Dunblane Community Council
Alan Booth
Acting Secretary
cc@dunblane.info
Anna Jarchow-MacDonald
Chair
cc@dunblane.info
Minutes of the Dunblane Community Council held on Wednesday, 5
February 2025, at 7 p.m. in the Library, Dunblane. This is a “blended”
meeting, with some attendees joining by Zoom.
Present: Anna Jarchow-MacDonald (Chair), Alan Booth (Interim Secretary),
Anthony Delleur, Karen Jenkins, Rachel Nelson, Rachael Muir, Annelise Bakri,
Calum Thomson, Peter Swindon, Fiona Plumtree.
In attendance: Bridget Clark, Liz-Anne Richards, Carlotta Canavesio, David
Whelan, Councillors Alasdair Tollemache, David Wilson and Robin Kleinman,
Emma Taylor (Minute Taker). By Zoom: Mairi Santolini (Parent Council,
Dunblane High School), Andrew Ross-Oliver (Pupil Council, Dunblane High
School), Stuart MacKay (Headteacher, Dunblane High School), Jill MacKay
(Head of Arts, Health and Wellbeing, Dunblane High School), Margaret Bragg,
Steve Mason, Councillor Thomas Heald; and the following representatives
from Vaison-la-Romaine – Jean Charles Raufast, Oliver Blanchoz, Patrick
Neyrat and Caroline Keys.
Apologies Apologies have been received from Caroline McArthur and Stewart
Corbett.
- Chair’s Remarks and Conflicts of Interest
There were no conflicts of interest. All attendees agreed to recording the
meeting for minute-taking purposes, which will later be deleted.
- Adoption of minutes and matters arising
These were approved, proposed by Rachel Nelson and seconded by Annelise
Bakri.
- Presentation from Representatives from Vaison-la-Romaine
Jean-Charles Raufast gave a brief overview of the shared history of Dunblane
and Vaison, through the Bishops Chisholm, about whom he has written a book.
The town is eager to have a partnership with an English-speaking town and he
reported that the Mayor is fully supportive of this initiative. Vaison and its
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surrounding villages has a population of about 16,000 and attracts tourists
for its wildlife, Roman ruins, vineyards, and cyclists, thanks to the route of
the Tour de France passing through the town. It is also known for the flood of
1992 which killed 42 people. It is close to Orange and Avignon train stations
and is served by the airports of Nimes and Marseilles. It is famous for its
annual dance festival and its choir festival, Choralies, held this year and every
three years since 1953.
Olivier Blanchoz spoke about Choralies, the choir festival, which attracts
4,000-5,000 singers from all over the world, bringing amateurs and
professionals together for workshops and concerts over eight days in the
summer. It is run by 450 volunteers who take care of the logistics and
organisation. He encouraged everyone to follow the links on the internet. He
invited Dunblane choirs or some members of them to attend and participate.
In reply to a question from the Chair asking about accommodation for young
people, she was assured that accommodation would be provided with families
and they would be well taken care of and supervised.
Patrick Neyrat is Chairman of the Association of Friends of the Cathedral and
is keen to restore the historical link with Dunblane. He has been to the
Leighton Library and met with representatives there and he mentioned a
collection of books near Vaison. There is also a portrait of the last Bishop
Chisholm in Vaison.
Jean Charles Raufast also spoke about the possibility of an exchange
programme with school pupils, and Stuart MacKay, Headteacher of Dunblane
High School, expressed interest in senior pupils being involved. Jill MacKay
(Head of Arts, Health and Wellbeing at the High School) was very keen to
support this in any way. Caroline Keys, originally from Belfast but now living
in Vaison, reported that children and parents in Vaison were interested in
promoting the exchange and she was willing to be a point of contact for any
parents from Dunblane with concerns and questions. Mairi Santolini from the
Parent Council at the High School is going to contact Caroline Keys to
exchange ideas between the schools.
Councillor Tollemache said the Council is also willing to help.
The Chair thanked the Vaison representatives for their contribution. She has
also contacted other groups in Dunblane who might be interested in such a
partnership and exchanges, such as sport, gardening, people involved in the
Fling, Open Studios, Rubber Chicken and various music groups. She suggested
that instead of looking for one overall co-ordinator, the various interested
groups should seek their own co-ordinators to progress links and exchanges
with Vaison.
- Residents’ Forum and current topics
Stirling Council Budget Conversation 2025-26 Last year, Stirling Council held
an engagement event at the High School to publicise this, but this year
everything was online. The community councillors agreed to hold a public
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meeting, with Zoom available, to bring together residents and elected
members, in the Library at 7 p.m. on 19 February, the week before the Council
debates the budget. It was felt that the public did not know enough about
the process of setting the budget and it is important to know the deeper
impacts of the proposals. It was also agreed that questions should be
submitted by email at least 30 minutes before the start of the meeting and
made available to elected members. These would be assessed for relevance by
a moderator. It would be useful if the Council could provide a summary of the
budget process and the basis for the various proposals. Councillor Wilson
pointed out that some choices are not within the Council’s control and this is
poorly understood by the general public. Councillor Tollemache pointed out
that the motion, outlining the proposed budget, will not be known by the 19th.
It was agreed that there should be an introduction at the meeting to provide
information on the budget process and the pressures on the Council.
Everyone should be reminded that there should be no political grandstanding.
The meeting needs to be well publicised.
- Reports
Police Report: The Chair will circulate this.
Councillor Tollemache reported on a traffic accident between a car and cyclist
between M&S and the Keir roundabout.
