THORNHILL & BLAIR DRUMMOND COMMUNITY COUNCIL
1st October 2024 at 7:30 pm Thornhill Community Hall
Minutes
Present and Apologies
Present: Hector Muir (HM) Chair, Elaine Blanchard (EB) Secretary, Alison Newlands (AN)
Minute Taker, Rowena Coulthard (RC), Veronica Bachelor (VB), Cllr Elaine Watterson (ME),
Al Rawlinson (AR), Sam Campbell (SM), Gabriela Ingle (GI), Ian McIntosh (IM), PC Lorna
Deans (LD), PC Donald King (DK)
Apologies: Campbell Millar (CM), Gary Thompson (GT), Moira Russell (MR)
- Approval of minutes of meeting on the 20th August 2024
Minutes approved.
Approved by RC
Seconded by VB
- Matters Arising
A84 Email
HM advised that an email was circulated to members relating to proposed traffic &
pedestrian improvements at Kincardine and Monteith Primary School. Once the works have
been completed HM will feedback to the meeting.
Speed restrictions
HM advised that he has not had a response from Stirling Council about the 40mph limit
between Coldoch road and Smiddy then Smiddy to Roseburn Lane.
Windfarm
HM advised that the windfarm application for Fintry has now been submitted to planning.
White Line Assessment
TBDCC to look into this and respond to Stirling Council.
- Reports – External
- Police Scotland
PC Lorna Deans & PC Donald King were in attendance and tabled the police report for
discussion.
Road Safety
On 18/08/24 damage was caused to a car parked at a business premise in Blair Drummond
by another vehicle. The driver of the vehicle responsible for this failed to report the
incident.
On 19/08/24 police were called to a two-vehicle collision on A84 near to the entrance of
Blair Drummond Safari Park. Officers carried out road traffic procedures and assisted with
traffic management until the vehicles were removed.
On 25/08/24 police were called to a two-vehicle collision on A84 near to Blackdub Farm,
Blair Drummond. As a result of this, one driver was issued with a fixed penalty ticket for
careless driving.
On 11/09/24 a driver has parked up their vehicle on Main Street, Thornhill. Whilst the
vehicle was unattended, it has rolled into a parked vehicle, causing damage.
During this period PC’s Deans and King have carried out speed checks on Main Street,
Thornhill. 4 drivers were spoken to regarding their speed.
Theft
Overnight on 1st into 2nd September a business premise in Blair Drummond was broken into
and items stolen from within. Enquiries are ongoing in relation to this.
DK highlighted that there is an increasing amount of cyber crime and bogus callers and
advised anyone with any concerns to look at the Trading Standards website for advice.
- Stirling County Councillor
EW informed that Stirling Council is currently discussing the 2025/26 budget, which will
require significant savings similar to those needed for 2024/25 to address a substantial
deficit. Tough decisions will have to be made regarding funding for essential services. EW
also mentioned that a new survey will be sent to residents at the end of October to gather
their opinions and suggestions on budget cuts.
EW advised that a new booklet has been produced to signpost older people to support
services across the Stirling area. The booklet has been compiled in partnership with the
Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health & Social Care Partnership, NHS Forth Valley, local
charities and voluntary groups and features everything from advice on benefits
maximisation, legal matters, health, volunteering, social connections and help and safety at
home.
EW added that an email has been submitted to Stirling Council regarding the Thornhill Bus
Stop on Main Street. EW will feedback to TBDCC when a response is received.
- Reports – Internal
- Chair
No update
- Secretary
EB advised that a bike rack will be installed beside the Thornhill Community Hall at the end of
October.
EB introduced Mr. McIntosh at the meeting, noting that he is the owner of the Scout Hall in the
village. Mr. McIntosh is seeking ideas for the development of the hall. TBDCC engaged in a discussion
about potential concepts for the site and agreed to arrange a meeting with the Thornhill
Development Trust and Mr. McIntosh to explore further options and provide assistance.
- Treasurer
No update.
- Planning
No update.
- Community Council Business
- Traffic Issues - A84/Thornhill
Ongoing.
- Traffic Issues - Primary Schools
EB raised concerns about potholes in the children's play park. Photographic evidence needs to be
submitted to Stirling Council.
- Dunsire and Partners’ development in Thornhill
No update there is an expectation that the reporter will be making a decision imminently.
- Residents Forum
Nothing to report.
- AOB
Ceilidh
EB advised that a Ceilidh is being held in the Thornhill Community Hall on 5th October 2024 to raise
funds for the community. Please contact EB for further information and tickets.
- Date, time, and venue of next meeting
12th November 2024 at 7:30pm Thornhill Community Hall.
Action Points Member Responsible
Follow up on 40mph limit on section of A873
from the Smiddy to Coldoch road.
HM
White line assessment – Respond to Stirling
Council
EB
Update on petition measures and when they
will be met
GI
Post FB update on the development in
Thornhill
EB
Arrange a meeting with the Thornhill
Development Trust and Mr. McIntosh to
explore further options and provide assistance
for Scout Hall.
EB
Check with residents about Back Yetts parking
traffic issues
RC
Meeting closed 21.10.