for outdoor rehabilitationand can form part of a patientrecovery programme”Gordon Harper, community ranger
Jim Fleming and AnnLogan with their friendlydogs Becky and Ronnie
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VACCINATION
Local people across Stirlingwho are at increased risk of fluare being urged to take up theoffer of a free flu jab.
The vaccine, which is avail-able until 31 March 2011, offersprotection against three strainsof influenza, including H1N1.
It is free for anyone aged 65or over, anyone under the age of65 with a medical conditionthat puts them in an “at risk”group (this includes peoplewith chronic illnesses such asheart disease and asthma, renaland liver disease, Type 2 dia-betes on medication, and thosewith neurological conditions
such as multiple sclerosis), pregnant women, NHS staffand unpaid carers.
Dr Henry Prempeh, NHSForth Valley consultant inpublic health medicine, said:“For the majority of healthypeople, seasonal flu is anunpleasant but short-livedillness from which they make a full recovery. However, forthose at risk, contracting flu can have serious or even fatalconsequences.
“That’s why it’s importantthat anyone at risk of complica-tions gets vaccinated – it really isthe best way to protect yourselffrom flu. It’s also important toremember that the vaccine does
not contain a ‘live’ virus so it isimpossible to catch flu as aresult of getting the jab.”
For further information
on the flu jab, speak to
your GP practice or visit
www.infoscotland.com/flu
Patients attending Stirling Royal Infirmary will soon bewelcoming four-legged visitors!
Pooches Becky and Ronnieare to visit wards across ForthValley to be pampered andpetted as part of a newTherapet scheme.
Research has shown thatstroking animals relievesanxiety, slows down the
heartbeat and reduces bloodpressure. It also makessomeone who has had aheart attack much lesslikely to have another.
The voluntary service isbeing run in partnership
with Canine ConcernScotland Trust.
Doggy treats
“I’ve been busy carrying out a con-sultation exercise with residents wholive within a kilometre of the hospitalgrounds. I’m keen to find out whatthey would like to happen with thewoodland and get them involved too.”
There are plans for the hospital’sgrounds to be transformed into anattractive woodland setting withexisting paths upgraded and cyclingtracks installed. The loch area is to belandscaped and a circular walk setaround it. Other plans include an outdoor classroom and environmental education area.
is aine
Avoid the flu,get the jab
TREATMENT ROOM SCHEME
A pilot scheme has beenlaunched in the Stirling areato give patients more choicewhen they need treatmentsfrom a community nurse – for example, ear syringing orwound dressings.
Two treatment rooms – atSt Ninian’s Health Centre and Orchard House HealthCentre – will become the hubfor these types of proceduresand will give patients moreflexibility when booking anappointment.
Theresa McLean, StirlingCommunity HealthPartnership lead nurse, said:“This scheme is running forfour months from February,and we’ll be seeking patientfeedback. The treatment roomswill see patients for a variety ofprocedures including earsyringing, wound dressings,prescribed injections or bloodtests before surgery orchemotherapy. Centralising thetreatment rooms from someexisting GP practices will make
it easier for many patients to be seen closer to home.”
Patients who can attend are those from Wallace,Viewfield, Park Terrace,Airthrey Park, Park Avenue,Bannockburn, OrchardHouse, St Ninian’s andAllanpark practices.
A treatment room will continue to operate atBannockburn Health Centre
for people who live locally inBannockburn. Appointmentsfor either treatment room canbe made by telephoning01786 468251.
Patients needing blood testsfor conditions such as dia-betes or heart disease, or formonitoring warfarin or otherdrugs, should continue tomake appointments at theirGP practice.
New facilities give choice
A £1.1 million refurbishment of Cowie Primary School,due to be completed this summer, aims to significantly
reduce fuel use and carbon emissions by insulatingall walls and roofs.
Work also includes a new flexible gym anddining hall and fully upgraded kitchen. The
school’s boiler and heating controls werereplaced last summer. Hadden Constructionare the contractors.
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The Low Carbon Stirling cam-paign is a partnership betweenStirling Council and GoingCarbon Neutral Stirling(GCNS), who are workingtogether and with other groupsto help people in the Stirlingarea to reduce our carbon footprint.
