Stirling Love Local July-August 2016 by Love Local Mag

STIRLINGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LOCAL MAGAZINE

FREE

JULY/AUGUST 2016

Love Cycling this Summer Special Shop Local Showcases Local Offers, Events and Competitions

CELEBRATING EVERYTHING LOCAL

IN AND AROUND STIRLING, BRIDGE OF ALLAN AND DUNBLANE.

WE WILL NOT BE

BEATEN ON

PRICE C A R P E T • V I N Y L • H A R D W O O D • L A M I N AT E

SUMMER

SALE O U R G R E AT D E A L S J U S T G OT E V E N B E T T E R !

OPEN 7 DAYS Monday - Saturday 9am-5pm • Sunday 11am-4pm

33-35 Burghmuir Road, Stirling (next to Poundstretchers) 01786 464095 Also at MacFarlane Crescent, Falkirk (Downstairs from J&J Bathrooms, near Tesco) 01324 633110

www.carpetconnections.co.uk

10% OFF Any Carpet, Vinyl or Laminate*

8mm Underlay with any carpet

WITH THIS VOUCHER

(*in stock) Limited one voucher per visit. Cash value 0.001p. Subject to availability. Not valid with any other offer. Photocopies not accepted. Valid from 1st July - 31st August 2016

FREE

(min spend £199) Limited one voucher per visit. Cash value 0.001p. Subject to availability. Not valid with any other offer. Photocopies not accepted. Valid from 1st July - 31st August 2016

Welcome to your Summer edition of Love Local Mag Welcome to our Summer edition of Love Local Stirling. I hope you enjoy your latest edition, which once again is full of local business advertising, local news and information, events, offers, competitions and more! We pride ourselves on celebrating everything local, and believe the magazine will be stronger if we work together, so if you have any knowledge you would like to share or would like to write an article about the local area, please get in touch. Now grab a coffee, sit back and enjoy your magazine!

Love Local Editor

CONTENTS Pan Fried Plaice Quick Strawberry Jam

Page 5 Page 6

Relax to Achieve Performance Love Cycling this Summer Get Cycling - local routes Fitness Class Timetable

Page 10 Page 11 Page 13 Page 14

Clean Up Scotland Local Gift Guide Knockhill Competition Life of a Zookeeper Discover Stirling Tolbooth Local Events

Page 17 Page 19 Page 20 Page 23 Page 28 Page 29

Get Set for School The Sparklify Zone Childrens Gardening Activities

Page 31 Page 33 Page 34

Garden Accessories Interview with McLeod Lettings Guide to Buying a Stove

Page 36 Page 43 Page 46

LOCAL PHOTO BY LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER.

Thanks to Ian Tully for sending in our front cover image! Email your photos to Karen@LoveLocalMag.com

GET IN TOUCH

lovelocalmag

lovelocalmag.com

Karen@lovelocalmag.com

KST Marketing, publishers of Love Local Mag cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in advertisements nor any consequences arising from this. Opinion expressed by contributors or advertisements are not necessarily those of the publisher. Magazine owned and edited by: Karen Tully, KST Marketing Ltd. Magazine designed by: Black Square, Stirling.

LOVE LOCAL | 3

LOVE FOOD & DRINK

BUY LOCAL, BUY DIRECT

NEW

BETTER QUALITY, AT A LOWER PRICE!

STEAK PIES

Wide range of great value fresh meat packs and products available. Order online now (and get free delivery with orders over £50) or pop in and visit our farm butcher’s shop (open Monday to Friday 5am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 3pm).

FalleninchFarm.co.uk Or call 01786 446653

B PU

Find us on Facebook

• BREWER Y

ALLANWATER BREWHOUSE

Brewing and Pouring since `96

BR N IDG E OF ALLA

Brewing & pouring since ’96 the multi award winning microbrewery and real ale Pub greets everyone, locals or tourists alike, with a warm welcoming smile. We pride ourselves not only in great beer, informative tours, live acoustic music but, more than anything else, truly outstanding Scottish hospitality. NEXT BREWHOUSE BEER FESTIVAL

Fri 9th Sept – Sun 11th Sept

4 | LOVE LOCAL

OPEN EVERYDAY FROM 12 NOON Sunday - Thursday open ‘til 11pm Friday & Saturday open ‘til midnight

FIND A WARM AND WELCOMING ATMOSPHERE WE MAKE OVER 250 DRAUGHT BEERS AT THE BREWHOUSE LIVE MUSIC & EVENTS ARE A REGULAR FEATURE Queens Lane, Bridge of Allan, FK9 4NY Tel: 01786 834555 www.bridgeofallan.co.uk

LOVE FOOD & DRINK

Pan Fried Plaice, New Potatoes, Samphire, Asparagus and Broad Beans with a Sorrel Butter Sauce by GEORGE SCOTT, THE GALLERY RESTAURANT Plaice is the ideal fish for a light summer dish. Although it’s traditionally viewed as a poorer option, its tasty flesh becomes meatier as we move into summer and is perfect coupled with seasonal green veg and herbs. Ingredients for 2 people One large Plaice (ask your fishmonger to fillet and skin) 200g New Potatoes (preferably Jersey Royals), 50g Samphire, 4 Asparagus Spears, 20g Broad Beans (Shelled), 10g Sorrel, 5g Pea Shoots, 75g Butter, Oil for frying, Salt and Pepper (sea salt)

Method Boil the new potatoes until just tender, cut them in half, season. Blanch all the samphire and asparagus in boiling salted water for one and a half minutes, drain and season. Heat a little oil in a frying pan with 10g of the butter. Season the plaice and fry for two minutes on either side, remove and place on a paper towel to drain.

Arrange the potatoes between two warm plates, top with the samphire and asparagus. Add the plaice on top and coat with butter sauce, Top with pea shoots and serve.

Dice the remaining butter and whisk into the pan juices. Add the broad beans, shred the Sorrel finely and add to the beans and butter.

The Gallery Restaurant is a truly unique venue offering the ‘wow’ factor. It is situated in our Stirling Campus and combines the art of fine dining with breath-taking views of the Wallace Monument, the River Forth and the Ochils. N E OPE WE AR HOUT UG THRO R! UMME S E H T

call 01786 406027 or email gallery@forthvalley.ac.uk Forth Valley College, Stirling Campus, Drip Road, Stirling, FK8 1SE

Lunch opening times Monday - Friday (12 noon - 2pm) Dinner opening times Tuesday and Thursdays (5pm - 7pm)

THE GALLERY RESTAURANT VOUCHER OFFER

3 Courses for the price of 2 (Valid from 1 July to 31 August 2016)

Please cut out this voucher and present it on arrival. One voucher per person.

LOVE LOCAL | 5

LOVE FOOD & DRINK

Quick Strawberry Jam by CAROLINE MARSON. LOVE FOOD, HATE WASTE Strawberry jam is essential for summer cream teas and great for using up soft fruit past its best, (but not when it’s gone so far that it has reached the mouldy stage – at this point the compost is the best place for them!) This fruit jam is more like compote than a normal jam and needs to be eaten within a few days. Ingredients: 300g over-ripe strawberres (you could also use soft fruits such as raspberries or blackberries.) 300g caster sugar Method: 1. Put the soft fruit into a large pan with the caster sugar and crush lightly with a fork. Bring to the boil. 2. Remove the scum that comes to the surface with a spoon. Reduce the jam until it becomes quite thick, then pour it into a bowl and allow to cool. Refrigerate until needed.

