Beast from the East
Author: laurahendersonsite
Impressions of Kippen from Outsiders
We arrived in Kippen on a cold, crisp, and sunny Friday afternoon in February for a 10 week stay following the recent birth of our twin grandchildren. They say that first impressions are everything; and ours was of the breathtaking view northwards across the valley with the snow-capped mountains of Ben Vorlich, Ben Ledi and the Trossachs bathed in the winter sunshine beneath a beautiful blue sky peppered with puffy white clouds. We never tired of this view with the colours of the fields, the hills and the sky changing with the weather throughout the day.
Coming from Liverpool, a major tourist attraction with a thriving cultural scene, to Kippen, a village with two main streets, two pubs, one church, a post office, a café, a hairdresser and a garage, our initial reaction was “Is that it, how are we going to spend 10 weeks here and stay sane?” However, size is not everything, and any village which names one of its only two thoroughfares Main Street without having a Disney parade at 3 o’clock each afternoon is not lacking in self confidence, and on looking beneath the surface we soon found that Kippen has so much more to offer.
What has really impressed us about Kippen is the strong community and sense of communal spirit in the village. The number and diversity of communal and sporting activities is truly impressive for a village of this size; with clubs and societies for cricket, tennis, bowls, shooting, fishing, golf and bridge, to name just a few and, of course, not forgetting “The Wee Vine” and the Village Facebook page, both of which cement the community and keep the village informed. These organisations would not exist and flourish without the hard work, enthusiasm and dedication of those who volunteer to run them.
And what about the people of Kippen. We were surprised to hear an equal amount of English and Scottish accents in the village and, having survived the ignominy of England’s defeat at Murrayfield and the inevitable taunts which followed, we were delighted that in Kippen there is harmony between our two great nations and cultures. If the dour Scot does exist anywhere, he and she most certainly are not in evidence in Kippen, where we have been welcomed warmly by everyone we have met. We were here for the “beast from the East” and were heartened by the community spirit, with everybody pulling together to ensure that the elderly and infirm were safe. Together with the spirit imbibed at your two wonderful pubs, its people represent the true spirit of Kippen.
The future of any community is in the young. As the parents of a young couple newly settled in Kippen and the grandparents of twins who will grow up here, we were delighted to see so many young couples in the village, and to hear children playing happily outside, which sadly it is no longer safe for children to do in our large cities. To hear that the local Primary School is held in such high regard is also a great source of comfort to us.
We will be sorry to leave at the end of April but to paraphrase one of Arnie’s sayings: “We will be back” and that’s a promise, not a threat!
Capping the price on energy bills.
In Westminster, I am a member of the cross- party Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee. Consumers’ energy bills are one of the most important issues we are dealing with, which is why this new legislation, which will introduce an energy price cap for domestic energy supplies, is so important. The committee reported last month that it was overwhelmingly in support of this policy. The Bill will require the regulator (OfGEM) to introduce a price cap for all customers, which would run until 2020, with provision to be extended if needed. There are already caps in place for those customers on pre-payment meters and for certain vulnerable groups, this would now introduce a cap on the price any customer would pay if they were on a variable or default tariff. There will be opportunities for Green Energy tariffs to be exempted from the cap to ensure they can be made available. Although switching suppliers is encouraged, a recent report stated that only 18% of customers do so on a regular basis and that many customers remain with the ‘Big 6’ energy companies, despite there now being over sixty suppliers operating. We must make it far easier to switch between suppliers. This is an important opportunity to stop many customers from paying a lot more than they need to and ensure we have a consumer led marketplace. I will continue to support this legislation as it progresses through Parliament.
John Bennett
Communications Officer for Stephen Kerr MP
William Wallace signs up to become a friend of The National Wallace Monument
6 March 2018 – Stirling – Mr William Wallace, from Mount Melville, St Andrews, becomes one of the first friends of Stirling’s famous landmark, The National Wallace Monument, as it officially launches its membership programme.
The namesake of the Scottish hero that the Monument commemorates joined the newly launched membership scheme that gives visitors the opportunity to pay admission once and enjoy visiting as many times as they wish over the next 12 months.
Relying on public admission fees to maintain and operate The National Wallace Monument, Stirling District Tourism will also be able to reclaim 25p on every £1 that is spent via the membership programme at no extra cost to the visitor, when UK tax payers choose to Gift Aid their membership.
William Wallace commented: “I am proud to share a name with a Scottish icon and to be invited to become a member of the important landmark. I have regularly visited The National Wallace Monument over the years with family and friends and look forward to many more visits!”
All income generated is re-invested into the attraction and its facilities for the enjoyment of all visitors who come to discover the story of Scotland’s National Hero.
The new membership scheme has been introduced specifically to encourage regular visitors to come to the historic monument more often, and to bring their friends and family.
