Our historic buildings are left to decay
Dear Editor,
In Stirling we are proud of our building heritage and there is much to admire and applaud.
The buildings are part of the history which locals and tourists both enjoy.
Then why, one asks oneself, are some of our iconic historic buildings, usually classed with a conservation designation, left to decay?
Four that come to mind are:
– The old bank half way up King St, which is magnificent. Last known owner Snowy the builder.
– The old mansion house and lodge on the Viewfield Estate in sight of the council Viewfield headquarters. Once used as offices by the council and the mansion house, had a buyer but the council put the task of taking out their office electrical and other infrastructure onto the buyer, who could then not afford it.
– What was the Royal Hotel (and previously other hotels) on the main street in Bridge of Allan. The good plans to turn this into facilities for Fairview School fell through recently due to a hike in costs. Owned by David Rattray, now being sold via JLL Properties, a massive development company.
Now, I do realise that property ownership and development can be complicated. However, it looks as though these buildings are being neglected on purpose possibly. ie if they become in such a state of disrepair, they can be demolished and the land sold for new development.
The old hotel in Bridge of Allan for instance, when I recently looked at it, had windows open and some lights left on in side.
The yards were a mess and it rang of neglect.
The mansion on the old Viewfield estate is also not in good condition, and it is a magnificent building.
Surely, if these buildings have a conservation designation, the owners should be charged with their care while they are on the property market?
There is something not quite right about this situation.
Gill Christie
Stirling
Takingastride
Dear editor,
My Mum was fearless, strong and energetic, incredibly loving and supportive.
However, like so many others she lost her powers in one fell swoop following her first stroke in 2017.
Mum really was a fighter and she was determined to walk again but after her second stroke in the summer of 2018 she sadly passed away.
Like so many others, stroke has left a devastating effect on my family. However, many people don’t realise that the vast majority of strokes – around 80-90 per cent in fact - are preventable.
That’s why I’m supporting the Stroke Association’s Stride for Stroke campaign!
This year, the charity is challenging stroke survivors and everyone that’s affected by stroke, to walk 1.3 million steps - that’s one step for every stroke survivor in the UK today!
I know that might sound like a lot but it’s actually the recommended 10,000 steps a day for 130 days, so it’s much more manageable when you break it down.
Stroke strikes every five minutes in the UK and it changes lives in an instant. However, with our support, the Stroke Association can help more stroke survivors and their families rebuild their lives. Staying active and having a healthy lifestyle are two great things you can do to help prevent stroke, so it’s time to lace up those running or walking shoes and get set for
a challenge that will make a huge difference.
Sign up today at www. stroke.org.uk/stride
Kaye Adams