FINAL
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting 6th February 2025
Kinlochard Village Hall
Councillors Present: Paul Mackintosh (PM) (Chair), Nick Lester-Davis (NL) (Vice Chair), Catherine Cairns (CC) (Treasurer), Joyce Kelly (JK) (Panning), Natashya Sheppard (NS)
Attendees: Martin Earl (ME) (Conservative Councillor), Fergus Wood (member of the public),
Kate Bovill (Strathard Development Officer), Hilary Soanes (Minute Taker)
Apologies: Lynda McColl (LM), Police Representatives, Trevor Geraghty (TG)
Agenda Item : Action :
1. Apologies – Noted above. NL mentioned a possible need for succession planning as although the minimum of 7 Councillors is in place, there is risk of falling below this. SC recommend 11 in total. It would be good to fill these positions to allow scope for replacement office bearers.
Tonight’s venue had a technology issue with difficulties establishing an online connection. Everyone agreed to continue without a connection.
2. Approval of Minutes – Minutes of 05/12/24 proposed by JK and seconded by NL. No matters arising.
3. Questions – FW asked about the planning permission for the three telecom masts. JK confirmed planning approved and will discuss this in a later agenda item. She went on to explain there was a delay in the 3rd mast approval but that is now sorted. There is still no indication regarding EE’s next steps. JK volunteered to try to find out more information on this.
A general discussion was then made about the recent difficulties following the storm and power cuts. Many households no longer have analogue connection, so a power cut also means loss of telecom communication enhanced by poor mobile communication. NL mentioned there is a system for a free battery back-up for some. Worth exploring for anyone with difficulties. This is particularly important for local businesses and any disadvantaged or elderly households. ME JK
mentioned an up-coming seminar, with BT, he is attending about the analogue switch off and will report back any useful information.
KB had another commitment so took this opportunity to update everyone about Strathard Development Trust due to the absence of anyone else to represent them tonight. She was very upbeat about the new team. How there is a lot of energy and enthusiasm. They are currently undergoing governance training and working towards formation of sub groups. There is still talk of the Registrars Office closing but hope that the empty Tourist Information site will soon be occupied with the possibility of new jobs being created. The proposed new tenants are investing heavily in the local area with sites in Callandar, investments in hotels, information centres and other tourism centred businesses.
KB specifically requested that it be minuted how a ‘Resilience Planning’ document has been developed and is open for anyone to discuss. The main point of it is to stress the SCT is not about sorting out the village’s problems but is about proactive objectives and scoping a way forward for positive change.
ME
4. Ongoing business / Enquiries raised – (a) Following a discussion with a local resident, PM raised the issue about the state of the roads and poor conditions of pothole repairs. He has been assured that a Stirling Roads representative will be in touch about plans afoot to rectify.
(b) PM questioned ME about why the waste services have introduced (shorter working week (Tues-Fri)). These changes to the bin rota will apparently save £500,000 p.a. but see no change to the actual number or frequency of service. If this is so, why has it not been done much earlier? This could have saved millions if implemented sooner. ME confirms that Stirling collections were assessed the most expensive system in Scotland @ £132/household. However, change is very slow to implement. There were many obstacles, including Trade Union Consultations, a ‘no redundancy’ policy, bin lorry long-term leases to break etc etc. The changes have been worked on for months and months but only now being rolled out.
There is still a chance they will remove the glass collection service but this would need an increase of ‘bring sites’ to replace it.
(c) PM also mentioned that Stirling Observer will be running a report on proposed changes to Aberfoyle Nursery. There are proposals to cut the hours down to 09.00 – 15.00, Term Time Only. This is in spite of work done last year to ensure the service remains. There has been no
account of the unique circumstances of rural living. The situation is a further illustration of the ‘two-tier’ services Strathard residents experience. Things like this will only add to the deterioration of the area and drive working people away. The local people strongly suspect that, if implemented, it could mean the end of the nursery service altogether. These hours just do not work for working people! ME
PM
stressed how the concerns are very much understood. There are 23 councillors who will be voting at a meeting on 27th February and he is hopeful that the votes will work in Strathard’s favour. A discussion then developed as to whether there was anything that could be done to lobby or petition in the nursery’s favour. The whole issue is another example of ‘short term’ thinking and the lack of a holistic process. ME went on to say that, realistically the budget proposal document will be drafted a week before this meeting which means it will have been prepared by around 20th February.
