Your community magazine

Issue 26 - Summer 2012
Your community magazine
The 1950s rediscovered courtesy of the Dr Welsh Trust
- page 11
Distributed free to all households in Bridge of Allan and available worldwide at www.bofatimes.co.uk
ID EAL V EN UE FOR CHR IST EN INGS AN D SMAL L W ED DIN GS
P R I V AT E F U N C T I O N S F O R U P T O 8 0 P E O P L E
O p e n 7 D ay s
Mine Road , B ri dge of All an
017 8 6 8 3 3 617
www.vecchiabologna.co.uk
Clinical Hypnotherapy at
Hypnotherapy can help with EATING
ISSUES; STOPPING SMOKING;
STRESS; PHOBIAS and other areas.
Connie is a qualified Psychologist and Clinical Hypnotherapist and
has been working full-time in private practice since 2002.
Connie consults at LUMIA in Bridge of Allan on Tuesdays. Please call
her directly on 0777 618 3695 with any questions or booking requests,
or visit her website: www.connieweir.com for further information.
DOREEN LUMSDEN
M.Ch.S. BSc. Pod.M. S.R.Ch.
Member of the Health Professional Council
Chiropodist & Podiatrist
Surgery & Domiciliary Visits
Biomechanical Assessment Orthotics
Prescribed
Tel: 01786 833230
Zetland House, Chalton Road,
Bridge of Allan
Web site: www.chiropody-online.com
Good Parking & flexible surgery times
2
DON’T MAKE
A MOVE
WITHOUT MAILER
Conveyancing and Estate Agency
Plus Full Legal Service Including
Divorce, Separation,
Custody Contact
2A King Street
Stirling
Tel. 01786 450555
88 Henderson Street
Bridge of Allan
Tel. 01786 832314
70 Drysdale Street
Alloa
Tel. 01259 217009
Walks for All in
Bridge of Allan
Copies of the recently updated Community
Paths leaflet are disappearing fast.
For residents and visitors alike there’s an
amazing variety of walks right on the
doorstep. You can walk the glen, wander
along the river, explore woods and parkland,
or amble along the Carse. These varied
habitats support bluebells, primroses, rare
orchids and ancient ash woodland.
You may be lucky and see kingfisher, heron,
dipper, salmon, swans or deer.
Among the many historic features of
interest are the old dye works, the quarry,
the copper mine, the village of Blairlogie,
the Wallace Monument, Stevenson’s cave,
the Fountain of Nineveh, and so much more.
The Paths leaflet comprises a map showing
six key walks, with a detailed description of
where to go and what you’ll see on each.
The walks - between two and five miles - all
start and finish at the car park off Fountain
Road.
And talking of walks, we shouldn’t forget
the woods of Westerton Estate. The plaque
pictured below is hidden behind ivy on a
large tree near the entrance to the Woods
at Wolf’s Hole quarry. The woods are part of
our heritage so it would be nice to see signs
restored and made more visible before
2013, to mark the 60th anniversary of the
Coronation.
There are many beautiful paths to walk,
either for a quiet stroll or to reach the
reservoir and further afield. The lower path
is level and in very good condition, and
there are three paths extending up from
there to different levels. Alternatively there
is access from a car park at the Drumbrae
end, above the golf course.
Hopefully at some point we will get a
display board and better signage from
Henderson Street but in the meantime
people can enjoy the new Paths leaflets or
try the nature trails in the Bridge of Allan
Times with the Eye-Spy Wildlife Score
Sheet.
Leaflets are available in the library, the
Allan Leisure Centre and various shops and
cafés in the village. So do pick up your copy.
If you run a local business, please consider
making leaflets available to visitors.
The leaflet was updated and reprinted with
funding from the Stirling Council Community
Pride Fund and Bridge of Allan Community
Council.
Contact: Sandi Grieve (01786 833255,
[email protected])
Bridge of Allan 100 Years Ago
Runaway Horse
Some alarm was caused in the village on
Saturday evening by a runaway horse
attached to a van belonging to the Abbey
Craig Laundry Co., Ltd. It appears that
while the driver was making a call at a
house in Chalton Road the animal bolted
in the direction of the Hydropathic.
Dashing down the steep incline known as
the Well Road, a collision with a grocer’s
van was only averted by the driver of the
latter guiding his horse on to the
pavement. The runaway failed to take the
sharp turn at the foot of the hill, however,
and seemed certain to crash into the
railing in front of Ashgrove, when to the
surprise of the onlookers it jumped the
railing, which was damaged to some
extent by the van. Fortunately no one was
injured, but the horse had two shoes torn
off and was also badly cut about the lower
part of the legs.
Stirling and Bridge of Allan Reporter,
June 22, 1912
The Removal of Ashes
Sir, - Is it not possible to have a more
convenient system of carrying away the
ashes and refuse from houses, than the
miserable basket carried on the man’s
head, which does not allow of him
knocking the receptacle on the edge of it,
and so always there is a deposit left,
which rots and causes a most offensive
smell, also if there is any rain or moisture
in the ash holder, when turned into the
basket it filters down on to the man’s
shoulders; it is a very dirty and clumsy
arrangement. Surely some of our clever
local men could suggest something a little
less primitive. – Yours truly, Householder.
Stirling and Bridge of Allan Reporter,
October 26, 1912
Bridge of Allan Times - Your Community Magazine
We hope you enjoy this edition of your
community magazine. The publication is
produced entirely by volunteers and is
funded by our advertisers, to whom we are
grateful. Distribution is by local residents,
who willingly deliver in all weathers.
..
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in touch if you wish to comment on
anything you read here or wish to raise any
other issues. Contact any committee
member from the list by phone or by email
to [email protected]
Bridge of Allan Times Summer 2012
Allan Brown, Editor
Peter Meech, Deputy Editor
Douglas Stuart, Treasurer
Sandi Grieve
Doris Littlejohn
Alison Logie
Ian McLaren
Maureen Mitchell
832981
833639
833935
833255
832032
833631
833465
833170
If you would prefer to write, our address is
Bridge of Allan Times
16 John Murray Drive
FK9 4QH
The views expressed by the contributors are
their own and do not necessarily represent the
views of any members of the committee.
Distribution, transmission or re-publication of
any material from this magazine or from the
website www.bofatimes.co.uk is strictly
prohibited without the prior written permission
of Bridge of Allan Times. For directions on
material re-use, website comments, questions
or information contact the editor.
www.bofatimes.co.uk
3
Would Jubilee’ve It?
To the surprise and delight of many of its residents Bridge of Allan celebrated in style the
60 years of the Queen’s reign, as Alison Logie reports.
