If you missed the community meeting on Sunday don’t worry, you can still vote on issues that are important to you at this link. The poll will close on 10th December.
You can view Thornhill's draft Local Place Plan here
Drop in Community Meeting about Thornhill’s Local Place Plan,
Sunday, 26 November, 2.00pm start, doors open at 1.45pm.
If you don’t have time to read all of the draft Local Place Plan before the meeting we’ve prepared a one sheet Executive summary here .
Please come along to:
- agree, or not, the Guiding Principles
- vote for your priorities from the Community Action Plan list
- register what you think what should be included in our proposals to Stirling Council as they prepare their Local Development Plan.
The members of the group who have been working on the plan will be there, wearing yellow badges, and they will be happy to answer questions and help where they can.
The afternoon will wind up at 5.00pm.
An online Poll will be available after the meeting so that people who are unable to attend the meeting can have their say.
Drum roll please… the draft Local Place Plan is here: https://thornhillstirling.org/thornhill-local-place-plan…/
The draft plan includes a very long list of all the proposals/ideas for action which have emerged during our community consultations. Please take a look and decide what you think should be our priorities for the short, medium and long term benefits for our community.
You can vote for the ideas you feel should be supported at our meeting on
26 November, 2-5pm, Thornhill Community Hall.
This is a Drop-in session, with light refreshments – come when you can and take the time to look at maps and consider the options. As before, the meeting room will be arranged as an unsupervised play area for families.
26 November – public meeting, 2-5pm, Thornhill Community Hall
Please see below an important message from Joyce Firth on behalf of Thornhill Futures Group regarding our Local Place Plan.
You can view Thornhill's draft Local Place Plan here
Apologies if you have received this information already, we want to reach as many residents as possible so that they can take part in this important meeting. Everyone who lives in and around the village is invited.
This is a community-led plan and many of you will already have contributed via surveys and attendance at the Gathering in May.
The draft plan includes a very long list of all the proposals/ideas for action which have emerged during our community consultations. Please take a look and decide what you think should be our priorities for the short, medium and long term benefits for our community.
You can vote for the ideas you feel should be supported at our meeting on 26 November, 2-5pm, Thornhill Community Hall.
This is a Drop-in session, with light refreshments – come when you can and take the time to look at maps and consider the options. As before, the meeting room will be arranged as an unsupervised play area for families.
If you find you are unable to attend the meeting, an online poll will be available via the community website shortly afterwards so you can record your vote there.
We can achieve whatever we set our minds to but all actions need owners.
A variety of skills will be needed to achieve these aims– much of the works may have to be done by contractors (local if possible). However, they will need to be coordinated by for example short term task groups. We will need fundraisers, project management ….as well as practical skills.
If a proposal receives no support or has no names beside it, we will need to set it aside until such times as there is support for it.
If you can help deliver invitations to the meeting to every home in Thornhill next week, please get in touch with me. Also, if you have a little time to spare on the afternoon of 26 November, we would be very glad to have a hand with welcoming people to the meeting, catering and tidying up at the end. Please let me know as possible.
As always please contact me if you have any questions.
Looking forward to seeing you all on 26 November.
Kind Regards
Joyce
Thornhill Community Hall / 26th September 2023 at 7:30pm
1. Present and Apologies
Present: Elaine Blanchard (EB) Secretary, Alison Newlands (AN) Minute Taker, Cllr Gene Maxwell (GM), Moira Russell (MR), Sheena Stewart (SS), Al Rawlinson (AL) Chair, Joyce Firth (JF).
Apologies: Hector Muir (HM), Andy Greig (AG), Gary Thompson (GT), Rowena Coulthard (RC)
2. Approval of minutes of meeting on the 22nd August 2023
Minutes approved, no objections or comments.
Approved by EB
Seconded by MR
3. Matters Arising
No matters arising, all covered in agenda.
4. Reports – External
a. Transport Scotland – Traffic Alleviation at Safari Park
No update on this issue at present.
b. Police Scotland
The Police Scotland latest report has been received and details listed below.