We are still planning events for the future, but look out for:
The Big Street Challenge, in which more than 80 participants from six streetsand communities areworking together to reducetheir carbon footprint. A number of the householders received one-to-one sessions on reducing their carbon footprint, and streets arealso putting together arange of ideas for projectsplanned for later this year,including tool hire and bulkbuy schemes.A spring event to launch acommunity food growing
forum. Everyone with an interest in growing and/oreating is invited to comealong. A date and moredetails will be posted on theGCNS and council websitessoon. Whether you’re a seasoned grower who iswilling to be a mentor or a first-timer keen to get digging, please get involved.The Edible Borders project –selected flower borders willinclude some vegetablegrowing to increase interestin growing your own.
Recent successful LowCarbon Stirling events haveincluded the Cosy Homesevent helping people withhard-to-heat homes, and aCycle Strategy Day to discusshow to encourage increasedcycling in the Stirling area.
For more information on
Low Carbon Stirling, email
If you would like to contact
Going Carbon Neutral Stirling,
email [email protected]
or call 01786 471775.
Green events
WWF’s Earth Hour on 26 March starting at 8.30pmis the world’s largest displayof hope for a bright future.
Hundreds of millions of
people across the world willswitch out their lights in amassive demonstration oftheir concern about tacklingclimate change and protect-
ing the natural world.As an individual, family,
business, school, communitygroup or organisation, youcan join in this global event.
Visit www.wwfscotland.org.uk/
earthhour today to find out more,
register to take part and help us top the
league table of areas taking part all across
the UK: https://earthhourmap.wwf.org.uk
Switch off your lights for Earth Hour – 8.30pm on 26 March
Primary school cuts itsenergy with insulation
Sofa, so gfor top prRecycling scheme is making sure old furniture goes to homes in need
On the Verge is a new Stirling-based environmental campaignlaunching this spring.
The project, aimed at providingfood sources for ailing bee popu-lations in the hope of aiding theirrecovery, will sow nectar-rich wild-flowers in Stirling’s green spaces.
Schools, local communitygroups and the general public can
get involved, and free seedsto plant in local gardens will behanded out. On the Verge willbe funded through donationsfrom local businesses.
To find out more, email
Save the bee
COMMUNITY INITIATIVE
A furniture recycling projectthat is bringing big benefits topeople in the community, aswell as the environment, is setto be extended.
The Valley is managed bythe Salvation Army withsupport from StirlingCouncil’s housing service,community services and thecriminal justice service.
The project was launched inJune 2010 and sells unwantedfurniture and other householdgoods to the public from ashowroom at the ImexBusiness Centre, CraigleithRoad, Springkerse, Stirling.
The project is helpingpeople who may be setting uphome for the first time orperhaps rebuilding their lives
after becoming homeless.The Valley accepts and sells
tables, chairs, suites, beds andwhite goods. If needed, itemscan be restored and cleaned bycommunity service offenderswho are learning valuable newskills while paying back to thecommunity.
New Stirling Counciltenant Mr Saleem wasdelighted with the help he got from The Valley andthe council. Hesaid: “The staffwere veryfriendly andhelpful and mytenancy got offto a great start as a result.”
The council’shousing services andwaste services are
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OUTDOOR ACCESS
Whether you are out for ahike, camping or just appre-ciating the glory of naturefor a few hours this spring,there are a few ways you cankeep the countryside safeand enjoyable for everyone.
Outdoor enthusiastsshould take extra care duringlambing season. Look forsigns with advice from landmanagers and find an alter-native route to avoid crossingfields with young livestock.
Richard Barron, senioraccess officer with StirlingCouncil, said: “Do not enterif you have your dog. Dogscan worry livestock andmothers can become aggres-sive when protecting theiryoung. Just take a differentroute for a few weeks.”
Stirling Council AccessTeam has free signs for landmanagers to help duringlambing time. The signsallow you to specify dateswhen you would like thepublic to avoid lambingfields. Please contact theaccess team on 0845 277 7000if you are interested inobtaining lambing or otherland management signage.
Jim Fleming from TopDog Training reminds dogowners: “April to July is themain ground nesting birdseason. Dogs are into every-thing and can easily disturb
nesting birds. Keep them ona lead or under close controlwhen crossing sensitive areassuch as moorland, forests,grasslands and loch shores.”
