Free ISSUE 8 August 2003 Donations Welcome THE VOICE OF YOUR COMMUNITY

Midgies No More! inside

No, nay never, no more! The midgie machine works on this The more expensive, which most

Or at least we’d like to think so! principal. It runs on both gas and hotels use now, covers an acre and P2 It has been a particularly bad summer electricity. A tablet of buffalo a half and comes in at £1,000. The Editorial for all of us this year mainly due to the essence is added (Yes, yes, I know smaller, which eradicates the P3 early warm spring and the midgie, but please bear with me). The gas beastie over half an acre costs which usually hits a peak in July and spreads the scent, driven by the fan, around £500. Its not cheap, but CC Report August, was out in late May this year. and attracts the female midgie which we’re not being eaten alive P4 It has affected everyone. It has not becomes trapped. It is calculated anymore. Sylvia only invaded the villages in greater that one bag can hold two million Some are making a profit out of the midgies. midgie, however. One entrepreneur Jackson numbers, such as Aberfoyle Bowling club where the players’ whites were I believe it. My wife and I have in Orkney has started up producing P5 black with clouds of the insects on bought such a machine and it does gifts of amber resin-encased Playgroup some occasions, but has actually hit seem to work. We have had two midgies which she hopes to sell to P6 the cities in greater numbers. bags of the little pests. Now, the tourists as a memento of their As most of us are now aware, there apparently you are supposed to lay holiday in . Ranger’s now appears to be a means of the bag out in the sun to dry them Further, it would seem that, due to Corner controlling the blight of the midgie, if out and which kills them before possible climate changes in P7 not quite eradicating it. It originated in binning them. However, one friend Scotland, with rainier winters and Letters the United States where they have of ours decided to speed up the drier summers in the future, the always had a mosquito problem. The process with the ‘appliance of midgie problem could be on the P8 same technology had been adapted to science’ and microwave them. decrease. The bad news is that this Futures combat the Scottish Curse and, by all Never again, he was heard to say. could lead to a corresponding rise in P9 accounts so far, seems to be effective. He reckoned the smell of them will the number of ticks. Sorry, but still With the Scottish midgie, most species stay with him forever! no good news for you dog walkers in The Garden of the insect do not bite and of those The machine does seem to work, our community, then. P10 that do, only a few feed off humans. even after such a short period of Finally, on a more technical note, I Owen KcKee Many feed off other warm blooded trial. We bought the machine have been told that the word is P11 creatures which is little, if no, because we figured our ‘quality of ‘midge’, not ‘midgie’. I’m sorry, but consolation to the victim. Of those of life’ was being affected. We couldn’t when you have been plagued all Health Care the species that do go for humans, it is go out in the garden in the evening, your life by the wee beastie, ‘midgie’ the female that bites. It can only lay let alone leave an outside door is the word that springs to mind - its eggs after it has had a blood meal. open. Now it is quite different. We one of them anyway. ‘Midge’ may The male has a different type of mouth can and do have a barbecue after be grammatically correct, but it does suitable for eating only vegetation. So five in the evening. A revelation! not convey the same loathing. it is the female of the species that is You can get cheaper midgie Midgies no more! more deadly (Cue for a song there, machines as we did. somewhere!). Dougie McPherson

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EDITORIAL Aberfoyle Surgery [email protected] Looking After Womens' Health The Old Stone Bridge over the River We encourage all women in the practice to take care Forth in Aberfoyle is a listed building of their health by eating a healthy diet, having a and we have been told in the past that because of its importance it would be sensible alcohol intake, taking regular exercise and by not smoking. We would welcome your attendance if unthinkable to build a modern safe you care to discuss any health problems or wish advice on pedestrian bridge alongside it. Taking maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We would also like to check your this into consideration can anyone blood pressure regularly. In addition, we offer a comprehensive please explain to me why this Bridge system of health checks for women specifically. has been allowed to fall into a state of • All women aged 20-60 years are invited at least 3 yearly for a disrepair through neglect? Not only is cervical smear test. This is an important test which can detect proper visibility of the Bridge obscured minor changes in the cells of the cervix, allowing prompt, but also there are a number of trees effective treatment before serious disease can develop. We actually growing out of its Ramparts would urge all women to take up our invitation to attend when and foundations. When a local it pops through your door. We will do our best to provide a member of the public called Historic suitable appointment time. Scotland to bring this to their attention he was told don’t tell us try Stirling • If you take HRT you will be invited, at least annually, for a Council who in turn told him to try The check-up to make sure your medication is effective and National Park who in turn told him to causing no problems. If anyone has any concerns over the try Historic Scotland. recent media coverage about HRT, please don't hesitate to I’m sure that the offending trees would 'phone or call in. We will be delighted to assist in your be better cleared away before any enquiries. lasting damage is done to the Bridge. • Patients with intra-uterine coils are invited yearly for review. Public visibility of Aberfoyle Bridge We are very interested in preventing OSTEOPOROSIS • would also be enhanced if a number of (thinning of the bones - it is NOT the same as arthritis) which trees were selectively thinned along affects 1 in 3 women. (1 in 10 men are affected). the riverbanks on either side. Osteoporosis increases the risk of bone fracture, particularly An old friend once told me that if you of the wrist, spine and hip, after menopause. Hip and spine want to get things right in the future fracture can result in disability, loss of independence then look to the past for reference. Our and pain. Signs of possible osteoporosis are loss of height Bridge wouldn’t have lasted this long if and "widows' hump". There are various factors which may our forefathers had neglected to indicate that you are more likely to develop osteoporosis e.g. maintain it properly. The river is also family history, early menopause (before 45 years), smoking, showing signs of neglect with fallen Crohn's disease, Coeliac disease and long-term steroid use. trees, debris and discarded rubbish in If any of the above apply to you or you would like to come for a full view, which if left to build up could chat we offer regular Well Women Clinics each month in eventually disrupt the free flow of the Aberfoyle and , or the Practice Nurse can see you river. outwith these times if more suitable. Please 'phone the appropriate surgery for an appointment. Take responsibility for your health - it is well worth the effort! Jimmy Campbell See you soon. Editor

