Spotlight on Kilmadock Community Council

The minutes of the October, November and December meetings ……….

October Meeting

The KCC meeting on Monday 13 October was held in Deanston Community Centre.  Along with our councillors, also attending were Cllr. Elaine Patterson (Stirling Council) and David Clark (Minute Secretary).  Apologies for absence from Ro Drowley, Sue Sedgwick, Alistair Sutherland and Neil Fergusson (KDT Development Officer).  We also had as guests, Rory McLeod (Moray Estates) and Doune residents Anne Angus and Alan Farley.

Visitors

We began with Doune resident Anne Angus who raised the issue of traffic management in the area of Main Street and Moray Street where a combination of a narrow street and inadequate signage posed a risk to both pedestrians and traffic especially when entering and exiting the Main Street junction. It was pointed out that the problem would likely increase with the opening of the DDYP building and parents dropping off children for activities there.  It was agreed to pursue Stirling Council to provide appropriate ‘no through road’ signage.  (Action – Ro Drowley)

It was noted that the area on the east side of Moray Park used for car parking was unlikely ever to be designated an official car park.

Tony Farrant then invited Rory McLeod of Moray Estates to speak on the new local development plan and the request for potential housing sites. Rory indicated that Moray Estates intended to propose development of the lower part of the triangular field across the Argaty Road from the allotments and provided an indicative plan for some 60 housing units which would include ‘affordable’ housing.

Community Council officials

It was agreed that Elizabeth Wallace would continue to act as Treasurer in the meantime, assisted on a temporary basis by David Harding and that a decision on appointing a new Treasurer would be taken in the event of new members joining the Community Council.

Chair’s Report

The Kilmadock Christmas Street Fayre will not take place in 2025. Christmas trees for Doune and Deanston are on order from the Muir Estate and assistance will be required with the erection of the trees and street lighting.

Neil Fergusson has submitted the Local Place Plan. Representations about any content of the Plan should be made by 29 October.

Public Liability Insurance on Moray Toilets is now due at £530.18pa. Insurance is held by Kilmadock Development Trust who will be reimbursed by the Community Council.

A response is awaited from Stirling Council to the request for resumption of the periodic ‘deep clean’ process in Doune.

Bear Scotland are undertaking drainage investigation works on the A84, A85 and A9.

Police Report

6 June – 6 September 2025, compiled by Constable Lorna Deans.

Antisocial behaviour – no incidents

Road Safety – on 11 September there was a collision between 2 vehicles on Balkerach Street, Doune blocking the road for a short time.  Officers attended and carried out road traffic procedures.  On 20 September officers, whilst on patrol on A84 between Doune and Drumvaich, observed a driver using a hand held mobile device.  The driver was issued with a fixed penalty ticket. On 9 October a vehicle collided with a parked vehicle on Main Street, Doune.

Theft – no reported thefts in the area however over the last 2 weeks vehicles have been stolen over night in the Stirling area. g.

Councillor’s Report

Cllr. Elaine Watterson reported that Stirling Council was currently in recess and that a new Chief Executive, Brian Roberts, has been appointed. Budget reviews were under way and may indicate a slightly more favourable position than earlier anticipated. It was noted that signage for the Park & Stride facility was the responsibility of Bear Scotland rather than Stirling Council, it being on the A84 trunk road.

Treasurer’s Report

The Treasurer, Elizabeth Wallace reported that at 13 October the bank balance was £5,186.85 of which £4,272.03 was in restricted funds and £914.82 in unrestricted funds.

Tony Farrant undertook to contact the football club in respect of outstanding electricity bills.  (Action – Tony Farrant)

Secretary’s Report

Graham Silcocks reported our request for a private meeting with Stirling Council officials re anti-social behaviour had been declined on the grounds that after previous representations the case was considered closed. The Community Council considered that the matter remained an issue and agreed that a new request will be made.

The Community Council approved expenditure of c£2.50 per month for a Microsoft licence to enable the Secretary to operate more easily.

The surface of the tennis court at Moray Park has been removed. The underlying tarmac surface appeared serviceable but some repair is required to sections. It was noted that Stirling Council had indicated that it had no current resources for such repair.

The Secretary brought the Council up to date with various ongoing issues and representations.