... More than just a great lunch

FASHION • FURNITURE • JEWELLERY • VINTAGE BREAKFAST • LUNCH • COFFEE & CAKES DOUNE, Stirlingshire FK16 6HG Antiques & Arts Centre 01786 841 203 Cafe Circa 01786 841683 f

6 | LOVE LOCAL

LOVE FOOD & DRINK

Sushi, Japanese Cuisine, Authentic Chinese Dishes, Sichuan Hot & Spicy, Dimsum, Hotpot and Bubble Tea

£5 Voucher £5 off when you spend £20 or more

H O M E D E L I V E RY AVA I L A B L E T: 01786 479799 • Address: 52, Port Street, Stirling FK8 2LJ

Cameron’s Bar one of the top 100 Whisky Bars in Scotland

CALLANDER

LUNCH ON THE LAWN OR POPPIES RESTAURANT 12-2pm from only £14.50 Enjoy a relaxing lunch with family or friends Friday to Sunday or join us for a Traditional Sunday Lunch with 2 or 3 course options.

SPECIAL EARLY EVENING MENU EVERYDAY 6-7PM 2 Courses £14.50 | 3 Courses £18.50 A La Carte also available 6-9pm For reservations call 01877 330329 or email info@poppieshotel.com www.poppieshotel.com

LOVE LOCAL | 7

LOVE BUSINESS

There's never enough time. Let's make some. Want to grow your business? Start with Business Gateway Stirling. Our qualified Business Gateway Advisers have the resources, skills and knowledge to help you start your own business. We also provide training in Business Planning, Finance, Marketing and IT, to help you get started. So why not find out more? Call now on 01796 498496 or visit www.bgateway.com/stirling

Business Advice • Networking • Events • Routes to Finance • HR • Sales & Marketing

OFFICE SPACE TO RENT Available on short or long term leases, located in Dunblane. Units from 90 to 1070 sq.ft Shared car parking & kitchen area. Available now. For further information contact Andrew Mitchell on 01786 824 506 andrew@amcounting.co.uk

8 | LOVE LOCAL

LOVE BUSINESS

AM Counting your local accountancy company We work with many organisations offering financial support and services tailored to their needs T 01786 824 506 hi@amcounting.co.uk www.amcounting.co.uk Unit 9 – 11, RFL House Anderson Street Dunblane FK15 9AJ

Looking for help or thinking of changing your accountant? Contact us today

Your brand deserves the best . The best design The best marketing The best w ebsites The best per for mance KST Mar keting acts as y o u r o wn m a r k e ti n g depar tment , as and wh e n yo u n ee d us .

Conta c t Ka ren Tully • 07824630305 info@ k stma rk eting .c om • www.kst market i ng .com

h t e n u p Yo u r B r a n d . . . Let’s Brig KST Ma r ketin g are th e proud publish er of L ove Local M agazine

LOVE LOCAL | 9

LOVE HEALTH & WELLBEING

Relax to Achieve Optimal Performance by VICKY MCLEOD. MERIDIAN WELLBEING HYPNOTHERAPY It is difficult to perform at our best when we are stressed, overwhelmed, or fearful of an undesirable outcome. A little positive stress, a buzz of adrenaline, a bit of time pressure or a challenge to overcome, known as eustress, can actually increase our performance and motivation, however, when this stress is too much, for too long and too often, it becomes intolerable and distressing. This type of stress can lead to physical symptoms such as increased blood pressure, shallow breathing into the chest, muscle tension and anxiety. Behavioural symptoms such as overeating or loss of appetite and turning to other more negative coping strategies can become more prominent. The best way to cope more effectively with stress is to learn how better to manage its symptoms rather than expect to eliminate it altogether. The first step is to learn relaxation, to allow us to achieve optimal performance. Simple exercises such as learning how to slow down our breathing can be effective at reducing the physical and emotional symptoms. By slowing down our breathing we can intercept the messages being sent to our brain that there is something to be concerned about, calming our mind and body. Bringing our breathing into conscious awareness by slowly counting our breath in, breathing deeply into our abdominals, holding for a few beats, then counting our breath back out can help to relax the body, regardless of what is going on around us. When breathing in this way, notice the stomach pushing out on the in-breath. Learning how to control self-talk, build confidence in our abilities, develop focused concentration, and use mental rehearsal are also effective self-hypnosis techniques to help us achieve our goals.

10 | LOVE LOCAL

Stop Smoking • Weight Loss • Gastric Band Stress & Anxiety • Phobias • Pain • Trauma Exams • Public Speaking • Driving Test IBS • Workplace • Performance • Sport etc Professional, Friendly, Confidental. Based in Stirling. VICKY MCLEOD

CPsychol, AFBPsS, TFT - DX, Dip. AH, GQHP

www.meridian-wellbeing.co.uk info@meridian-wellbeing.co.uk Tel: 07859 063834

MeridianWellbeing

Riverside Reflexology will help you reduce stress and tension by providing a professional and precise treatment in the comfort of your own home. Jennifer Brown IIR MAR Registered Reflexologist, Reiki Practitioner, IHM Therapist

07761 868 821 jen@riverside-reflexology.com www.riverside-reflexology.com

£5 OFF

your first treatment with this advert U S UA L LY £ 3 0

LOVE HEALTH & WELLBEING

Love Cycling this Summer Event: Callander Meander Location: Start from Meadows car park in Callander When: Thursday 28th July at 11am Join The Stirling Cycle Hub team for a free, easy-going and social ride setting out from the Meadows car park in Callander along the National Cycle Network Route 7 to the Strathyre Lodges cafe for for some refreshments before returning to Callander via the same route. The full route is just under 10 miles long. To register for this ride please email: callandersummerfest@gmail.com or call 07852 106605

PROVIDES A RANGE OF TRAINING COURSES; •

Pre School Children learning to ride on balance bikes

•

Beginners that have not cycled before or need help coming off stabilizers

•

Novice cyclists looking to start on road cycling

•

Commuters that want to enhance their cycling skills

•

Families wanting to cycle together

•

Individuals wanting specific training

•

Organisations and schools

Event: Women's 100 prep: 70km ride Location: Meeting at Stirling Train station to leave by 10.00 am. When: Belles on Bikes Stirling are venturing further afield and are taking on Gleneagles as part of the Womens' 100 prep: 70km ride. This is a beautiful ride with an increased level of difficulty with harder climbs, etc. Suitable for road bikes and hybrids with skinny tyres. For more information follow Belles on Bikes Stirling on Facebook.

SUMMER COURSES Bikeability Level 1 - Monday 8th and Tuesday 9th August, 9-11am Bikeability Level 2 - Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th August, 9-11am Bikeability Level 3 - Friday 12th August, 9am-1pm Cost is £20 per course per child. More information on the different levels can be found at www.bikeabilityscotland.org If you would like to book on to one of these courses or if you would prefer a 1-to-1 session, please contact Cameron at cmsportscoaching@gmail,com

Cameron is a qualified Bikeability Scotland Instructor and Mentor.