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Community Council Report On a beautiful summer evening in August what better logging traffic, particularly during school times. They place to hold a meeting than at Kinlochard? The loch were also able to give the meeting an update on the was looking glorious and it was quite an effort to drag progress of the new access road on to Glasgow Road ourselves indoors! which will divert a large number of the wood lorries The main item on the agenda that night was a from our villages. planning application from Forest Hills for an extension I would like to use this space to give everyone a timely to the hotel, a new staff block and two blocks of reminder of the forthcoming Community Council holiday apartments. Several points were raised: the elections. Intending candidates applications must be in unsuitability of the B829 to carry further volumes of by 22nd October. It would be great to see some new traffic; the capacity of the Waste Water Treatment faces becoming involved, (not that there’s anything plant, especially if the village of Kinlochard were to be wrong with the old ones!), but we are three councillors in a position to link into the plant; limited benefit for the short in Kinlochard, and I do feel that you deserve full community at Kinlochard; the existence of a legal representation. Of course candidates are welcome to agreement preventing any further development at this stand in any of our three wards - for details contact me site. The last point was of particular concern. The or phone the Council on 0845 277 7000 and you will meeting felt that once put in place, section 75 be put in touch with the correct department. agreements should remain, otherwise they will be And finally - my apologies for saying that all contact seen as a device to obtain planning permissions, too names for community councillors were on village easily removed on appeal at a later date. Given all noticeboards. They were, until I took them down to these points, the application was unanimously update them and forgot to replace them! Remind me refused. if I forget again. Look forward to seeing you on the 4th We were delighted to welcome Shirley Leek and Mick September in Bunkhouse (formerly Bottomley from Forest Enterprise who had come Outdoor Centre) and in Memorial Hall, Aberfoyle on along to answer questions on the movement of Thursday 2nd October - 7.30pm. Ros

Strathard Country Pursuits

Reminding all craftsmen and women from Strathard, and Spinner Wanted about the exhibition of local crafts. Experienced or Trainee Spinner You still have time to finish off required for Scottish Wool Centre that last little bit that you've in Aberfoyle. been meaning to do all Priority skill in this post is interaction summer ready to be displayed with the general public, particularly at the show on Saturday and tourists. Full training given to Sunday, 25th and 26th October. beginner. No age or sex preference. Three days per week by arrangement We feel that people would also Hours: 10.00 -16.00 be interested in seeing work in progress. For full details contact: Fergus Wood If you would like more 01877 387219(farm) or information contact Margaret 01877 382850 (Wool Centre) Neufeld on 01877 386258.