5. Councillor updates – ME confirmed that he attended a councillor meeting today with a lot of emphasis on Finance and The Economy. Adult Social Care remains the big issue with Stirling Council suffering an overspend of £12M which is significant proportion of the overall shortfall. Other major issues discussed included how the NHS will be hit massively by the N.I. changes. Other NHS specific issues include a suggestion of inefficient prescribing by the NHS, as well as massive wastage and lack of controls in place. Many of these issues are ‘National’ in context but, nevertheless, affect each and every resident in the Stirling Council area.
Other news from that meeting is that Gerry McGarvey was appointed as Stirling Council Leader following the death of his predecessor, Margaret Brisley. The vote was cast 12/11.
6. Matters Arising – Another member of the public entered the meeting briefly (John …….) to raise the subject of poor road markings on the B829. PM said how he was hopeful that white lining on the edge of the road would take place as part of the up-coming resurfacing work starting next week. Mention was also made that some road signs have been repainted recently.
7. Treasurers Report – The report is attached which summarises clearly the February ‘Funds Available’ position. After transfer of the residual Christmas Fund to AVP, receipt of the SC Admin grant, computer software costs and hall fees there remains available funds of £4940.42. This includes the contingency of £500 to the Kinlochard Field project.
8. Police Report – A report is attached for the two month period
December and January. There was some dirt bike riders reported within
Kinlochard forest in early January, two minor road traffic accidents on Dukes Pass and on the A81 (between Rob Roy and Gartmore). There was also a theft from business premises in Aberfoyle and theft of farm equipment in the local area. Enquiries are on-going.
FW mentioned issues with road safety outside Forest Hill with people crossing the road and speeding vehicles. This has been raised as an issue in the past and the police have previously said they would monitor it, if ever time would allow. It’s a difficult problem to solve in such a rural area though. VAS would be an excellent solution but it’s difficult to see how it would be introduced without a Road Safety Trial
first. ME suggested how, perhaps, Forest Hills management should raise it as an issue and take control of signage and lineage for the safety of their guests. Perhaps they’re the one’s with a ‘duty of care’. NL said
he would add it to the agenda for their next meeting with the Management, should and when it occurs.
NL
9. Flooding - The school was shut on Tuesday due to flooding issues. It dispersed by early afternoon.
There was then a general discussion about how the SC Flood
Alleviation Scheme Report is not fit for purpose as the proposals (@ £1.6M) were beyond any budget available. ME stressed that nothing is going to happen anytime soon and how the cost/benefit analysis has never stacked up (against the nationally set parameters). He went on to say how Callander’s chances were almost no better. SC still seem wedded to a scheme that no one wants and is totally unaffordable. The consequence of which, we are no further forward, and have nothing on the table.
FW mentioned how flooding has a serious impact on Planning in the area as a decision was made to allow no further decisions on the A829 until something was done about the issue.
10. National Park, SCT, Visitor Centre update – Other than what was discussed earlier with KB, nothing more to report.
11. Changing Places Toilets – PM confirmed that after his intervention about this facility being locked at night, SC have now come back and confirmed they will now keep it open 24hr/day. The facility is already secure with users needing a ‘radar key’ to gain access. At the end of the day, a facility of this type, should be available at any time for those specific groups who require it.
12. FLS – NL talked about a recent meeting when the issue of Emergency Services using their roads was discussed. FLS stated they have had discussions with LLTNPA about this very issue. NL has asked for a copy of the minutes to clarify this and has been promised the same. There does not appear to be a common understanding about the use (or otherwise) of the road nor any understanding of key holders at the fire station, police or ambulance service. FLS/LLTNPA need to agree a protocol. At the same time, Forest Hills also have a vested interest here and perhaps there is a way of using their ‘Corporate’ strength via Scottish Government to tackle this issue. NL remains on the case and will report back when he has more information. He will re-invigorate meetings at Forest Hills.
FLS have a number of high level projects going on. There was some talk about offering mini bus tours into the forest. This idea triggered a return to the public safety issue above and a question of there being a contradiction about the use of vehicles on these forestry roads. ….
NL
13. Life Plans / Planning – JK reported no change and that the plan to conduct a desk top review every six months and a full review on an annual basis remains in place. She also reports that it has been very quiet on the planning front too. The Planning Report is appended here and confirms there has only been two applications and two approvals
for the period. As mentioned earlier, the main news is that the telecoms mast has finally been approved with a good chance, at last, of some progress for wider mobile coverage in the area.
