Manyin favour.. butwon’t admitit
I wish to raise my concerns over the current work being carried out on the path on slopes of Dumyat (Observer, September 8).
I understand this is being funded by Scottish Power Energy Networks as part of mitigation work following construction of the BeaulyDenny Power lines.
Dumyat is a well established location for many leisure users be they walkers, runners, mountain bikers and others and sees many hundreds of visitors each week.
The path is well understood and treasured for the diverse nature of opportunities it provides and is easily accessible for both local communities and those travelling from further away.
As a natural feature of the landscape it undoubtedly brings economic benefits to the businesses in Causewayhead and Bridge for Allan as visitors dwell in the area.
What work I have witnessed at first hand does not appear to be “sympathetic” to the natural contours of the hill and almost certainly it does not appear to comply with Scottish Natural Heritage best practice for hill paths.
Hill paths of suitable and appropriate nature, in my experience, need to be hand dug and crafted, not machined by brute force and ignorance.
I also have concerns for the duration of the work as I see no welfare facilities for the workers and a lack of suitable plans or documentation during my visits there over the past few days.
This further gives rise to concern for the wider environmental impact to the ecology there and in particular aspects of ground water, substrate issues and ongoing weather proofing of the path.
I would be seeking reassurances that those behind the work have consulted Scottish Environment Protection Agency and SNH properly on the overall ramifications of such drastic changes to the natural and established landscape
I would ask that all work is brought to a halt until reassurances that this work is to be carried out to the highest possible standard, otherwise I question what is the point?
If it continues, we will be left with the legacy of a disastrous, ill informed and unwanted project which is ruining a treasured local landmark.
Bruce Ritchie Dear Editor,
I would like to respond to the articles and letters about Park of Keir (Observer, September 6) and in particular the line from RAGE spokesperson Inga Bullen who is quoted as saying: “It is astonishing that this can be democracy. It doesn’t feel like it.”
Really, I always thought that democracy went with the will of the majority.
Given the population of Dunblane and Bridge of Allan is around 17,000, and 1000 (debatable), people are objecting, by my calculation, that leaves around 93 per cent in favour or neutral.
I do believe many are in favour but, sadly, are simply too afraid to say for fear of being at the receiving end of some of the most vile, vitriolic comments I have ever witnessed.
The comments directed to Judy Murray and her family are simply disgraceful, some, I would suggest, libellous.
It should also be pointed out that Park of Keir already has planning permission for a hotel and golf course, granted many years ago.
So glad it’s going ahead. For kids in general, for the development of sport for children, for local jobs and businesses and for Dunblane.
Oh, and perhaps now would be a good time to get the long promised grade separated overpass at the Keir roundabout?
For the reasons already stated, I wish to remain anonymous.
Name and address supplied