Bobby Cranie, animalcontrol officer at StirlingCouncil, said: “Remember toclear up after your dog. Yourdog’s faeces can carry diseases that can be passedon to humans, farm animalsand wildlife.” He added: “Youcan pick up your free poopscoop from Stirling Councillibraries and local offices aswell as some vets.”
With warmer weather onits way, you may be planninga camping trip. “When wildcamping, there are a fewthings to bear in mind,” saidRoddy Ross, chair of StirlingCouncil Access Forum andDuke of Edinburgh Awardleader. “Don’t leave rubbish
behind. It may be dangerousto livestock or even otherusers and, if nothing else, it spoils the view!”
Richard Barron, senioraccess officer, added: “Use astove instead of an open fire,where possible, and never cutdown or damage trees forfirewood. Keep your firesmall and don’t light one inopen woodland. You alsoneed to remember a trowel ifyou aren’t near public toiletsand don’t urinate near openwater, rivers and burns.”
You can find out more
about your rights and
responsibilities as either an
access taker or a land manager
at www.outdooraccess-
scotland.com
For further information,
contact the access team
on 0845 277 7000.
Help to keep ourcountryside safe
Give musicalinstrumentsa second wind
If you are spring cleaningand come across any wood-wind, brass or percussioninstruments in good condi-tion that are no longerbeing played, please donatethem to Raploch’s Big Noisechildren’s orchestra.
For more information
on donating, email
george.anderson@
sistemascotland.org.uk
extending the project further byputting in place arrangementsto collect all recyclable furni-ture at the Household WasteRecycling Centre at LowerPolmaise near Fallin and fromhouseholds requiring a specialuplift and transporting it to The Valley for sale.
For further information,
call 01786 479262, or
visit The Valley during
Monday-Saturday, 9pm-5pm.
oodoject
Plan where to walk online
Stirling has been involved with a groundbreaking websitewww.phototrails.org launched by outdoor access charitythe Fieldfare Trust.
Phototrails allows users to view photographs of routesand descriptions of the paths’ features and amenities suchas seats, disabled parking, and toilets. People of all abilitiescan use the site to decide if a trail is suitable for them.
If you would like to visit the website and see if there any Phototrails in your area to visit, go to www.phototrails.org
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LOCAL HISTORY
With the unveiling of the restored Royal Apartmentsand Stirling Heads (see fact, right) at the Castle, it’s anexciting year for lovers of Stirling’s rich and uniquehistory. So it’s timely that 2011 also sees the publica-tion of a new book, A History of Stirling in 100 Objects,by renowned writer and historian Elspeth King,director of the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum.
“The book shows how Stirling has made an important contribution to politics and the country’sheritage – the history of the city is not just about the Castle and the Wallace Monument,” Elspethexplained. “For instance, Stirling was a centre forprinting and publishing.
“It was also a trading centre for the Gaels andHighlanders, and occupied a strategic position at theedge of the Highlands and Lowlands. When theweaving and wearing of tartan was banned in theHighlands after the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745,Wilsons of Bannockburn made a worldwide reputation producing it.
“Highlanders would bring cattle hundreds of milesdown the drove roads to market in Stirling and thesurrounding area and when they got here, theywanted to buy swords, pistols and daggers – soStirling was a centre for sword-making too.
“And as well as manufacturing, of course, our areahas a wonderfully rich cultural background. Burnsvisited in 1787, for example, and while here penned hisfamous ‘Stirling Lines’ on the window of the GoldenLion Hotel where he stayed. Later, he was made tosmash the glass as the poem was so controversial.”
Other than the Municipal Buildings, every item
featured in Elspeth’s book can be found in theStirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum – and sheskilfully tells not only the story of the objects, butalso how they contribute to the story of Stirling andconnect with the big picture of Scotland’s history.
This lavish book is a must read and should inspirereaders to visit the Stirling Smith Art Gallery andMuseum and see these wonderful relics first hand!