LOVE LOCAL | 11

We are working towards a healthier, greener future through encouraging and supporting more people to cycle. We help you plan routes, have plenty of maps and organise free led rides in and around Stirling. Visit us at the train station or get in touch on 01786 474160 or email us cyclehub@forthenvironmentlink.org

STIRLING FESTIVAL OF CYCLING Sunday 7 August, Kings Park Stirling’s second Festival of Cycling is a celebration of cycling organised by Forth Environment Link’s Stirling Cycle Hub. This family friendly festival offers cycling fun for everyone, with a range of events to take part in and enjoy. Whether you are a regular cyclist, an occasional commuter or simply someone who wants to find out more about cycling in generalthere will be something for you at the Festival. More info on the website www.festivalofcyclingstirling.org The festival is run in partnership with the annual Pedal for Parkinson’s ride which starts and finishes at Kings Park. Why not sign up to support this event and join in the festival fun after the ride? www.parkinsons.org.uk/content/pedalparkinsons-stirling

NEXTBIKE STIRLING HIRE SCHEME GET ON YER BIKE! Stirling is fast becoming the cycling city. If you want to join the cycle revolution there’s no better way than our very own bike share scheme. The scheme currently has 11 stations and 100 bikes available for public hire across the city. Operated by nextbike UK, the bikes are available to rent 24/7 from any nextbike station in Stirling. For added value, once you are a member you can use any nextbike scheme at home or abroad. Just hire, hop on and enjoy the ride. How does it work? Renting a bike is easy using the free nextbike app, directly at the hire stations, or by phoning the nextbike hotline. You just need to register to start riding. Pop in the Stirling Cycle Hub at the train station to find out more about getting registered or simply register on the website

www.nextbike.co.uk/en/stirling

CONNECT WITH US @ StirlCycleHub

stirlingcyclehub www.stirlingcyclehub.org

Stirling Cycle Hub

LOVE HEALTH & WELLBEING

Get Cycling this Summer by STIRLING CYCLE HUB If you are looking for ideas or inspiration for a cycle route for your next bike ride then look no further. The Stirling Cycle Hub have a great selection of routes for you. You can explore Stirling and its fantastic tourist attractions, visit the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park or discover some great mountain biking routes. In addition, we have compiled some of the best routes for cycling around Stirling (Harvey Cycle Map). You can find them on our website www.stirlingcyclehub.org/routes or just pop in to the hub. Meander Route: Visit the Coffee Bothy Total distance: 10.6 miles Follow NCN 76 towards Riverside and then through the beautiful village of Cambuskenneth. Exit the NCN at Manor Loan, taking the lovely country lane towards the Ochil Hills. Blairmains Farm shop will soon appear to your right. Return is via Blairlogie, Stirling University where you join NCN 765 towards Causewayhead. At Customs roundabout, head towards Riverside and rejoin NCN76 on Abbey Road. Caution: Busy Alloa Rd. Busy Roundabout at Manor Powis.

OpenStreetMap

MTB route: Stirling University Woods & Mine Woods Total distance: 5 miles One of Stirling's classic MTB routes that is easily accessible from the city centre. This short loop has a bit of everything but be prepared for some climbing before you get to the good stuff. Flowy woodland singletrack with rooty rocky sections make this loop. Watch for a couple of short sharp drops and don't miss out the Mine Woods 'playground'. There's plenty more fun trails to explore in here but this quick loop will get you started. Caution: Take care when the trails are wet.

OpenStreetMap

LOVE LOCAL | 13

LOVE HEALTH & WELLBEING

Fitness Timetable CLASS

LOCATION

DATE & TIME

CONTACT

Fitness Pilates dynamic and exciting, with emphasis on strength, flexibility and functional movement.

Studio in Kings Park, Stirling

Mon 10-11am, 7-8pm Tues 10:30-11:30am, 7pm and 8:15pm

Elaine at Stirling Fitness 07933 911522

HIIT/Circuits - a balance of strength and aerobic training.

Studio in Kings Park, Stirling

Thurs 7-8pm

Elaine at Stirling Fitness 07933 911522

Fitness Yoga/Pilates a flowing mix of some of the best moves from each, great for flexibility and core strength.

Studio in Kings Park, Stirling

Weds 7pm, Thurs 10.30am. and Sunday 10-11am

Elaine at Stirling Fitness 07933 911522

Barre Fitness â&#x20AC;&#x201C; fun, functional and fatburning â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a beautiful fusion of Ballet, Yoga and Pilates moves.

Studio in Kings Park, Stirling

Coming Soon - register your interest now.

Elaine at Stirling Fitness 07933 911522

Glow fit with Fitness League - Low impact full body exercise to music. Get fit, lose weight and make friends. Suitable for all shapes and sizes, perfect for 50+

Cathedral View, Braeport Centre, Dunblane

Wednesdays 8pm - 9pm, (optional weigh in after class)

Philippa 07977066994 Info@thefitnesslady. co.uk

Morning Yoga - A mix of both flow and Yin, reflecting the seasons and participant experience.

Bridge of Allan Parish Church, 12 Keir Street, FK9 4NW

Fri 9:30-10:30am.

Nicola Park on 07968 948722 facebook.com/ nicolaparkyoga nicolapark2003@ yahoo.co.uk

Gentle Flow Yoga Awaken the body by adding movement to the poses.

Beaconhurst School, 52 Kenilworth Rd, FK9 4RR

Thurs evening 6:15-7:15pm

Shams, on 07886 100 523 or email shamsabu-tayeh@ hotmail.com

Yin Yoga - A meditative approach with deep physical focus. Awaken flexibility and create a stillness in your practice.

Beaconhurst School, 52 Kenilworth Rd, FK9 4RR

Thurs evening 7:30-8:30pm

Shams, on 07886100523 or email shamsabu-tayeh@ hotmail.com

Lou Mac Macafit - 30 minute high intensity interval bodyweight training with 30 minute core.

Bannockburn Masonic Hall

Mon 10:15am and 5:15pm, Tues 9.30am, 5:45pm and 6:20pm, Wed 6:15pm, Thurs 6:45pm and 7:15pm, Fri 9.30am and Sat 8am

Louise MacLaren on 07974445774

Lou Mac MacastrongCircuit Style Training.

Bannockburn Masonic Hall

Mon 6pm, Wed 7pm and Sat 8:30am

Louise MacLaren on 07974445774

14 | LOVE LOCAL

ODI CULLICI LIBE

CLASS

LOCATION

DATE & TIME

CONTACT

Base Fitness - Metafit High intensity class that involves working at your maximum for a short period of time with minimal rest. It ensures you get the most out of your time!

Allan Centre, Bridge of Allan

Thurs 6:30-7pm. £3.50.

Ian on 07779214605 Ian@Base-Fitness.co.uk

Base Fitness Kettlebells Short but intense strength and toning class using kettlebells. Be ready to get strong and fit!

Allan Centre, Bridge of Allan

Every Thursday 6-6:30pm. £3.50. Kettlebell and Metafit deal both for £6

Ian on 07779214605 Ian@Base-Fitness.co.uk

Base Fitness - Circuit Training. A circuit based class suitable for all! Get strong and fit fast!

Allan Centre, Bridge of Allan

Every Monday 6:30pm. £5.

Ian on 07779214605 Ian@Base-Fitness.co.uk

Shapesmart Fitness Camp. A PT program guarantees you will lose AT LEAST a clothes size in your first 28 days or offers a 100% money back guarantee!

Outside in Kings Park, Stirling

Monday, Wednesday and Friday 6.15am & 9.30am. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 6.15pm & 7.30pm.

Graeme 07715640133 shapesmartpersonal training.com

DBL O Fit: Cardio interval, and, strength and conditioning training.

Kippen Village Hall

Monday 7.30pm-8.30pm Wednesday 9.30am 10.30am Thursday 6.10am - 7.00am Thursday 7.30pm - 8.30pm

Olivia Olivarius on 07712587423 Facebook: DBL O Fit

Buggy Mums: Safe, effective exercise for new mums - building strength and fitness

Briarlands Farm, Blair Drummond

Thursday 10am - 11am

Olivia Olivarius on 07712587423 Facebook: DBL O Fit

Pilates Class: Beginners/Improvers Level. Focusing on the traditional methodology as created by Joseph Pilates

Gargunnock Community Hall Bridge of Allan Sports Club

Thursday 9.30am

Jacquie Robertson 07711336075 beaumontbodys.co.uk

Metafit - 30 minute high intensity interval training session suitable for all fitness levels.