Road Safety
On 02/09/23 two vehicles were involved in a collision on A84 with the junction of B8075 Kirk Lane. As a result, the road was closed for several hours. During this period PC’s King and Deans carried out speed checks in the Thornhill area. One driver was issued with a conditional offer of fixed penalty, one driver reported to the Procurator Fiscal and four drivers warned.
This area will continue to be monitored. Police have been made aware of traffic problems at the Main Street with the junction of Kippen Road, Thornhill. This has been passed Stirling Council.
Theft
Overnight on 21st into 22nd September 2023 a motorbike was stolen from a property in Thornhill. The motorbike was recovered a short distance away. Enquiries are ongoing in relation to this.
Community Engagement and Reassurance
On 28/08/23 police received reports of people possibly hare coursing in the Blair Drummond area. Please continue to report any sightings of people/dogs in the area hare coursing to police.
c. Stirling County Councillor
GM advised that Stirling Council are currently looking at budgets for 2024/25 and significant savings will be required.
Planning
Plans for a new primary school in Callendar have been designed and are ready to be submitted to the planning department.
Planning has approved a new housing development, Durieshill located between Stirling Services and Plean. This development will have three thousand new homes, a mix of tenures with private housing, affordable housing, and private rented sector housing. The site will also have a primary and secondary school and community organisations and businesses.
Rural Living
GM advised that he is actively and collectively supporting the area with issues around safety particularly school children and providing a better understanding of rural living.
World Cycling Championships
There was a discussion on funding for the event and JF asked about any community payback plans.
GM advised that he was not aware of any community payback plans, will pass this on the Stirling Council.
5. Reports – Internal
a. Chair
AR – Nothing to report.
b. Secretary
Nothing to report.
c. Treasurer
EB updated the meeting with the current financial information on behalf of GT.
Treasurer’s Report: £225.36 in the bank account, still awaiting admin grant being released. GM to chase with Stephen Bly
d. Planning
AR Report circulated prior to meeting.
AR read out new planning applications received at Stirling Council for Thornhill.
GM advised that the New National Planning Framework was published in February 2024 and has introduced stricter controls relating to flooding and the ability to build properties in flood areas. This will affect Aberfoyle with a 15 mile stretch already sterilised due to flooding.
e. Thornhill Community Trust/ Futures Group
JF advised that the meeting scheduled for 21st September had been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances and has been rescheduled for 26th November 2023. The aim to complete a final draft by January 2024 will now not be possible.
GM asked about the submission of the local placement plan and if a different plan needs to go to the National Park and Stirling Council.
JF responded that Thornhill is out with a National Park and consultation is only required by Stirling Council.
The Community Council agreed to promote the rescheduled meeting on social media.
The meeting entered a discussion on the Light Up Thornhill Events and agreed more panning was required.
f. Blair Drummond Community Hall
Nothing to report.
6. Community Council Business
a. Dunsire and Partners’ development in Thornhill
AR updated the meeting on the development application and advised that a decision has still not been reached, no significant update at present.
b. Slow Down sign/flashing light on A873 after B8031 (near Coldoch Road) towards Stirling.
EB advised that HM has spoken to Gabriela Ingle on the work conducted previously and advised any signage and actions promised have not progressed.
Leave on agenda until resolved.
c. Sommers Lane
GM advised that query on new signage had been submitted to Stirling Council, no response as yet.
d. Aberfoyle Flooding
As per agreement at TBCC meeting on 22nd Augiust 2023 a letter to Strathard Community Council has been sent offering support from TBCC.
e. Speeding in Thornhill
EB advised that new signs have been purchased highlight speed restriction in the village. It is planned that fake police signs and bin stickers will be purchased for the village.
f. Doig Street Water Pressure
MR advised that the water pressure has been particularly bad for a prolonged period of time in Doig Street.
GM has contacted Scottish Water, no response as yet.
g. Thornhill Primary School Fencing
EB advised that residents are complaining about the fencing around the children’s play park. Stirling Council play maintenance team are planning a visit to the area to assess the situation and arrange repairs.
AR asked if Stirling Council carries out risk assessments on children’s play areas.
