Stirling Observer

Approval is granted for new house build

Touching tributes paid to rugby ace who was huge part of Stirling County

- CHRIS MARZELLA

Stirling County has been rocked by the death of one of its young rugby stars from Callander.

Touching tributes have been paid after County player and Scotland internatio­nal Siobhan Cattigan died on Friday, November 26, aged just 26.

The Bridgehaug­h side paid tribute to the blindside flanker in a statement. They said: “It’s with a heavy heart we pass on the news of the tragic passing of Siobhan (Shibby) on Friday, November 26.

“Shibby has been a big part of County for many years and will be hugely missed by everyone at the club.

Shibby was a teammate and friend and we deeply mourn her loss.

“Our love, thoughts and heartfelt condolence­s are with Shibby’s family at this devastatin­g time..”

Scottish Rugby also paid tribute, saying: “The thoughts of all our people and players go out to Siobhan’s family and many teammates at Stirling County and Scotland at this incredibly difficult time.”

Siobhan won 19 caps for Scotland between 2018 and 2021, with the back-row making her internatio­nal debut against Wales during the 2018 Six Nations.

At the age of five, she joined McLaren Minis in her hometown of Callander. In addition, her older brother played for the minis section and her dad was also a coach at the club.

A talented back-row forward and all-round rugby player, Siobhan started all three matches of the 2021 Women’s Six Nations tournament, playing at number 8 against England, Italy and Wales.

She was also recently involved in the Rugby World Cup 2021 Europe Qualifiers squad, coming off the bench in Scotland’s first win of the tournament against Spain.

A student at Stirling University, studying criminolog­y and sociology, she went on to receive a Master’s degree in Sports Psychology.

She was also a pivotal figure in the university’s rugby club, and captained her side to victory in the 2016/17 BUCS league.

David Bond, Head of Performanc­e Sport at the University of Stirling, said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former student Siobhan Cattigan, who captained the University of Stirling Women’s Rugby Team.

“Siobhan was a popular, highly talented, dedicated and passionate member of our Women’s Rugby Club, and notably led the team to league success in 2016/17. As a fantastic player and inspiring leader, Siobhan remained a proud ambassador for the University.

“Our thoughts and condolence­s go out to all of Siobhan’s teammates, friends and family.”

The Scotland national football team also sent condolence­s to Siobhan’s family, friends.

Basketball legend,

Kieron Achara, from

Stirling added: “Such tragic news.”

England internatio­nal rugby player Rocky Clark said: “So sad to hear this tragic news, she was a great woman.”

Conditiona­l approval has been granted for a new house in garden ground in Buchlyvie.

Stirling Council planners have granted the applicatio­n by Steven Butler to develop the site at 28 Station Road.

In their decision, the planners said:“Building density in the immediate locality varies to some degree.

“The design of the proposed house is traditiona­l in character and form and is visually compatible with the host dwelling/neighbouri­ng dwellings. The proposal does not adversely impact residentia­l amenity since the internal layout and window arrangemen­t has been configured to prevent overlookin­g/loss of privacy.”

 ?? ?? Hugely missed Tributes have been paid after County player and Scotland internatio­nal Siobhan Cattigan’s death
Hugely missed Tributes have been paid after County player and Scotland internatio­nal Siobhan Cattigan’s death
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