2018 JUNE Bridge

June 2018
The Bridge
£1
The Community Newspaper for Doune & Deanston
Adam Carves a Name for Doune
Sculptor Adam Innes has gained national recognition by exhibiting in the prestigious La Galleria in London. He is restoring
some local history by re-creating carved stones lost after the demolition of Albany Crescent in Stirling. See inside for the full
story on page 3.
1

Police Report
Theft
On 13 April 2018 a vehicle was broken
into and items stolen from within. The
vehicle had been parked at the small
public car park at the Teith Bridge.
On 17 April 2018 a burglary at Deanston Filling Station and
items were stolen from within. Enquiries are ongoing in
relation to this.
If anyone has any information in relation to these crimes,
please contact Police Scotland on 101
Safety
Speed detection duties have been carried out on the A820 at
Ardochbank, Doune and on the A84 near to Fir Road by PC
Deans and PC Mckerracher. These locations will continue to
be given attention over the Summer months.
Mobile Office in Doune: 7 June
We will be in the mobile Police Office in Doune at Doune
Ponds between 2-3pm on Thursday 7 June 2018. This is an
opportunity for locals to come and speak with us and for
us to provide information on subjects such as Rural Crime,
Doorstep Crime and Road Safety.
If anyone has any concerns they wish to raise, please contact
PC Deans or PC Mckerracher at Callander Police Office on
101 or TrossachsTeithCPT@scotland.pnn.police.uk
PC Colin Mckerracher
Another Kiss of Life for New Health Centre
After more than a decade of promises and postponements, it seems that a further major hurdle in the way of a new Health
Centre for Doune has been cleared. In an email sent to the Kilmadock Community Council on 2 May, David Cairns, Project
Manager, Estates and Facilities for NHS Forth Valley, said: “I can now advise that we have had the Full Business Case
approved by the Board’s committee and this has now been forwarded on to the Scottish Government Capital Investment Group
(CIG) for formal consideration at their meeting on 22 May 2018.
“All being well and subject to all further approvals being secured we envisage starting on site in the summer”. Mr Cairns also
assured the KCC that a public event, with the contractor in attendance, would be arranged before work started on site.
As The Bridge went to press there had been, as yet, no word of the outcome of the Scottish Government’s CIG meeting. We
will bring you news of its outcome as soon as possible. This is not the first time (in fact it is the third year in succession) that
Kilmadock has received assurances that work on a new Health Centre was envisaged as starting ‘in the summer’. So we will
not be breaking out the tonic wine until the first JCB is seen on site. Meanwhile, it is heartening to be able to report on another
positive step forward in the tortuous process of turning plans for this badly needed facility into something more concrete.
Juliet McCracken
John McLeod Principal Contractors Ltd
Construction – Joinery Manufacturing – Maintenance
Office – Unit 4 Station Wynd Doune FK16 6EH
01786 842 619
• Architraves & Mouldings
• New Build Homes
• Stairs, Windows & Doors
• Commercial New Builds
• Garden Buildings
• Renovations & Extensions
• Building Works
• Bespoke Design &
Manufacture
• Electrical Services
• Project Management
• Plumbing Services
• Property Maintenance
Visit
www.johnmcleod.co.uk
info@johnmcleod.co.uk
2

Local Sculptor puts Doune on the map
A face very familiar in Doune was among those gathered
at an exhibition of portrait sculptures held 14-19 May at
the world famous La Galleria in London’s Pall Mall. Cast
in bronze with a Doune stone base, the head of KCC Chair
Jimmie Innes, the work of his grandson, 24-year-old Adam,
has been chosen by the prestigious Society of
Portrait Sculptors to be displayed at their annual
exhibition, FACE2018. Adam’s work will be in
distinguished company: only about 70 sculptures
are displayed at this international exhibition,
which is open to entries worldwide.
Nearer home, two massive blocks of Bath
limestone, also carved by Adam Innes, are to be
unveiled on 5 July at the Smith Art Gallery and
Museum, where they will be permanent fixtures.
They commemorate the work of the idiosyncratic
local architect John Allan and an inspiring
episode from the mission history of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Scotland.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland - as an Apostle one of
the most senior figures in the church - will be over from Utah
and representing the Mormons at the unveiling of Adam’s
work.
Among the many buildings Allan designed for Stirling at the
end of the 19th century are several large villas in the Kings
Park area, also the iconic ‘Wolf Craig’ building on Port Street.
A keen antiquarian, he was fascinated by symbolism and most
of his creations feature stone plaques carved with mottoes
and symbols. Glancing up at the plaque set into the red brick
façade of 56 Main Street, Doune, another of Allan’s creations,
passers-by might well feel invigorated by the inscription: ‘Let
justice, truth, honour and respect for others’ rights be wrought
into every part of our empire’.
The two carved stones on which Adam has been deploying
his chisels are copies of a pair which originally decorated two
of the houses designed in 1896 by John Allan for his Albany
Crescent terrace, part of Stirling’s Back o’ Hill Road. One of
them is a splendid lion rampant, recalling the connection of
James I to the town.
Albany Crescent was demolished in 1965 but a fragment of
it, the second stone, lives on in Salt Lake City in the keeping
of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This stone,
also carved in high relief, is decorated with nine angular
symbols, each representing a number and set in three rows
of three (see back cover). Whether read across, up and down
or diagonally, the numbers always add up to 18. Above this
‘magic square’ is inscribed the homily: ‘What-e’er thou art,
act well thy part’.
Bronze head of Jimmie Snr.
Two years ago, builder and qualified stone restorer Mandy
Watson, backed by MP Stephen Kerr and by Elspeth King,
director of the Smith Art Gallery and Museum, began a
campaign to have copies of the stones made for Stirling, their
original home. Mandy and Stephen are both members of the
Mormon Church in Alloa. Enter Adam Innes
who, having graduated in 2016 from the City
and Guilds of London Art School, was already
beginning to make a name for himself in the
field of sculpture, notably with a fine degree
show piece, a copy of the Florentine bust of
Roman jurist Pietro Mellini.
Adam is a member of the sixth generation of
Doune’s well-known family of stonemasons
who have worked in an unbroken line since
1850. His brother Hamish, currently studying
conservation at Lincoln University, recently
won a bronze medal in the British Stonecutting
WorldSkills Challenge; their cousin Alastair
Buchanan also works for the family firm. While
James Innes & Son specialise in the repair and conservation
of old and historic stonework, new building work which
calls on their knowledge of traditional techniques is also an
important strand of the business. Having worked on castles
and churches throughout Scotland, taking on anything from
cobblestones to flying buttresses, the Inneses are currently
building an entrance gate in golden sandstone to the Japanese
garden at Cowden, Dollar.
While architectural sculpture is making a comeback after
years in the concrete doldrums, Adam says he knows that
there is unlikely to be enough demand to enable him to do
it all the time. His ambition, backed by his father, ‘Young
Jimmy’ and grandfather, Jimmie Snr, is to build on a blend of
masonry and sculpture work, ‘keeping things flowing along
for the company’. “They must be very proud of you”, The
Bridge told Adam. His reply: “I just want to get better at what
I do”.
Juliet McCracken
The story is that in 1897 a young Mormon missionary,
David O. McKay, walked past the building as it was being
constructed. Feeling homesick, he took heart from the motto
on the stone, taking it as a sign that he was doing the right
thing. By the time the building was demolished, McKay,
later to become ninth President of the Church, was already an
Elder. Remembering how much the stone’s uplifting message
had helped him nearly 70 years earlier, he bought it and had it
shipped to the USA.
The Innes family, three generations strong, at the City and
Guilds Art school where Adam studied: (l-r) Jimmy Jnr, his
sons Adam and Hamish with pater familias Jimmie Snr.
3