Ken Thomson, The National Wallace Monument Marketing Manager added: “Giving our visitors the opportunity to visit as many times as they like throughout the year with just one entry fee is our way of saying thank you for all the support we’ve received over the years.
It’s an exciting time for us right now as we make plans for investment and improvements at the National Wallace Monument.”
Visitors can follow the ‘Wallace Way’ up to the 220ft tower and discover more about Stirling’s fascinating history, told through a collection of exciting woodcarvings. In the Monument itself they can trace the story of Wallace’s life and legacy in three galleries, one of which features his legendary battle sword.
On the third-floor visitors can discover the facts and figures behind the building of the Victorian tower and children can build their own miniature version of the Monument before reaching the Crown – which offers breath-taking 360-degree views across central Scotland and the Highlands to the North.
A top visitor attraction, The National Wallace Monument also features the family-friendly Legends Coffee House and free onsite car parking.
Contact Katie Goodfellow / 0131 526 3190
katie@representcomms.co.uk
The National Wallace Monument
http://www.nationalwallacemonument.com
Police Report
Police Report
PC Scott Craigie is the Police Scotland Ward Officer for the Forth and Endrick area, which incorporates Kippen and surrounding areas. They are based at Balfron Police Office, and can be contacted at the office, on 101 or at ForthEndrickCPT@scotland.pnn.police.uk.
He regularly publishes information and appeals online. The local Twitter feed can be found at @StirlingPol, and the local Facebook page can be found at ‘Forth Valley Police Division’.
The current ward priorities for the Forth and Endrick area continue to be Antisocial Behaviour, Road Safety, Theft and Community Engagement and Reassurance.
Antisocial Behaviour
There has been no antisocial behaviour of note within the village since the last issue.
Road Safety
Since the last edition of The Wee Vine, the Central Scotland Safety Camera Partnership and Police Scotland have continued to perform speed enforcement and hi-visibility patrols in and around Kippen, resulting in a number of motorists being prosecuted where appropriate. Regular such patrols and checks will continue in an effort to improve road safety and driver behaviour.
Theft
There has been a theft by housebreaking, a theft and an attempt made to steal a vehicle in the village since the last issue. There have been a number of housebreakings, vehicle thefts and attempted vehicle thefts in the area surrounding the village. This problem is not confined to Stirlingshire, but is an ongoing issue in East and West Dunbartonshire as well. A positive line of enquiry has been established. I would ask that readers remain vigilant and report any suspicious persons or activity to the police.
Rural Watch Scotland
“‘Rural Watch Scotland’ is an extension of the Neighbourhood Watch Scotland movement and endorsed by the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC) and Forth valley Rural Crime Group aimed specifically at the rural communities of Scotland and aims to bring all the benefits of Neighbourhood Watch to all rural communities irrespective of location, size or demographics.
Rural watch is an online community for any member of the public where appeals, crime prevention tips and safety alerts can be posted by those who subscribe which can be viewed by all members. Subscription is free and the sharing of information on the forum is a great example of real time crime prevention in action.
The objectives of Rural Watch Scotland are to:
- Reduce crime and the fear of crime by providing the right information, to the right people, at the right time.
- Encourage people to think about safety and security for themselves, their neighbours and their community.
- Improve community cohesion and well-being by supporting communities to develop ‘their watch, their way’.
- Work in partnership with national and local service providers to develop more resilient communities that are better prepared against threats, intentional or unintentional, such as crime or extreme weather.
The experience of Neighbourhood Watch throughout Scotland and elsewhere across the world is that members of Rural Watch Scotland will be less likely than non-members in the rural community to be a victim of crime.
By joining the Rural Watch Scotland scheme members can receive alerts and advice by phone, text or email. By keeping members informed about crime and other threats in specific areas, Rural Watch Scotland can help prevent crime, keep communities and residents safe, and member’s responses to these alerts can help catch criminals or be better prepared to deal with other threats to communities. To join Rural Watch Scotland simply:
- Log onto http://www.ruralwatchscotland.co.uk
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Click the green JOIN button at the top of the page.
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Follow the on screen instructions.”
Neighbourhood Alert.
This is a community messaging system which sends alerts regarding crime, safety and resilience to communities. Ruralwatch is an information platform that has been set up by what was formerly Neighbourhood Watch, however the big difference being that any members of the local community can sign up to have the relevant alerts sent to them by various means including E-mail or Text message. To receive free alerts simply register at:
http://www.neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk
GDPR is coming May 2018 – Is your business ready?
The date for your diary is 25 May 2018. The topic is General Data Protection Regulation’s (GDPR). This new legislation will apply to all businesses which collect personal data. The first key transparency requirement under the GDPR is the right to be informed.
