Ploughing on with park plan

Stirling town councillors voted to reaffirm their decision to plough up part of King’s Park despite an attempt to reverse the move.

Councillors had agreed to the measure in February, 1917, in response to a request from the Government for additional ground to be found for food production. The impact of the war was starting to have a devastating effect on supplies.

However, the council’s decision was criticised and at a special meeting of prominent citizens, there were demands for a re-think.

As a result, the move was put on hold pending a special meeting of the town council and that took place 100 years ago this week.

Councillors were told that Messrs Dewar, the farmers expected to be given the contract for the work, wanted to turn 30 acres of the park over to the cultivation of oats. Much of the land was in the flat area near the main gate.

Calling for the previous decision to be reversed, Councillor Ronald said it was a “cheap form of patriotism” to be generous with people’s rights – in this case the right of townsfolk to enjoy the recreational opportunities offered by King’s Park.

He thought the Ministry of Agriculture should use their “compulsory powers” against farmers in the neighbourhood who had taken some of their land out of cultivation.

Seconding the motion, Councillor Moores condemned those who were suggesting the “salvation of the country depended on ploughing up King’s Park”.

This was the only place in Stirling for recreation, he added.

However, opposing the motion, Councillor Derrick said it was their duty to support the Government. They could not stand aside for the glorification of sport.

Councillor Derrick said he was there to support what was required in the interests of the nation to win the war, and if he did not do so, he was “playing into the hands of the enemy and would simply be pro-German.”

Backing Councillor Derrick, Dean of Guild Menzies said there were many things a nation could do without, but not food, and if the war continued until 1918, they might be placed in a serious condition.

Following further discussion, councillors voted 11-8 against reversing their previous decision to plough up part of the park.