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Dr Sylvia Jackson MSP

By the time you read this column Unfortunately this is not the case pupils will have been back to school everywhere in Scotland. Local for a few weeks, but at the time of support is important, especially as so writing it is the first week back and many important issues have and are looking at the more overcast weather presently being addressed by the I’m hoping this isn’t quite the end of Strathard Community Council. our beautiful summer weather. Staying with Community Councils, Looking back for a moment to the there is an on-going debate within beginning of the school holidays, I the Scottish Parliament about how was very pleased to be able to attend their role can be further improved. the official launch by the Minister, Work undertaken by both the Local emphasis upon pre-application Lewis Macdonald of the Aberfoyle Government Committee of the discussions, allowing for clarification Broadband Community (ABC) This Parliament , through its ‘Renewing of issues early in the planning company will run the Broadband Local Democracy’ inquiry, and by the process. Another key proposal is the pilot, the first of its kind in Scotland. Scottish Executive have concluded 'third party right of appeal'. Presently Also at the end of June was the there is a need for Community third parties (that is parties other than workshop arranged with Scottish Councils to be more genuinely the applicant) do not have a right of Water, arising out of the work already involved in decision making, appeal if they disagree with a local undertaken by the Trossachs and particularly in planning decisions. authority's decisions. Many see this Loch Katrine Advisory Group. Having After consulting many individuals and as an imbalance in the planning had a close association with this groups, the Local Government system, and indeed at the end of Group’s work I was delighted the inquiry reported that people and June, the Scottish Executive set up a workshop had gone so well and we those that represent them, especially group to look into how consultation continue to move forward. As Owen Community Councils, do not feel on the subject of 'third party planning McKee mentioned in his July column their views are adequately heard. appeals' should proceed. I am sure ‘only good can come from this This seems to be largely because that all Community Councils will be process ‘of working together. there is little evidence of how local interested in this consultation when it Involving local communities in views have been taken on board, as takes place and I aim to keep all local decision making which effects there is little or no feedback. Community Councils involved with employment possibilities (including of Additionally public involvement is developments. course tourism), social and seen to be too late in the process of Elsewhere in this edition I have given environmental issues in the decision making. an update of developments in Trossachs and Loch Katrine area is The recent Scottish Executive White relation to the future healthcare essential for future sustainability. Paper 'Your Place, Your Plan' makes strategy for Forth Valley. In August I This October sees Community these very points, identifying the devoted most of my column in the Council elections and I know there main barriers to participation and Stirling Observer to this important has been much written recently in the more meaningful involvement. These topic and the Strathard News Strathard News about more local also include: the complexity of editorial team have kindly allowed me participation to help the Community procedures and practices, lack of to detail the various issues. Council represent as many views as expertise and inaccessibility of I welcome any feedback on this or possible. Overall we are very important documents. any other topics. As always, my fortunate within the Stirling So what are some of the ways colleague Anne McGuire and I can constituency and Stirling Council forward? Many of the suggestions in be contacted at the Parliamentary area generally that Community the White Paper refer to simplifying Office, 22 Viewfield Street, Stirling, Councils do operate in all our the planning process with a greater FK8 1UA, Tel: 01786 446515 communities.

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With the initiative of healthy eating Butchers, Rainbows End, Trossachs Deli sweeping through the country playgroup & Butcher, Co-op, A2Z, The Town will be encouraging the children to lead a House, The Post Office, Liz McGregor healthy lifestyle which they can bring Coffee Shop, Basils, Guyana, Forest home and hopefully keep with them Prints, Reflections, Healthy Image, Forth through life, helped by the parents’ Inn, Scottish Wool Centre and Forest workshop which is sure to be a success. Hills, and a big thanks to Algie for Using fruits and colours as a theme helping to sell the remaining tickets. The Lesley and Ginny will be unveiling the grand total raised from the event was Thought a stampede of elephants had wonders of the fruit world to the children £138. hit Aberfoyle?!? No, playgroup has by taking them berry picking, making And finally, we are appealing to local started back and opened its doors for jam, juice, smoothies and lots more. volunteers to come along and join in with the new term. After a great summer Playgroup is in for a busy time with trips the activities and trips away. Whatever holiday with lots of sunshine the children around and out of the village already your situation whether your retired, have been welcomed back to their being organised including a barbeque at looking for work experience, have an garden in full bloom. With all their hard the visitors centre and a trip to the interesting hobby which could be shared work from last term they can now reap farmers market. or just enjoy being around children and the harvest of peas, gooseberries and The playgroup would like to take the have a few hours to spare, we welcome much much more with their resident opportunity to thank all the local all enquiries, just phone Wendy Bryan frogs in the wildlife pond helping to businesses which donated a prize for the 01877 382016 for details. control the hungry slugs in the garden. end of term raffle. These were Aberfoyle

Macmillan Cancer Relief

The annual coffee morning in aid of the Macmillan Nurses will be held in the th Aberfoyle Medical Centre on Friday 26 • Local & National Removers September from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm. • Piano, Antique and Fine Arts Specialists • Modern Containerised Storage Entry, including refreshments, will be £1. • Regular Part Load Service to and from England Gifts for the baking table will be much • Office and Business Moves appreciated and can be handed in to the • Bar Coded Archive Document Storage Medical Centre. You will be moved As usual, there will also be a raffle, and by our Experience! gifts for this, which raises a large amount Head Office: Anniesland Village Business Park of money due to the generosity of all who Netherton Road, Glasgow G13 1EU Tel 0141 954 3939 support this worthy cause, can also be left Email: [email protected] www.gerardremovers.co.uk in the Medical Centre. Trossachs Cab Company