Cambusbarron Community Centre

Tues 6:30pm £3 per session

Kettlebell and Metafit deal - both for £6

Blair Drummond Community Hall

Tuesday 10am

Dawn Evans dawngabrielleevans@ gmail.com

Run a fitness class in Stirling, Bridge of Allan or Dunblane and want to be included in our timetable? Email Karen@LoveLocalMag.com LOVE LOCAL | 15

Introducing your improved recycling and waste service For further information and details of roadshow events in your area see our website: www.stirling.gov.uk/waste Paper & cardboard

NEW

Nonrecyclables

NO CHANGE

Coming Autumn 2016

Plastics, cans & cartons

NEW

Garden & food waste

CHANGING

Glass bottles & jars

recycle for Stirling stirling.gov.uk/waste

LOVE THINGS TO DO

Clean Up Scotland from my dressing gown … submitted by LOVE LOCAL READER, LESLEY MACCULLOCH I’ve just looked out my back window and seen an army of people with gloves and long lever-arm tools picking up litter and filling black bags. Why am I not out there joining them, I hear you judge. Well, for starters, I’m still in my dressing gown. And second, I’m still processing what I’ve seen and the thoughts it’s generating. I lived in Australia for twenty years and each year on 1 March I think it was, was ‘Clean up Australia day’ and lots of community groups all got out there cleaning up the country. Yet when I returned to Scotland I realised that the litter in Australia wasn’t half as bad as it is here. As I hopped between dog poo, chewing gum and litter in general, trying to get to my destination unscathed, I started to question what was going on here. Where was people’s pride? Were the streets and road-sides always like this and I just didn’t remember? Why wasn’t there a ‘clean up Scotland day’, which of course led to the philosophical ‘why should there be a need to have a clean up Scotland day’. I can’t let a slip of paper drop to the pavement without picking it up, yet I’m watching these people picking up cans of juice that still have contents inside, they’re in amongst bushes and trees and thorns picking up crisp bags, papers – and dozens and dozens and dozens of cans. I don’t get that. I just don’t get that someone can throw something the size of a can out into the open. I’m the last person to get political but I find myself wondering if the people doing that voted for independence. I find myself wondering about misplaced pride and living with attitude and scorn.

that say ‘Clean Up Scotland’. I don’t know if ‘Clean Up Scotland’ has existed for a long time or if it’s a recent project – I haven’t stopped for a minute since I spotted them to go investigating. What I did find myself exclaiming when I saw them was ‘Oh good on you’ and I mean that in the most genuine and thankful way. Thank you for cleaning up our mess. But why do you have to be out there cleaning up our mess. Why does Scotland need ‘cleaning up’ so badly. Actually, without excusing individual disregard and lack of social conscience, I do find myself thinking of our blue recycling boxes and their impractical, more often non-existent, lids and the number of times I’ve seen rubbish caught in high winds being thrust all over the town. I’ve often walked to work and found myself thinking it feels like living in a bin. We certainly don’t help ourselves sometimes. So, thank you Clean Up Scotland. I commit not just to continuing not to drop litter, but to carrying a bag with me when I go out so I can help clean up Scotland in my own small way. A bag for the dog poo, a bag for the litter ... And while I’ve been writing this you’ve filled many bags and even found some big plastic petrol containers, a stripy council road barrier and a big iron bar. (Okay, it’s five minutes later and I can report that Clean Up Scotland is a national campaign run through Keep Scotland Beautiful. Part of me wonders if I should have known this, but the most part of me acknowledges that if I didn’t know it then probably many others of us don’t know it either. So now more of us know it – and I will add, the army has now gone. I think they were doing it on their lunch hour, and yes, I’m still in my dressing gown …)

The army of approximately a dozen people out the back are only identified by two of them who are wearing yellow bibs

LOVE LOCAL | 17

Look on the sunny side Searching for that perfect summer bargain? Find it at Sterling Mills.

visit sterlingmills.com

LOVE THINGS TO DO

Love Local Gift Guide 1. Scotty Dog Shopper £13 2. Pearl Stud Earrings £8 3. Brass Heart Earrings £20 4. Prosecco Candle £20 5. Jim Beam Candles £26 6. Diner Record & Music System priced at £169

All available from Contempo, within the Stirling Arcade.

THE HOME OF DESIGN-LED, CONTEMPORARY, ON TREND GIFTS AND HOMEWARE BASED IN THE HEART OF STIRLING.

CONTEMPO, 32 - 34 STIRLING ARCADE, STIRLING, STIRLINGSHIRE FK8 1AX 01786 478097 • FIND US ON FACEBOOK

LOVE LOCAL | 19

LOVE THINGS TO DO

WIN

A PAIR OF TICKETS TO MSA BRITISH TOURIN DUNLOP CHAMPIONSHIP AT G CAR KNOCKHILL

The 2016 Dunlop MS A British Touring Ca r Championship, Rounds 19, 20 & 21, sponsored by Lokring Northern (UK) will tak place over the week e end of Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th Au 2016. Whenever the gust BTCC rolls into Knoc khill, it brings controv rivalry and flat out ha ersy, mmer-and-tongs rac ing that enthralls, ex entertains, in equal cites and measure. A superb support line-up featur and MSA Formula, wil ing Porsche, Ginetta l accompany three thr illing BTCC races. Do it's going to be quite n't miss this one, a spectacle!!! Enter online at ww w.lovelocalmag.co m

Proudly sponsored by

www.dreadnoughthotel.co.uk

Music / Film / Crafts Exhibitions / Sports Outdoor Activities Drama / Heritage Poetry / Dance M

J 30c L A R

E NLY 2016 LEISURE

Information & bookings

www.callandercdt.org.uk www.mclarenleisure.co.uk e: callandersummerfest@gmail.com t: 07741 506911 / 07852 106605

20 | LOVE LOCAL

facebook.com/CallanderSummerfest twitter.com/callanderfest

LOVE THINGS TO DO

LOVE LOCAL | 21

Drive through Wild Animal Reserves, Boat Trips around Chimp Island, Sea Lion Presentations, Bird of Prey Centre & Displays, Lemur Land, Pets Farm, Elephant Habitat, Adventure Playground with Pirate Ship, Giant Astraglide, Pedal Boats, Flying Fox, Fun Fair, Restaurant, BBQ & Picnic areas. Free Parking. For information on Seasonal Memberships, Keeper for a Day, Animal Experiences & Encounters, Animal Adoptions & Hawk Walks visit our website.