In the middle of the night on Thursday 31
May a cherry picker was seen crawling along
Henderson Street. Maintenance men? No,
some kind citizens were taking the
opportunity to decorate the street with
bunting, which lifted the whole village. Red,
white and blue soon began to appear in
shop windows and the whole place came to
life.
The celebrations began on Saturday morning
(2 June) with a street party in the Parish
Church’s Chalmers Hall.
Three long tables set out with dainty china
and cake stands were placed the length of
the room. Bunting decorated the hall and a
history of the six decades of the Queen’s
reign was arranged along one wall.
The Sunday School had created a huge
portrait of the Queen and trolley loads of
magnificent cakes were brought round by
smiling school kids.
In the Honeyman Hall an exhibition of items
from the Dr Welsh Trust, including
photographs and historical documents
charting the development of Bridge of Allan
in the 20th century plus a film of the village
in 1953, the year of the Coronation, created
a lot of interest.
Events organisers Ruth Drewery, Carol Drewery, Amy Drewery, Beth Wild
Residents and visitors turned out in force
and there was a very happy atmosphere.
Meanwhile at the Provost’s Park on
Henderson Street, cheeses, meats and
chocolates were on sale at a small farmers’
market. And elsewhere in the village there
were a number of other parties, all of which
benefited from the fine weather on the day.
The next event, on Monday 4 June, was a
tree planting at the “Triangle Park” on Keir
Street. This was attended by the newly
elected Provost, Mike Robbins; Depute Lord
Lieutenant of the County, Marilyn
Stenhouse; Chair of the Community Council,
Gavin Drummond; and Chair of the Friends
Committee, Liz Rankin. Guests included
descendents of local doctor and resident Dr
Paterson, who planted a tree in the same
place at the last Diamond Jubilee in 1897.
Malcolm Allan delivered a characteristically
informative account of Bridge of Allan’s
historical connections with royalty before
shovelling in the earth round the Magnolia
“Elizabeth”. As the sun shone, bubbly and
cakes were served to the many people who
attended.
Monday afternoon saw another event in the
Parish Hall – a tea dance. A live band
played Scottish dance music, tangos and
even the “Grand Old Duke of York”. There
were many young families there who
enjoyed dancing around the floor. Again,
beautiful cakes and tea in china cups were
served but this time Ration Books (Second
World War design) were issued and tokens
given for the tea and cakes.
4
Part of the “timeline” - a history of the last 60 years
All in all a huge amount of work had been
put in, which contributed to Bridge of
Allan’s own very successful Jubilee
weekend. Our thanks go especially to Amy
Drewery, Chair of the Events Committee
(street party and tea dance); Malcolm
Allan, Claire Gibbons, Ian McLaren and
Peter Meech (historical display and film);
and Liz Rankin (tree planting).
Trouting for Business
Patricia Hess explains why a Victorian initiative just five miles from Bridge of Allan continues to be of
more than historic interest.
The University of Stirling’s Howietoun fish
farm, one of the best-known fish farms in
the world, is a secret gem lying south of
Stirling close to the intersection of the M9
and M80.
Nestling in rolling farmland where otters are
discouraged by six-inch high electric
fencing, and ospreys, cormorants and
herons by ten-foot high netting, it is a
commercial fish farm which is also used for
research and teaching by the University’s
Institute of Aquaculture.
Fish rising to feed thrown by Iain Semple
Howietoun was created in the late 19th
century by Sir James Ramsey Gibson
Maitland, a global authority on raising trout,
who was awarded numerous medals and
certificates for his pioneering work.
Maitland developed a historic strain of
brown trout. By 1881 Howietoun was the
foremost producer of re-stocking quality
brown trout and eggs, supplying the stocks
that established the best trout and sea trout
fishing throughout the world, including the
USA, Canada, India and Pakistan. The
descendants of Maitland’s fish can be found
today as far afield as New Zealand and
Newfoundland. They can also be found in
the Allan Water and the Cocksburn
Reservoir, which have been supplied with
Howietoun brown trout to augment wild
stocks of fish for many years.
ponds were eerily quiet. There were still
some fish alive in the bottom ponds but we
had nowhere to put them. We lost 211,000
fry and growing fish and managed to save
only 120 adults."
The loss of the fish was devastating for Iain,
who has spent over thirty years bringing on
the trout strain. But the local predators
were gorging themselves - Iain counted 46
heron and 28 cormorants feeding on the
dying fish.
As news of the disaster spread, offers of
help and support poured in from customers
around the world. "Without exception, they
all said they would like to help restock with
the descendants of our fish supplied to
them," says Iain. "We were able to capture
fish in the wild and take off the eggs – a
painstaking and lengthy process. The main
intake of eggs was from spawning burns at
Loch Auchencaple in Glenisla, where we
managed to get our own genetic material.
"We now have 80,000 fry in tanks ready to
go to growing ponds and should be back into
production in 2014. These fry take us back
to the strain of brown trout which have
inherited the genetic material from fish
produced by Maitland from 1873 onwards."
Maitland was a pioneer - he was the first
person to export brown trout fish eggs to
New Zealand and received many awards for
services to fisheries. In 1883 he was
awarded a gold medal for services to fish
breeding and the University has that medal
today, thanks to the generosity of his greatgranddaughter, Gay Stafford.
The University bought Howietoun in 1979,
and from1981 significant investment
ensured that it was re-established as the
foremost producer of re-stocking quality
brown trout. It was at this time that Iain
Bridge of Allan Times Summer 2012
came to Howietoun and helped develop a
market for supplying salmon smolts for the
rapidly expanding salmon farming industry
in Scotland. Iain says: "In the early days,
salmon farming was relatively small, with a
large number of small producers living the
dream, producing fish in some of the most
strikingly beautiful, remote corners of north
west Scotland. Few people envisaged the
multi-million pound international industry it
was to become."
Howietoun comprises Maitland’s original
hatchery and earth pond facility for brown
trout production, a salmon smolt production
unit and a summer house, a curiously
delightful Victorian building originally sited
in the centre of one of the ponds.
This was Maitland’s office, built on stone
piers in the middle of a large pond and
originally with no bridge connecting it to
the bank. Maitland had a small boat to
convey him to his workplace, where he
could work on his manuscripts without
interruption and survey the whole farm
from a deck chair placed on the flat roof of
the cupola. This building still displays the
five diplomas that he was awarded at the
1883 International Fisheries Exhibition in
London: two gold, one silver and two
diplomas with distinction.
Howietoun is now both a commercial fish
farm and a teaching and research facility.
Undergraduates come here for field courses,
while MSc and PhD students research topical
issues affecting the fish farming industry.