At least twelve guests attended the May meeting. The first
delegation came from Argaty to object to the ‘apparent’
planning application to increase open days at the moto
park by another two per week during the school holidays.
I say ‘apparent’ because it transpired that the report
on the application printed in the Stirling Observer was
inaccurate. After discussion it was decided that the proposal
was unreasonable and that the KCC would object to this
application.
The second delegation from Deanston voiced their objections
to a proposal from a developer to build another 65 houses in
the village. There had recently been a public meeting at the
distillery when the developer’s agents had tried to convince
the locals that this would be a good thing. However, judging
by some comments from the Deanston guests, along with
a very detailed 12-page letter sent in to the KCC by a local
resident, the agents had been somewhat economical with
the truth. The KCC heard comments about poor drainage,
an overloaded sewage system, poor transport links, lack
of school places and facilities: in other words, just about
everything you could think of to justify objecting to this
proposal.
The opinion of Councillor Martin Earl, who was in
attendance, was requested by the Chair. Martin explained
that although this proposal was outside the village boundary
and not in the current Local Development Plan (LDP),
nevertheless one of the key points was that there had been a
dispute or confusion between Stirling Council planners and
the government representative over the LDP. When this kind
of thing happens, developers seize on any opportunity to slip
in a planning application ‘under the radar’.
After much discussion the Deanston guests were advised
by Martin to put their objections to SC but to make them
very much to the point in line with planning law, rather than
give them a NIMBY (not in my back yard) tinge. In the end
the KCC decided to object to the proposed development
primarily on the grounds that Deanston had only just got
over the Cala development. Council was very conscious of
the problems that had caused, so it was a case of ‘give us a
break’ from any more development for some years to come.
We heard the police report from Jimmie just before PC Colin
Mckerracher, one of our community policemen, arrived.
Nevertheless, the KCC were able to question Colin about
the report. There was talk about speeding traffic in the area,
vehicles containing controlled substances, a break-in at the
fuel station and a recent crash at the Castle turn. Jimmie
pressed Colin for more details about this incident as the
Castle turn junction was on the KCC’s list of requests to
SC Roads for improvement and alteration; the latter had
commented that this was not a priority because there had
not been any accidents! Well they cannot say that now,
particularly as someone was injured in the incident.
Davy Fisher of Doune Pipe Band requested support in the
form of some sort of official greeting from the KCC at the
forthcoming visit of the local mayor and his party from
Maldegem, the Belgian town which the Pipe Band visited
last year. Jimmie thought it was a great idea. We may
not have a mayor of Doune but if we did, then no doubt it
Spotlight on the KCC
would be Jimmie. Someone suggested he could dig out the
Provost’s chain and wear it for the occasion. The idea is that
a marquee be erected in the Park and there would be a very
nice occasion with pipers from Doune and Belgium and
maybe, just maybe, there will be some participation from
the local pipe band sponsors, the Deanston Distillery. All of
this is planned for the last weekend in July so put that date in
your diaries.
Unfortunately, the meeting moved on to things less pleasant.
It turns out that the sterling work done by our Chair in trying
to get the old parish church put to good use rather than left to
fall down has not been appreciated by Stirling Council. In an
effort to get some form of a grant to enable the community
to have a chance of converting the church building into
something useful, Stirling Council reminded us that this was
a listed building, adding they would not tolerate any form
of demolition. Another Stirling Council department had
withdrawn from trying to get a grant on the basis that the
building could not be changed at all, a conclusion based on
one person’s opinion concerning listed buildings.
Dougie Morrison talked briefly about the Resilience Fund
for Doune. Apparently this is an initiative, led by Stirling
Council, designed to cope with emergency situations in
the area. For example, if an area were to be flooded and
residents had to leave their homes, then the emergency plan
would kick in and people would have a place to sleep and get
hot food.
The Treasurer’s report told us that there were funds of over
£4000 in the bank, much of which had been earmarked for
community improvements. The Treasurer also made a plea
for the old Doune telephone box to be done up in time for the
Gala.
Richard Bird complained about the lack of response from the
authorities concerning the disgraceful state of the footway
between Fir Road and Deanston Distillery which has not
been swept for at least ten months; this is supposed to be
a tourist area. The Argaty Road is a mess and we were
promised by SC this would be repaired after the alterations
to the Dunblane Road at the junction with Hill o’ Row some
two years or more ago. There has been no sign of repairs
to the Teith Bridge since the wall was knocked down last
February or of sorting the footway surfacing between Muir
Hall and the Teith Bridge.
Finally, we were reminded that all members of the KCC
will be standing down next October when elections take
place. Any budding politicians out there, who would like to
get involved with the KCC and help the community, take
note: now is your chance. Start writing your profile and get
some selfies done ready to do mail shots to the locals in the
Kilmadock area.
Birdman
The next meeting of the KCC will be 11 June at 7.45pm in
Deanston School
4

Kilmadock Development Trust News
Information Centre and Post Office
Karen Ross on behalf of the KDT expressed her thanks to
all the volunteers and directors who gave their time and hard
work to facilitate the move from the Woodside and transform
the Village Store into a new home for the Information and
Heritage Centre and Post Office. There were a number of
people who made efforts above and beyond the norm in
making this possible - and some who continue to do so in
supporting both ventures.
We are obviously keen that people should make good use
of the Post Office so we can make it sustainable. We will
regularly let you know what services the Post Office provides
and of which you may well not be aware: for instance,
did you know that you can pay cheques into your bank by
filling out a paying-in slip for your account then putting it
in an envelope obtainable from the Post Office? It works;
I’ve tried it! The money will be in your account within 48
hours, and you will have been saved a trip to Stirling. Pop
into the Post Office to find out if your bank is one of those
with which they have this arrangement. You can also pay in
cash and obtain cash with a cash card from your bank. You
can get your travel money from the Post Office by ordering
in advance. You can also get a gift card at the Post Office
counter (available at over 100 stores) saving you a trip to the
metropolis.
Publicity and Marketing
It was agreed that Facebook should continue to be used:
updates, particularly on the Post Office and Information
Centre, will be posted regularly.
Park Project
The play park is now complete (see p13). There have been
complaints about the location of the ‘flying fox’ zip-wire, but
generally everyone is delighted.
Jim Rice-McDonald
New Call from the Health Centre
Telephone consultations
Following review, we have recently made some changes to
the way patients call in to speak to the doctors.
Previously, patients would phone at certain times and wait to
be put through to a GP to discuss their issues. However, we
feel that this system can often cause long waits for patients
on the call; it can also cause delays for other patients finding
themselves unable to get through and it often creates chaos
for the GPs who may be trying to deal with several phone
calls simultaneously.
Now, when a patient calls in wishing to speak to a GP, the
receptionist will take his or her details and pass them on to
the GPs; one of us will call the patient back. If you wish to
speak to a particular GP then just let the receptionist know.
The receptionist may also ask you what your call concerns.
She is not being nosy! It allows the GP to have a quick look
at the relevant notes and perhaps even pass the message on to
the most appropriate GP to deal with the problem. Sometimes
the GP may not be able to call back immediately but we will
always attempt to answer every message before the end of
the day.
As this system is new, we expect some teething problems so,
if any patients have any feedback on how it is working, and
on ways to improve it then we would be happy to hear your
thoughts and suggestions.
Dr Julie Reid
5

Kilmadock’s Marathon Runners: a force for good
Kilmadock runners turned out in force on Sunday 29
April for the second Stirling Marathon and the first
Half Marathon, many of them achieving personal bests
(PBs) and raising healthy
sums of money for favourite
causes.
The Marathon started at
8.30 and the Half at 9.30
from Stirling’s Millennium
Way. Both were gruelling
courses: the Half went past
the Albert Hall to the town
centre, headed to the Peak,
then out to Blairlogie. The
Marathon joined the Half
Ian and Laura Cuthbert at the roundabout after
Causewayhead. It turned
right after Blairlogie, along a single track road which
took runners to the Alloa road then back to the Peak
and the town centre to finish near Kings Park.
Angela Greenwood, Kelly Shamoo and
Heather McKay all finished the Half
Marathon in a joint venture between
Doune Ponds and the Doune and
Deanston Youth Project, raising £1400
to be shared equally between the two
groups. At the Woodland Group event
held on 19 May (see p15) the trio were
publically thanked for their efforts.
Kerry Watkin completed the Half in
2hrs 7mins, raising over £100 for the
Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.
Kenny Campbell
Among several running in aid of
Cancer Research were Ian and Laura Cuthbert of
Keltie Place, Deanston, who ran the Half in memory
of Laura’s late step-dad Barry Morris. Barry died two
years ago after being diagnosed with an aggressive
brain tumour. Laura told The
Bridge: “I have been a keen
runner for around 13 years
but hadn’t run much further
than 10k since Barry was
diagnosed so a half marathon
was a challenge. My husband
wanted to join me as it was
for Barry and we decided to
dress up in Scottish attire. I
wore a mini red tartan kilt
and Ian wore blue tartan
shorts. We both wore ‘See
Alastair Hughes
you Jimmy’ hats. The crowds
loved this and spurred us
6
on, making the run much
more enjoyable. It was
fantastic, running towards
the majestic Ochil hills and
finishing to mass crowds in
the town. We made £355 for
Cancer Research and would
like to thank everyone who
donated”.
Others running in aid of
Cancer Research included
Kenny Campbell who
Neil Ferrier
completed the Marathon in
3hrs 46 mins, raising over
£400, also in tribute to family members, and Alastair
Hughes, who completed the Marathon in 4hrs 46mins,
raising over £600.
Kenny Campbell was one of several who ran in aid of
Cancer Research.
One of our local doctors, Julie Reid ran
the Half. Julie told The Bridge: “It was
my first one and so I was quite pleased
with my time of 2hrs 14mins though, as
the course measured 13.3 miles rather than
13.1 miles, I feel I should have reduced
my time by about two minutes! I ran it
as a personal challenge but am aiming to
run the full Stirling Marathon next year
for charity. I am undecided about which
charity so perhaps Bridge readers could
help me decide? I should prefer it to be
local charity if possible”.
Neil Ferrier ran the Marathon in 3hrs 31mins, a PB.
Although Neil didn’t intend to run for charity several
people donated money
to him in support of the
Cardiomyopathy Association
and some £190.00 was been
sent off. Neil says thanks for
all the support.
William Millar also contacted
The Bridge: “I recently
moved to Deanston from
West Lothian (August).
The Half Marathon was my
first outing as a Dunblane
Running Club member. I
William Millar (l)
finished in 1hr 36mins. The
route was fantastic, though the last two miles were all
uphill! It was a great event and really well supported by
... contd. on p7

... contd. from p6
the community. My son (6) had a great time cheering
the runners on.” William is keen to bring together
runners of all abilities from the area and, in time, he
says, would like to set up a local weekly Park Run.
Watch this space!
Tracey Stewart, from
the Red Kite Nursery
ran the Half, only her
second, so was very
chuffed to gain a PB of
2.17.52. Her husband
Phil made it from
piping with the band to
be first out of the traffic
cordons, to see Tracey
finish at Kings Park.
Among other locals
Iola Wilson (l) and friend Claire
who ran the Half were
Helen Cluett (1hr 57mins); Iola Wilson who was
pleased to hit her target of under 2.5 hours, Moira
Kay (2hrs 26mins) and Liz
Donaldson (2hrs 11mins).
This was not a PB says Liz,
but faster than the Angus Half
two weeks previously which
was extremely hilly! Liz will
be taking part in the Glasgow
to Edinburgh Big Walk in
July for the British Heart
Foundation 100km/62miles.
The Bridge salutes all our
local runners, whether this
article managed to catch up
with them or not. See you
next year!
and Some More Marathon Magic ...
Laura Gemmel (l) and Tracey Stewart (r)
Juliet McCracken
Doune street photos by Peter Herbert
7