Development Officer

Neil Fergusson reported in his absence that the new Youth Pavilion was virtually complete and an official opening ceremony would be held soon.

Application to Local Energy Scotland’s funding for solar panels on the Moray Park toilets was under way.

Changeworks, an independent charity, will visit Deanston Community Centre on 13 November 7.30-8.30pm to offer free home energy advice.

Roads/Villages/Planning/Community action for Deanston – there were no reports

Community Resilience – a further local meeting will be held on 29 November

Kilmadock Development Trust

Ken Russell indicated that  the Information Centre was now setting up Christmas stock. The work on Spotlight continues and development of more user-friendly software on the website was under way.

Village Pride

Ken Russell had no further progress to report on the formation of this group but indicated that the Village Pride volunteers had been active in tidying up the community generally. Graham Silcocks agreed to take on the role of co-ordinating this group. The Community Council expressed its appreciation of the efforts of these volunteers in improving the Doune environment.

Woodland Group

No report

Forestry

Rory McLeod reported that plans for mixed woodland planting to the north of Loch Mahaick on the Braes of Doune remained in progress

Moray Park toilets

David Harding reported that one further blockage had occurred since completion of the drainage works, cleared at a cost of £240. The decking surface was unsatisfactory after the drainage repair. David Harding undertook to source new decking either free or at minimal cost.  (Action – David Harding)

Remembrance Day

It was noted that the arrangements for the annual Remembrance Day service on Sunday 9 November were in hand. It was agreed to fund tea and coffee after the service up to £250 if required. The wreath on behalf of the Community Council will be laid by Alistair Sutherland if available. Cllr. Watterson will lay a wreath on behalf of Stirling Council at a ceremony in Deanston on Friday 7 October.

Other business

Storm damage – it was noted that Stirling Council has approached energy companies to ensure more resilient back-up power supplies to rural communities in the event of storm damage.

Next meeting – the next meeting will take place on Monday 10 November at 7.00pm at Kilmadock Information and Heritage Centre.

November Meeting

The KCC met on 10 November in Kilmadock Information Centre.  Along with our councillors, also attending were Cllr. Martin Earl (Stirling Council), Neil Fergusson (KDT Development Officer) and David Clark (Minute Secretary).  Apologies for absence from David Harding and Graham Silcocks.

Community Council members

It was agreed that Steven Morrow and Graham Silcocks, co-opted members, should now be full members. It was noted that there was a vacancy for one more councillor, by co-option. This has been advertised and applications close on 1 December.

Chair’s Report

Tony Farrant outlined a number of matters in his circulated report.

• Deep Cleaning of the Doune area was carried out in the week beginning 27 October. It was agreed to express appreciation to the team involved (Action – Tony Farrant). Rural footways in area also to be addressed.
• An update on the signage at the Park and Stride facility has been requested.
• Public toilets insurance has now been renewed.
• Hedge in Moray Street has been cut back as requested.
• Application made for Tractor Run on 6 December through Stirling, Bridge of Allan, Doune and Dunblane
• Christmas lights will be erected on 30 November and Christmas tree on 1 December. Volunteer help will be required.
• Details of a petition to increase powers of Scottish Community Councils are available.

 Police Report

6 June – 6 September 2025, compiled by Constable Lorna Deans. 

Antisocial behaviour – no incidents.

Road Safety – On 16 October officers stopped a vehicle due to the manner of driving on the A84 near to Doune.  The driver was issued with a fixed penalty ticket for careless driving.  On 22 October police were called to a road traffic incident on A820 with the junction of B824.  As a result, the driver of the vehicle has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal for a number of road traffic offences.

Theft – On 24 October a theft by shoplifting occurred at business premises in Doune.  Enquiries are still ongoing in relation to this. On 30 October a person attended at Deanston Filling Station, fuelled their vehicle and failed to pay for same.  Enquiries have been carried out and the person has now been reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

New Inspector – Inspector Emma Patrick has now taken over from Inspector Andrew Bushell.  She is the community Inspector for Trossachs & Teith, Forth & Endrick, Dunblane and Bridge of Allan ward areas.  It was agreed to invite the new Inspector to attend and address a future meeting of the Community Council.