Howietoun also provides a Fishery Advisory
Service to share expertise with owners of
lochs and fish farms who want to improve
fish population management.
But in summer 2011 this historic blood line
was almost lost to Howietoun in a
catastrophic blue green algae bloom, which
came down from Loch Coulter and attacked
the fish ponds overnight.
Howietoun’s fishery manager, Iain Semple,
says: "When I arrived on the Monday
morning I could see that the fish were
distressed: they were trying to get out of
the water. By the following morning the
Iain on the summer house bridge
The summer house - Maitland’s office
Patricia Hess is a member of the
University's PR team.
5
Kerr Stirling are the only law firm in Stirling
with a dedicated team of corporate and
employment lawyers. We advise a wide range
of business owners in the central belt and
beyond.
To find out more, contact Colin Mackenzie for
a no-obligation chat on 01786 463414, or email
[email protected].
KERR STIRLING - supporting local
businesses and their commercial needs
Kerr Stirling LLP
Solicitors
10 Albert Place
Stirling
FK8 2QL
Tel: 01786 463414
Fax: 01786 451395
www.kerrstirling.co.uk
Community Council Web Site
Samaritan volunteers listen in confidence to anyone in emotional
distress. We believe that given the time and space to work
problems or difficulties through in confidence, people can find an
inner strength and perspective which helps them find their own
way forward. If you are worried about something, you can contact
Samaritans by phone on 08457 90 90 90, by email
[email protected] or letter to Chris, P.O. Box 9090, Stirling, FK8
2SA
With another training class about to start soon, Samaritans would
welcome new volunteers from Bridge of Allan - the nearest office
is in Falkirk. We already have volunteers from west of Stirling as
far away as Gartmore and although being a Samaritan can be
demanding, the training is superb and it is a very worthwhile thing
to do for the community.
To find out more about volunteering, please call our
administration line on 01324 671266 If you leave your name and
contact details, someone from Samaritans will get back to you
and let you know the date of the next information evening.
6
Bridge of Allan Community Council has spent the last month
improving communication with the wider community. This has
been achieved by greater engagement with the local press, along
with more information on notice boards and on-line.
Their website at www.ccbridgeofallan.org.uk now has an active
announcements page and a calendar with details of local events,
pictures and news.
You can sign up to receive this information by email or access it
via Twitter or Facebook.
If you have an announcement that you would like to make to the
community send an email to
[email protected]
It is hoped that with improved communications the Community
Council's role can be better understood and it, in turn, can
provide an enhanced service to the residents of Bridge of Allan.
Bridge of Allan
Primary School News
By Rachel Blackburn
School Grounds Volunteer Needed
Bridge of Allan Primary School’s parent
council is looking for a keen gardener to
help maintain the school’s attractive
grounds. FAST (Families and School
Together) already has a team of parents
who regularly help out but is also hoping to
find someone willing to assist with weeding
and plant maintenance and generally to
keep on top of the school’s tubs and beds.
Perhaps you are a retired person who would
like to carry out some volunteer work, a
talented gardener who could pass on some
expertise, a student looking for some
experience over the summer or someone
who could help co-ordinate gardening days
involving parents and pupils. Whatever your
talents, please contact the FAST chair Jane
Corbett ([email protected]) or call
Karen Somerville (01786 831162).
Football Festival
Ten pupils from P2 and P3 represented the
school at Tesco Bank’s Football Festival at
Hampden Park in May, the final event of this
year’s football programme with Active
Stirling. It was extra special because, out of
nearly 40 schools from all over Scotland,
Bridge of Allan Primary was selected as the
only school to represent the Stirling area.
The team played 5-a-side football on the
actual Hampden pitch and scored plenty of
goals for Bridge of Allan too!
One of the highlights was having a
photograph taken with the Scottish Cup and
with famous Scottish football players, and
the organisers were so impressed with the
school team that they were chosen for the
Scottish FA and Tesco Bank’s official photo.
The team was made up of: Felix Wood, Ben
Davies, Balqis Noormee, Calum Gordon,
Megan McAlpine, Alan Page, Kiera Currid,
Lewis McFarlane, Blair Watson, and Ben
Imperato.(Report written by Calum Gordon
and Megan McAlpine from P3)
Bridge of Allan Times Summer 2012
Olympics Arrive Early in Bridge of Allan
This year’s sports day, held at Stirling
University, was a mini-Olympics Games.
Pupils from P1–P6 were split into two teams,
named Wenlock and Mandeville after the
official London 2012 Olympic and
Paralympic mascots, and competed in
competitions organised by staff from the
University’s Sports Department.
Each pupil wore a special Olympic
legacy T-shirt designed by 7-year-old
pupil Theo Kidd featuring the Olympic
torch above the school crest. A circuit
of events for the younger pupils
included relay races, javelin
throwing, jumping and hopping
contests, while youngsters from P4P6 enjoyed hurdle races, relays and
long jump and triple jump
ompetitions.
The P7s took part in their own
championship event, which featured
running, throwing and jumping and
culminated in an 800-metre race round the
University sports track.
The girls’ competition was won by Anna
Gillespie with Katie Francis in second and
Anna Sweeney in third position. Ruari
Henderson won the boys’ competition with
Juan Tello Molinare coming second
and Jamie Napier in
third place. At the
closing ceremony
Anna and Ruari
were presented
with
their trophies by
Dorothy MacGowan,
a former school
volunteer and
donor of its
annual MacGowan
Cup for Effort in
Sports, who helped
organised the P7
contest.
Headteacher Linda
Horsburgh declared
a draw between
teams Mandeville and Wenlock and said all
pupils would receive a special gold
certificate.
Depute headteacher Julie Russell was
delighted with the success of the day
and everyone who made it happen including
University staff and students, teachers,
parents and third-year pupils and teachers
from Wallace High School.
She said: “It was a great day and it’s
amazing how much our pupils prosper from
having the fantastic facilities and dedicated
staff of Stirling University on our doorstep.
We were also lucky to receive Communities
2014 funding which helped with the event
and we’re especially pleased to have been
able to present all our pupils and volunteers
with Olympic legacy T-shirts.”
Olympic Torch
Excited pupils, teachers and parents from
Bridge of Allan Primary School gathered at
the Memorial Gardens to watch the Olympic
torch parade as it passed through the town.
Wearing their specially designed Olympic
torch T-shirts and waving flags, the
youngsters enthusiastically cheered on the
torch bearer as she jogged along Henderson
Street.
7
Massage Therapy for Cancer Patients
Advertising Feature
A Bridge of Allan practitioner is among the first in Scotland to offer newly accredited
specialist treatment.