It’s Gala Time!
Doune Gala Weekend begins on Friday 15 June with ‘It’s a Hoe Doune’ ceilidh. From 7.30 – 11pm join us in the Moray Park
marquee for dancing, competitions and entertainment. This is an over 18s event and the tickets are already on sale from Doune
Library, priced £5. The Red Lion will be hosting a beer tent.
Saturday 16 June, brings us Gala Day itself from 12.30 – 5pm. The theme for the day is ‘I do like to be beside the seaside’. As
part of the Gala Event children (and adults) are welcome to enter a fancy dress competition. The cash prizes are sponsored by a
local business and will be awarded to the children on the day. Entrants should gather in Graham Street for judging at 12.30pm.
At 1pm the parade will meet with the Doune Pipe Band at the Cross and we will all make our way towards the Moray Park, led
by our Royal Party.
In the park, after the official opening of the Gala, we will crown the King and Queen. Thereafter there will be competitions,
music, tea in the tent, BBQ, races, stalls and fun until 5pm. Stall hire is available, also from Doune Library.
The miniature garden competition (5s and over) and ladybird colouring competition (under 5s) will also be judged in the
Marquee. Entries must be in by 9.30am on Saturday 16 June. Trays for miniature gardens and templates for ladybirds are
available from the committee or from Doune Library.
Our Gala Day gives local groups and charities the opportunity to raise funds for good causes, as well as providing a fantastic
family day out for the people of Doune and the surrounding area. Money raised by Doune Gala Committee goes towards various
community events and of course to the continued running of this fabulous, free, annual event. To host it our Committee have
raised funds throughout the year with pub quizzes, gin tasting and Duck Gin-go games. We thank everyone who has supported
these efforts and, therefore, the Gala!
Sunday 17 June is Duck Race Day when our ducks race along the river to the Pier, where everyone is welcome to join us from
11am. Ducks are available on Gala Day from the Marquee and at the Pier before the race! This event is sponsored by Struthers
& Scott Veterinary Practice who have generously donated the prizes (£50, first; £30, second; and £20, third). Several other prizes
will also be awarded.
Doune Gala Committee hopes you can join us for this fabulous weekend of events and look forward to seeing you there. We
thank local businesses for their support and sponsorship, especially WFT for their contribution. Doune Gala Committee also
welcomes help leading up to the event, and over the course of the weekend. Please be in touch if you can offer suggestions,
ideas or time, to help keep our traditional Gala going.
Contact us on dounegala@hotmail.com, 07810 628 512 or see us on Facebook.
Doune Gala 2018
Saturday 16 June
MORAY PARK DOUNE
I do like to be
beside the seaside
Judging of Fancy Dress
Graham Street at 12.30.
Parade to Moray Park at 1.00
Yes
You!
Alison McAlpine
Could you
spare an hour
or two to help
Doune Gala Crew
Dog Display, Music, Stalls, Entertainment,
Pipe Band, Fun Fair, Beer Tent, Races,
BBQ, Ice Cream, Raffle & Silent Auction.
For Further Information or details regarding Stall Hire contact:
dounegala@hotmail.com or ‘phone 07810 628 512 or see us on
If you would like to get involved:
‘phone: 07810 628 512
e-mail: dounegala@hotmail.com
like us on Facebook
or pop into Doune Library
g
dDoune c
Gala
Committee
8

Forget van Dyke: Discover van Doune!
Come and meet a collection of fabulous local artists whose diverse work will be exhibited and
demonstrated for Open Studios, now Forth Valley ArtBeat, at Northland House on the Thornhill Road.
Judy Shaw Stewart is a self-confessed ‘messy artist’ who
enjoys painting as relaxation. More often than not it’s beauty
in the ordinary that catches her eye. She enjoys working with
mixed media, using collage as a base layer, with pastel or
acrylic on top. Before starting classes at the Leith School of
Art, Judy’s favourite form of painting was botanical
art, but now she’s inspired by journeys near and far;
whether its a bus trip to Orkney or an expedition to
Grytviken, South Georgia.
Jane Buchanan née Campbell’s family have
lived in Doune for 150 years. She graduated from
Gray’s School of Art in 1995 and has exhibited
with Scotland’s top galleries alongside artists such
as Pam Carter and Peter Howson. Working in oils
or acrylics Jane uses a vibrant palette to paint a variety of
subjects, including flowers, landscapes and still life. For this
exhibition she has turned to colourful art deco lifeguard huts,
which formed the backdrop to her recent wedding on a Miami
beach.
Jo Pudelko’s work consists of mixed-media jewellery and
small-scale objects, with the occasional accompanying screen
print. She uses traditional metal work techniques and nonprecious
materials along side bio-friendly resins and found
objects, reclaimed or recycled. Her work is research-led and
underpinned by an examination of the space where the natural
and man-made worlds collide.
Mark Drury has taken up jewellery-making through the
up-cycling of antique fishing equipment and silver. He creates
bangles, necklaces and earrings, many of which appeal to the
young in spirit. Painting remains a special focus, but it now
has to fit in with jewellery, fishing, golf, housework, mowing,
and grandchildren! Mark donates all receipts to Strathcarron
Hospice.
Hermione Spencer has been painting full time since 2007,
exhibiting in Peebles, Crinan, Edinburgh and other Scottish
towns. Influenced by Scottish Colourists Cadell,
Peploe and Hunter, she works in oils with large
brush strokes and a pallet knife. Having sailed
Scotland’s West Coast for 25 years with her
husband Hugh, Hermione’s intimate knowledge of
northern land and seascapes, approaching weather
patterns and fleeting Hebridean sunshine, has
allowed her to capture our mystical, rocky, always
dramatic Atlantic coastlines.
Robin Chapman Campbell began drawing and painting as
a schoolboy. He went on to Chelsea Art School where he was
‘asked to leave’ for being ‘old fashioned’. Still marvellously
and intentionally old fashioned, for this exhibition he is using
pastels as a medium to create moody and romantic Scottish
landscapes. He too has lived in Doune for 150 years . . . okay,
not personally but you get the drift, and is Jane’s uncle (see
above).
Vicki Chapman Campbell, a crime writer who uses her
maiden name V. Clifford, is author of the Viv Fraser Mysteries
(shortlisted for the Rainbow Awards USA 2016 and the Diva
Literary Awards 2017). Vicki will be signing copies of her
books during the exhibition.
Come along and meet these wonderful artists during Open
Studios week at Northland House (access, almost opposite
Kilmadock Cemetery, will be clearly signed). The exhibition
runs from 8-17 June.
Vicki Clifford
9

Doune Means Business
A Little Bird Told Me…..
Doune residents have watched with interest over the past
months as 1 The Cross, was transformed into ‘Three Little
Birds’, a florist’s, beauty and bridal salon. Such a description,
however, doesn’t quite capture the exciting secrets behind
this new shop front.
Three Little Birds is a collective enterprise, with one roof
playing host to multiple hardworking businesswomen.
The collective is jointly run by Elaine Cherry – a florist,
responsible for the many beautiful bouquets visible through
the window – and Leigh Ronald, designer of ‘Regal Rocks’,
beautiful, jewelled, bridal hairpieces.
A salon through the back provides space for ‘Beauty by
Leigh’ (a different Leigh!) to provide facials, eyebrow
tints, and much more. You can have your makeup done by
Lynsay Gerry, gel and acrylic nails by Jen Cunningham,
party-perfect ‘up-dos’ by Toni Johnson and ‘Glamournique’
(Carina Pratt), and hair extensions put in by Megan Jayne. If
all of this pampering seems too exhausting, you can round
off with a therapeutic massage from Rosie Brown. And -
good news for grannies - on Wednesday mornings Beauty by
Leigh offers a 10% discount for the over-60s.
Three Little Birds also boasts a spray tan unit, a small
selection of gifts, and aims to cater for any and all beauty
needs – whether you are planning your own wedding or
just heading out for a special party. They also run ‘princess
parties’ for little girls, with glittery nails, games and cake;
also Hen Do pamper sessions, a slightly more grown-up
combination of beauty treatments and fizz.
Elaine and Leigh first dreamt up the idea of a wedding
collective several years ago, but the right location escaped
them. When 1 The Cross became available they knew they
had found a gem, a centrally-located shop large enough to
provide space and facilities for a wide range of beauticians.
All of the women working as part of Three Little Birds
are working mums, many of whom had previously offered
services out of their own homes. The collective, Elaine
Aw’ra’burds: (l-r) Elaine Cherry, Megan Jayne, Jen
Cunningham, Leigh Aitchison, Leigh Ronald, Lynsay Gerry
and Rosie Brown. Photo by Weirdie Grizzly.
says, enables everyone to help each other out, whilst the
shop provides a common space and, crucially, company for
otherwise independent practitioners. When they are in the
shop together – whether making up flower arrangements,
designing jewellery, or painting nails – it ‘doesn’t really feel
like work’.
Three Little Birds had their launch night on 12 March 2018,
with Elaine estimating that more than a hundred people came
through the doors throughout the evening to enjoy Tunnocks
teacakes, Irn Bru and, of course, prosecco. Since then they
have enjoyed ‘amazing local support’, and are looking
forward to welcoming locals and visiting wedding parties
alike to have their hair coiffed, nails polished, and backs
massaged. The Bridge wishes them many more years of
work that ‘doesn’t really feel like work’.
Dawn Hollis.
Nice as Pie
Feeling peckish? Facing a family invasion with nothing in the fridge? Did you know that you can pick
up an award-winning, fresh-from-the-oven pie right here in Doune?
A newcomer to the Innes Park industrial estate, near the
Ponds, is the Trossachs Pie and Pastry Company, which
opened on 9 April. For the past six years, David and Rachel
Stewart have owned and run the Taste of the Trossachs shop
in Callander. With demand for their pies soaring in the wake
of several prestigious awards including, last year, top trophy
at the Scotch Pie World Championships (the sign outside the
door proclaiming the premises to be ‘The World Famous Pie
Shop’ is no idle boast), the Stewarts decided to concentrate
on the wholesale side of the business.
Today about 1000 pies leave their Doune premises every
week for shops all over Scotland - as far away as Ullapool
and as near as Deanston: anything from traditional, round
Scotch pies to mighty three-pounders. Fillings range from
the traditional steak mince and onion, to the lofty ‘Balmoral’
(chicken, bacon and haggis in a whisky sauce’) and the
top award-winning ‘Breakfast pie’ (egg, bacon, lorne
sausage and beans). New combinations are constantly being
introduced into their pies, steak bakes and bridies: watch out
for chicken and leek any day soon.
Although their growing list of wholesale customers is
the mainstay of the business, David and Rachel say they
welcome individual callers at Unit 5, Innes Park. The fact
that, at the Farmers’ Market held in Doune on 19 May, the
Contd. on p11
10