14. B829 Update – There was another meeting yesterday with Robert Fleming from Stirling Roads Department about the resurfacing upgrade. There has been an agreement to improve the position of some of the signage coming from Aberfoyle. Also, in order to minimise disruption for householders, it was clear they should liaise with contractors in advance. There will be ample time to move cars temporarily beyond the specific working area, so they can carry on their daily lives. There is hope the work will be completed within a 4 to 6 week timeframe. It is obviously weather dependant.
15. AOCB – It was mentioned there are no updates on Housing matters and no other business directed by The Chair.
NL said he had met Chris Kane (MP) who said he’s be interested in visiting Strathard at some point. Nothing arranged at this point but perhaps something to bear in mind in the future.
PM declared the meeting closed and confirmed the date of the next meeting as 6th March at Aberfoyle Memorial Hall.
Appendices :
- Treasurer’s Report
- Police Report
- Planning List
Minute Taker (HS) Strathard Community Council – Bank account balance for meeting 6th Feb 2025
£ £
General Fund opening Bank balance 30th October 2024 5309.03
Monies out
Minute secretary November (50.00)
Mailchimp and Microsoft Nov / Dec (118.37)
Christmas Fund to AVP (318.97)
Minute secretary December (50.00)
Monies in
Stirling Council minute taker and admin grant 749.87
General Fund closing Bank balance 17th December 2024
Subsequent expected expenditure / income 5521.56
Aberfoyle Memorial Hall (Nov) (20.00)
Microsoft / Mail chimp (61.14)
Total subsequent spend / income (81.14)
Balance minus subsequent spend / income since 9th Oct 2024
Less Commitments 5440.42
SCC commitment to field buy out
500.00
Available Funds 4940.42
Classification: Private
OFFICIAL
NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED
Police Service of Scotland
Community Council Report
Trossachs and Teith Ward,
Strathard Community Council
hello@ccstrathard.org
Community
Council:
Reporting 04/12/24 to 03/02/25 Compiled by PC Lorna Deans Period:
Ward Plan Antisocial Behaviour Priorities You are concerned about antisocial behaviour including drunken behaviour.
On 18/01/25 police were made aware that there were people riding dirt bikes within the forest
in the Kinlochard area.
Road Safety
You are concerned about speeding, dangerous driving and indiscriminate parking.
On 04/12/24 a vehicle came off the road on A821 Dukes Pass.
On 25/01/25 on A81 between Rob Roy roundabout and Gartmore, damage was caused to a moving vehicle by another vehicle travelling in the opposite direction. The driver of the offending vehicle failed to stop/report the incident.
Theft
You are concerned about homes being broken into and travelling criminals.
On 28/01/25 a theft occurred at a business premise in Aberfolye. Enquiries are ongoing for this incident.
During this period farm equipment has been stolen from a property in Port of Menteith area.
Page 1 of NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED
During this period officers have been dealing with numerous weather related incidents in the Trossachs and Teith area.
Other Incidents / Activity of note
Issues raised
Community
Council
Feedback
The Community Officers for your area are: PC Donald King and PC Lorna Deans, based at Callander Police Office.
The Community Sergeant for the area is PS Sarah Stephenson, based at Dunblane Office.