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The Ranger’s Corner LKCT has now been in existence for over a year. It was After an extremely hectic few weeks of activity at the formed in order to be able to react to tenders by, what David Marshall Lodge, some of us are in need of a period was then, West of Scotland Water for the land of hibernation! management of the catchment of Loch Katrine. With help Our anniversary celebrations turned out to be such an from The Scottish Land Fund we submitted a very overwhelming success that there are high hopes of creditable bid but lost out to Forest Enterprise which is creating an annual event along similar lines, each August, still the preferred bidder. albeit on a smaller scale. Our main aim is to prevent further depopulation, make the The rangers would like to extend a huge thank you to all area a viable place to live and to give the people living in the organisations, craftsmen and women and volunteers the area a “voice”. We have Community Councils and who took part, for their endeavour and boundless Community Futures working within the area but we fall enthusiasm; not forgetting the hard-working DML staff within two Community Council boundaries and two and Liz McGregor’s Coffee Shop for keeping us fed and Community Futures areas so we are the only organisation watered. representing the catchment community. However, we are However, no party would be complete without guests. working closely with a forum called Loch Katrine and Our main show of gratitude goes to the multitude of Trossachs Action Group which has representatives from visitors who made their way to the DML to join in the fun. all the business, community and tourist groups within the The support and encouragement you have given during a Strathard and Trossachs area and includes Scottish month to remember is truly humbling, and proves beyond Water. a shadow of doubt that the spirit of adventure within the Membership is drawn from all who live, work or earn their Forest Park is alive and kicking! income in the catchment of Loch Katrine and Loch Arklet. It also includes residents of Inversnaid. At last count we Cowal & Trossachs Forest District had a membership of over 90% of those eligible. Before Footnote: engaging in any major task we consult directly with a The QEFP ospreys, Romeo and Juliet and family, will shortly director of the trust speaking personally to each member pack their bags and depart these shores for warmer climes. to elicit his/her opinion. Nothing is done without a Sadly, there is no way of letting them know that a suntan isn’t consensus of these opinions. everything. Here in Aberfoyle they are television stars! We Last summer, again with help from The Scottish Land wish them God-speed until the next time. Fund, we submitted a bid for Garrison Farm in an effort to retain sheep in the area and provide much needed bunkhouse accommodation in the area. We were second highest bidder, this time losing out to the RSPB. This all sounds very negative but we are here, set up as a aberfoyleholidays.com charitable trust, able to react to whatever the future may hold. In the meantime, we are beavering away on the historical aspects of the area as well as testing some Costa Del Sol Lymington embryonic business ideas. Vi l l a c a n a Elmers Court For further information contact Margaret Neufeld: tel Week 13 Week 10 01877 386258 or Kate Longworth: tel 01877 376217. (April) (March) 2 Bedrooms 2 Bedrooms Sleeps 6 Sleeps 6 £990 £990 Timeshares Available guyana From as little as £500 5 Star Worldwide Accommodation plants, crafts and art From only £129 per Week Guided Walks with Sion Barrington Unique range of arts and craft from throughout the world C y c l e H i r e Extensive plant area for all F l y F i s h i n g T r i p s / L e s s o n s your gardening needs Quad Biking, Sailing, Canoeing and other outdoor activities Open seven days - 10am to 6pm For Enquiries Telephone Main Street, Aberfoyle 01877 382390 TEL 01877 382308 Viewforth, Main St, Aberfoyle, Stirlingshire, FK8 3UG 6

Letters to the Editor Milton the Otter ……have your say! Hello Children, Well, the summer holidays are over and it is back to school time. Sir, Whether you go to Aberfoyle, Inversnaid or to McLaren High School I am writing to gauge how many people have been in , there will be lots of interesting things to learn and fun confused by the times quoted in the press for the recent things to do. The very best part of going to school is meeting up earth tremors. The local newspapers and, indeed, the with and playing with all your friends. After school the evenings are light enough for more adventures before bedtime. Strathard News, seem to have taken the times quoted One evening, after tea, I went up to the David Marshall Lodge to from the British Geological Survey for each tremor. The meet George the hare and Rory the stag. The twins, Duke and trouble with this is that the B.G.S. have recorded GMT Katrine, came with me, leaving our very boring sister Braeval still whereas we, at the moment, are on BST and would doing her homework. She is such a swot! (Perhaps that is why she therefore have reckoned the time of the tremors to be 1 gets much better exam results than me). All around the Lodge the hour later than the times quoted in the press. heather was in full bloom, a sea of purple flowers. Everywhere there Anon. were busy bees – you could almost smell the honey. David Wilkie was working too. The Lodge was having its 50th birthday party. What do you think? If you have something on your mind, let’s hear Suddenly Katrine found a very small clump of strange-looking it. There’s no better way to reach all the residents of Strathard heather. It was white instead of purple. My little sister thought it than through the Strathard News. Send your comments to The looked so pretty she picked one tiny piece to take home for mum. A Editor, Strathard News, Kirkton House, Duchray Road, Aberfoyle few moments later poor Rory bumped his new antlers on a low branch FK8 3XB, or email: [email protected] of a tree. They are so new and growing so fast that Rory does not realise quite how tall he is! George was laughing so much at his friend that he was not looking where he was going – and fell into a burn. Now otters like water, but not hares. George scrambled out looking like a drookit rat! Serves him right for laughing at another’s ABERFOYLE misfortune. Soon it was time to go home. We said goodbye to George and Rory POST SHOP and headed home to the holt. Duke and I decided to have a race to under the new system see who would be first into the holt. Off we charged, down the hill YOU CAN STILL COLLECT YOUR as fast as we could run. We reached the Forth side-by-side and dived over the bank together; but we had both forgotten one thing – BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES the river was very low. We missed the water completely and landed AT THE POST OFFICE on the stones. It didn’t half hurt. Please phone or ask at the counter for details Katrine was first home with her little sprig of white heather, the only one who had not had an accident! Use it or Lose it! Bye for now, Milton Tel: 01877 382 231