Doune Means Business
Nice as Pie contd. from p10
Stewarts cleared 130 pies in 90 minutes suggests they will
have plenty! For special orders it’s best to call 841177: the
day before is ideal, but 30 minutes will do in an emergency.
David and Rachel have years of experience in the meat and
catering trades respectively. Their spotless, purpose-built
premises are filled with the latest stainless steel equipment
for slow-cooking, fast baking and convenient packaging;
a gigantic, walk-in fridge keeps everything fresh. As the
business expands they hope to take on employees and to
move towards using only Scottish-reared meat in their
products.
The Bridge welcomes the Stewarts to Doune and wishes
their new venture well.
Find out more at www.trossachspieandpastrycompany.com
Juliet McCracken
David and Rachel: making mincemeat of the competition
Walking into David Assenti’s workshop in Doune, you could
be forgiven for thinking you had stumbled onto the set of
The Borrowers. His miniature creations of plated food are
unbelievably realistic works of art.
David began making miniature market stalls some 35 years
ago when his elder daughter saw one in Harrods that she
liked. He began by using salt dough, which he painted, and
then, around 20 years ago, he discovered Fymo. Being able
to blend different colours has allowed him to achieve more
subtle and accurate shades.
A vast array of implements are used by David to achieve
incredible accuracy in his creations: from dental instruments
to needlepoint drills, razor sharp knives, wire brushes,
toothbrushes, toothpicks and graters. The alchemy is
complete when he bakes the finished miniatures in the oven.
When David’s work was shown on
social media, he began to receive
commissions from around the world,
particularly from America where
collecting and furnishing dolls’ houses as
displays, is a hobby which fuels a large
industry, with the houses themselves
costing thousands of dollars.
David usually works on a 1:12 scale. A
full size dinner plate is 12 inches across
so David makes 1 inch plates and scales
all the food down to match. His most
recent commission, however, to produce
miniatures for a client’s Barbie doll
collection, was a departure from this as
Dolly Mixtures
the scale had to be increased to 1:6. He is currently working
on an Edwardian banquet.
David’s hobby has become a way of life since he retired and
his many commissions have led to a whole new venture for
him. His success is due to his supreme patience, attention
to detail and being a perfectionist - although his wife Ailsa
attributes it to his being ‘a picky individual’!
And the original market stalls are now being played with by
their grandchildren.
Those of you who would like to see more of David’s work
can search Facebook for The Wee Deli or visit www.etsy.
com/shop/TheWeeDeli.
Annette Oliver
A Barbie-scale feast; for more of David’s miniatures, turn to our back cover
11

Doune Means Business
Laura Beaumont Couture
How very appropriate with weddings in the news at the moment to hear about Laura
Beaumont who makes bespoke luxury bridalwear and accessories, together with motherof-the-bride
outfits.
Laura, who comes originally from Devon, has
had a love of fashion since the age of five and
after graduating with a 1st class honours degree
in fashion design she designed lingerie in the
United States for Abercrombie & Fitch and then
in London for M & S. After moving to Stirling
in 2010 - her partner having secured a job at the
University - she worked as head of production at
a bridalwear factory in Dunfermline. When the
factory closed and after another job with a client
of that factory, she started working from home
in Doune, four years ago, designing and making
her own bespoke bridalwear. Laura also makes
mother-of-the-bride outfits, does alterations and
has created a gorgeous range of wedding garters;
during my visit to her house, I was fortunate
enough to see a most beautiful mother-of-thebride
dress and jacket she had designed and made.
Although she is currently working in her house,
Laura’s plan is to convert their garage into a
studio.
She discusses ideas with the client, goes through
the fabrics, makes sketches and sends these
together with costings free of charge. Laura uses several
suppliers and has seven books of fabrics together with four of
lace. The client usually has four fittings. She loves sourcing
old lace - very apt as she comes from near Honiton - to
include in her wedding garters (for the ‘something old’).
Dress by Laura; flowers by Elaine and make up by Lynsay (both from
Three Little Birds). Photo by Weirdie Grizzly photography.
Take a look at Laura’s fabulous website (www.
laurabeaumontcouture.co.uk) to find out more about her
designs.
Diana Bishop
Laura’s clients are mainly from Scotland, but she has also
made dresses for brides from London whose families are in
Perthshire. Most of her business has come through word-ofmouth
recommendations. A sample of her work can be seen
in Three Little Birds with whom she is collaborating; she is
hopeful of being able to do a photoshoot with them at Doune
Castle, which would make a wonderful backdrop for her
beautiful designs.
David McAlpine
Building Services
GEORGE MCALLISTER SERVICES
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Mob. – 07919 088278
12

Three Wee Trees
The sun shone as 25 excited children from Doune School’s Primary 3 class and their teachers joined Jimmie Innes (Chair)
and members of the KCC and the Woodland Group, together with Councillor Jeremy McDonald, for the planting of three
Purple Birch trees (donated by Landcare Solutions) at the newly opened play park area. The event was organised by Colin
MacDonald of Stirling Council Land Services and photographed by Jim Mailer.
Diana Bishop
Village Centrepieces
Hanging Baskets
It’s June again, and the hanging baskets will once more be
put in position around Main Street and the Cross, in time for
the Doune Gala.
Kilmadock Windfarm Trust has once again very generously
provided the funding for the baskets. We may also receive
financial donations from local businesses and householders
on Main Street, which will also help to re-stock the planters
in their area.
The baskets and tubs will be in place until late September.
They brighten up the centre of the village throughout the
summer, and always bring lot of favourable comments from
both local people and from visitors.
However, they require to be looked after and need watering
on a daily basis throughout the summer. We have a small
team of volunteers who share this task, but we are always
looking for additional volunteers.
If you are interested in giving a little time to help with the
watering and brighten up the village, we would love to hear
from you.
Please contact: Jim McGroarty: Tel, 01786 841622; Mob,
07552 751375
Or leave your contact details at the Information Centre.
Old Phone Box
A recent development has been the purchase by the
Kilmadock Community Council of the old Phone Box
outside the Red Lion on Balkerach Street. BT has been
closing down non-essential phone boxes throughout the
country. KCC purchased ours for the princely sum of £1 on
behalf of the community.
However, we need to do something with it!
We propose to clean it up and put some plants around it for
the Gala Day. However we are looking for suggestions for its
long-term role: to what good use could we put it? There will
be a suggestions book in the phone box for your ideas – do
please contribute.
Jim McGroarty
13

Have Wheels, Can Travel (round Doune Ponds)
As the country celebrated the Royal
Wedding on 19 May, we celebrated
something rather special here in
Doune. The official opening of the
Doune Ponds all-abilities path by local
MP Stephen Kerr is the culmination
of over three years’ hard work by
a dedicated band of volunteers, the
Doune Community Woodland Group.
The sun was shining and the event well
attended by, among others, wheelchair
users, mobility scooters and families
with buggies.
Tony Farrant opened the proceedings
with an introduction to the work of
the group. When the Woodland Group
first took over the ponds in 2014, they
began with general maintenance and
moved to building paths and steps. The
entrance was just one big muddy area!
Nearly five years later, the Group has created a fantastic
route that can be enjoyed by everyone, irrespective of
mobility. In the course of over 5000 volunteer hours, they
have constructed nearly 1000 metres of pathways. Marco and
his digger were instrumental in making the paths walkable,
so a big thanks to him for a fantastic job! Tony also noted
that they have not paid for a single contractor during the
entire project.
Different mobility scooters try out the new path system, watched from the rear by
Gordon Wilson, founder of Trossachs Mobility
‘lend a hand’ days have seen up to 15 people turn up to help
out on the project.
Stephen Kerr gave a short speech, thanking the Woodland
Group on behalf of everyone who enjoys the Ponds. He
handed a framed certificate to Tony, detailing impressive
recognition for the Group: the Early Day Motion on 15 May
2018 in the House of Commons, which cited the fact that
‘the House noted the opening of the Doune Ponds Nature
Reserve accessible walkways’.
Tony also thanked the council and the Moray Estates.
Unfortunately, Lady Moray was unable to attend the event
but she sent a message, noting that the enthusiasm and
sensitivity of the DCWG had made the Ponds one of the best
parks in the area. Lady Moray is a great supporter and can
often be seen on site on Wednesdays. Tony went on to thank
several parties for their support, including CEMEX, whose
The event was also attended by Trossachs Mobility, a nonprofit
registered charity which provides all-terrain mobility
chairs to create a comfortable and fun way to access the
countryside. Founded by Gordon Wilson in 2016, because
he ‘could not get down to the river’, they have two ATV
wheelchairs which make cycle and forest paths more
accessible. Trossachs Mobility organise guided treks of up
to four hours and do not charge for the
use of the wheelchairs, asking only for
a minimum donation of £10.
Seven-year old Emma Mary Reed
was there in her smiley-wheeled chair,
with her family. When asked what she
thought of the paths, she said: “It’s
great! Now the whole family can have
a walk with me”. Dad Chris said that at
the Easter Egg hunt two years ago, he
had had to carry Emma, but now it was
so much easier for the whole family to
enjoy the area.
As I left the group setting off around
the paths, there was a cry of ‘No
wheelies or doughnuts!’ I think it is
fair to say that the project is a colossal
success.
MP Stephen Kerr (r) presents Tony Farrant (c) of the Woodland Group with a framed
certificate, marking the achievements of the group over the past five years.
Michelle Ashford
14