Open daily: 19th March to 30th October 2016 10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5.30pm, last admission 4.30pm

LOVE THINGS TO DO

A Day in the life of a Zoo Keeper Interview with GARY, Blairdrummond Park Manager by LOVE LOCAL MAG How many animals are there at Blair Drummond Safari Park? That’s a tricky question to answer, especially since we’ve had a few new births this past spring! Generally, though, there are always approximately 250 animals in the park, excluding all the ants! Different animals require different sized enclosures; our giraffes have a 2.5 acre paddock for example. One advantage we have is an abundance of space, so where other zoos boast lots of different animals in their collections, we can offer larger reserves to fewer animals. How many keepers do you have to look after all the animals? Within each section, the keepers are experts at looking after the needs of their specific animals. It’s important to realise that the keepers’ skill-set is specific to their species, so we need a lot of full time keeping staff. Approximately we have 30 full time animal keepers, with about 15 seasonal positions in the summer months. We also offer work placements to students and internships which help lighten the load and give students a chance to gain vital experience and learn what it’s like to work in the industry. What is your daily routine? The working day usually starts at about 8am. The keepers head to their sections, check the animals, then organise their day then are busily going about their duties from 8:30am. The animals come first, and generally the keepers are slaves to their animals. The needs, requirements and wellbeing of the animals come first. We try to avoid too much routine with certain species, such as the elephants, because they can become impatient when they anticipate different activities. Are there any animals that seem cuddly and docile to zoo visitors but are actually ferocious and visitors should be careful around? We have some domestic species, such as donkeys and pigs that are a firm favourite around the petting zoo. However, the

majority of animals in our collection are wild and therefore unpredictable at the best of times. A lot of the wild animals we have are very dangerous and capable of serious injury. Therefore we have no contact (or protected contact) with the most dangerous animals; lions, tigers, elephants, rhino, giraffe and chimps. What are the most difficult animals to look after and why? Some animals get bored more easily than other animals, so those ones are harder because it means the keepers are constantly thinking up new ways of entertaining them! For example, our elephant does daily training with the staff as she is very intelligent and responds well to taking part in these activities. We also have to get creative with our lazier animals – lions and tigers, for example, spend a lot of time lying around, so we have to encourage them to keep active to ensure they stay fit and healthy. Do you have any funny stories regarding any of the animals? When our youngest ostrich was just a chick, he managed to squeeze out of the ostrich enclosure and get into the giraffe’s paddock next door. When he arrived he did a little display for them, shaking around and waving his feathers. They had absolutely no idea what was going on – all five giraffes stood in a circle around him, staring at this baby bird only a foot or two high, captivated!

WIN

A FAMILY PASS TO BLAIRDRUMMOND

Two lucky Love Local Mag readers could win a family pass to Blairdrummond Safari Park. Enter online at lovelocalmag.com

LOVE LOCAL | 23

LOVE THINGS TO DO wee SKELFs

Summer Holiday Club Indulge yourself in an affordable all year round luxury lodge starting from ÂŁ59,995

It's a club aimed at getting kids aged 5 to 12 outside to explore the woods so send your kids down to the woods to play this summer and let them be immersed in nature! Our wee SKELFs Summer Holiday Club, runs from 9:30am till 4:30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from the 5th July to the 18th August, and will be jam packed full of fun, games and activities including exploring the woods, den building, making bows and arrows, natural art, campfire cooking, making a unique, imaginative and creative flag and so much more!

Devon Road, Dollar, FK14 7LX To book your visit or for more information please call Cath on 01259 742896 or email sales@ dollarlodgeandholidayhomepark.co.uk

Book a place online at www.greenaspirationsscotland.co.uk Tir Na nog, Balfunning, Balfron Station, Drymen G63 0NF

entre C r o it is V t s e or The Lodge F y-June, 10am-5pm Ma Open daily 10am-6pm t, s u g u -A ly u J

Come to The Lodge this Summer and follow our themed trail down to the waterfall, watch wonderful wildlife from our hide, watch live footage of Ospreys, meet our resident Highland cows, visit the Lodge shop and enjoy the views from the Lodge cafĂŠ. Call the Lodge on 0300 0676615 or Email: thelodge@forestry.gsi.gov.uk for more info.

www.forestry.gov.uk/qefp Follow us on 24 | LOVE LOCAL

@LodgeAberfoyle

UNLEASH YOUR INNER APE

PER PERSON*

at Aberfoyle,

Queen Elizabe th Forest Park

k u . o c . e p a o g t Book aor call 0845 094 9634 quote LLABLL †

*Offer valid until 30th November 2016. Excludes Saturdays and Corporate Events. Discount code must be entered at time of booking. Only valid at Aberfoyle. † Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge. Participation and supervision ratios apply - please see our website.

• Classic Steamship Cruises on Sir Walter Scott • Panoramic Cruises on Lady of the Lake • Walking & Cycling on the shores of Loch Katrine • The Brenachoile Restaurant • Katrine Gifts - Souvenirs & Crafts • Katrinewheelz - Cycle hire • Borg Grech Photography

Trossachs Pier, Loch Katrine, T: 01877 376315/6 • enquiries@loc

Sailings and events throughout the year

The Steamship Sir Walter Scott is fully wheelchair friendly

SPECIAL EVENTS THAT ALL THE FAMILY CAN ENJOY! 30th JULY - ‘Family Charity Fun Day’ – bring the whole family along to Trossachs Pier to enjoy the fun.

JUNE to 28th AUGUST- ‘Music on the Loch’ – sailings on Sunday afternoons (4:00pm) on the Sir Walter Scott, with live music to suit all tastes, from jazz to rock & roll and traditional Scottish music.

13th and 14th AUGUST - ‘Sir Walter Scott’s Birthday’ – an actor in full period dress as Sir Walter Scott will be welcoming you onboard the cruise, telling stories of the past and reciting parts of his poems.

by Callander, Stirling FK17 8HZ chkatrine.com • www.lochkatrine.com

LOVE THINGS TO DO

Discover Stirling Tolbooth by JASON CLARK AT STIRLING WALKING TOURS To continue our celebrations of 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design, this month we take a look at Stirling Tolbooth. Today the Tolbooth in Broad St is a hub for music and the performing arts. Its Innovative award-winning design makes it an outstanding venue for live music and performances. It’s interesting to consider how it was originally built and how it evolved over the years. In 1689 the existing Tolbooth was declared by the Town Council to be "ruinous" and a new one was ordered to be built. The result was one of the first Tolbooths built, the fine "Dutch Pavilion" roof to the tower is one of the few surviving examples left in Scotland. The new Tolbooth was built in 1703-5, extended in 1785 and again between

1806 and 1811 when a jail and courthouse were added. Prisoners were held in the tower and hanged outside the building for the worst crimes. Inspectors in early 1800's condemned it as the worst in Scotland and announced its closure and replacement by a purpose built property opposite in St. John Street where the Old Town Jail now stands. Although The Town Council continued to hold meetings in the Tolbooth until 1875. In another grisly footnote to history, the radicals John Baird and Andrew Hardie were executed at The Tolbooth Stirling in September 1820 for playing a leading role in the Weavers' Uprising and a plaque on the site commemorates this.

Discover the life and legacy of Scotland’s National Hero Special events for all the family to enjoy! Buy your ticket online at www.nationalwallacemonument.com.

the perfect place to stop & relax - any time of day.

Abbey Craig, Hillfoots Road, STIRLING FK9 5LF Tel: (01786) 472140 • info@nationalwallacemonument.com www.nationalwallacemonument.com 1. left alligned 2. centred

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LOVE THINGS TO DO

Top 10 Local Events this Summer Event: Animal Man Petting Zoo Location: High Street, Alloa When: 7th July 11:30 - 2:30 Get up close and personal for a hands on interactive animal encounter with mammals, birds, lizards, snakes, amphibians, spiders, and creepy crawlies. There will be free children's entertainment every Thursday throughout the Summer Holidays. Event: Ladyboys of Bangkok: Forever Yours Location; Macrobert Arts Centre When: 13th - 14th July The entertainment is fast and unrelenting as the eclectic mix of music effortlessly flows from movie hits to superstar pop favourites with tributes ranging from Kylie and Rhianna to Whoopi Goldberg and even One Direction. It’s going to be a night to remember! Event: Tiger Weekend Location: Blairdrummond Safari Park When: 23rd July 2016 to 24th July Help raise funds and awareness of conservation concerns. Enjoying wildlife and competitions. Winners will have a chance to go behind the scenes and meet the tigers and help set up the tiger enclosure for their feed at 2pm. Enjoy demonstrations on what it takes to look after the worlds biggest cat, how and why they train the tigers. Event: World of Supercars Show Location: Knockhill Racing Circuit When: Sunday 24th July The World of Supercars Show is expected to be the biggest and best track day ever seen in Scotland. Approximately 100 Hyper, Super and Sports cars will be on display and driving at Knockhill. Never before will there have been a gathering of such cars in Scotland! Event: A Midsummer Night’s Dream Location: Stirling Castle When: 27th - 28th July Experience the famous Shakespeare play in the dazzling environs of Stirling Castle. Bring a picnic and enjoy the classic comedy at its finest.