Most of us will know someone who is living
with cancer and its effects on the individual
concerned and their family. Undergoing
surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy to
deal with the disease can take its toll, often
leaving patients and their carers exhausted
and feeling that they have no control over
what is happening to them. Hospital visits
for treatment can be invasive and tiring.
Newly diagnosed cancer patients often
experience myriad emotions, from anxiety
and anger to guilt, confusion and fear. So
when something can be done to help them
regain some control over their lives, this has
to be a good thing.
It’s the reason why the Iris Cancer
Partnership, granted charitable status in
2010, was set up: to train high quality
cancer/oncology massage therapists
throughout Scotland. Simon Lindsay
Dickson, of Stirling Sports & Remedial
Massage clinic, recently gained a
qualification from the Partnership as one of
just seven people in Scotland. As such he is
the first and only specialist cancer massage
therapist in the Allanwater area. He sees
patients privately in his clinic located in
Bridge of Allan sports club and on a
voluntary basis at Strathcarron Hospice.
Simon lived in and around Bridge of Allan
from the age of six before graduating from
Glasgow University and the Royal Scottish
Academy of Music and Drama in 1987. He
then worked in human resources and as
a national training consultant for financial
services throughout the UK for over ten
years before deciding to change the
direction of his career. He left for the
United States in 2000, where he trained
as a massage therapist and became a
member of the American Medical Massage
Association.
So in May 2012 Simon completed a
groundbreaking intensive training course,
the first to be run outside the United States
and piloted by the Iris Cancer Partnership at
the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh.
“Although I had worked within a hospice
environment, he says, “the experience of
being in the oncology department of a large
hospital was something completely new to
me.”
Five years later he returned to Bridge of
Allan to take care of his parents and to set
up his own business here.
“I had worked for years as a massage
therapist, reflexologist and clinical
aromatherapist,” Simon says, “and as a
lecturer for Scottish Massage Schools. It was
only when my mother was diagnosed with
cancer, however, that I discovered there
was no one available who had the specialist
knowledge to work confidently with
someone in this situation other than in a
hospice or hospital.I decided to explore this
particular area in greater detail to see if I
could use my skills to help cancer patients
and carers cope more effectively with what
can be an extremely stressful and
exhausting experience.”
While on the five-day, 9am-6pm course
Simon was able to work with patients at
every stage and with different forms of
cancer. For those with extremely
compromised immune systems he had to
wear protective clothing, gloves, gowns and
masks when massaging to avoid any chance
of cross contamination. Others, for whom
further treatment was no longer an option
and were receiving palliative care, sought
the comfort of gentle massage and a time
for quiet reflection. “When you are working
with people who have cancer,” Simon says,
“it’s vital to understand the expected
clinical and side effects of their condition
and hospital treatment. This enables you as
a therapist to adapt your sessions
accordingly, helping to create a closer bond
and develop a greater level of trust. In my
opinion this is why the work that the Iris
Cancer Partnership is trying to do is so
important.”
Statistics show that one in three of us will
develop some form of cancer during our
lives. The beneficial effects of massage and
associated complementary therapies for
people living with the disease are many,
from relieving painful muscles and allowing
joints to function more effectively after
surgery and radiotherapy to reducing
nausea, fatigue and stress between
chemotherapy sessions. Carers and
extended family members also derive
tremendous benefits from massage, as they
can often be forgotten. But currently there
are very few therapists who have the skills,
knowledge and understanding to undertake
this work.
In addition to cancer massage, Simon is also
qualified in advanced sports and remedial
massage, therapeutic Swedish massage,
reflexology, clinical aromatherapy, reiki,
Indian head massage and Hopi ear candles,
as well as Dermalogica skin care. He can be
contacted for an informal discussion or
appointment on 07950 027 398 or through
his website:
www.simondickson.vpweb.co.uk.
8
Walk This Way
Douglas Stuart enthuses about a recently created long distance route of special attraction to walkers
with an interest in Scottish history.
The Mary Queen of Scots Way is a
comparatively new walking route that
stretches across central Scotland from coast
to coast, linking many places associated
with the 16th century monarch. It runs for
107 miles (172 km) from Arrochar on Loch
Long in the west to St Andrews on the Fife
coast, linking with the Cowal Way, the West
Highland Way, the Rob Roy Way and the Fife
Coastal Path. From Arrochar it crosses Loch
Lomond by ferry to Inversnaid and continues
via Aberfoyle, Callander, Dunblane, Bridge
of Allan, Tillicoultry, Glendevon, Glenfarg,
Falkland and Ceres.
The Cobbler, Arrochar
The route is intriguing and should appeal to
walkers wanting a fairly low level,
accessible, multi-day walk with the
satisfaction of crossing the country as well
as being able to stay in interesting places,
many of which have castles or other
historical sites to explore. The whole route
is ideally a summer option as the ferry
across Loch Lomond does not run in the
winter months. However, it could be started
from Inversnaid on the east side of Loch
Lomond.
A guidebook* tackles the route from west to
east so that the prevailing winds are likely
to be behind you. The route is not
waymarked but the guide provides detailed
instructions as well as a pull-out map,
although you are advised to carry the
relevant Ordinance Survey sheets as well.
This is sensible advice, as in places it can be
slightly hard to work out if the route is on a
path or a road if using the guidebook map
only. But combined with the quality
instructions and Ordinance Survey mapping
there should be no difficulty.
Creator Paul Prescott is a keen hillwalker
who has climbed over 200 Munros and
organises the Callander Ramblers. He has
been working on this route since 2006,
having set out with the goal of avoiding
roads wherever possible. The walk offers
great opportunities to explore the best of
Scotland’s nature and landscapes and to link
the experience of walking and exercise with
Scotland’s amazing history.
Bridge of Allan Times Summer 2012
The Way goes through richly varied scenery,
starting from the rugged sea loch of Loch
Long, beside and through the Arrochar Alps
and hills of Loch Lomond before crossing the
loch. It then traverses the National Park to
the Menteith hills, along the length of the
Ochils, including a visit to the summit of
Dumyat, before heading towards the
Lomonds of Fife. The way ends on the sandy
beaches of St Andrews, providing an
opportunity to soak your feet after over 100
miles of walking. It passes mountains, lochs
and waterfalls, castles, hill forts and
aqueducts, and is broken into manageable
sections. The route can be individually
planned to incorporate visits to a variety of
historical sites such as Inchmahome Priory,
Stirling Castle and Loch Leven Castle.