Woodland Group
It’s lovely to see the Ponds transform in May, once again
the trees turn green and the bluebells are in bloom. At the
beginning of the month, the swans seemed to abandon their
original nest in the small pond by the West Hide and built a
new nest directly across the main pond from the picnic area.
Apparently it’s not unheard of for swans to build a nest in
another location if the pen (female) is not happy with the
cob’s (male’s) first attempt at constructing a nest. Fingers
crossed we’ll still see some cygnets this year!
Roe Deer are also being seen regularly at the Ponds; your
best chance of spotting one is early morning or late evening
when all is nice and quiet; Roe Deer are quite nervous
animals and will run off as soon as they see you.
Looking back to the end of April, we’d like to congratulate
Heather, Kelly and Angela, who ran the Stirling Half
Marathon to raise funds for the Doune and Deanston Youth
Project and Doune Ponds. They raised over £1400 which,
together with running 13 miles, is a fantastic achievement!
On Saturday 19 May, we officially opened the all abilities
path around the Ponds at our ‘Mobility Morning’ event
(see opposite page). Before the Woodland Group took over
management of the Ponds, the route could prove difficult to
negotiate for even the most able of visitors, due to undefined
muddy tracks with various obstacles such as fallen trees and
roots. The new circular path is the result of more than three
years of hard work by our volunteers and was completed in
many stages. Most of our volunteers had no prior experience
of path building and had to learn the process and skills
required to develop not only the new stretches of path, but
also build bridges and staircases!
June is going to be a busy month at the Ponds, with lots of
events happening. Firstly, we are running another volunteer
morning on Sunday 3 June, commencing at 10am. Both
adults and children are welcome and there will be lots of jobs
to do; so if you are interested in helping out, please come
along and bring a pair of gloves with you.
On Wednesday 6 June, we have CEMEX coming to help
out on one of their lend-a-hand days. Once upon a time, the
Doune Ponds area was a quarry managed by CEMEX. Ever
since, they have been very supportive of the work being done
to improve the Ponds. The lend-a-hand days give CEMEX
employees the opportunity to come along and get involved
with the various jobs that need to be done to make Doune
Ponds a better place for both visitors and wildlife.
We have teamed up with Forth Valley Orienteering Club and
will be hosting two beginner orienteering events on Saturday
9 June at 1.30pm and Wednesday 27 June at 5.30pm. If you
would like to get involved in these events, you just need to
turn up at the Ponds on the day, there is no need to pre-book
a space. We are also planning another event in the autumn;
further details will be available nearer the time.
The Woodland Group will have a stand at the Gala Day, so
come over, have a chat and support Doune Ponds.
If you would like to get involved in what’s happening at
Doune Ponds, or you have any feedback about how we can
make improvements, then please contact us on our Facebook
page or via dounewoodland@yahoo.com
Jane Sumner DCWG
Andrew Anderson & Sons
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15

EDITORIAL AND LETTERS
Editorial
In keeping with the season - yes, after several false starts summer does seem to have arrived at last - this edition is all about
new growth; and we’re not just talking about the seedlings flying off the tables at the ever popular Plant Sale. For a village of
its size, Doune bucks the national trend in having an unusually high number of self-employed people: undoubtedly a healthy
sign. No fewer than four new businesses are profiled on pp10-12 and there is more to come in the next edition. If you are
self employed or have started up a new business venture, however small, please let The Bridge know about it so that we can
introduce you to the neighbours.
Gin and a pie - what’s not to like? Helped by fabulous weather, Doune’s first ever Farmers’ Market was a sell-out success.
Street markets are a proven way of attracting new custom into their locality: let’s hope this latest innovation will become an
institution. What else is new? The all-abilities path round the Ponds, which officially opened on 19 May, has made a pleasant
route through the now well-tended woods newly accessible to everyone, including users of buggies and wheelchairs. There are
fresh hanging baskets in the village, even fresh hopes (again) for our long-awaited new Health Centre.
Now we just need a fresh start for the old phone box….
All letters to The Bridge must be signed and accompanied by contact details. In special cases contact details will not be
published if so requested. Letters and articles published in The Bridge do not necessarily reflect the views, beliefs or
opinions of the editorial team, who reserve the right to edit or not to publish any particular letter or article.
Letters
Dear Editor,
Ever since the new Co-op opened in Doune there has been
a growing problem with inconsiderate drivers parking on
the pavements on both sides of the road outside the shop.
Both sides already have double yellow lines but this has
not stopped vehicles mounting the pavements and being
left while the drivers pop into the shop. This blocks the
pavements and often access to nearby properties as well as
the emergency exits for the Doune Time shop next to the
Co-op.
We, Cllrs Martin Earl and Jeremy McDonald, have been
campaigning to get bollards installed on both sides of the
road by the Council that will prevent this irresponsible
parking. There have been occasions when vehicles parked
would have prevented the Fire Service from getting through
when answering a call from the Doune station that uses
this access road. This is also the main route to and from the
nearby Primary School.
The Council has agreed to install them and the bollards have
been ordered and arrived; installation was expected by the
end of May.
Councillors Martin Earl and Jeremy Donald
Dear Bridge,
Callander & West Perthshire U3A
BBQ and Barn Dance
June is the month when almost all of our groups hold
their last meetings and take a break; the session being
rounded off with a grand BBQ and Barn Dance to be
held in Gartmore Village Hall on Midsummer evening
21 June, from 7.0-10.30pm. The Riverside Ceilidh
Band will provide the beat and Skinner of Kippen
will serve the meat. Tickets at £15 are available from
group leaders. A free bus will link the villages of Killin,
Lochearnhead and Strathyre via Callander, Thornhill,
Port of Menteith and Aberfoyle to Gartmore and back.
Our AGM and Enrolment Day will be held at Callander
Kirk Hall on Thursday 23 August from 2.00-4.00pm and
further details will be published nearer the time.
Keep up to date with news and photos on our website:
Callander and Perthshire U3A.
Marguerite Kobs
At last there is good news about the Doune British Legion
Flag - it has been located. Although I haven’t seen it yet, I do
know where it is; more is happening so watch this space.
Many thanks to everyone in Doune, Dunblane and Callander
with whom I have been in contact, asking for information.
Thea Taylor Milne
16

In glorious sunshine on 19 May, the
courtyard behind the Buttercup Café
was transformed into a Farmers’ Market,
the brainchild of Stacey Campbell of
Doune Chic and organised by the Doune
Business Association. I arrived just
before 10.30, thinking I was early, only
to find lots of people already there. As it
is a relatively small area there was room
for six stalls only, but of course as well as
these there are the permanent shops – All
Seasons Pet Supplies, Doune Chic and the
Buttercup.
The variety of the stalls made sure that
there was something for everyone. Gin
seems to be the drink of the moment so
it was appropriate that the first stall was
that of Stirling Gin, offering samples of
their tipple. When the sun shines people’s
thoughts turn to what to put in their
gardens, so the plant stall offered a good
variety to choose from. Unfortunately, a
last-minute stallholder withdrawal meant
Stacey had to do some quick thinking
and make some lovely confectionery with
her mother Sue Sedgwick - who also
supported her in the project - running the
stall. Her truffles were delicious.
Another First for Doune
The ‘foodie’ end of the market had the
Trossachs Pie and Pastry Company (read
their full story on pp 10-11); two steak
pies were purchased for our lunch. My
next stop was the cheese stall and as it was called Isle of Arran Cheese I asked the stallholder if he had come all the way from
Arran: I was slightly disappointed when he said he had come from Dunblane! The cheese apparently comes once a week from
Arran in a refrigerated van. Goat’s cheese and oatcakes were purchased. A friend visiting the Arbroath Fisheries stall at 11
o’clock was hoping to purchase some scallops from them only to find that he had sold them all. What a shame he couldn’t just
pop back home for some more!
Another engagement meant we had to leave by 11 o’clock, but certainly the event ‘was going like a fair’. Well done, Stacey, it
was worth all those sleepless nights. Hopefully there will be more Farmers’ Markets.
Diana Bishop
Village Pride
We have been consistently industrious in recent weeks, extending our efforts beyond the centre of the village on one outing, to
the footpath which leads from the Wood of Doune to the main road just beyond the Woodside Hotel. This path is much used by
a number of Wood of Doune residents and has been covered with leaves making it slippery when wet. A much safer path and
pavement is now the result.
We are also in the process of obtaining planters for each entrance to the village to brighten up the verges for people driving
through Doune. To make life easier and prevent a build up of autumn leaves we are also buying a leaf vacuum, both this and
the planters have been made possible by a grant from the Windfarm Trust.
Jim Rice-McDonald
17