They can be contacted via the email address TrossachsTeithCPT@scotland.police.uk or by phoning 101
We regularly publish information on the ‘Forth Valley Police’ Facebook page and tweet using @StirlingPol
NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED
Page 2 of
OFFICIAL
Strathard Community Council
Weekly Planning Lists for Dec 2025 and Jan 2025
Applications:
WK 49
Ref No 2024/0337/LAW Officer Amanda Muller Date Valid 26 November 2024 Telephone 01389727721 Proposal Certificate of Lawfulness (proposed) for erection of single storey extension to the rear of dwellinghouse Location Glenwood Main Street Aberfoyle Applicant Mr Robert Friel Glenwood Main Street Aberfoyle Stirling FK8 3UN Agent Andrew Peebles
Architectural Drawing Services 32 Moss Road Tillicoultry FK13 6NS Application Type Certificate of Lawfulness Expected Decision Level DEL National Park Ward 2 Breadalbane and The Trossachs Community Council Area Strathard CC National Grid co-ordinates 252506 E 700881 N Advertisement Type
Ref No 2024/0312/NOT Officer Amanda Muller Date Valid 28 October 2024 Telephone
01389727721 Proposal Construction of Forest Road 460m in length Location Land North East
Of Craig Of Monievreckie Achray Forest Aberfoyle Applicant Gresham House Timberland LP
Capital Square 58 Morrison Street Capital Square Edinburgh EH3 8BP Agent Christopher Dacre
RDS Forestry Ltd Enterprise House 45 45 Enterprise House Springkerse Business Park Stirling
FK7 7UF Application Type Prior Notification National Park Ward 2 Breadalbane and The
Trossachs Community Council Area Strathard CC National Grid Co-ordinates 255119 E 703006 N Date Decision Issued 5 December 2024 Decision Prior approval not required Approvals:
WK 51
Ref No 2024/0111/DET Officer Amy Unitt Date Valid 6 June 2024 Telephone 01389 722 606 Proposal Erection of 25 metre high telecoms mast, erection of retaining walls and installation of associated equipment Location Land At Faery Knoll Kinlochard FK8 3TT Applicant EE Limited Trident Place Hatfield Business Park Hatfield AL10 9BW Agent Aruna Venkatraman Mitie The
Shard Level 12, 32 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9SG Application Type Detailed Planning
Permission National Park Ward 2 Breadalbane and The Trossachs Community Council Area
Strathard CC National Grid Co-ordinates 241606 E 707702 N Date Decision Issued 20 December 2024 Decision Approve
WK 2
Ref No 2024/0321/LBC Officer Jack Riggs Date Valid 1 November 2024 Telephone 01389 722620
Proposal Installation of new ladder with safe access Location Loch Arklet Dam Aberfoyle Stirling
Applicant Scottish Water Scottish Water The Bridge 6 Buchanan Gate Business Park Buchanan
Gate Business Park Stepps G33 6FB Agent Gregory Bond Scottish Water The Bridge 6 Buchanan
Gate Business Park Stepps G33 6FB Application Type Listed Building Consent National Park
Ward 2 Breadalbane and The Trossachs Community Council Area Strathard CC National Grid Co-ordinates 235595 E 709366 N Date Decision Issued 10 January 2025 Decision Approve Withdrawals:
None
Refusals:
None
Enforcement Matters:
None
Appeals:
None
Overdue Applications
Ref No 2024/0239/HAE Officer Amanda Muller Date Valid 26 August 2024 Telephone
01389727721 Proposal Alteration and extension to dwelling Location Blairuskin Beg Aberfoyle Stirling Applicant Mrs Gillian Foster Blairuskin Beg Kinlochard Aberfoyle Stirlingshire FK8 3TR
Agent Claire Gibbons T Square-Architects Castleview Steuart Road Bridge Of Allan Stirling FK9
4JX Application Type Householder Planning Permission Expected Decision Level DEL National
Park Ward 2 Breadalbane and The Trossachs Community Council Area Strathard CC National Grid co-ordinates 243754 E 702974 N Advertisement Type
Application Number 2024/0274/DET Development Proposed : Change of use to axe throwing range,formation of mini electric vehicle track course and erection of associated storage container Location: David Marshall Lodge Trossachs Road Aberfoyle Stirling FK8 3SX Applicant:
Mr Daniel Stafford Agent’s Name: Agent’s Company Name: Agent’s Address: Date Application Valid: 15 October 2024 Date of expiry of period for representations: 7 November 2024
Application Number 2024/0337/LAW Development Proposed : Certificate of Lawfulness (proposed) for erection of single storey extension to the rear of dwellinghouse Location:
Glenwood Main Street Aberfoyle Stirling FK8 3UN Applicant: Mr Robert Friel Agent’s Name:
Andrew Peebles Agent’s Company Name: Architectural Drawing Services Agent’s Address: 32 Moss Road Tillicoultry FK13 6NS Date Application Valid: 26 November 2024 Date of expiry of period for representations: n/a
Application Number 2023/0366/75A Development Proposed : Application to discharge a planning obligation related to planning permission ref. no. S/99/00969/DET Location: Gartnerichnich Aberfoyle Stirling FK8 3TP Applicant: Mr James Bradshaw Agent’s Name:
Michael Hyde Agent’s Company Name: Michael Hyde Agent’s Address: 63 West Princes Street Helensburgh G84 8BN Date Application Valid: 18 October 2023 Date of expiry of period for representations: n/a