The route goes above 1000 ft (300 m)
several times, reaching its highest point at
Cadger’s Yett, north of Glendevon, some
1425 ft (435m) above sea level – 17m higher
than Dumyat. The whole route is
substantially off-road. The terrain on the
Mary Queen of Scots Way is generally
easy. Most of the route is on path, track or
quiet country lane. The only significant
exception is a stretch of about two miles
across open moorland and fields in the stage
from Glenfarg to Falkland.
There are variations in the degree of
ascent. Stages with 0-500 feet (0-150m) of
ascent are graded easy, those with 500-1000
feet (150-300m) of ascent moderate, those
with 1000-1500 feet (300-450m) of ascent
hard, and the one stage with over 1500 feet
(450m) of ascent is graded strenuous. The
11 stages are also suitable for through
walkers.
Alternatively, a strong through walker could
easily do the whole walk in a week, staying
at Arrochar, Kinlochard, Callander, Bridge of
Allan, Glendevon, Glenfarg, Kingskettle and
St Andrews, giving daily distances of
between 14 and 17 miles. Of course, almost
Waterfall at Inversnaid Hotel
any number of stages is possible, from about
five days upwards, depending on how far
and fast you want to walk each day.
Compared with other Scottish Long Distance
Paths, the Mary Queen of Scots Way is
harder than the Fife Coast Path, similar in
difficulty to the Rob Roy Way and West
Highland Way, and easier than the Southern
Upland Way. The Mary Queen of Scots Way
will appeal to both walking aficionados and
those interested in the history of the
Scottish queen who also enjoy a good walk.
St Andrews Castle
The Mary Queen of Scots Way looks set to
join a growing number of unofficial long
distance routes such as the East Highland
Way, the Skye Trail, and the Stevenson Way.
The Rob Roy Way, which runs from Drymen
to Pitlochry, started out in this manner and
has recently gained official status as one of
Scotland’s Great Trails (SGTs), nationally
promoted trails for people-powered
journeys. Each is distinctively waymarked,
is largely off-road and has a range of
adjacent visitor services. At least 25 miles
in length, they are suitable for multi-day
outings as well as day trips. Collectively the
23 different routes, which include the West
Highland Way and the Speyside Way, provide
over 1500 miles of well-managed paths from
the Borders to the Highlands.
While the Way does not go directly through
Bridge of Allan (it runs a little to the north)
it is likely that walkers will use the village
as a stopping point for a rest and a visit to
Stirling Castle. It is also possible that, given
the transport routes to Falkirk and
Linlithgow, really serious followers of
history could use the village as a base to
visit Callendar House in Falkirk, Linlithgow
Palace and St. Michael’s Parish Church, with
their strong connections to Mary.
Further information on this walk and the
others mentioned can be obtained from the
web pages: www.maryqueenofscotsway.com
and www.scotlandsgreattrails.org.uk/.
* Paul Prescott, Mary Queen of Scots Way
(2012), published by Rucksack Readers
9
Church News
ST SAVIOUR’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Sundays
8.00
Eucharist
10.00
Eucharist (Tea and Coffee in Church
Hall after the service.)
Wednesdays
Eucharist. All welcome. The church is open
during the week for quiet and prayer.
St Saviour’s Choir will be having their
summer break in July. In the first weekend
of August they will be touring the Lake
District and singing at Grasmere Parish
Church. The last Sunday for the Choir
before the summer holidays will be 24 June
and they return on 12 August.
There will still be an organist throughout
July, where hymns will be sung at the 10.00
Eucharist but the Liturgy will be said.
The Diocese of St Andrews now has a link
with the Diocese of Calcutta and a group
from the Diocese will be visiting Kolkata in
Jan 2013. St Saviour’s Young Church annual
summer project this year is on India. It runs
from 17 June – 19 August ; children meet in
St Saviour’s Hall on Sunday @ 10.00.
Sun 16 Sept – Feast of St Ninian, Bishop of
Galloway. In the Scottish Episcopal Church
we claim our roots back to Ninian ( 360 –
432 ) and we give thanks for the life of this
Bishop and Missionary.
Sun 30 Sept – Feast of St Michael and All
Angels (transferred – 29 Sept).
Celebration of Angels for 30 Sept
(Michaelmas)
Guest Speaker : Laura Newbury, a local
author who has written An Angels’ Guide to
Working with the Power of Light.
Sun 7 Oct – Harvest Festival
10.00 All Age Service
18.00 Annual Start-Up Service and St Mark’s
Parish Church , Raploch.
Preacher : Cardinal Keith O’Brien.
Sun 14 Oct – Pentecost 20
10.00 Sung Eucharist with the Licensing of
Prof Nick Price as a Lay Reader.
President & Preacher : The Most Revd David
Chillingworth.
Fri 2 Nov – All Souls Day
19.30 Sung Eucharist
Sun 4 Nov – All Saints Sunday
10.00 All Age Service
10
LECROPT KIRK
Morning Worship is held every Sunday at
11.15 with activities for children and young
people. During the school summer holidays
there will also be a short family service at
9.30am. We extend a warm welcome to
anyone who wishes to attend occasionally or
to become an active member of the
congregation.
The events in the church diary are open to
anyone who would like to take part. For
more information, contact the manse
(832382).
Lecropt Kirk is currently looking to appoint
a Church officer for 12.5 hours per week,
including Sunday morning. For more details
and an application form, please contact the
Minister (01786 832382). Closing date for
application is 30 June.
Our Annual Saturday Summer Teas will begin
on the first Saturday of July and run until
mid September, from 14.30 – 16.30. We look
forward to welcoming back many old friends
and hopefully making some new ones.
BRIDGE OF ALLAN PARISH CHURCH
Over the summer months many of our
organisations and groups take a well earned
rest but the life of the Church goes on. We
meet each Sunday for worship at 11.00 and
an invitation is extended to everyone to join
us. Formal Sunday School closes on Sunday
17 June, but over the months of July and
August there will continue to be a creche
for babies and younger children. Older
children are welcome at worship and there
are activity bags which they use to keep
themselves occupied during the service.
Anna, our Youth Worker will also be around
on Sundays and young people can join her in
the Honeyman Hall for activities.
This year we will again be involved in a
pulpit exchange. As a congregation we will
welcome Revd Charlie Durham and his wife
Sandi to our church and community. Charlie
is minister in First Presbyterian Church,
Tuscaloosa, Alabama and will be here for
five Sundays beginning on Sunday 8 July.
Summer Coffee Mornings will be held in the
Honeyman Hall every Saturday from 7 July
to 25 August from 10.00 to 12.00. All
proceeds from these coffee mornings will go
to the work of Combat Stress and Help for
Heroes. The Church will be open to visitors
every Saturday from 10.30 to 15.30 in July
and August. On Sunday 12 August we will
welcome a group of visitors from Texas who
are touring in this area and wish to join us
for worship.