Leaves from a Doune Diary
Moira Buchanan’s fictional diarist continues to record life in Kilmadock during the
horrors of World War One.
Sunday 5 May 1918
The district has been in a state of anxiety following the
recent ferocious engagements but reliable news is now
coming through. David Morrison and David Mackay, both of
Doune and George Campbell of Deanston have joined James
Connelly on the list of those posted missing but we do not
give up hope. Those wounded include Roderick McKenzie
from Drumvaich and John Mailer, son of Mrs. Mailer of
Goodiebank. One of Inverardoch’s gardeners is reported as
a prisoner of war. The Doune Bed in Rouen Hospital will
benefit from a recent lecture by almost twenty-five pounds.
Sunday 12 May 1918
Lady Muir’s nephew, Lt. Col. Anderson has been awarded
a posthumous Victoria Cross. He is the fourth son of Lady
Muir’s sister to die on active service. Whether of high
or low estate what must a mother’s feelings be in such
circumstances? George Campbell has sent his father word
saying he is a prisoner of war in Germany. May it prove
so with others. And the dreaded list of Missing grows -
Andrew Campbell, a keeper at Doune Lodge and Willie
Moir of Netherton Farm. Still no word has come of Robert
Winter. I well remember his singing in the Rag-Time Octet
some thought too frivolous. Our choir gave a fine concert
this evening illustrating various kinds of church praise.
We had the Anglican prose-chant, the old style of psalm
and doxology - without accompaniment - and many others
modern and ancient.
Sunday 19 May 1918
Wednesday was a full holiday in Doune and the village was
very quiet.
Sunday 26 May 1918
Still the district awaits news of so many of our lads.
Two Deanston men are known to be in hospital and Lt.
Duncanson, of what is now the RAF, has a broken wrist after
an encounter with the Richthofen Squadron. Saddest of all
Mrs. Allan of the Lodge, Blairdrummond has official notice
that her husband was killed weeks ago in the first of the big
German Offensive. His father is Lady Muir’s coachman and
James attended Deanston School before becoming a joiner
with an excellent reputation. The couple have two children.
Sunday 2 June 1918
David Black has been killed in France. The lad was only
19 and had only been in France for a few weeks. He was a
farm worker up on the Braes of Doune. It was a shock to
hear that James Rorie of Deanston has also died for he had
been in hospital until recently. Apparently he was killed by
the premature explosion of one of our own shells. He was
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Rorie’s youngest son. They have three
others serving in France. David Morrison is a prisoner of
war, a circumstance that gives hope to all those with loved
ones on the missing list.After the recent German setback we
have been in waiting. Surely some resolution must come
soon.
Sunday 9 June 1918
James Connelly is a prisoner in Germany but this might
prove small comfort for Mrs. Cameron of Deanston has
received word that her youngest son, Alexander, has died in
captivity. Death was said to be from tuberculosis brought on
no doubt by the hardships he had to undergo, yet he wrote
only the cheeriest of letters home.
Sunday 16 June 1918
Doune is a healthful place. Of the five burghs maintaining
Stirling Combination Hospital it is unique in having had no
infectious cases for three years running. The Doune Lodge
keeper is another of the missing who is reported a prisoner in
Germany.
Sunday 23 June 1918
Deanston Mills are on short time. Due to a shortage of
supply they are only working four days a week but the
Company has generously arranged to pay the women full
time and find work for the men. We had a little ceremony on
Friday in Bridge of Teith Church to honour Robert Thomson
of the Brioch and David Bennet, both elders who have
achieved twenty-five years’ service. Doune is well served in
its scholars. Ruth MacEwen is Dux of 5th Year at McLaren
High School with Margaret Merrie third. Martha Reid is
Dux equal of 2nd Year and several other young folk are
prizewinners.
Captain Stroyan, Lanrick’s heir, is to marry in July – war
permitting.
Sunday 30 June 1918
Deanston School gave a variety entertainment in aid of the
Red Cross in the square on Tuesday before closing for the
summer. It was a full programme and won £3.8s in total from
the audience.
Moira Buchanan
18

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all
involved in the plant sale at the Rural
Hall, whether you donated your produce
or your time, or whether you attended and
supported the sale! This popular village
event goes from strength to strength and a
great day was had by all on 20 May. A lot
of hard work goes on behind the scenes,
either in nurturing plants, baking cakes
or in general organisation but I hope you
agree that it was all well worth the effort.
Plant Sale Bonanza
With cherry blossom coating the ground
the gazebo went up by the front door,
shading tables laden with wonderfully
healthy plants, an attractive invitation
to passers by. Around 350 people came
through the gate to stock up on plants,
chutneys and cakes, also to enjoy a sit-down over a drink
with friends whilst tucking into delicious homemade
sandwiches or soup followed by a tasty cake.
The hall was filled with home produce: Julia was selling
her wonderful chutneys while sisters Maureen and Brenda
from Pots ’n’ Plants had created brilliant hanging baskets
and pot arrangements plus an enormous array of little plants
for people to take home to fill their own containers. Bob
Mitchell worked hard sharpening tools, making them much
more efficient in the garden. George from Mo-lawn brought a
fantastic mix of bedding and veg plants; if people found they
hadn’t taken enough then Stockbridge, where Mo-lawn is
based, is only just down the road!
The day was extremely successful: well over £1000 was
raised and this will be shared between the upkeep of the
Rural Hall and the allotments.
Our next event is the Doune Gala on 16 June, please
come along and visit our stall: there will be plenty more
wonderfully healthy plants with which to fill your gardens!
If you don’t need any then please just come and say hello
anyway!
Let’s hope the sun keeps shining.
Photograph by Peter Herbert
Sarah Corser
19

Diary of Community Events June/July
20

What’s On
It’s a hoe doune !!!
Gala Eve Ceilidh
Friday 15 June
IN THE MARQUEE
MORAY PARK DOUNE
Riverside Ceilidh Band
Raffle & Interval Games
dg
Doune
Gala
Committee
c
7.30 - 11.00pm
Licensed, over 18’s only please.
Tickets £5 from Doune Library
or ‘phone 07810 628 512
31st Doune Gala FUN RUN
6k & 2.5k
17 th JUNE 2018, MORAY PARK, DOUNE
9.30 for 10am START
WANT TO JOIN IN THE FUN
BUT NOT RUN!!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
MARSHALS, TIMEKEEPERS,
GENERAL SETUP/CLEARDOWN
FIRST AIDERS
Please message:
Fbpage: Harveys Gala Fun Run
Organised by Doune and Deanston Sport and Leisure Club,
kindly sponsored by HARVEY, mapmakers of Doune
21

School Report
Doune Primary School
Adventurous Residential Trip to Dalguise
When we first arrived, I didn’t know what to expect. I had
been to Scout camps before and had tried various other
similar activities, so I was well prepared for the trip. First of
all, I was told which activity group I was in and then it was
straight to the activities. The first activity that we did was
archery which was not too much of a challenge considering
that I had done it before. Almost all of my arrows were
within the target which was quite surprising, and I was very
pleased with myself. I had met some new friends within that
time including our group leader Mr Adams who was very
friendly and gave us lots of support. I really enjoyed my time
at Dalguise, as did everyone who attended. I think I would
like to do it all again soon.
Charlie Black P7
French Competition
We entered a French competition called Linguachef where
we learned a recipe in French and filmed ourselves making it.
We baked a cake called Gallette des Rois which is a cake that
is used for a French celebration of the three kings meeting
baby Jesus. We made the cake out of puff pastry, apricot
jam, eggs, butter, crushed almonds and sugar. We baked it in
the oven for 30 minutes and hid four small ceramic charms
which are called les féves. When the cake is ready everyone
gets a slice. The person who finds the les féves is king or
queen for the day.
Lexie Bowden, Kamran Shamoo, Eleanor Hutchison and
Jack Gowrie
P3 Jupiter Artland Trip
On 25 April we went to Jupiter Artland. On the way we got
mixed up with the one in Falkirk and the one in Edinburgh,
so it took about two hours for us to get to Edinburgh. When
we got there, we had a tour guide called Lauren who led
us through the sculptures. The first sculpture we saw was
called the rose walk. There were two different styles. One
was called Gothic style and the other was Chinoiserie. The
first one looked like a castle and the second looked Chinese.
We then looked at the hills which were called cells of life.
We went up them and had a lovely view of the countryside.
Below there was a lake which we were told had piranhas in
it! There was an angry swan guarding the lake. After that
we went to the classroom and had a snack and played in the
garden. We looked at a sculpture called Suck which was a
deep hole with a cage around it and no one could see the
bottom of it. Then we went inside a sculpture called Stone
House which was a little house and the floor was made of
bumpy bedrock. Afterwards we designed our own versions of
the rose walk. We all really enjoyed our trip and felt inspired
to design our own gardens.
Eleanor Hutchison
22

School Report
Visitors from ‘The Bridge’
Ken and Juliet from The Bridge came to talk to us about
how to write a newspaper article. They gave us tips on how
to write a good article e.g. don’t make it too chatty and write
no more than 500 words. Ken and Juliet helped us to write
imaginary articles e.g. about a trip to Lapland and there
was also one about Mrs Maxwell being taken away by a
giant eagle when she was on playground duty! Although the
subjects were funny, we had to write the articles seriously
as they couldn’t be told like a story and had to be like a
newspaper report instead. It was quite tricky because most of
us wrote it like a story.
We really enjoyed their visit because Ken and Juliet also
told us about their jobs, Ken is a geologist and Juliet is a
journalist. She told us some stories about her travels; she has
visited lots of countries like China and India.
Maddie P5 Chloe P4
Visit from a Poet
The Smith Art Gallery resident poet, John Coutts visited P4-7
last week and taught us some very valuable lessons on poetry
and what good rhythm and rhyme sound like. John read us
some of his poems then we had to add two more lines to the
poem. It was a really fun activity, we recorded our poems
and played them back – John was very impressed with our
efforts!
John also told us about a poetry competition we can take part
in; we have been inspired by his poems and are writing our
own and will enter this competition – watch this space to see
if any of us win!
Jamie P6 Chloe P4
P7 Transition Trip to Dalguise
The P7s will never forget our trip to Dalguise as part of our
transition to McLaren High School. We started off our trip by
going to Doune PS to get picked up by the bus. When we got
to the bus we put our bags in and got on, we were so excited
and when we got there we had our lunch on the basketball
court. Then we went inside because it started raining. After
we finished our lunch we went to our dorms and then we
did trapeze and fencing. The next day we did some more
activities.
Our favourite activities were the giant swing (Matthew) and
Zip Line (Scott). At the giant swing we had to work together
as a team to pull back a rope to make the swing go higher.
When you were at the top (when it was your turn to sit on
the swing) you released the catch and the swing went flying
through the air and catapulted you forward, then back! It was
absolutely amazing and took my breath away. On the zip
wire, you had to hook yourself onto the wire (it was super
high up!); then you jumped off and zoomed along the wire
very very fast. At the end you were pinged back; it was a
long way off the ground and I was bit worried I would fall
off but it was exhilarating.
The activities were awesome but the best part was making
new friends from other schools. We have told next year’s P7
that it was an experience not to be missed!
Matthew and Scott P7
Deanston Primary School
23