Under GDPR a company must communicate the following information in clear and plain language to the individual when their data is being collected or if it is collected through another source, within a reasonable period:
- Name and contact details of your company
- Your purpose and lawful basis to collect and process data
- What type of data you collect
- How you collect and store data securely
- How long data is retained
- If applicable, details of any data transferred to any third countries or international organisations
- How individuals can view their information you hold and how they can remove their information
- Review and changes to the privacy policy details
If you are a public body, large data processor, or if your company collects personal data from a source on an individual’s behalf there is additional information you must provide. For this information or if you are worried about the upcoming GDPR regulations you can access many free resources at www.ico.org.uk.
Jenn McArthur, Data Protection officer at STEP
Interested in becoming a ‘Dragon’?
Wallace Equity is looking for investors to help back Scottish start-ups and early growth businesses. The Stirling investment group want to double the number of existing investors of 25 so that more money is available to support Scottish businesses and entrepreneurs.
Start-ups and SME’s are feeling the pinch since funding is becoming increasingly low amongst new businesses. The network of current members back qualifying businesses across Scotland – with an investment ranging from £20k to £500k across many sectors. The aim is to increase investment by 60% as it recruits fellow investors. Much like Dragon’s Den, Wallace Equity members listen to pitches from pre-vetted businesses and ask questions to understand whether the company would be worth investing in.
Wallace Equity member and Kippen resident Gordon Bell said:
“Small businesses are the heart of Scotland’s economy. All the big companies we think about started small and needed capital to get where they are now. If we can help get a small Scottish business to where they need to go and make some money at the same time, it’s a win, win.”
This is an exciting opportunity to invest in some great businesses. To find out more email: info@wallaceequity.co.uk
Beast from the East
The Inn at Kippen
Kevin Laing and Lisa Saker are the new management team at The Inn at Kippen. They are keen to bring their wealth of experience, knowledge and passion for hospitality and customer service to the Inn. They are strongly supported by their fantastic established team including Gillian, the Inn’s Assistant Manager, as well as bringing some new faces to the team. They are also super excited to be bringing back an old face in the form of Kristoff. A dynamic young chef who has a clear vision for the menu and food that he wants to serve, Kristoff gained a wealth of experience working under the talented Mark at the Inn previously. He has since left and developed his skills working in Edinburgh and now feels ready to take on the role as Head Chef.
Kevin has been in the hospitality sector for over twenty years, working in various departments, both front of house and in the kitchen, within numerous restaurants, cafes and hotels. Most recently he has set up and run The Bistro at one of Edinburgh’s most glamorous hotels, Carberry Towers. Kevin has also organised and run some of the best functions, and he is keen to make The Inn the place people want to come to celebrate their life events – Birthdays, Christenings, Weddings etc. So, if you have any forthcoming events, why not pop in & see what we can do for you with our tailor-made event packages.
Lisa has a background in the banking sector, but also has years of experience working front of house in various establishments in Edinburgh, and most recently has been running her own café serving a local community with home made food, afternoon teas & delicious home baking. These are all things that we will be looking to introduce to the Inn.
They have been overwhelmed by the support they have had, both professionally & personally, since moving to Kippen, and are looking forward to building the business back up to the successful community- orientated business that Kippen deserves, as well as an eatery for tourists visiting Kippen & the surrounding areas.
Lisa Saker
Bobby Wilson
We are a small Landscape Company which has been based in Kippen for over 40 years.
Stephen Paul started out in 1974, taking on large and small private contracts in the Central belt of Scotland. Sadly Stephen passed away in 1994 after a car accident.
I was a good friend and had worked with him, and was able to buy the business and goodwill to carry it on in the same way.
Having worked with Stephen when I left school in 1987, I then spent 2 years at college doing a Diploma in Horticulture, and went on to be a foreman with a few large landscape companies before taking on Stephen’s business.
I have taken on some very good projects over the years and can carry out bespoke works, from large scale projects to small gardens. We carry out works all over Scotland now, from Crail in the East, to regularly working on the Isle of Mull.
Most people know we maintain hedges and grass cutting round the village, and usually see me zipping around in the tractor or Land Rover with a digger.
We are able to carry out most ground- based works and also tree pruning and removal. I have some pics which also show my speciality, Drystone Dyking works, which I carry out on my own. These give a natural look and a unique feature in a garden.
John has worked with me for 15 years now and carries out all the maintenance works such as grass cutting, weeding and hedge cutting. We can organise regular visits to ensure your garden always looks well.
Contact me on my Mobile 07775 775 268 Landline 01786 870 906 Email: robertbbt9@aol.com or even follow us on Facebook. (Stephen Paul Associates).
Please visit our website for more information and pictures of our work. http://www.s-paul.co.uk
The Wee Vine 