GM responded that there are legal requirements for play spaces at schools, will check about play areas.
h. Red Squirrel sign on Coldoch Road
EB advised on the above issue and GM advised that the request needs to be sent to Stephen Bly at Stirling Council.
i. Signing up to Scottish Forum
EB advised that there is a Scottish Forum of Community Councils. It is hope that the forum will provide a way to connect Community Councils across Scotland and share information about the work they do. They hope that the Forum will be a national umbrella body for Community Councils in Scotland with a mission to support communities and to provide them with the resources they may need to succeed.
No objections TBCC agreed to sign up to the Scottish Forum.
j. Repairs to pavement Back Yetts
No update to report.
k. Letter to Stirling Council re road markings
No update to report.
7. Residents Forum
Nothing further to report.
8. AOB
Bins on Thornhill to Callendar Road.
SS advised that residents have been leaving bins out on the road to Callendar from Thornhill, causing an obstruction .
GM agreed to follow this up.
9. Date, time, and venue of next meeting
7th November 2023 at 7:30pm
| Action Points | Member Responsible |
| Funding for World Cycling Championships – Community Payback Plans | GM |
| Admin Grant for TBCC | GM |
| Local Placement Plan meeting 26/11/23 – promote on social media | EB |
| Update on requested signage for Sommers Lane | GM |
| Risk assessments for children’s play areas | GM |
| Red Squirrel sign on Coldoch Road | EB |
| Sign up to Scottish Forum of Community Councils | EB |
| Bins left out on Thornhill to Callendar Road | GM |
Meeting closed 21:05
Thornhill Community Hall / 22nd August 2023 at 7:30 pm
1. Present and Apologies
Present: Hector Muir (HM) Chair, Elaine Blanchard (EB) Secretary, Alison Newlands (AN) Minute Taker, Andy Greig (AG), Cllr Gene Maxwell (GM), Moira Russell (MR), Gary Thompson (GT) Treasurer, Sheena Stewart (SS), Rowena Coulthard (RC), Bob Marshall (BM), Veronica Bachelor (VB), Heather Aitkenhead (HA), Sara Fullerton (SF).
2. Approval of minutes of meeting on the 22nd February 2023
Minutes approved, no objections or comments.
Approved by MR
Seconded by AG
3. Approval of minutes of meeting on the 21st June 2023.
Minutes approved, no objections or comments.
Approved by AG
Seconded by EB
4. Matters Arising
a) Vote on co-opting members
Further to the Inaugural Meeting in June, where seven candidates were elected to the Community Council, it was advised there was the capacity to elect up to nine people.
All agreed that new members would be welcome, and co-option nominations will be accepted from the November 2023 meeting onwards.
5. Reports – External
a. Transport Scotland – Traffic Alleviation at Safari Park
HM – no update on this issue at present. Agreed to leave on the agenda until funding has been agreed.
b. Police Scotland
The Police Scotland latest report has been received and details listed below.
Antisocial Behaviour
On 29/05/23 an incident took place on the A873 between Thornhill and the A84 at Blair Drummond whereby the passenger of a vehicle was threatening and abusive to the occupants of another. Enquiry was conducted and one male identified and issued with a recorded Police warning.
Cllr Gene Maxwell added that there have been a number of instances of anti-social behaviour in Stirling recently, which have raised some concerns. This is highly unusual and has been raised with Police Scotland.
Theft
On 03/05/23 a theft by shoplifting occurred at Angling Active, Stirling Agricultural Centre. One male has been identified and issued with a recoded Police Warning.
On 07/05/23 a theft by shoplifting occurred at Angling Active, Stirling Agricultural Centre. The person responsible for this brandished a knife at staff when leaving the store. One male was identified, arrested, charged, and kept in custody to appear at court in relation to this.
Fraud
Fraud continues to be a problem in all areas of Scotland. Criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations, and the police. They spend hours researching you for their scams, hoping you will let your guard down for just a moment. Stop and think. It could protect you and your money.
There is advice including information on a number of different types of fraud on the Police Scotland website at – Personal Fraud –
Police Scotland Police Scotland are currently recruiting for Special Constables. “As a special constable, you’ll collaborate with our police officers in your spare time – forging strong partnerships in the community, patrolling our streets, preventing crime, and interacting with all kinds of people to give back, keep your local community safe and make a real difference.” If you think you could make a difference in your local community then head to their recruitment pages for more info – Police Scotland Recruitment – Police Scotland
c. Stirling County Councillor
GM advised that Stirling Council Councillors are just returning from summer recess and dealing with issues with potholes and housing overcrowding.