School Report
Red Kite Nursery
Our Summer Term was off to a busy start with
lots of gardening to be done: the children
gathered up leaves and weeds and prepared the
soil for all the potatoes they had left chitting in
a cosy dark shoe box over the Easter holidays.
Indoors we have enjoyed using pipettes,
droppers and test tubes to mix colours and
create rainbow crystals and marbled paper.
Our mixing skills were put to good use with
some bread making too. The children also
enjoyed coming to Nursery in their pyjamas for
our annual Crackerjacks fundraiser and were
very proud to raise £50 for such a good cause:
wearing our pyjamas made our Yoga session
much easier too!
We are looking forward to our annual visit from
Zoolab and our trip to Auchingarrick Wildlife
park; funded by the proceeds of our Luxury
Hamper Raffles - look out for our stall at the
Doune Gala!
Tracey Stewart
Young artists mixing colours with pipettes
Arnhall Day Nursery
Arnhall have been very busy this past month. The
boys and girls have been enjoying continuing to
visit our local care home where they have been
participating in a wide range of activities. They got
to meet the new fluffy ducklings at the care home,
an experience enjoyed by all.
We had a day where we invited our families along
to help spruce up our garden. This was a huge
success; everyone worked really hard, as can be
seen in how good the garden looks now.
We celebrated Superhero Day recently where
everyone dressed up as their favourite superhero.
All the staff and children had lots of fun taking
part.
We have just had our annual Fun Day which
was enjoyed by all of our staff and families. The
bouncy castle and mascots were a huge hit with the
children and we raised a grand total of £642.36 for
charity.
Superhero Day
Lesley Crumley
24

School Report
Toddling On
Baby and Toddlers Group
We are on the move! Doune Baby and Toddlers is delighted to announce that we have secured fabulous new premises in the
heart of our community. From August 2018, we will be running our weekly group from the Rural Hall. The Rural Hall offers
generous indoor and outdoor space for the children to enjoy. We will using this opportunity to arrange a big toy clear-out and
will replace discarded toys with wonderful new ones for the children to explore in the new term.
The structure of our group will not change. We will continue to run each Thursday from 10.30am, term-time. Importantly,
we will still be completely dependent on all attending parents and carers to continue to assist in the running of the group by
participating in the weekly rota.
We will be holding our AGM at the Woodside Hotel on the evening of Friday 1 June, during which we shall be looking to
appoint a new Chair, Secretary and Treasurer, also General Committee Members. Our AGM is a fantastic opportunity for
parents and carers to learn what our group has achieved, discuss with us our shared vision for the future 12 months at Toddlers,
as well as to socialise outside our usual environment.
Carrie McMillan
Battle of Bannockburn
Anniversary Tour
Stirling Walking Tours, based in Deanston, have arranged
a special tour on the anniversary of Scotland’s greatest
battle, Join Stirling Council’s Resident Archaeologist
Dr Murray Cook on a guided walk, following the route
taken by the Scots to the English camp and Day Two
of the Battle, an uncommemorated day of mud, blood
and destiny. Learn about the tactical decisions taken by
Scotland’s greatest king, a military genius and innovator,
who learned from Wallace and won Scotland its freedom.
The Battle of Bannockburn, which took place over
two days in June 1314, is the single most important
conflict in Scottish history. For Day One, which is
commemorated at the National Trust Bannockburn
Centre, Robert the Bruce had assembled his biggest
ever army. He knew where and when the English were
coming; they fell into his trap and he gave them a bloody
nose! Scotland needed to beat the English, but to push
ahead for a second engagement against fresh troops, who
outnumbered the Scots two to one, on ground they did
not know and on which they had not trained was surely
madness? Could Bruce pull off the biggest gamble in
Scottish history to win its greatest prize?
Date 2pm Sunday 24 June
Meeting Point Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre
(Stirling FK7 0LJ)
Tour Duration 3 hours, finishing back at the Visitor
Centre
Prices Adult £10, Concessions £8, Family (2 adults and
up to 3 children £25)
To Book: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/thebattle-of-bannockburn-anniversary-guided-walktickets-46013273941
Jason Clark, Stirling Walking Tours
Excellent Rated
Red Kite Community Nursery
Upstairs in the Muir Hall, Doune
NEW EXTENDED HOURS FROM AUGUST 2018
9am until 3pm Monday to Friday (term time)
6 fully funded hours per day (30 hours per week) during term-time.
Local authority places still available* and also fee-paying places.
Give us a call or email us and come and see inside our award-winning
nursery, a look around our fabulous garden and have a chat with our
experienced team.
*We are still accepting applications for funded places for 2018/19
academic year. You will receive 6 fully funded hours per day (30
hours per week) during term time.
01786 841752
(enquiries@redkitecommunitynursery.org.uk)
Charity SC016050
25

SPORT
Doune Castle AFC Match Reports
Tuesday 8 May
Glasgow University 0 Doune Castle 2
Two stunning goals from Lukasz Duszynski in the second half secured the points for Doune.
The sides remained locked at 0-0 at the interval and it was not until the 60th minute that Doune broke the deadlock with a
stunning goal from Lukasz and 12 minutes later he directed a ferocious low shot well beyond the keeper and into the far
corner of the net to make it 2-0.
Glasgow battled back and forced Doune on to the back foot with a sustained period of pressure. The Castle defence was
in no mood to capitulate with David Innes, Kenny Feaks and Chris Dougherty sharp in the tackle and dominant when the
ball was crossed into the area. Doune thoroughly deserved this hard-earned victory, with Lukasz Duszynski producing the
game’s highlights with his two wonder strikes.
Saturday 19 May
Thorn Athletic 2 Doune Castle 1
Doune endured a cruel end to this match when dominating the later stages. An Alan More shot crashed off the cross bar as
they pressed for the winner but it was Thorn who took the points.
Thorn went 1-0 up after six minutes and held their lead until the interval. Twelve minutes after the restart Doune deservedly
made it 1-1. Kerr Murphy, Alan Inglis and Lukasz Duszynski combined and it was Duszynski who squared the ball across
the goal for Jonny Burns to slot it home. Two strong Doune claims for penalties were turned down by the referee and when
seven minutes from the end Alan More hit the cross bar Doune felt the fates were against them. With Doune still pushing
forward, Thorn hit them with a counter attack to make it 2-1 with an unchallenged finish from 12 yards. Doune went close
twice in added time in their attempt to salvage a point to help the battle against relegation but to no avail.
Ian Sommerville
Nigel Bishop
Station Wynd
Doune
FK16 6DT
01786 842412
rtaplanthire1@hotmail.co.uk
RTA plant hire is an independent company supplying
plant to trades and DIY for 15 years. We provide a
prompt and reliable service at competitive rates delivering
across Central Scotland.
Garden Clearances
Snow clearing
Site work
Haulage
Labour/hire
Small/large jobs
Flood prevention
Emergency call outs 24/7
Tractor services
Stump grinding services
Excavators
Dumpers
Paslode repairs/service
Trailers
Snow shovels, salt etc
Small tools
ie garden machinery,
wallpaper strippers,
power washers,
mixers, carpet cleaners
26

SPORT
Doune Cricket Club
After the previous two years’ success
playing in the Strathmore and Perthshire
Cricket Union (SPCU) Recreational and
Development League, coming second both
times, Doune are again playing Sunday
league cricket. There are also Wednesday
evening West Stirlingshire League
(WSL) games, a great format for player
development (3 overs per bowler/30 runs
per batsman). Dheraj Shamoo and Iain
MacGregor continue their excellent work
with the juniors. Details of fixtures etc. are
at http://doune.play-cricket.com. Home
games are played at The Grazings, behind
the Primary School, on what is one of the
best village grounds in the country, a credit
to the hard work of Scott McDonald and
George Brownlee.
Doune vs Kinross – SPCU League
(06/05/18)
Doune won by 7 wickets.
Our first game of the season saw Doune
travel to Loch Leven Larder to take
on Kinross. Although a sunny day, the
ground was wet and it was only due to
their artificial pitch that the game could
be played. Their Captain, who has proved to be a thorn in Doune’s side on several occasions, decided to bat first but was soon
walking back to the pavilion, caught at long off from the bowling of Caspar Wright. With Scott McDonald applying pressure
at one end, Dheraj Shamoo weaved his magic at the other, claiming 4 wickets with a combination of out swingers, leg spinners
and doosras. Other wicket takers were the other Wright brother, Tobias, making his debut for the club, Allan Douglas-Munn
and Alastair Hughes, Kinross finishing on 153 for 9. Doune’s opening batsman blunted the Kinross attack and gradually took
the game out of their reach with a partnership of 120 between Jamie Corser (48) and Chris Geddes (72 not out), Geddes seeing
the team home with 3 wickets down.
Doune vs Freuchie – National Village Cup (13/05/18) Match Ball sponsored by Stirling Gin
Freuchie won by 10 wickets.
Playing previous cup winners, Freuchie was always going to be a tough task but Doune were up for the challenge. Asked to bat
first, Doune were doing reasonably well at 44 for 1, but lost wickets regularly, eventually reaching 105 for 9 in the 40 overs,
Corser scoring 27 and McDonald’s 29 n.o. ensuring we batted the allotted 40 overs. Freuchie’s openers had the odd slice of
luck but without the pressure of chasing a high score, they eased to victory. Doune didn’t look out of place against superior
opposition but the difference in league position (and age!) told in the end.
On the non-playing side, we held two social events hosted by our club sponsor, The Red Lion. Firstly we enjoyed the odd G
and T, sampling local produce from Stirling Gin, accompanied by entertaining commentary by Co-owner Cameron McCann.
Secondly, thanks are due to Jim Craig, who as the Sports Quiz Master, posed questions as varied as Scotland World Cup songs
and people claiming that the world is run by shape-shifting aliens. The winning team was Scott McDonald, Allan Douglas-
Munn, Ally Schofield, and Phil
Stewart.
We have the following upcoming
home games and would like to
thank our ball sponsors;
National Village Cup game - Doune CC team.
Front l-r: Chris Geddes, Scott McDonald, Jamie Corser, Chris Whitehead,
Dheraj Shamoo. Back l-r: Allan Douglas-Munn, Danny Clark, John Robertson,
Ally Schofield, Grant Cordner, Nigel Willby
Jamie Corser
27