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THE GOLDEN HOUR – “The crucial time in any emergency when expertise and the right equipment mean 01324 625624 t/a J. Brown LIFE or DEATH” Coal Merchant & Contractor THE WAY FORWARD 12-14 Slamannon Road 1. Raising Awareness Falkirk FK1 1LG Would YOU know what to do in an emergency? Tell us how we can help you feel more confident, for example, T he centre offers a multitude of activities to with education and training. groups and individuals. All activities are 2. Raising Funds under the supervision of qualified staff, and Can you help with raising funds for specialised all necessary equipment can be provided for equipment? We would welcome any ideas. Contact a safe and enjoyable day out. Marilyn at Aberfoyle (01877 382421) or Betty at Buchlyvie (01360 850237) if you feel you can help. open to everybody....with something for everyone! 3. Support the various fund-raising activities planned for the coming months. Remember this initiative will EQUIPMENT HIRE BOAT HIRE benefit the whole community, residents and visitors There is a wide range of equipment at Sailing Boats - Wayfarers, the centre available for any activity Toppers, Optimist, Dart, alike. which you may wish to pursue. Laser ll and RS400 Dates for your Diary ƒ 9th August -Buchlyvie -Tea in the Garden' Also Quad Bikes & Fishing Rods for hire ƒ 10th October -Buchlyvie -Silent Auction ƒ 21st November -Gartmore –Ceilidh FOREST HILLS WATERSPORTS th Kinlochard, Aberfoyle Stirlingshire FK8 3TL ƒ 5 December -Aberfoyle -Fiddlers Rally Phone 01877 387 775 Email [email protected] 7

Community Futures Action Groups Update

Community Futures upgrading of existing ones. The something relevant to the area - include National Park Access Officer would be local materials or depict local scenes - Steering Group invited to this. A more ambitious contact me if you have some ideas to talk project was also discussed – to restore over before we pass your ideas over to the The Steering Group met as planned in the military road to Inversnaid as a Tourist Board for their buyer? the Memorial Hall on 29th July. Anyone walking/cycling route, and we shall John Epps wishing to read the record of the investigate the feasibility of this. 01877 382276 meeting should contact the minutes Footbridge over the Forth [email protected] secretary Mr Nigel Brooks, telephone The consultants are shortly to submit 01877 382509,or e-mail their ideas for consultation, first on the [email protected] siting and then on the design. The idea Environmental is to allow pedestrians to cross safely Improvements between the village and Manse Road Roads, Transport, without having to use the narrow road Following a week long exhibition of the Safety, Paths & Trails. bridge. plans for the Aberfoyle Village John Digney Enhancement Initiative, a Public 01877 382636 A public meeting was held on 21st Consultation meeting was held in [email protected] th August, at which several issues were Memorial Hall on 26 August. Discussion discussed. was encouraged as some 40 people Public Transport arrived to give their comments on the The Transport Co-ordination Centre at Local Economic plans and bring new ideas to the fore. Stirling Council were clearly impressed Development Jon Simmons of Ferguson McIlveen by the results of our survey earlier this described the group of three projects which comprise the work currently being year, and there seemed to be genuine Local Economic Growth. considered for the village centre. A lively, grounds for optimism, particularly This month, most of us have been thoroughly interactive and productive regarding improvements to the Stirling engaged in the task of earning a living exchange involving everyone present service. However, apparently out of the at the peak of our tourism season - like revealed that the outline scheme is blue, the operator discovered that it or not, tourism is the lifeblood of acceptable in principle to the wider because of the length of the service Aberfoyle and The Trossachs Area. community. Issues raised included: (which runs through to Balfron), it is Despite this simple fact, and that those • a footbridge from the corner of the riverside subject to more stringent EU regulations not working flat out have been in the walk to the corner of the nature reserve (i.e. on drivers’ hours and therefore will be same posture on a beach somewhere, bunny hill field) more expensive to run. This means I am surprised by the totally • narrowing the main access road into the car that the extra services we had been underwhelming response to my request park to widen the pavement outside the TDC asking for are unlikely to materialise in • better concealment of the skip and recycling in the July issue of SN - is there site the near future, but we shall continue to nobody in Strathard with an interest in • longer opening and more frequent emptying of press our case. creating a database of skills and the skip The infrequency of the Callander knowledge. What put everyone off? - • upgrading and maintenance of the Riverside service was also highlighted in the that the job might take commitment to pathway • cycling route hazardous to pedestrians in the survey, and we have made the point something which is recreational and car park that the anti-clockwise Trundler service fun for the right person rather than • the possibility of Stirling Council charging for does not meet the needs of residents or highly paid, or maybe that I suggested parking when improvement made visitors. We suggested the option of the task would be best done by • turning the old railway turntable into a feature having two buses, the other covering someone of above average • Ownership of the land under the car park This last question needed some the route in a clockwise direction, and intelligence. Come on folks, this is not clarification. Some of the land is owned this is being considered for the peak the time to be coy about being bright or by The Scottish Wool Centre, and whilst summer months. We have argued for a public-spirited - it's a practical Major Cameron is commonly known to frequent daily service throughout the opportunity to join a team doing have given the land to the village before year, and have suggested ways of something useful for Strathard and his death, information is now available to incorporating timetabled links further receive training in a key computer skill - the team showing that the land was into Strathard. remember that computing job you felt transferred to Perth and Kinross Council Paths and Trails was too advanced for you - you could by Mrs Cameron. With the change of The footpaths east from Aberfoyle to have a glowing reference to present at county boundaries, title is now with the Rob Roy and west to the Milton your next interview! Stirling Council. have been strimmed by Stirling Council The local craft goods on sale at the Following refreshments, an informal following complaints, and we shall write TDC have been selling well considering exchange of ideas concluded with offers to ask for this to be done regularly as a the slow start to the Tourist season. from more people to take part in the matter of course. Enquiries from visitors suggest that Community Futures team. Footpath routes around Aberfoyle were locally-made pottery items would be a Ros Dingwall, described how the work of discussed, and it was decided to useful addition to the range of products the existing Community Futures team can arrange a public meeting later this year on sale.... so perhaps the potters be extended in future by the formation of to try to establish the community’s among us would like to think about a Community Trust, a charitable requirements regarding new routes and items they could make in low to organisation which can manage the public medium volume for around £2 odd - 8 affairs of the village.