Councillor’s Report

Cllr. Martin Earl reported that after a recent by-election a coalition headed by the SNP now formed Stirling Council’s administration. He indicated that he had raised concerns about the lack of a pedestrian crossing in the vicinity of the Park and Stride facility, the speed limits in that area and also reported that he has arranged a meeting of interested parties about traffic risk concerns on the A84 in the vicinity of the Safari Park and The Smiddy. This meeting will take place in January 2026.

Treasurer’s Report

The Treasurer, Elizabeth Wallace reported that at 10 November the bank balance was £3,886.55 of which £2,690.25 was in restricted funds and £1,196.30  in unrestricted funds.

It was noted that the Gala Committee had met the cost of refreshments after the Remembrance Sunday commemoration.

Secretary’s Report – no report

Development Officer

Neil Fergusson reported the completion certificate for the new Youth Project Pavilion was due to be issued on 13 November. Once received, plans for an opening ceremony would be put in place.

An application for funding for solar energy panels on the Moray Park toilets has been submitted to Local Energy Scotland.

Roads

Ro Drowley reported that the tourist  road sign to Deanston Distillery was in need of repair. This was a Stirling Council responsibility. Walking/Cycling friendly signage on the Argaty and Thornhill roads was expected in the current financial year. Incorrect signage at Moray Street will be reported to Stirling Council.

Villages

Sue Sedgwick reported on concerns about traffic and risk management in respect of the traffic light crossing in Main Street, Doune. Ro Drowley undertook to raise the matter with Stirling Council. (Action – Ro Drowley)

Tony Farrant and Alistair Sutherland reported on a helpful meeting held on 5 November with the Safer Communities/Antisocial Behaviour team leader of Stirling Council at which issues of housing policy and pressure on homeless provision were discussed. It was emphasised that concerns about antisocial housing behaviour should always be recorded and reported to the Council.

Planning / KDT/Forestry – no reports.

Community Resilience – a Community Activity will be held in the Rural Hall on 29 November from 10.00am. Stirling Council is funding the event and has now agreed a resilience budget which will include training.

Community Action for Deanston – it was noted that the Remembrance Day ceremony for Deanston, involving the primary school, will be held at the Distillery on 11 November.

Kilmadock Development Trust

Ken Russell indicated that two promotional leaflets were now available for distribution, one featuring the pistols in the Information Centre and then other with more general tourist information.

Village Pride/Helping Hands

Ken Russell reported that a meeting of relevant parties will be held shortly to discuss volunteering issues such as risk assessment and insurance.  The group is looking to do a bit of rebranding under a new name of Helping Hands, with a wider range of activities.

Woodland Group

Tony Farrant reported that the Fairy Trail would open on 13 December and that before that some paths may be closed temporarily to allow removal of prunings and chippings.

Moray Park toilets

It was reported that there had been two further blockages – believed not to be related to the drainage work and repairs but rather to inappropriate items being flushed in the toilets.

Other business

Remembrance Day

There was discussion about revising the arrangements for 2026 and it was proposed that the Community Council should take on the role of co-ordinating the arrangements in consultation with the parties involved.

Next meeting – the next meeting will take place on Monday 8 December at 7.00pm at Kilmadock Information and Heritage Centre.

December Meeting

The KCC met on 8 December in Kilmadock Information Centre.  Along with our councillors, also attending were Cllr. Gene Maxwell (Stirling Council), Neil Fergusson (KDT Development Officer) and David Clark (Minute Secretary).  Apologies for absence from David Harding, Steven Morrow and Alistair Sutherland.

Community Council members

There had been no applications for co-option in response to the advertisements last month.  We agreed to invite a previous applicant to consider re-applying.

Police Report

7 November – 4 December, compiled by Constable Lorna Deans.

Antisocial behaviour – no incidents.

Road Safety – On 14 November police were called to a road traffic collision involving one vehicle that had come off the road.  Road traffic procedures were carried out.  Assistance was then given when the vehicle was being recovered. On 25 November on the A84 between Doune and Blair Drummond, officers, whilst on patrol, observed a driver carry out a careless overtake resulting in drivers in the opposite direction having to take action to avoid a collision.  As such, the driver was stopped and issued with a fixed penalty ticket. On 28 November a vehicle came off the road on the A84 between Doune and Callander.  The road was shut for approximately 30 minutes to allow officers to deal with the incident. Police have been made aware of an abandoned vehicle at Kilmadock Cemetery.  Stirling Council and DVLA have been contacted in relation to this.