SPORT
Doune Castle Bowling Club
It has been a very busy start to the
2018 season for our bowlers and
we’ve already had the first silverware
won in three competitions.
On Sunday 29 April, the Morrison
Pairs was played on a dry but
windy afternoon. After a good
final, eventual winners were Jamie
McKenna and Kenny Murdoch
who defeated Jane Schofield and
Lauren McGowan. Saturday 5 May
the Campbell Triples was played.
Again, we were very lucky weather
wise (until the final!). Members
enjoyed a great afternoon of sunshine
(mostly!) and banter. Winners
of the competition were Maud
McGowan, Ally MacFarlane and
Harvey Robertson who defeated
Jane Schofield, James Wray and
Alan Johnstone in the final. The
final club competition to be played
to date was the Macintosh Pairs on
Sunday 13 May. This game was
played in glorious weather and we
were delighted to welcome members
of the Macintosh family to the club. Campbell Triples winners - Harvey Robertson, Maud McGowan and Ally MacFarlane
They very kindly provided a beautiful
tea with some of Shirley’s famous strawberry flans, a real treat! Winners of the competition were Roy Monteith and Kenny
Murdoch who narrowly defeated Ally Macfarlane and Ian Morrison in the final.
Doune Castle also saw the Gents Central fixture get under way and we’re delighted to report that our Triples and Fours have
made it through to the semi finals which are due to be played on 21 May with finals on 28 May. We will report on how they
got on in the next issue! The Ladies Scottish competitions have also got off to a great start for Doune. Lauren McGowan has
made it through to the semi final of the District Singles which she will play on 2 June. Carol Nicol and Anne Mathieson also
won their two games on 13 May; the next round is on 20 May. Unfortunately Anne is unable to attend this fixture; however,
Carol will be partnered by Maud McGowan for this game and we hope that they make it through. In the Senior Singles Maud
McGowan also won her first game on Tuesday 15 May and plays again at Doune Castle on 22 May.
Gents Scottish and County will be starting at the end of May and I will report on all these in the July edition of The Bridge,
where hopefully we’ll be reporting that some of our players have made it to the Scottish Championships at Ayr! On Friday 18
May, the Gents Stirling District League got underway. Doune Castle have an abundance of quality gents players to select from
so we have high hopes this season to do well! The West Perthshire League has also started and unfortunately Doune Castle
suffered a heavy defeat away to Dunblane in our first game on Wednesday 9 May. It was a terrible night, cold and very wet;
however, it was the same for both teams and Dunblane coped better with the conditions than we did. Next game was another
away fixture to Callander on 19 May.
We also had a fantastic friendly with a touring club from Middlesbrough on Saturday 12 May. It was absolutely glorious
weather and it was great to meet new friends. We all spent a very enjoyable afternoon.
Lastly, we’re delighted that our Junior Section is continuing to perform well. On Sunday 13 May, three of our players, Corey
Gilchrist, Jake Monteith and James Wray were playing in the team that defeated West Lothian 122 -105: a great performance
from them all.
On Saturday 9 June we are very excited to be hosting a Freddie Mercury tribute act at the Club. Tickets are priced at £8 and
are available from the Club or any bowling club member. All are welcome!
If you would like to try bowling, please get in touch with the Club either by a email dounecastlebc@gmail.com or telephone
01786 841824. Please also see our Facebook page for regular updates.
Lauren McGowan
28

SPORT
Doune Stars Shine in Girls’ Rugby Final
In the Scottish Rugby Girls’ Club Cup Final, played on
6 May, Stirling County under 15s had a resounding win
over Caithness whilst the under 18s had a nail-biting, very
evenly matched competition with the leader changing from
one minute to the next. County came back from the jaws of
defeat with the scoreline 21-20 in their favour with just over
five minutes to go. However Biggar Rugby Club clinched the
winning try with the scoreline finishing on 27-21.
Stirling County Rugby stars, Doune’s Eva Donaldson (l) and
Eva Fisher.
In Memory of Mum
Author Kelly is putting her back into a charity hike
I live in Doune and on 4 August I’m doing a charity hike up Ben
Ledi to raise money for the Scottish Association of Mental Health
(SAMH). Except it’s no ordinary hike: I’ll be carrying 40lb (18.14 kg)
of kettlebells! Approximately the weight of my youngest daughter, this
what the SAS carry on their long marches.
Why am I attempting this? Obviously to raise money, but also in
memory of my late mum, now that I’ve reached the age she was
when she died (39 years). My mother suffered from mental illness
throughout her short life but she was a strong lady and I wanted the
theme of my event to be strength. I also think that raising awareness
of mental health is important. SAMH do great stuff in mental health
services in communities across Scotland.
I also write children’s novels and with Alison’s encouragement, I read
one to the Chatterbooks reading group at the library last year. I am
hoping to combine my love of writing with this charity event and write
a blog or piece about my experience in the hope it will encourage more
people to donate!
Anyone who would like to support me in this venture can visit my Just
Giving page to read my story and donate. https://www.justgiving.com/
fundraising/kelly-black2; or go to my Facebook page.
Good luck Kelly. The Bridge wishes you every success (ed).
Kelly Black
29

30

Contacting The Bridge
The Bridge is published 10 times a
year and is always in the market for
articles, pictures, letters and ads.
All suggestions are welcome. Items
for publication should normally be
submitted before the 15th of each
month, and be no longer than 750
words.
Please email all contributions to
teithnews@gmail.com. Alternatively,
post or deliver them to The Bridge, c/o
Kilmadock Information Centre, 61-63
Balkerach Street, Doune, FK16 6DF, tel
01786 841250, where there is a box for
all Bridge deposits.
The Bridge is edited by Juliet
McCracken and produced by a team
of volunteers including its founder Ken
Russell.
Visitor Information
Doctor/Nurse
Doune Health Centre, Castlehill
Doctor 01786 841213
Nurse 01786 841256
NHS 24 111
Minor Injury Unit 01786 434000
Woodside Pharmacy
3 The Cross, Doune 01786 841216
Police
Non-Emergencies 101
Emergencies 999
Vet
Struthers and Scott, Units 2-5
Station Wynd, Doune 01786 841304
Doune Post Office 841219
Mon-Fri 9.30am - 12 noon
2.30pm - 5.00pm
Saturday 10.00am - 12 noon
Deanston Post Office 841490
Mon - Fri 9.00am - 12noon
Cashpoints at 52 Main Street, The
Post Office and the Co-op
RBS mobile bank 2.00pm every
Friday
Doune Library
5 Main Street 01786 841732
Monday 2.30pm - 7.00pm
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 9.30am - 12noon and
2.30pm - 5.30pm
Thursday 2.30pm - 7.00pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 10am - 1.00pm
Community website: www.doune.co
INFORMATION & HERITAGE
CENTRE DOUNE
9.30am - 5.00pm Mon-Fri
10.00 - 4.00 Saturday
10.00 - 2.00pm Sunday
The Centre offers a wide range of
resources and facilities including:
Tourist and local history information
Free local guides, walks leaflets
Maps: Walking, Cycling, Touring
Extensive range of books on Scotland
and on local information and history
Secondhand books
Handmade cards and gifts
Colour and Black and White
Photocopying Service
up to A3 size
Lamination Service
Internet Access
Contact the Centre at:
61-63 Balkerach Street,
Doune, FK16 6DF
Tel 01786 841250
Email: kdtrust@btconnect.com
Church Services
Church of Scotland
43 Balkerach Street
Every Sunday 10.30am
Minister: Rev. Andrew Campbell
01786 860678
Episcopal Church
St Modoc’s: Sung Eucharist
Every Sunday 9.30am
Rector: Canon Dr. Alison Peden
01877 330488
www.stmodocsdoune.co.uk
R. C. Church
St. Fillan’s: Holy Mass
Every Sunday 9.45am, also
Tuesday and Friday at 10.00am
Priest - Father Jim McCruden
01877 330702
Humanist
Society
of Scotland
for advice and information about
all aspects of humanist
ceremonies, please contact:
Mary Wallace
T: 01786 842239
M: 07968 666432
E: mary.wallace@
humanism.scot
www.humanism.scot
“THE BRIDGE” POSTAL SUBSCRIPTION FORM
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friends, relatives or a neighbour.
The cost for 10 issues for the year is £20 (local/UK). Overseas readers: Please contact The Bridge
Cheques should be made payable to: Doune & Deanston Community Newspaper
Please send copies of The Bridge, starting ………….. for 10 issues, to
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31

Sculptures Great and (Very) Small
Above left, Doune sculptor Adam Innes
works on reproducing one of the stones
rescued from the demolished Albany
Crescent buildings in Stirling. Above, the
‘magic stone’ recreated by Adam for the
Smith Art Gallery, courtesy of the Mormon
Church (see p3).
Some more of David Assenti’s amazing miniature
food creations at 1:12 scale (see our article on p11,
inside). Yes, that really is a genuine £1 coin for
scale!
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