The Garden Poet’s Corner by Wellie Boot It is hoped that Poet’s Corner will be a regular feature in the newsletter, thanks to the enthusiasm of Melissa Wardrope. We believe there is a Well “Wellie Boot” is back from holiday and if you wealth of talent in the Strathard area and we would love to hear from have a garden, large, medium or small, never, you. C’mon now, don’t be shy. Please hand your poems to Melissa or never, never leave it for six weeks in the email them to [email protected] summer. The neglect had terrible He landed on her doorstep on his knees consequences. The advice I’m about to give you She was too weak so gave into his pleas I didn’t take myself and, oh dear, the results are It was the same routine every time horrible. As long as there were woman and drink he was just fine This is the season of weeding and more But when they ran out and he was left all alone weeding, of deadheading and more He went back to her and she let him into her home deadheading. Plants have this insatiable She always let him back in every time appetite to reproduce themselves, so if you Forgetting the past and all of his crimes remove the dead flower and therefore the It wouldn't be long until his hand hit her face ensuing seed head they will produce more And they were fighting and shouting all over the place flowers. In the case of annuals or summer When she thought he had stopped there always was more bedding, this means a continuous flowering. In The living room table or the kitchen floor the case of perennials or herbaceous, if Now he lies in a drunken pile deadheaded after the first flowering they may While she spent the night on the tiles Another night with him well produce a second flush, but not always. Another bottle of gin With roses it is essential to deadhead to Another bruise on the chin maintain a healthy and vigorous plant. Another forgotten sin This area and roses don’t go well I’m told, but I hope to prove this theory wrong. I have just By Stephanie Smith planted a rose garden - sixty roses and six standard roses. The ground was well prepared, The Scottish Midge sprayed to clear it of weeds, then dug over, fed Little teeny insect, niggling away, and dug over again and fed some more; then Its common knowledge you'll be covered in blisters the following day, planted and well watered, and fed and watered Slowly circling around your head, and fed. So they’d better grow as my back is One bite from your skin, killing me!! And thats them, Their dead, Well the roses seem to enjoy this wonderful Huddling together in numbers, Serving no purpose at all, Except for the fact their so irritating, so black and so small, summer as much as the rest of us, and no All the tourists complain about those dreadful little beasts, midges to make things perfect. Enjoy it while it They crawl all over you, on top of your skin, lasts. We must serve up a fine wee feast! “This is not too hot or global warming. It’s called The air is clammy, the days grow longer, summer,” said our minister in his sermon. “Just Summertime is here, try to remember this in the winter.” Hasn’t it Nobody minds the rain so much, been wonderful? Good growing weather. Its those blasted midges we fear! Good gardening to you all. p.s. If you have any questions about your garden By Melissa Wardrope please send them in to Wellie Boot, c/o Strathard A Gentle Man News, Old Manse, Inversnaid, FK8 3TU, and I’ll try to answer them. As I watch you lie motionless on the ground, Not moving a muscle or making a sound, Watching people panic around you running to and fro, But I know your body was lost long ago, Stewart Hollington They try to revive you make you breathe one last breath, Trying to rescue you from the valley of death, Electrical Contractors But with a funny little smile you have on your face, Knowing that you have already spent to long at this place, Domestic ♦ Commercial ♦ Industrial You've have given up although you did try, And it's been a while since I have seen that twinkle in your eye, Domestic Appliance Repairs Maybe it was for the best although my heart does cry, Wondering why it is you who has to die, Although I recall the last sentence you conceived, Tel/Fax 01877 385231 That a gentleman always knows when to leave. Mobile 07885 841735 By Stephanie Smith