Event: Shark in the Park Location: Macrobert Arts Centre When: 30th July 2016 to 31st July Share the magic of Nick Sharratt’s well-loved children's stories - Shark in the Park, Shark in the Dark and Shark in the Park on a Windy Day - live on stage in this brand new show! Event: Bridge of Allan Highland Games Location: Strathallan Park, Bridge of Allan When: 7th August 10am - 5:30pm A packed programme of traditional cultural and sporting events. Crowd-pleasing heavyweight competitions, almost two hundred highland dancers and more than a thousand pipers are just some of the highlights of the day. Event: Superhero Weekend Location: Blairdrummond Safari Park When: 13th August - 14th August Dress to Impress this weekend at Blairdrummond Safari Park. See the parks website for more details. Event: Doune the Rabbit Hole Music Festival Location: Cardross Estate, Port of Menteith, When: 19th August 2016 to 21st August Come and celebrate the very best of Scotland’s independent / DIY arts scene alongside amazing international guests. In conjunction with Kidding Around Collective, a huge range of activities for kids of all ages from games to crafts (and the always popular Jelly Slide) will be on offer Event: Stirling Highland Games Location: Stirling Games Field When: Saturday 20th August A traditional Highland Games at the heart of Stirling including running, cycling, heaviy weights, leight field and highland dance.

LOCAL EVveELONCATL LIVE LOCAL lo

LOCAL EVE

LIVE LOCA

L love LO

CAL

IT'S FREE TO PROMOTE YOUR EVENT ACROSS ALL OF STIRLING J ust fill out the online form at lovelocalmag.com and we will do the rest!

LOVE LOCAL | 29

Transitions

Woodland Light Experience

4th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 20th November 2016 Entry between 4:30pm- 8:30pm

www.woodlandexperiences.co.uk

for

20 16 Exciting Woodland Experiences only 30 minutes from Glasgow & Stirling

Opening 26th November 2016 Tel: 01360 752052

LOVE KIDS CORNER

Get Set for School 1 & 2. Pre-owned and restored bespoke table and chairs from SkyeBlue, based in Bridge of Allan. For more info contact info@skyblue.net or call 07979 458 038

1 5

3. Bonnie Girls black school shoe with flower motif price from £47.90 4. Oscar Boys lace up shoe price from £51.90 5. Marcel Boys black lace up brogue price from £59.90

6. Emma Girls black brogue lace up school shoe price from £51.90 All available from Ruby Ruby

sizes up to 43 /UK9

LOVE LOCAL | 31

LOVE KIDS CORNER S T I R L I N G

ROCK SCHOOL Founded by one of Scotlands Premier Rock Musicians Runrig’s Brian Hurren

Classes | One to One | Music Monsters | Birthday Parties

01786 448 417

our k y o o B

E FRE AL TRI

The Dance Connection Bridge of Allan and Callander

Now enrolling all ages for August 2016 Ballet • Tap • Modern • Jazz • Street • Cheer Unique pre-school programme for 18 months to 4 year olds "Lulu loves going to Dance Connection. She is now 4 and goes to Royal Academy of Dance Ballet and tap class and has already graduated through Baby Boogies and Tots Dance. She loves going to classes and won't even miss it for friends' birthday parties! The recent show at the Macrobert was loved by the whole family and gave Lulu wonderful experience and confidence. The whole team at DC are brilliant and very encouraging of the young dancers. We can't wait for Lulu's little sister Tilda to join too!" - Jill Burt

m: 07815 146 462 w: www.danceconnectiononline.co.uk e: carla@danceconnectiononline.co.uk

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LOVE KIDS CORNER

The Sparklify Zone Sparklacrafts: 'Friendship Flowers'

by FINN HENCHER (aged 9)

With all the lovely weather we are having, we thought you might have some spare lollipop sticks to make our ladybug & dragonfly decorations. For ladybug & dragonfly, you will need: Around 12 lollypop sticks Permanent coloured markers. 1 pipe cleaner for antenna Googly eyes Glue Spots/pom-poms or coloured black dots. For butterflies: Cut butterfly shapes from milk or juice carton. Decorate with permanent markers etc Fold in half.

Now decorate your indoor or sheltered outdoor space. To Sparklify Little Creatures, use the “Sparklify Little Creatures” technique in the “Sparklify the Earth” ebook available on amazon or ibookstore.

Tiana's Sparklabalance: Little Creature by TIANA HENCHER (age 5)

A tiny bug

A butterfly

A little bird preparing to fly

A Little bird back in its nest preparing to rest.

Come along to our weekly kids classes on Thursdays at the Dunblane Centre Sparklify Zone. Pre-school: Sparklafive - kids holistic exercise 1-1.45pm Sparklafarming - planting, growing & up-cycling 2-2.45pm Primary Sparklafive - 5.30-6.30pm For more information call 01786 824224 to arrange a taster session. Or find us on Facebook/thesparklifyzone.

LOVE LOCAL | 33

ODI CULLICI LIBE ÂŠ Hourglass Photography

15 Children's Summer Garden Activities by VIALII GARDEN DESIGN

The school holidays are almost here, the sun is shining (sometimes!) so what could be better than getting outdoors and having some fun. If you are tired of hearing "I'm bored" then read on for tips to keep the kids entertained... GARDEN TREASURE HUNT This is a great game you can ask a grown up to make so that you and your friends can play at being detectives in the garden. They just need to take photos of some plants and features in the garden and print them on some paper so you can see if you can find them. See if you can remember the plant names too.

STARGAZE AT NIGHT With no school to get up for the next morning you have the perfect excuse to stay up late and look at stars on a clear night. You could maybe persuade an adult to camp in the garden with you one night too...

34 | LOVE LOCAL

FIND SOME FAIRY GIFTS There are fairies in all our gardens and it's nice to leave them gifts sometimes. From beds and blankets made from furry leaves to daisy chain necklaces and petal dresses all you need is a little imagination. MAKE A MINIATURE GARDEN Mini gardens are sooooo cute. You can have whatever theme you want. Introduce some of your toys to the garden like Lego or playdough. Just get an old shoe box or cake tin and start designing your own garden with plants, grass, maybe even a little washing line! TRY SOME OPEN AIR THEATRE Drag the dressing up box outside and put on a show. Who knows, next summer you could be putting on a show at the next Fringe Festival MAKE A DEN ... ... from a clothes line, pegs and sheet and set up your own camp site. (Make sure you set strict rules as to who can enter your den of course!