Planning has approved a new housing development, Durieshill located between Stirling Services and Plean. This development will have three thousand new homes, a mix of tenures with private housing, affordable housing, and private rented sector housing. The site will also have a primary and secondary school and community organisations and businesses.
Stirling Council are involved in a City Region Deal with Clackmannanshire Council. This is a package of significant investment in innovation and infrastructure that will drive inclusive economic growth throughout the city region. As part of this deal Stirling Council will see major investment into the Ministry of Defence land at Forthside. At point of transfer, the site will have been surveyed and cleansed of any dangerous contaminants by the MOD, with the buildings and infrastructural elements being handed over on a ‘current condition’ basis. Opportunities will continue to be explored to support early release of any or all of the site. There has been some interest in using the current buildings as they are.
World Cycling Championships
GM advised that he has received a lot of emails regarding the event and in general the feedback has been positive. It is clear there will be lessons learned from hosting such a major event in the area.
There was a discussion on funding for the event and GM agreed to check on the funding received and allocation.
Nursery Provision
GM advised that there are issues around nursery places in the area in particular Killin. This is due to the reduction of early years provision and funding. This has forced some nursery provisions to reduce the number of employees reducing places available and resources for provision.
6. Reports – Internal
a. Chair
HM – Nothing to report.
TBCC email now transferred over to EB.
c. Treasurer
GT updated the meeting with the current financial information.
Treasurer’s Report: Approximately £450 in the account, awaiting admin grant being released.
d. Planning
AG – Report circulated by AL.
AG read out new planning applications received at Stirling Council for Thornhill.
GM advised that the New National Planning Framework was published in February 2024 and has introduced stricter controls relating to flooding and the ability to build properties in flood areas.
e. Thornhill Future Group
EB advised that the group is pushing forward with the local placement plan and are currently on draft number 9, aiming to complete a final draft by January 2024.
A final public consultation has been arranged for 21st September 2023.
f. Blair Drummond Community Hall
Nothing to report.
g. North Common Trust
EB advised that the Chair of the North Common Trust has recently resigned and are currently assessing the role moving forward. In addition, the Deed of Trust for the North Common Trust lists those members should also be members of the TBCC.
6. Community Council Business
a. Dunsire and Partners’ development in Thornhill
AG updated the meeting on the development application and advised that a decision has still not been reached. The decision was previously on hold pending the decision on a planning application at Mossend, West Lothian, this has subsequently been rejected. The Scottish Government Reporter requested any further comments to be submitted by 18th August now extended to 30th August 2023. The Reporter will then deliberate for a period of time then pass their recommendation to the Scottish Government.
b. Slow Down sign/flashing light on A873 after B8031 (near Coldoch Road) towards Stirling.
HM to check with Gabriela Ingle on the work conducted previously and will update at the next meeting.
c. Sommers Lane
GM to check with Roads Department regarding an update on new signage.
d. Speeding in Thornhill
Speeding in Thornhill continues to be an issue, see item 7.
e. Flooding in Callander
AG tabled a paper on Aberfoyle Flooding.
Background information – Aberfoyle has a long-standing problem with flooding. Since Stirling Council (SC) was given responsibility for dealing with this, many reports, and much money (rumoured to be £2M+) has been spent studying the problem but no action has resulted.
The damage caused by flooding is presently calculated simply in terms of the damage to property. On this basis, Aberfoyle was not in the first tranche of communities selected for flood protection. In practice, the economic damage and inconvenience is much greater because all the communities, including two large hotels and the school, are frequently cut off to the west of Aberfoyle. A recent letter from SC to the planning authority recommends an objection to any development west of Aberfoyle, where the B829 is blocked on the grounds of flooding. This is difficult to quantify, and at present is not considered.
AG advised that Strathard Community Council has requested support from TBCC. All agreed and AG will write to them and offer support.
f. Doig Street Water Pressure
EB raised the above item for consideration by the TBCC due to the issues that it is causing families in this area.