Visit Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum at
Dumbarton Road, Stirling FK8 2RQ (opening
times are 10.30am-5pm on Tuesday-Saturday, 2pm-5pm
on Sundays). Admission and parking are free. Call 01786
471917 or visit www.smithartgallery.demon.co.uk
Stirling reporter Deborah Kilpatrick talks to Elspeth King about her book A History of Stirling in 100 Objects
Jacobite fan
This fan commemoratesevents of 1 February 1746,with Duke William ofCumberland’s triumphantride into Stirling in 1746 andthe Jacobite retreat. It evenshows the accidentalblowing up of St Ninian’sChurch (the tower alonewas left standing andremains to this day), with allof the bodies landing in thegraveyard, and the Jacobitesfleeing over the Fords ofFrew with looted treasureand provisions. No doubtmany Stirling ladies wereusing fans like this whenDuke William was given theFreedom of Stirling in Aprilthat same year.
100 chaptersof Stirling’sgreat story
The book by Elspeth King, a renowned writer andhistorian, documents thefascinating history of itemsthat can be found in theStirling Smith Art Galleryand Museum
“The history of Stirling is notjust about the Castle and theWallace Monument”
The Grain Gallon signals a change in measures
Following the act of Union in 1707, the old weights and measures were discarded and new measures were adopted. The Grain Gallon, which carries thecouchant wolf, the symbol of the Royal Burgh of Stirling, was one of these.
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Kings Park view
Here is a view of Stirling from the south showingthe Kings Park area before any of the Victoriandevelopment took place. Kings Park was thepleasure and hunting grounds of the Stewartmonarchs when staying in Stirling Castle. One
of the early watercolours in the Stirling Smith collections, it is the work of Adam Callander,
who was active from 1780-1811, when heexhibited a total of 51 paintings at theRoyal Academy in London. Before theRoyal Scottish Academy was establishedin Edinburgh in 1826, many Scottishartists had to go to London to get exhibitionspace and a market for their art.
Bonnie Prince Charlie
This iconic portrait of Charles EdwardStuart, better known as BonniePrince Charlie, was painted twoyears before Culloden and camefrom the house of the SetonStuarts at Touch. The artist isCosmo Alexander. The StirlingSmith also has the punch bowlfrom which Bonnie PrinceCharlie drank when he stayedat Bannockburn House, as wellas the pocket watch ownedby the farmer who guidedhim across the Forth at theFords of Frew on his way south.These items, once in private hands,are now the property and commonheritage of the people of Stirling.
Stunning wedding dress
This beautiful entry in the top 100 is the1742 wedding dress of Miss Anne Gillespie,daughter of Provost Thomas Gillespie. Itwas gifted to the Smith in 2006 and isnow on display following a programme of cleaning and conservation. The gown is made of Spittalfields silk brocade complete with white silk gauze trimmings.It was discovered during conservationwork that the wearer had put her footthrough the petticoat by mistake, but aperfect repair patch was stitched in.
FASTFACT
Five of the
original 56
Stirling Heads
at Stirling Castle,
which had to be
removed in 1777
because they
began falling
down, have been
replaced after
more than 200
years.
Photos and descriptions © A History of Stirling in 100 Objectsby Elspeth King
KEEN TO LEARN
The Cowane Centre in Stirling is thehub for the council’s Adult Learningactivities. It’s buzzing with life and fullof friendly people eager to learn.
As I found out when I popped in one morning in January, the atmosphere is warm, sociable and supportive.
9.30am: The numeracy class runsfrom 9.30-11.30 am, so I join in.
Tutor Trisha helps me catch up.“Everyone in the class has differentabilities – some are looking to brushup on skills, while some have broad-ened from numeracy into maths andare doing Intermediate 1,” sheexplained.
The friendly, informal unpressuredsetting helps the group improve theircore skills. “Continuous assessment helpsencourage success – exam conditionsare what put a lot of people off atschool,” said Crawford, a retired teacherwho now volunteers at the centre.
“It allows us to check what peopleunderstand and what we need towork on,” added Trisha.
Literacy and numeracy classes oftenincrease students’ skills and confi-dence so much that they go on tostudy at Forth Valley College, or tryother classes at the Cowane Centre.
10.30am: A welcome tea break givesme the chance to chat to the studentswithout disrupting their work.Someone’s even brought in a delicioushomemade cake.
STIRLING.GOV.UK24
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“When you learn something youfeel good. You only get out of life whatyou put into it,” said David, who’s beencoming to the centre for a few years.