Hazel Cottage, Cardross Estate, Port of Menteith FK8 3JY 9

National Park News Pàirc Nàiseanta Loch Laomainn is nan Tròisichean

The plaudits and complaints have been flying thick and fast voluntary help in keeping the Park tidy. since the last issue of the Strathard News. Unfortunately the We have had one of our better summers visitorwise and this complaints have out numbered the plaudits by about 100 to has (with the help of the complaints) focused minds on the 1. Yet I think that is a healthy situation at this early stage of problem and I can assure you that each and every member the Park’s existence because if we are doing something of the Park Authority is well aware that it is a major problem. wrong or badly then we have the opportunity to do The new Access Code is also causing concern, though the something about it. In a couple of years time, if the complaints here are primarily from land owners/ land complaints are still in the ascendancy I will be very worried managers unsure of what is allowable and unsure of who is indeed. responsible for mishaps and damage. Unfortunately there What heads the complaints league? Without a doubt are a lot of grey areas awaiting clarification under the LITTER and VANDALISM. If the litter problem were solved consultation conducted by Scottish National Heritage. Those then we truly would have a National Park to be proud of. consultations will lead to recommendations being made to Visitors and locals alike are disgusted with the mess that the Scottish Executive and when all is clear and agreed the blights the whole area. Unfortunately it is not a problem that Access Code will come into effect. The Park Authority made is peculiar to the National Park but it is particularly a number of submissions as have many other bodies and noticeable here because we are in a National Park and the individuals and I am hopeful that most of the worries can be National Park Authority is charged with making and keeping overcome. Time will tell. this a very special place. Who is responsible for its creation? The Park Authority will be holding its September meeting in We all tend to blame the visitors and I suppose that is 90% Callander (On the 15th at a venue still to be confirmed at the factual. However we do need to make sure that we keep our time of submitting this article). Although we have had a own house in order. We can help in little ways by taking our number of meetings at Gartmore House we have still to do own litter home, thus freeing bin space for those who are so in Aberfoyle. I am hopeful that that will be remedied in visiting. Once the litter is created who is responsible for 2004. All Park Authority meetings are open to the public and clearing it? Primarily that is the province of the Councils but are advertised in advance. I am aware that as they normally because of The Park Authority’s special interest in the take place during working hours it is not convenient for those problem we try to work in conjunction with the Council and in employment to attend but if you wish to raise any points we have introduced wardens who make special collections with the Park Authority please contact me. from visitor hotspots to support the council. We are also monitoring the situation of whether it is better to provide litter by Owen McKee bins or to have "Please Take Your Litter Home" signs. Stirling Council and the Forestry Commission both favour I can be contacted as follows: the signs as I do generally. I do think that some bins will Post - Taigh Na Bhuth, , FK19 8PR always be necessary. We are also pursuing the possibility of Phone: 01567 830214 email : [email protected]

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Kirkton House, Duchray Road, Aberfoyle, Stirling FK8 3XB