MR advised that the water pressure has been particularly bad for a prolonged period of time. Numerous calls have been logged with Scottish Water but no resolution to date. Scottish Water have visited the area several times and believe the issue to due to old water pipes that are no longer fit for purpose, given the number of houses it supplies.
MR to telephone Scottish Water for an update and request details on escalation process.
GM agree to write to Scottish Water.
7. Residents Forum
Speeding in Thornhill
HA outlined the issues around speeding in Thornhill:
- Last week a dog was killed by a speeding vehicle along our Main Street.
- The extent to which the situation impacts the everyday lives of Thornhill residents, especially young families and older people who are unable to live and move safely around the village.
- Damage to cars and buildings is a regular occurrence.
- Children cannot walk or cycle to school safely as vehicles (including buses and lorries) regularly mount the pavement rather than wait for other vehicles to pass.
- There are no crossing points or signs around the school.
- Pavements are too narrow for prams. It is impossible to strap toddlers into car seats along the Main Street without cars speeding inches away from the door.
HA outlined the three main areas of concern:
- Thornhill main street down from road narrowing to Grays Loan.
- Thornhill Cross bottle neck.
- Area around Thornhill Primary School.
The TBCC entered a detailed discussion on the issues outlined and agreed the issues need to be addressed urgently particularly around the primary school.
Ideas tabled:
- Pedestrian crossing – previously agreed with Stirling Council, never actioned.
- One way system
- Flower planters along far end of village to prevent cars mounting the pavements.
- Council CCTV van used for surveillance in the village.
- Signage at Primary School.
- Line painting at crossroads.
- Community Petition to Stirling Council.
- Look at Safe Routes to School Programme.
GM agreed to follow up signage and issues around safety at the primary school and update on pedestrian crossing plans.
HM agreed to speak to Gabriela Ingle regarding previous petition to Stirling Council and process involved.
TBCC agreed to add issue as a standing item for future meetings.
b. Road Markings
Resident email about road markings (specifically at the junction with the A84 at the Smiddy) having seen several cars going the wrong way due to poor road markings. There is also an issue at the Main Street/Kippen Road junction – Stirling Council said they were going to repaint there after the accident earlier in the year, but still have not done so.
AG agreed to write to Stirling Council regarding repainting road markings, supported by GM.
8. AOB
Back Yetts
SF advised the meeting on the issues of cars using the Back Yetts road. It appears that Google Maps navigation is using this road as the preferred route through Thornhill. This road is not suitable for heavy traffic and vehicles are being damaged and pavement already collapsed on the corner of the road. GM agreed to follow up repair of pavement with Stirling Council.
9. Date, time, and venue of next meeting
28th September 2023 at 7:30pm
| Action Points | Member Responsible |
| Funding for World Cycling Championships | GM |
| Update on Slow Down sign/flashing light on A873 after B8031 (near Coldoch Road) towards Stirling from Gabriela Ingle | HM |
| Update on requested signage for Sommers Lane | GM |
| Aberfoyle Flooding – Letter to Strathard Community Council offering TBCC support | AG |
| GM agree to write to Scottish Water. | GM |
| MR to telephone Scottish Water for an update and request details on escalation process. | MR |
| Stirling Council – Follow up signage and issues around safety at the primary school and update on pedestrian crossing plans for the village. | GM |
| Speak to Gabriela Ingle regarding previous petition to Stirling Council and process involved. | HM |
| Letter to Stirling Council re road markings. | AG |
| Repairs to pavement Back Yetts | GM |
Meeting closed 20:30.
Thornhill Community Hall / 21st June 2023 at 7:30 pm
Present: Michelle Flynn (MF) Stirling Council, Elaine Blanchard (EB), Alison Newlands (AN) Minute Taker, Andy Greig (AG), Hector Muir (HM), Sheen Stewart (SS), Moira Russell (MR), Gary Thomson (GT), Campbell Millar, Rowena Coulthard (RC)
Apologies: Al Rawlinson (AR)
Michelle Flynn from Stirling Council chaired the Inaugural Meeting and welcomed everyone.