LOVE KIDS CORNER BLOW BUBBLES Whatever age you are, everyone loves bubbles. So get outside and start blowing and popping! START A GARDEN JOURNAL What a wonderful way to record the summer holidays. Add in what you see, some of your pressed flowers, stick in leaves, draw some bugs, write down what you are growing, do some bark rubbings... At the end of the holidays you will have some wonderful memories to look back on. PRESS FLOWERS Pressed flowers look really pretty. You can get a special flower pressing kit or just use some big heavy books. Use your pressed flowers to make a card to welcome a friend home from holiday, a pretty bookmark for a special gift or just make pretty pictures. MAKE A SAND PIT Get a giant tractor tyre (farms will often give these away for free when they are finished with them) and fill it with play sand to make a brilliant sand pit with comfy sides to sit on. You could even take it a step further and make a teepee over it by adding bamboo canes and an old sheet as a cover.

HAVE A SNAIL RACE You can find plenty of snails in most gardens (or we will give you plenty for free!) Chalk a race course, choose your snail and off you go!

WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT I'm not scared! Well I'm definitely not scared of the cute bears we look for in our bear hunt anyway! Ask a grown up to hide a selection of your toy bears all around the garden so that you and your friends can hunt for them. Watch out for the thick oozy mud!

MAKE A GARDEN CROWN I love the garden and crafty projects so this is the perfect combination! Take some corrugated cardboard and make a circle to fit your head. Decorate it by painting or sticking on things you find around the garden. Then collect some leaves and stick them in the holes around the top and voila, you have a crown! For lots more ideas on encouraging children to get outdoors visit the Lulu's Garden blog at vialiigardenservices.co.uk

LOVE LOCAL | 35

LOVE HOME & GARDEN

The Perfect Garden Accessories by CALIDO LOGS 1. Cook up a storm with this set of 3 BBQ Tools. Only £15.95 2. The Circo black steel chimenea is an eyecatching, contemporary addition to any garden. Only £98.99

3. The Grape is fully cast iron and features a decorative cast grape motif on the flue. £116.99 4. Bees are a hot topic! Impress your friends with the honeypot clay chimenea. £40.49 5. The Globe firepit is an unusual, eye-catching design featuring a bright red enamel bowl. £80.09 6. The Lorenzo wood fired outdoor oven is a 3 in 1 multi-function pizza oven that can cook pizza, cook BBQ style food and smoke food. £179.99 7. Cook up a storm for family and friends on the San Jose grill chimenea. £53.99 All items and more availble from Calido Logs 5

36 | LOVE LOCAL

LOVE HOME & GARDEN

Driveways • Patios • Paths • Steps • Ponds Fencing • Drainage • Turf • Artificial Grass Quality workmanship at affordable prices Call Robert for a free quote today!

07990 635530 • 01786 842343 rgpaving@hotmail.com O V E R 1 2 Y E A R S E X P E R I E N C E | A L L W O R K G U A R A N T E E D | F U L LY I N S U R E D .

LOVE LOCAL | 37

LOVE HOME & GARDEN

Love Local Garden Accessories 3 1

1. Gardening Gloves £7.50 2. Fork & Trowel £15.00 3. Plant Mister £6.50 4. Garden Kneeler £11.00 Available from Contempo, within the Stirling Arcade. SPECIAL LOVE LO CAL MAGAZIN E READER OFFER!

38 | LOVE LOCAL

5. BOSCH PSA 700 E Reciprocating Multi-Saw with 3 x Saw Blades. Was £64.50, NOW ONLY £59.95 when you quote LLM online at www.ahcpowertools.com

LOVE HOME & GARDEN

KB TREES & HEDGES GARDEN SERVICES IN CENTRAL SCOTLAND SCARIFYING

MOSS CONTROL LAWN TREATMENTS

IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR GRASS CUT ON A REGULAR BASIS CALL KIRK

07818 440 027 or 01786 832 882

PRUNING HEDGE CUTS GRASS CUTTING GARDEN TIDYUPS ONE OFF CLEARANCE JOBS TREE AND CONIFER REMOVAL

www.kbtreesandhedges.co.uk

Free consultation and quotation

TOTAL LANDSCAPES Combining ideas, to create a garden for you. • Decking • Patio • Mono Blocking • Turfing • All Tree Work • Garden Design • Landscaping • Fencing • Maintenace • Excavation • Drainage • Logs for Sale • Log Splitting Tel: 01786 471995 Mob: 07941 790622

www.totallandscapes.uk.com LOVE LOCAL | 39

LOVE HOME & GARDEN

        

New builds We can project manage from start to finish either manufacturing, supply and fit by ourselves or Supply and fit Manufactured Timber Frame house kits Extensions, renovations, garages Timber: window/doors/fascia/soffit/skirting/facing/staircases Attic/garage/barn conversions UPVC windows/doors/fascia/soffits. Kitchen and Bathroom design, supply and fit Cladding, deckings Delivery and Haulage service: gravel/sand/aggregate/bark/top soil, by 1.5 Tonne Pick Up

We can supply all trades and design team to get your project through planning and building warrants

Telephone: 01764 656233 Mobile: 07795664118 Email: allyccc@btinternet.com Website: www.campbellconstructioncrieff.co.uk

40 | LOVE LOCAL

LOVE HOME & GARDEN

Upholstery Craft Training Centre Scotland

Based in Stirling we deliver both AMUSF Accredited Upholstery Courses and daytime & evening Leisure Classes. Accredited Diploma course filling up now for September intake. If you wish to apply for a place on next term’s course contact Jackie on 01786 451451 or by email for more details. info@upholsterycrafttraining.com 39 - 40 John Player Building, Stirling Enterprise Park, FK7 7RP www.upholsterycrafttraining.com facebook.com/upholsterycrafttrainingcentre to deliver

AMUSF Qualifications in Upholstery

THIRTY DEGREES

9 BARNSDALE RD STIRLING FK7 0PS 01786 473 540

SPRING CLEAN YOUR DUVETS

£10 *WITH THIS VOUCHER

LOVE LOCAL | 41

LOVE HOME & GARDEN

G re P R V I Ni n s to L F R A ought HA NGgifts b E all

IC E

What we do

17 Upper Craigs, Stirling FK8 2DG Tel: 01786 470 740 (available 24hrs) New Opening Hours: Mon-Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 3pm

24HR LOCKSMITH www.bobslocks.co.uk

Key cutting 24hr locksmith Photos to canvas Number plates Tool and knife sharpening Car key replacements Glass engraving Cut to code keys Passport photos Trophies engraving Watch strap and batteries Dedicated British standard lock supplier

Your local locksmith.

PROFESSIONAL OVEN CLEANING SERVICE 9 Removable parts are cleaned in a tank of our special caustic free formula. 9 Using our cleaning tools, all traces of carbon and fat are removed leaving the oven in as new condition. 9 No caustic chemicals are used at all in the oven revive process. CONTACT FOR A QUOTE Mob: 07944 631 689 derek@oven-revive-scotland.co.uk www.oven-revive-scotland.co.uk

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Makers of Bespoke Furniture and Gifts Flat Pack Furniture Assembly Bespoke Mirrors, Photo and Picture Frames

07809 235 291 information@arborealstudio.co.uk www.arborealstudio.co.uk

LOVE HOME & GARDEN

Interview with Local Business: Macleod Lettings

by LOVE LOCAL MAG

Who are you?

What sort of service do you provide?

Macleod Lettings was established in 2013 to provide private & institutional landlords with a personalised asset management service. Founded by Managing Director Ross Macleod, Ross was previously Director of Merchant Lettings, once the largest letting agency in Scotland. The company has grown significantly over the past three years and was voted 2015 Scottish Letting Agency of the year at the prestigious Herald Property Awards. Andrew Mitchell comes from an Accountancy background and has his own practice based in Dunblane, together with Ross they recognised there was an opportunity to bring the same award winning service to Stirlingshire.