 Theft – No reported thefts during this period in the Kilmadock area.

New email address – stirlingcommunitypolice@scotland.police.uk

Councillor’s Report

Cllr. Gene Maxwell reported on the change of administration in Stirling Council, with an SNP, Green and Independent coalition now  in control. New conveners have been appointed to committees and housing is now a separate committee. The budget process for the coming year is now beginning. Early indications suggest a significant deficit similar to last year. Voting on a visitors’ levy will take shortly place and ,if approved, proceeds will be devoted to promoting tourism in the Council area.

Treasurer’s Report

The Treasurer, Elizabeth Wallace reported that at 7 December the bank balance was £2,604.02 of which £1,411.97 was in restricted funds and £1,192.05  in unrestricted funds.

The issue of electricity costs due to the Football Club has been resolved and application to the Wind Farm Trust for funds for the toilets for the ensuing year has been made.

It was noted that the Gala Committee had met the cost of refreshments after the Remembrance Sunday commemoration.

Secretary’s Report – Graham Silcocks reported on an Informed Communities meeting at which questions of the settlement of immigrants and refugees had been aired.

Development Officer

Neil Fergusson reported over 70 people attended the drop-in days at the new DDYP building and the After-school Club moved in on 24 November. An official opening ceremony will be held early in 2026. By way of thanks for support during the drive to fund the building the committee has offered the use of the premises for a Community Council meeting free of charge. The next meeting will be held there.

He also reported that it was hoped that a decision on a grant application to Local Energy Scotland for solar panels on the toilets would be received before Christmas.

Roads

Ro Drowley reported that the signage for the walking/cycling friendly Argaty would be in place by March 2026. Issues relating to the road sign at Buchany are the responsibility of Bear Scotland.

Villages

Sue Sedgwick requested that the Christmas lights in Doune should remain on during the day. This was agreed provided electricity suppliers were in agreement and that they were aware that their costs could be reimbursed. Ken Russell agreed to check with householders.

Planning/Forestry/Community Action for Deanston – no reports.

Community Resilience – Alistair Sutherland attended the recent local meeting called for the setting-up process. There was a disappointing response from members of the communities. While plans are progressing there is still much to be discussed with regard to equipment, authority to use, lines of communication etc.

Kilmadock Development Trust

Ken Russell reported that the Post Office and Information Centre were busy and now open all day until Christmas. A successful open night had been held to mark 25 years of Kilmadock Development Trust.

Spotlight – No report had been posted in the last two months because of personal circumstances but new reports would now appear shortly.

Helping Hands

Ken Russell reported that volunteers had assisted with the erection of Christmas tree and lights as well as leaf gathering. There had been a good response to appeals for help. Assistance would also be required to take down the tree and lights. It was confirmed that insurance and protective clothing were in place. Sue Sedgwick was thanked for providing saplings which will be planted at the Park and Stride facility.

Woodland Group

Tony Farrant reported that the Fairy Trail would open on 13 December and that calendars and logs were available for sale.

Moray Park toilets

No issues.

Other business

Stone fragments – some fragments of stone or cement had been handed in which appeared to come from the village cross. It was agreed to consider the matter further at the next meeting.

Benches – it was agreed to ask Stirling Council if new benches could be placed on the old railway cycle path to replace those now beyond repair. It was agreed to pursue the issue of benches at Moray Park and the Bank House in Main Street, both of which, it was believed, had been previously agreed by Stirling Council.

Tractor Run – a complaint had been received from a Doune resident that the Tractor Run on 7 December had caused damage to property through vibration. It was agreed that Tony Farrant and Graham Silcocks would contact the resident concerned.

Christmas trees and lights – the Community Council wished to thank Muir Estates for the provision of Christmas trees, Moray Estates for the storage of lights and volunteers who had assisted in creating the display which has drawn many favourable comments.

Next meeting – It was agreed that the next meeting would take place on Monday 12 January 2026  at 7.00pm in the Doune and Deanston Youth Project building in Moray Park.