There are many events and activities which
take place at Bridge of Allan Parish Church.
If you would like more information about
what is on offer, or about booking any of our
halls, please check our new website or
contact the Church Office - Monday to
Friday - 09.00 to 12.00
Bridge of Allan 100 Years Ago
Visit of Mr Durward Lely
Playgoers may look forward to a rare treat
on the evening of Saturday, 14th Sept,
when Mr Durward Lely will present for the
first time the world-famous play “A Pair of
Spectacles,” in the Museum Hall, Bridge of
Allan. This exceedingly cleverly
constructed, and intensely amusing
comedy was produced by Sir John Hare at
the Garrick Theatre, London, where it had
a phenomenal success and ran for 600
consecutive nights. In addition to many
visits paid by Royalty to the theatre, three
special command performances were given
before the late Queen Victoria at Windsor
Castle, and one at Sandringham before the
late King Edward - then Prince of Wales.
The name of Mr Lely (along with such a
famous play) should be enough to fill the
house – and when he is supported by such
a well-known favourite actor as Mr John
Clyde, the attraction will no doubt prove
irresistible… Mr Lely in the part of
Benjamin Goldfinch introduces a song or
two and Mr Clyde as “The Man frae
Sheffield” has a part that fits him like the
proverbial glove…
Stirling and Bridge of Allan Reporter,
September 2, 1912
Visit of Mr and Mrs Durward Lely
Mr Durward Lely’s company, which
included Mrs Lely and Mr John Clyde,
visited the Museum Hall last Saturday
evening with the humorous comedy, “A
Pair of Spectacles.” A very meagre
audience patronised the play, a fact which
once more emphasises the foolishness of
touring companies visiting the “Bridge.”
Stirling and Bridge of Allan Reporter,
September 21, 1912
Renovation of St. Saviour’s Church,
Bridge of Allan
The extensive scheme of renovation in St.
Saviour’s Church which was begun some
three months ago is now completed… The
ceilings of the nave and chancel, of dark
stained wood, have been cleaned and the
tie-beams relieved with bands of gold and
black. In the nave the upper part of the
walls down to the spring of the windows is
painted in a pretty shade of biscuit colour,
with a fifteen inch stencilled frieze of
Gothic design in old gold and soft colours…
Mr George Davidson, architect, Bridge of
Allan, has been most indefatigable in
arranging and superintending the whole
work of renovation, and has carried
through everything most satisfactorily.
Stirling and Bridge of Allan Reporter,
October 5, 1912
The Way We Were
These images were taken from a film of the local celebrations of the 1953 Coronation, discovered in the archives of the Dr Welsh Trust. Do
you recognise anyone, yourself even? Please let us know if you do. This 45-minute film is now available for purchase in DVD format with the
proceeds going to the Trust. To reserve your copy, please send a cheque for £6 (made out to 'Bridge of Allan Community Council') to Peter
Meech, 28 Keir Street, Bridge of Allan, FK9 4QJ, together with your name, address and phone number. Orders by Tuesday 31 July, please.
Bonny Baby competition (entrants now 60-somethings!)
More competitors outside the Allanwater Hotel
Children's fancy dress parade leaving the
Royal Hotel for the Games Park
Old-style tarmacing of the road in Cawder Gardens
Health and Safety issues were a long way off,
as lampposts for electric lights were installed
The Lady Provost addresses a Bridge of Allan Burgh
Council meeting in 1953
Bridge of Allan Times Summer 2012
11
Local Heroes
Bridge of Allan 100 Years Ago
The Bridge of Allan Times recently enjoyed
success at the annual Stirling Community
Newspaper Awards evening, held this year
in the Raploch Campus. Entries came from
over 20 newspapers and magazines
produced in 2011 by teams of volunteers in
the Stirling District.
Hector MacLennan’s piece ‘Boom! Boom!’
(Bridge of Allan Times, Summer 2011) won
the Most Amusing Contribution award.
Roy Baker was named Runner-Up in the
Best Regular Contributor category, and
Allan Brown’s article ‘Our Crumbling
Heritage’ (Summer 2011) was judged
second Best Article.
In addition, Maureen Mitchell’s cover photo
(Winter 2011) was commended in the Most
Original Front Page section, as was Tom
Prentice’s photo of a waxwing (Spring 2011)
in the Best Photograph supporting an
article category.
The veteran journalist Jack Webster
entertained the audience with tales of his
career with the Daily Express, the Glasgow
Herald and other papers.
Peter Meech accepting the certificate for Most
Amusing Contribution from Jack Webster.
The competition and evening event were
organized by the ever enthusiastic Pauline
Roberts from Stirling Council.
Heather Club Outing
The 89th annual summer outing of the
Edinburgh Heather Club took place on
Thursday, when for the third year in
succession Bridge of Allan was the
destination of the company. The party
assembled at the Caledonian Station, and
proceeded to the “Queen of Scottish
Spas” in corridor carriages. On arrival at
Bridge of Allan they marched, headed by
pipers, to Strathallan Meeting Park,
where sports were held. This year a new
item was introduced, in the form of a
tug-of-war between the Captain and
Lieutenant’s team, the former winning.
An adjournment was afterwards made to
the Queen’s Hotel (ex-Captain
Honeycombe, proprietor), where lunch
was served. Captain John MacPherson
presided, and after the usual loyal and
patriotic toasts had been submitted, an
excellent musical programme was
sustained by a number of the company.
The return journey was made by the 8.46
train, the outing being one of the most
enjoyable ever held by the club.
Stirling and Bridge of Allan Reporter,
July 1, 1912
Summer Eye-Spy Nature Trail
This is a walk for the warm lazy days of summer. Starting and
finishing at the bridge stroll along the banks of the Allan Water along
the Darn Road looking out for all the birds, animals and wildflowers
that make their home there.
Bridge of Allan Community Paths leaflet, available from the library,
also has details of this route and the history of the Darn Road.To
download a map of the walk and your Eye-Spy Spotter sheet go to
http://wildlife.bridgeofallancommunity.com
If you missed the Eye-Spy sheets for the winter and spring walks you
will find these here too.
12
When Songs of Praise came to Bridge of Allan
Alison Logie witnesses the recording of a Sunday evening TV favourite.
Members of St Saviour’s Church were
surprised one Sunday in May to find that a
television production team had taken over
and were setting up cameras, lights and
sound equipment. They soon discovered
why: one of their number, Nick Price, was to
appear on the BBC’s Songs of Praise.
sensitivity, particularly when she asked
about a difficult time that he and his family
had experienced and how their faith had
helped them.