Elizabeth cared for her mum for 20years. “I didn’t know what else I coulddo afterwards, but this has given me somuch enjoyment and friendship,” shesaid. “I’ve found out things I neverknew and coming here gives me confidence to try out new things likecomputing. It’s helped me a lot.”
For others, it’s an important steptowards getting back to work. Asif
was encouraged to come to thenumeracy class by the council’semployability team. He said: “I hopeto start a work placement twice aweek and start a job soon.” He had aninterview later that day.
Jackie is improving her skills toprogress in her career. “I do schoolescorting at Riverside Primary School,but I’d love to be a classroom assistant.This is helping me catch up,” she said.
Jackie’s daughter has been helpingher brush up her computing skills, butis hoping to join her mum as part of
A day in
adult Stirling reporter Deborah Kilpatrickvisits the Cowane Centre todiscover how adult learningactivities are improving lives
“I’ve found out things I never knew andcoming here gives me confidence to try outnew things like computing. It’s helped me a lot”Elizabeth, student
Tutor Duncan with student Abbie
From left: Jackie,Crawford and Asif
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the numeracy group too.It’s not just students who
reap the benefits of adult learning though, as volunteers gainfrom the experience too. WhenCrawford’s wife died seven years ago,it helped him rebuild his life. “I get alot of satisfaction, friendship and fun from being here. It’s one of thebuilding blocks of my week,” he said.
Janis, another volunteer, added: “It’sa good laugh and it’s nice to see peoplegrowing, getting more confident.”
It was Kate Langley’s first day andshe said: “I’m impressed because everyone’s so keen to learn and there’s good banter going on.”
11am: Time for me to join the literacyclass. When I knock on the classroomdoor, I’m given a warm welcome.Adult learning can be life changing,
said Tam. “I’m 41 now and was fed upnot being good at reading and writing,feeling embarrassed in front of people.
I didn’t want to live like thatany more so I decided to
improve myself,” he said.“I plan to start up aproperty maintenancebusiness so I need to beable to produce invoic-es, for instance. Since
coming to this class I’vefound out I’m more
capable than I thought, andI’ve started doing maths too. I
now have the confidence to ask people,even strangers, for help with spelling.”
Another literacy student, Abbie,has written a concert review for the latest learners’ publicationand is about to make a start onanother article. “I love it here. Theteachers encourage you, and it’shelped me get back on track. I’mvery positive now.”
Stephen said: “I had an accidentwhen I was eight that left me withlearning difficulties, but within acouple of weeks of coming to thenumeracy class I got a 100 percent mark. The company’sgreat in both classes, I get onwith everyone,because I can
relate to everyone and it gives you agood social life as well. I was a nervouswreck at first, but they’ve been verygood to me here.”
Susanne added: “I felt I couldn’tdo anything at first and now I’vewritten a children’s book and startedmaths too.”
Noon: Classes are over for themorning. As the learners head off for awell-deserved lunch, it’s back to theoffice for me, with fresh inspirationto try something new myself.
the life of
learning
25
A WIDERANGE OF
COURSES AREAVAILABLE
CALL 01786 432360
The adult learning team, based at theCowane Centre, offers literacy and numeracyclasses to people following a one-to-one discussion about their learning needs.
However, there are a wide range of other community classes available locally aswell as at the Cowane Centre. These rangefrom computer skills to arts and crafts.