Planning Report: See attached.
The Chair thanked Terence O’Byrne for the work he has done as planning
correspondent, a role he has now stepped down from, this being his final
report. She asked for nominations for the vacancy and it was agreed that
Callum Thomson will take over this role. Terence O’Byrne has agreed to liaise
with him.
With reference to the change of use from salon/retail to a bakery/food and
drink at 1-3 High Street, the applicant, Carlotta Canavesio, addressed the
meeting, detailing the plans, which can be found on the Council website. She
sees herself as getting involved with the community and community events
and using local produce as much as possible. The space is quite restricted
and a small commercial kitchen will have to be built. There has been one
objection to the appearance of the flue to be erected on the side and the
architect is also dealing with questions of accessibility. It was agreed that the
community council should support this new venture in otherwise empty
commercial premises and the Chair agreed to discuss with Terence O’Byrne
how to communicate this to the Council planners. Action: The Chair.
Operations Report: See attached.
It was agreed that Terence O’Byrne continue producing the Operations Report
as an Associate Member of the community council, and there have been no
objections to this from the Council.
Blocked paths After Storm Éowyn, reports of trees blocking paths had been
dealt with by the Council. Councillor Tollemache will pass on any reports of
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blocked paths to the Access Officer. Alan Booth also informed him that
Dandara has closed a path.
Ramoyle traffic proposals Councillor Tollemache has queried the projected
costs of the Council proposals and is awaiting a reply from Council officers.
Kinbuck road The 20 mph restriction has been approved but no decision has
yet been reached about the proposed 40 mph restriction.
Zebra crossings on the Doune Road and Old Doune Road These were delayed
due to an electricity supply issue, but Councillor Wilson reported that they
should be operational by 20 February. A suggestion was made by David
Whelan that the police attend when the lollipop crossing patrols are
withdrawn, to supervise the changes in parking. Councillor Tollemache
agreed to follow this up with the police. Action: Councillor Tollemache.
Kinbuck Bridge Councillor Tollemache reported that although repairs will be
carried out, if the A9 were to be diverted onto this route again it is likely that
damage to the parapet by large vehicles will recur.
Community
Local Place Plan (LPP) Jonathan Failes has stepped back from this and Anthony
Delleur is taking over as lead. There has been a delay in getting paperwork
signed over the agreed funding for the support available from Imagine If, and
the latter has changed the scope of what it can provide to the community
council. It is necessary to look at how to realistically achieve a report before
the October deadline which reflects the opinion of the community. The results
of the survey will be looked at over the next month and it was suggested that
three workshops be held based on this:
March - The first will involve different groups in Dunblane to find out what
they would like to see more of in the town.
May – The second will involve the wider public.
September – This will be a public meeting to publicise the draft report.
In response to a query from Alan Booth, the Chair agreed to contact funders
as an extension will be required because of the delays in the paperwork. The
Chair encouraged other community councillors to get involved and get in
touch with her and Anthony Delleur. Action: The Chair.
Schools The Chair thanked Andrew Ross-Oliver, a pupil representative from
the High School, for attending this meeting by Zoom. Mairi Santolini reported
that the school is involved with Ecofest which runs from 28 April for two
weeks at St Mary’s church, building on the school’s participation last year.
Every school department is developing good sustainability practices. This also
includes discussing sustainable routes to school and Andrew Ross-Oliver said
he would pass on information gathered from pupils on what they feel are safe
ways to get to school. He was advised not to use the phrase ‘safer routes to
school’ as this is a designated term used by the Council.
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The Chair noted that it is hoped pupils will attend future meetings of the
community council.
Environment/Sustainability
Community gardens and orchards Alan Booth reported that the charity,
Orchard Revival, is interested in supporting Blossom Day, which could also be
linked with Ecofest.
Forestry With reference to the forestry planting at Drumbrae by the University
of Edinburgh (see Minutes, December 2024), the Chair repeated concerns
about fencing and Councillor Tollemache has received a complaint about
access to the Dumyat path which he is taking forward. Action: Councillor
Tollemache. The Chair agreed to contact the community council of Bridge of
Allan to discuss this. Action: The Chair. She also raised the idea of foraging
by primary school children.
Internal
Correspondence Report Alan Booth will circulate this after the meeting.
- AOCB
Callum Thomson raised concerns that too much time was spent on the
presentation from Vaison which could have been better dealt with in a
separate meeting, resulting in the late finishing of the meeting.
Appointment of Secretary Councillor Tollemache took over the running of the
election of Secretary and asked for nominations.
Rachael Muir was proposed by the Chair and seconded by Alan Booth, and
there being no other nominations, was duly elected unanimously by
community councillors. As she is at present a co-opted member, she will stand
as Interim Secretary until she becomes a full member.
Councillor Tollemache handed the meeting back to the Chair.
Burgh Chambers Because of the late running of the meeting Steve Mason had
had to leave before giving his update on the progress of Creative Dunblane,
and defibrillators. He circulated a brief report by email later and intends to
attend the next meeting of the community council.
- Date, time and place of the next meeting
The next meeting of the Dunblane community council will take place at 7 p.m.
on Wednesday, 5 March, 2025, in the Library, Dunblane.
The meeting ended at 9.20 p.m.
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This is a true representation of the meeting.
Anna Jarchow-MacDonald ……………………………………. Date …27/2/25……
Chair
Alan Booth ……………………………………………………….. Date …………………
Acting Secretary