A former Professor of Biochemistry at
Stirling University for 26 years and Professor
of Protein Science at Glasgow University for
a further nine, Nick is a familiar figure
round Bridge of Allan, often seen in his
running shorts preparing for long distance
runs. He and his wife Margaret have lived in
the village for nearly 40 years, and, now
retired, he is busier than ever.
Nick contributes a great deal to the
community. He is treasurer of Start Up, an
organisation which helps homeless people,
he delivers Meals on Wheels, he’s been
studying for the Lay Ministry since 2010 - a
big commitment of 30 evenings a year and
some weekends - and he’s just completed
his 14th essay. And he still finds time to help
out with his three grandchildren.
Nick was approached in April to take part in
the programme. As it was the production
team’s intention to reflect all aspects of his
life - his running, his community service,
and his family - he was filmed in the Church
welcoming worshippers, reading the
intercessions, and filmed on the running
track at the University. He was then
interviewed by Sally Magnusson, who he felt
approached the task with thoroughness and
afraid
to
smile?
and trust that this reaction will be shared
by viewers”.
The programme will be seen by an audience
of over two million. For Nick it brings home
the meaning of corporate worship for
people who can’t get to church and tells
some very inspiring stories.
Nick was not the only person to be singled
out for interview. The production team
spent some time with the Salvation Army in
the Raploch, Stirling, in the Queen Victoria
School, Dunblane, and with Ruth Burgess
from the Cathedral. The team also spent
two evenings in Dunblane Cathedral
recording the singing of the National Youth
Choir of Scotland, Morrison’s Academy Girls’
Choir, Stirling University Choir, and the
Cathedral Choir.
Nick admitted that he was worried that
Sally might come up with trite and trivial
questions but he was firmly told by the
producer that, “Sally doesn’t do trite”.
Nick found the Aberdeen-based production
team, Tern TV, unobtrusive and sensitive.
The producer, David Strachan, told Nick
afterwards, “We hugely appreciate what
you gave us and your gentle and honest
manner. I found listening to you very moving
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They were joined by a congregation
consisting of pupils from Queen Victoria
School and members of the Boys’ Brigade
and the public. The cathedral organ and
Alva Brass provided a stirring
accompaniment.
It was fascinating to observe how a
programme like this is produced, with
several takes of the hymns needed to
achieve the desired effect. Fortunately,
there seemed to be little problem with the
actual sound. The cameras homed in on Nick
and the other interviewees as they sang in
the Cathedral. The evening was most
inspiring and some great sounds were heard
ringing out in that place of great beauty.
The three Songs of Praise programmes
resulting from the recordings made in
Bridge of Allan, Dunblane and around the
Stirling area will be broadcast on BBC1 on
July 1, 2012; November 25, 2012; and
January 21, 2013.
Summer Club
Bridge of Allan Parish Church is running a
Summer Club over the school holiday.
It will take place every Tuesday and
Thursday from 10 July to 16 August 2012.
Places are limited so call 01786 834155
or 07530 877731 for more information.
1 UNION STREET, BRIDGE OF ALLAN FK9 4NS
Bridge of Allan Times Summer 2012
13
Should you own a company car personally?
Advertising Features
CAMPBELL • DALLAS
By Roy Hogg
PAYE compliance visits can prove costly where a
business fails to comply with HM Revenue and
Customs (HMRC) regulations. Forms P11d for the
year to 5 April 2012 which report benefits in kind
to HMRC must be submitted to HMRC by 6 July
2012 and the Class 1A national insurance paid by
19 July 2012 if paying by cheque. One area of
benefits in kind is the provision of company
cars/vans to employees which are available for
private use. A little advance planning may lead to
a reduction in income tax and national insurance
costs of a company car.
The benefits of having a company car are that the
company gets tax relief on the fuel and running
costs and can also claim capital allowances
against the purchase price. However the company
will be liable for extra national insurance and the
employee will have tax to pay on the company
car. The tax is calculated using the list price of
the car, the CO2 emissions and the employee’s
income tax band.
The percentage rate applied to the list price of
the car is based on CO2 emissions, some electric
cars are zero-rated, but for any car above
99g/km the rate starts at 10% rising up to 35% for
cars with emissions of over 220g/km. There is an
additional 3% surcharge for diesel cars, however
no car will result in a rate more than 35% of the
list price.
There is an additional fuel benefit if the company
pays for private mileage for the employee, which
is again based on CO2 emissions.
A standard charge of £3,000 is also levied on an
employee where the employee has the use of a
company van for private use. If an employer
provides fuel for unrestricted private use in a
company van an additional fuel charge of £550
will also apply. Private use does not include travel
between home and workplace for benefit in kind
purposes for vans.
So what is the alternative? If you are extracting
profits by way of dividends, then it may be
beneficial to own the car personally and finance
it by way of declaring extra dividends. At basic
rate tax these are tax-free and even at the 40%
higher rate, then the tax rate is only 25% of the
net dividend.
The company doesn’t get tax relief on the car
running costs, however it does get relief on any
business mileage at a rate of 45p for the first
10,000 miles annually and then 25p a mile
thereafter. If amounts paid are within the limits,
the amount paid is exempt from tax and is not
required to be disclosed on a P11d.
Should a business pay in excess of these rates the
payments should be paid through payroll and
national insurance deducted and returned on the
P11d for tax purposes. Remember that mileage
records should be kept to justify any payments.
Ignoring the environmental issues, if an employee
wishes to have a particular car, it may be that if
it is a “high emitter” car in particular, it could be
better for the employee to purchase the car
him/herself and have the company provide
Mobile Practitioner – Home Visits
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• performance – sport, workplace, public speaking
• and many other psychological & emotional issues
Victoria McLeod
Registered Psychologist, Thought Field Therapy Practitioner
Tel: 07859 063834
www.meridian-wellbeing.co.uk [email protected]
14
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
AND BUSINESS ADVISERS
15 Gladstone Place
Stirling FK8 2NX
Tel: 01786 460030
Offices in Bearsden,
Paisley, Perth and Stirling
www.campbelldallas.co.uk
additional salary and reimburse the employee for
business mileage under the approved mileage
scheme rules above.
If a company car is about to be changed it would
be worth considering if it is more tax efficient for
the director/employee to own the car personally.
This will depend on the CO2 and the list price of
the chosen car.
Roy G Hogg is a partner at Campbell Dallas LLP
Gardens and Studios
Sunday 10 June saw the opening to the public of
three Bridge of Allan gardens under the Open
Gardens scheme where money collected is given to
charity and several studios for the Open Studio
week.