2. Community Council Induction
MF advised the meeting that following the close of nominations for the Community Council elections on Wednesday 7th June 2023, sufficient valid nominations were received for the Thornhill and Blair Drummond Community Council. The following candidates were elected:
Elaine Blanchard
Rowena Coulthard
Andy Greig
Hector Muir
Alastair Rawlinson
Moira Russell
Gary Thomson
MF added the TBCC has elected 7 candidates and has the capacity to elect up to 9 people. The elected candidates will hold office for a period of 4 years, with the next election being held in 2027.
Additional information on induction to the Community Council was circulated at the end of the meeting.
3. Appointment of Office Bearers
MF advised that the new Thornhill and Blair Drummond Community Council was now required to appointment their office bearers and must have at a minimum a Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.
Nominations for appointment of Chair
Hector Muir
Proposed – Elaine Blanchard Seconded – Andy Greig
No objections Hector Muir elected as Chair.
Nominations for appointment of Secretary
Elaine Blanchard
Proposed – Rowena Coulthard Seconded – Andy Greig
No objections Elaine Blanchard elected as Secretary.
Nominations for appointment of Treasurer
Gary Thomson
Proposed – Rowena Coulthard Seconded – Hector Muir
No objections Gary Thomson elected as Treasurer.
Nominations for appointment of Vice Chair
Andy Greig
Proposed – Gary Thomson Seconded – Hector Muir
No objections Andy Greig elected as Vice Chair.
Nominations for Planning/Licensing Correspondent
Alastair Rawlinson
Proposed – Moira Russell Seconded – Elaine Blanchard
No objections Alastair Rawlinson confirmed as Planning/Licensing Correspondent.
4. Signing of the Constitution and Standing Orders
MF asked the Chair HM and Secretary EB to sign the constitution and standing orders. Once signed a copy was given to the Chair.
5. Meeting Calendar
The following meetings have been confirmed for 2023/24
Tuesday 22nd August 2023
Tuesday 26th September 2023
Tuesday 7th November 2023
Tuesday 12th December 2023
Tuesday 23rd January 2024
Tuesday 5th March 2024
Tuesday 23rd April 2024
Tuesday 4th June 2024 AGM
6. Useful links for:
– Scheme of Establishment
– Member Booklet
– Area Profile
– Community Council Enquiry Process
MF outlined the above useful documents available to the Community Council, highlighting the main document as the scheme of establishment.
MF also advised on the enquiry process and main contact of Stephen Bly for raising any questions or queries.
7. Document Handover and Brief Explanation
– Inaugural Additional Notes
– Administration Grant
– Community Council Enquiry
MF handed over documents on above topics to the EB.
8. Handover to duly elected Chairperson
Formal meeting concluded and handed over to HM.
Meeting closed 20:00.
Stirling Council has launched a new survey on a range of proposed budget savings.
No decisions have been taken on any of the savings proposals and the survey aims to find out from residents affected by savings what the impact would be on them and on the community.
Please help us to inform the budget process by completing the survey.
The full list of savings is on the survey itself, but they include:
- Close or reduce council-managed community centres.
- Stop the annual mowing of rural road verges, reduce grass cutting or increase space for pollinator spaces.
- Closure of some libraries.
- Reduction in budget for events and festivals.
- Removal of the ‘road-end’ waste collection policy.
- Stop the greenspace ranger service.
- Reduce spending on maintenance at buildings and facilities.
- Removal of the community grant scheme.
- Reduce free, confidential and impartial accredited money, debt and benefit advice to residents.
- Change the operating models (opening times and capacity) at some nurseries.
- Increase non statutory childcare fees.
- Reduce or stop the play, creche, play and out of school care service.
- Reduce teachers in the additional support needs outreach team.
- Removal of the P5 swimming programme.
- Reduce the primary school week for pupils.
- Close some or all public toilets.
For more information on the councils budget position, please visit stirling.gov.uk/bigconversation
Fancy a shopping trip in John Lewis?
November’s prize in the Community Lottery superdraw is a £1000 John Lewis gift card. Just in time for Christmas!
If you sign up here and enter the community lottery you could be a winner and help Thornhill community at the same time. Win, win!
Thornhill North Common Trust AGM will be in the Community Hall main hall on 20 November from 7.00pm.