For a one-to-one chat or a course list,contact the team on 01786 432360, or visitwww.stirling.gov.uk/adultlearning
Get on course for fun
Elizabeth brushesup on her maths
STIRLING.GOV.UK26
Us
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atio
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WARD 1
TROSSACHS AND TEITH
Councillor
Tony Ffinch
Conservativeemail:
Councillor
Paul Owens
Labouremail:
Councillor
Fergus Wood
SNPemail:
WARD 2
FORTH AND ENDRICK
Councillor
Alistair Berrill
Conservativeemail:
Councillor
Graham Lambie
SNPemail:
Councillor
Colin O’Brien
Labouremail:
WARD 3
DUNBLANE AND
BRIDGE OF ALLAN
Councillor
Callum Campbell
Conservativeemail:
Councillor
Colin Finlay
Labouremail:
Councillor
David Goss
Lib Dememail:
Councillor
Graham Houston
SNP
email:
WARD 4
CASTLE
Councillor
John Hendry
Labouremail:
Councillor
Graham Reed
Lib Dememail:
Councillor
Jim Thomson
SNPemail:
WARD 5
STIRLING WEST
Councillor
Neil Benny
Conservativeemail:
Councillor
Scott Farmer
SNPemail:
Learn more about your councillors on ourwebsite www.stirling.gov.uk/councillors
✃Your Councillors
WARD MAP1
2
3
5
6 7
4
For access to all Stirling Councilservices phone the contact centre on:0845 277 7000• text: 07717 990 001Visit www.stirling.gov.ukor email [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
STIRLING.GOV.UK 27
Us
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CONSTITUENCY MSPs
STIRLING
BRUCE CRAWFORD
SNPtel: 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
KEITH BROWN
SNPtel: 01259 219333
email: Keith.Brown.msp@
scottish.parliament.uk
web: www.keithbrownmsp.com
Constituency Office
80 Mill Street
Alloa FK10 1DY
LIST MSPS
MID SCOTLAND AND FIFE
CLAIRE BAKER
Labourtel: 0131 348 6759
email: Claire.Baker.msp
@scottish.parliament.uk
TED BROCKLEBANK
Conservativetel: 0131 348 5610
email: Ted.Brocklebank. msp@
scottish.parliament.uk
MURDO FRASER
Conservativetel: 0131 348 5293
email: Murdo.Fraser.msp@
scottish.parliament.uk
CHRISTOPHER HARVIE
SNPtel:0131 348 6765
email: Christopher.Harvie.msp
@scottish.parliament.uk
JOHN PARK
Labourtel: 0131 348 6753
email: John.Park.msp@
scottish.parliament.uk
RICHARD SIMPSON
Labourtel: 0131 348 6756
email: Richard.Simpson. msp@
scottish.parliament.uk
ELIZABETH SMITH
Conservativetel: 0131 348 6762
email: Elizabeth.Smith. msp@
scottish.parliament.uk
OTHERUSEFULNUMBERS●BT (Faults)
Tel: 0800 800151
●Central Scotland Fire & Rescue Service HQTel: 01324 716996
●Central Scotland PoliceTel: 01786 456000
●Consumer DirectTel: 0845 4040506
●Falkirk Royal InfirmaryTel: 01324 624000
●First Bus Lost PropertyTel: 08708 727271
●FloodlineTel: 0845 988188
●Forth Valley CollegeTel: 0845 634 44 44
●Forth Valley Royal HospitalTel: 01324 566 000
●Hydro ElectricTel: 0800 300000
●MacRobert Arts CentreTel: 01786 467155/466666
●NHS Forth ValleyTel: 01786 463031
●Quantum MetersTel: 0845 6066766
●Scottish Enterprise Forth ValleyTel: 01786 451919
●Scottish PowerTel: 0845 2727111
●Scottish WaterTel: 0845 6008855
●Stirling Royal InfirmaryTel: 01786 434000
●University of StirlingTel: 01786 473171
●TRANSCO (Gas Emergencies)Tel: 0800 111999
●TravelineTel: 0871 2002233
Councillor
Andrew Simpson
Labouremail:
WARD 6
STIRLING EAST
Councillor
Ian Brown
Lib Dememail:
Councillor
Corrie McChord
Labouremail:
Councillor
Steven Paterson
SNPemail:
WARD 7
BANNOCKBURN
(Bannockburn, Cowie, Plean)
Councillor
Margaret Brisley
Labouremail:
Councillor
Alasdair
MacPherson
SNP, email:macphersona@
stirling.gov.uk
Councillor
Violet Weir
Labouremail:
Representing you in Parliament
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
STIRLING
ANNE McGUIRE
Labourtel: 01786 446515
email: [email protected]
web: www.annemcguiremp.org.uk
Constituency Office
22 Viewfield Street, Stirling FK8 1UA
STIRLING.GOV.UK28
Ca
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Reablement is a care at homeservice from Stirling Council to
help older people stay independent in their own homes, where this is possible.
For example, if you have lost a bitof confidence after an illness orhospital stay, it could be suitablefor you. You will be able to set yourown goals to help you enjoy your
independence again and then we’ll workwith you to help you achieve them.
If you would like to find out more,please contact the reablement teamon 01786 443694.
Stirling Council is working in partnership with:
Helping you stay independentReablement