Once again Garth and Sylvia Broomfield, Malcolm
and Ann Shaw and Frances Fielding were kind
enough to open their gardens, which gave their
visitors a glimpse of different types of garden and
many beautiful plants. Teas were originally to be
served at St Saviour’s Church but due to a fire in
the kitchen they had to be relocated to Bill and
Sheila Anderson’s garden, where a tent – on loan
from the Bridge of Allan Guides - gave an escape
from any rain and shelter from the wind. In fact
the day turned out well with not much sunshine.
Back at St Saviour’s eight artists were exhibiting in
the church itself. The work included painting from
amateur and professional artists, jewellery and
craft. Sue Horne had set up a large loom in the
chancel and members of the public were asked to
weave in a bit of material that might have a
memory for them. Their thoughts were then
recorded in a book. The finished work will be hung
in the church and may travel to different venues.
Both Sylvia Broomfield and Ann Shaw were
involved with the Open Gardens and the Open
Studio and would like to hear from anyone
interested in opening their garden to the public.
Girlguiding Airthrey District
Audrey Brown provides an update on Bridge of Allan Guides’ recent activities
Thirty-five girls from Bridge of Allan Guides enjoyed a Weekend
Camp in May at Auchengillan near Milngavie. The weather was very
cold and in two days they experienced hail, rain, wind and
unusually cold temperatures for the time of year. But they all rose
to the challenge - and survived!
All their own work
One of the rare periods of sunshine
Camp activities included abseiling, water walking, canoeing,
archery, crate climbing, raft building and orienteering. The girls
cooked all meals on open fires and slept in tents
.
At the beginning of June the girls celebrated the Queen’s Diamond
Jubilee with a party for all
60 members of Bridge of
Allan Guides. Everyone
dressed in royal costume
or 1950s gear, and
provided their own food.
To get into the mood of
Coronation year, homebaked Diamond Jubilee
cakes, Coronation chicken,
cucumber sandwiches,
Victoria sponges, sausage
rolls, and old-fashioned
lemonade were on the
menu.
Games and activities
which were popular in the
1950s were enjoyed,
including skipping.
Guide dressed in 50s gear
Some 20 Bridge of Allan Guides are looking forward to taking part in
an International Camp called “Ayrwaves” being held near Kilwinning
in Ayrshire in July. A Lottery grant from Awards for All has been
made available to help with costs.They will camp alongside guides
from Canada, New Zealand, Malta, Gibraltar and many other
countries and will enjoy exciting activities, meeting new friends,
learning new skills and having fun.
We are constantly looking for new volunteers to train as Leaders
and deliver our exciting programme. If you are interested, please
email [email protected] or phone 01786 832981 for more
information.
Gadget making for Camper Badge
Bridge of Allan Times Summer 2012
A fun Jubilee costume
15
The Nature Page
By Roy Baker
This view over our reservoir was taken on
the last hot day at the end of May. The
house martins were busy catching insects as
they flew over the water to feed young ones
in their mud nests under the eaves of the
boathouse. They are slightly larger than
sand martins and distinguished by their
white rump. The sand martins have been
around lower down in Bridge of Allan beside
the Allan Water since early May.
Wisely this year they have not tried to make
nests in the unstable riverbank about 50
yards down river below the Centenary Walk
and the Haws Park field. They burrowed into
the sand here in 2010 and 2011 but with
disastrous consequences when the bank
collapsed. This section of riverbank has
continued to erode over the last year and
several hawthorn trees have fallen into the
river. But it was here that I briefly saw an
otter one morning in May.
The banks of the Allan Water are now
plagued with giant hogweed, as there were
no contractors spraying along the riverbanks
last year. It soon takes over, preventing
other plants from growing. But several
years’ voluntary effort on the Haws Park
side of the river has kept them under
control all the way from the footbridge by
the fire station down to the railway bridge.
Consequently there has been a pleasant
variety of wild flowers - lesser celandine,
wild garlic, cuckoo flower, Jack-by-the
hedge, comfrey, buttercup, cow parsley,
ground elder, to name but a few. They have
all been abundant this year, but they can be
a nuisance in our gardens. June has brought
out dame’s-violet with white or lilac
fragrant flowers, which doesn’t take over as
a garden plant.
Soon meadowsweet will be flowering with
its cream-coloured candyfloss-like flowers.
Meadowsweet tea has many health benefits
and contains salicylic acid, one of the
constituents of aspirin. Bluebells have been
plentiful in the Mine Wood, the University
Campus, the Hermitage Wood, the
Yellowcraig Wood and Dollar Glen.This is my
excuse for including the photo (left) of
Castle Campbell above the oak tree with its
fresh green leaves, taken on May 23, when
the glen was full of bluebells and
stitchwort.
bracken by cutting, pulling and careful
spraying with the selective herbicide Asulox
with some success.This has allowed the
grass, trees, bluebells and other wild
flowers to flourish.
There is a rare plant called sticky catchfly
(below) growing on inaccessible ledges on
Yellowcraig itself, the long, steep cliff
above the Witches Craig caravan site. I have
collected seed, which germinates very
easily.The flowers are rather like those of
the red campion but it has three sticky
areas on each stem. It makes a very
attractive garden plant and the bees like it.
If anyone would like to grow some, I have
plenty of seed to give away.
On the June 5 Jubilee holiday there was a
very high tide on the Forth. For the first
time this year I put my lightweight kayak
into the river at the end of Castle Vale
beyond Cornton Vale prison and paddled
upstream beyond where the Allan Water
joins the Forth, beyond the long island and
into the big pool by Old Mills Farm and up to
the Cruive Dykes.
The tide was so high that not a rock was
showing and it was easy to paddle up and
down around the cruive where once salmon
used to be trapped. But at low tide the full
force of the river flow pours down both
sides. On the way back, as the tide began to
ebb, I paddled up the Allan Water looking
for the sand martin nest holes and
discovered that the birds are nesting in a
long curved sand bank in the field beyond
the Forth Park houses.
The Yellowcraig Wood is owned by Bridge of
Allan resident Rosemary Leckie, and I have
been privileged to help look after some of
its 68 acres. The photo (above) shows Carlie
Craig towering above Garden Cottage and
the recently restored gable end of the old
Logie Kirk. We have tried to control the
STRATHALLAN PHARMACY
65 HENDERSON STREET
BRIDGE OF ALLAN
FK9 4HG
TEL: (01786) 832313
OPENING HOURS
Monday – Friday : 9.00 - 13.00 14.15 - 17.45
Saturday : 9.00 - 13.00
SERVING THE BRIDGE OF ALLAN COMMUNITY SINCE 1851
16