10

Future Health Care Strategy for Forth Valley: Update

The NHS Forth Valley Health Board use this road, and it also worries need for clarity on this important met a few weeks ago to discuss the that there are no significant changes issue and I expect news on this very outline business case (OBC) for the proposed to the A9 apart from shortly. future healthcare strategy of the upgrades to roundabouts. In The possible downgrading of Forth Valley area. addition there will be around 7,000 hospitals such as at Vale of Leven Following the FV Health Board more residents in the new ‘Major and Perth, could mean that access meeting in January 2003, which Growth Area’ to be agreed around to the new acute Forth Valley decided the preferred site for the Stirling. As of yet no account has hospital is more critical for new acute hospital would be RSNH been taken of this increase in constituents in some rural areas. I at Larbert, there were three main population and its effect on the will continue to re-emphasise the issues for us in the Stirling transport system. I have already importance of a wider strategic Constituency – first - the transport raised these concerns with the Chief view. I have been working with the difficulties associated with the Executive of the Health Board and Association of Community Councils, Larbert site, - second – whether have now met with the Chief particularly from Callander and the land, such as that near Pirnhall, Executive of Stirling Council to other councils in the highland area with better transport access for the discuss these points further. of the constituency, on this very Forth Valley area, could be The second critical issue on this point and have written to the released to be considered same subject involves the on going Minister and Forth Valley Health alongside the Larbert site, and – discussions between Stirling Board on this issue. third – the impact upon Forth Valley Council and developers to identify Now that the outline business case of changes from acute service land which could be released as a has been forwarded to the Minister reviews in other parts of Scotland, potential site for the new acute it is imperative that we continue to such as those involving the Vale of hospital and which would get over pursue all these issues, liaising Leven and Perth hospitals. some the transport difficulties closely with Stirling Council, In relation to the first of these, the already identified with the Larbert community councils and local transport issues associated with the site. Stirling Council is agreed that groups. Working closely with my Larbert site, it was agreed at the a site at Pirnhall has been identified colleague, Anne McGuire, I will January 2003 meeting that a and could be made available to the continue to pursue our concerns at transport study be undertaken and Health Board at no cost without all levels. this has now been incorporated and requiring any decision on the Major While I have not mentioned the agreed by the Board into the Growth Area (MGA). Decisions development of community health Outline Business Plan to be sent to about the latter will be made at a services in Stirling and the rural the Health Minister. There will be a Council meeting in areas, this is also an important part lot of concern about the conclusions September/October although a of the outline business case drawn of the transport study. Although it is public inquiry could extend the up by the Health Board, and again I proposed that there will be slip period before the final decision is am working closely with the roads on and off the motorway near agreed. However, the Chair of the Association of Community Councils the Larbert site, travellers from the Health Board, at the last Board on this issue. Stirling end will still need to go meeting, stated that no Stirling site I would welcome any comments down the motorway system to is being considered because the on this important topic. I can be Bowtrees and come back up to Board has no ‘clear title’ to the land. contacted at the Parliamentary Larbert. I would anticipate that I have spoken to both Stirling Office, 22 Viewfield Street, locals, knowing that the A9 is a Council and the Chief Executive of Stirling, FK8 1UA, Tel: much shorter distance will tend to Forth Valley Health Board about the 01786446515 Dr Sylvia Jackson, MSP Starting School….. in 1987 Starting school for the first time is an exciting event in the life of a 5-year old. This photograph, taken 16 years ago, of the new intake of Primary One’s at Aberfoyle Primary School shows just how happy they are to be there. Do you recognise anyone? Teacher: Mhairi Paterson. Back Row: Ruairidh Campbell, Chris Lynch(now in Australia), Ruairidh Phillips Middle Row: Adrian Calton(now in USA), David MacMillan Front Row:Mhairi McDonald, Callum Campbell, Fiona Simpson, Robert Duncan, Emma Lawson. (Not present: Anna Roberts) Happy 21st Birthday to you all! 11

[email protected] For Sale Announcements 3 x kitchen stools (ex. chemistry Please contact lab) solid pine, approx 750mm Thistle Threads autumn day 1 st Aberfoyle Brownies high: £35 the lot and evening classes in Margaret Brown on Bush 19" colour TV, good patchwork and quilting Meet every Wednesday 6pm till 01877 382463 if condition: £49 start w/c 22nd September. 7.45pm in Church House. If you you have anything Tel: 01877 387764 Please contact Clare Workman wish to contact a Guider they for submission to are: for details on 01877 382924 the Stirling Child's horseriding hat (size 0) Jackie Gerlach 01877 339942 or [email protected] Trisha Roberts 01877 382705 Observer under £26.00 Aberfoyle News 1 pair purple jodhpurs (size 20R) £13.00 Strathard Community Aberfoyle Bowling Club: Classified Advertising Rates 1 pair navy jodhpurs (size small Council meets at All new members & visitors Announcements FREE 7.30pm on the 1st welcome. For more Wanted FREE reg.) £9 00 Lost & Found FREE Thursday of every month. Next information contact Irene Girl's pink Raleigh Fairy th Items under £50 FREE Princess bike (up to 5 years) meeting, 4 Sept in Inversnaid Finlayson on 01877 385278 Items £50 - £100 £5 £40.00 Bunkhouse (formerly Outdoor Centre) Items over £100 £10 Tel: 01877 382055 Information Ikea pine loft bed for sale. Prize Crossword Solution For Business Advertisers £45 ono Tel: 01877 382924 Across: 1. carton, 4. ASAP, 8. imp, 9. netting, 10. flue, 11. waste, 14. avert, 16. slay, 18. revenue, 20. tax, 21. tote, 22. When you place an advert with the sports. Strathard News we will continue to run it Wanted Down: 1. chip, 2. repulse, 3. ounce, 5. ski, 6. piglet, 7. stew, in every issue unless you tell us that you 12. spatter, 13. parrot, 15. tang, 16. steep, 17. axis, 19. vet wish to cancel or alter your advert. Good stable rowing boat, f/glass, To contact us approx 12', c/w rowlocks & oars Lucky Winner: Margaret Neufeld Telephone 01877 382211 Tel: 01877 387764 or email Please call in to collect your prize from A2Z [email protected]

If you wish to take out a subscription please complete the information slip and post it to: Committee & Contacts The Treasurer, Strathard News, Glencleland House, Lochard Road, Aberfoyle FK8 3TJ Jimmy Campbell 01877 382 210 Cost of subscription £10 Chair/Editor [email protected] Cheques made payable to Strathard News John Clow 01877 382 508 Name: Vice Chair/Editor [email protected] ______Local Organisations

Address: Norman Quirk 01877 387 210 Treasurer [email protected] ______Marion Back 01301 702 972 ______Publisher/Newsdesk [email protected] ______Ian Marshall 01877 382 211 ______Advertising [email protected]

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Next issue due out September Deadline for submission 25th Sep 2003