Our award winning service is second to none. We have achieved this through personal service, and an online system allowing our clients and landlords to be kept up to date with all aspects of their property.

Why are you different? Traditionally landlords would be dealt with by numerous people, each from differing departments within the business. We have taken an asset management approach by combining each process of letting from marketing, viewings, lease paperwork and day to day management, and giving each property a unique account manager, ensuring that both the landlord and the tenant know who they are dealing with on a day to day basis. This gives us complete accountability, and reassurance for both owner & tenant that they are in safe hands.

Where will you be based? Our office is based in Dunblane covering Stirling, Falkirk and surrounding areas. Traditionally, property businesses would have a street frontage, displaying their properties. We believe that the marketplace is now entirely online, and the necessity for a shop front in no longer viable. We have a very strong brand presence, helped by our liveried Land Rovers, and our social media outlets. Our business is almost 100% referral, which is testament to our strap line of Trust, Transparency & Tenacity.

Why Stirling? We recognised that there was a gap in the market for the service that we provide, and an opportunity arose in the area so it was a natural transition for us.

RFL House, Anderson Street, Dunblane FK15 9AJ macleodlettings.com - info@macleodlettings.com 01786 235 285

LOVE LOCAL | 43

EST. 1985

HOUSE OF BLINDS BLINDS, CURTAINS, TRACKS, POLES & AWNINGS

Motorized Blinds available on Roller, Vertical Pleated and Venetian. Ideal for child safety and security. New Range of Pleated Blinds available as a single fabric or twin fabrics known as day/night blinds. Made-to-Measure Blinds & Curtains. Specialists in Silent Gliss Curtain Tracks & Poles bent to suit bay windows Motorised Senses Roller Blind with matching pelmet. NO CORDS, NO CHAINS. FREE ESTIMATES, FREE FITTING.

CALL US TODAY ON 01786 479991 OR POP IN TO THE SHOP AND SEE OUR NEW 2016 RANGES W W W. H O U S EO F B L I N D S .CO.U K W W W. FA C E B O O K . C O M / H O U S E O F B L I N D S LT D 3 K I N G S T R E E T, S T I R L I N G , F K 8 1 D N

LOVE HOME & GARDEN

KILN DRIED HARDWOOD AND SOFTWOOD LOGS KINDLING ALSO AVAILABLE Firewood Suppliers

SUMMER OFFERS •

Cubic Metre of kiln dried softwood £65 with FREE bag of kindling and 10 eco friendly firelighters

•

Cubic metre of seasoned hardwood £85 with FREE bag of kindling and 10 eco friendly firelighters

DISCOUNTS FOR LARGER LOADS. CALL DAWN ON 07795 966 514 OR EMAIL TARTANTIMBER@HOTMAIL.CO.UK

FRE

DEL I WHE VERY QUO N YOU TE “ LOC LOVE AL”

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STOVES Stove & Chimney Specialists

Professional Chimney Sweeping Can be done in any weather No Mess Part of ICS Stove Installation CCTV Inspections Single-storey from £50 Two-storey from £60

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Call Dawn on 07795 966 514

E: dawn@tartanstoves.co.uk W: www.tartanstoves.co.uk

JRS

ROOF & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Slating Tiling Roughcasting Lead & Chimney Work Roofs Demossed Exterior Painting & Joinery Garages & Dormers Flat Roofs Gutterings Cleaned and Repaired

FREE ESTIMATES Tel: 01786 498603 Mob: 07788 248401 33 Colquhoun Street, Stirling FK7 7PX LOVE LOCAL | 45

Guide to buying a stove by DAWN HALDANE, FEEDS & STOVES More and more people are turning to stoves to heat their homes. However, the importance of buying a suitable appliance for the job, is something we often overlook. These are some of the criteria you should look for when shopping for your stove. 1. Heat output. Is the stove the correct size for the room it is heating? Different output stoves are designed to heat different sized spaces. A typical kW rating for a stove that heats an average room is around 4-5kW, an 8kW rating is designed for a much larger space. You should also consider any efficiency-saving measures that are in place. A newly built house may only require a fraction of the output from a stove that an older building will. 2. How efficient is the stove? Building regulations have set minimum efficiency levels for all new heating 1

appliances. The minimum efficiency required for a stove is 65% and for one incorporating a heating system is 67%. Many stoves now available have an efficiency value above 80%. 3. Woodfuel, solid fuel or multi fuel stove? A woodfuel stove is designed to run exclusively on firewood. To get an efficient burn using logs, you should either buy kiln dried logs from a reputable supplier, or season them yourself for a period of up to two years. A solid fuel stove is designed to run on fuels such as anthracite or coal and a multifuel stove will run on both. For more advice, pop in to Feeds & Stoves, 21 Main Street Callander. 6

2 4

1. Hobbit 4kw Stove £475 2. Vega ST 4.8kw Stove £749 3. Vega 300 MF 13kw Stove £699 4. Manor Companion Set Black & Pewter £35.99 5. Kindling Bucket Large £10.99 Small £4.49 6. Bampton Log Basket £26.99

46 | LOVE LOCAL

Complete stove solutions from sale, installation and maintenance to fuel and accessories

Visit us!

• Kiln dried hardwood • Soft wood • Kindling • Peat • Coal • Firelighters

ANIMAL FEEDS AND SUPPLEMENTS for hamsters to horses

DOG GROOMING & BATHING Coming Soon Your high street home of Tartan Timber, Tartan Stoves and Ballachallan Feeds STOVES Firewood Suppliers

Stove & Chimney Specialists

Mon-Sat 9am-5pm • Sun 11am-5pm

Yankee Candle Stockists

T: 01877 330 643 M: 07795 966 514 www.feedsandstoves.co.uk • dawn@feedsandstoves.co.uk 21 Main Street, Callander FK17 8DU

LOVE PETS

FELIN Here at Strut

Our feline friends are ve and not afraid to let u upsetting for some ca Struthers & Scott have been caring for your pets for over 50 years, and whilst our practice has grown considerably in size,having to share t we still hold the same values now as we did in our early days.

Our objectives are to:

Struthers and Scott a every Wed

Please call the prac on 01786 841 30 receptio Provide excellent value for money. Our prices are fair, a true Look after your animals as if they were our own

reflection of our costs, time and expertise

Normal Surgery Times: Mon - Fri: 8.30am - 6.3

Be there for you and your animals. Our emergency out of hours service ensures that your animals will care ensures that your an Our emergency outreceive of hoursthe service they need, when they need it. when they need it. So you can call us 24 ho

Farm and Equine clients now have a sepa & to call 0845 177 1956 or email forth 01786 need 841304,

Call us on e: info@struthers-sc 24 hours a day,www.struthers-scott.co.uk 365 days a year. Our practice has dedicated vets who are experienced working with all types of small animals and exotics, so you can be sure that we at, Struthers & Scott, will give your pets the very best care. We have a wide range of services and diagnostic equipment including digital x-ray machine, state of the art scanner, endoscope, in-house laboratory blood analysers, and full surgical suite for routine and emergency procedures. We offer Pet Health Plans which allows you to spread the cost of your routine and preventative treatments over the year. Please ask a member of staff for details

Opening Hours

Mon - Fri 8.00am-7.00 pm Sat 8.30am-12.30pm

48 | LOVE LOCAL

70 Main Street, Doune Perthshire, FK16 6BW www.struthers-scott.co.uk

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