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Newsletter  April 2015

11/4/2015

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With the coming of spring and some pleasant weather,   just a little of the despondency displayed in our last newsletter has lifted. (see below)                                 

 Duntiglennan Fields
At the WDC planning meeting on 26th March, the planning  committee unanimously voted NOT to accept the Local Development Plan examination report submitted by the Scottish Government’s Directorate of Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA). This report was returning the ‘Duntiglennan Fields ‘ back to a housing opportunity site for up to 100 houses  and the committee want the status reversed back to ‘Green Belt’ which was what the hard fought battle was about and what we thought had been achieved in the earlier stages of the plans progress. Perhaps all this hassle could have been avoided if the WDC officials had not suggested the site for housing in the first place but we would suppose they do take cognisance of the desires of the owners and potential developers. It was obvious from the opposition to the proposed removal of the sites from green belt at the previous plan’s formation five years ago that this was a contentious issue.  The reporter on that occasion ruled against housing.  Has green belt land now become a ‘land bank’ for speculators knowing it will eventually be released for housing at future revisions of the local plan?                                                                                                          

   In a similar situation, also in Hardgate, the planning department recommended housing in the former mill dam despite having previously declared it part of a riverside wildlife corridor. There was also opposition to this from residents, Clydebelt and planning committee councillors but was also pushed through by the DPEA. The site is now lying as an eyesore, destroyed and derelict after the developers pulled out after having started the ground works.
What the next episode of the Duntiglennan saga will be, we do not know, but Provost Douglas McAllister says he had taken legal advice before putting the motion for the council not to accept the DPEA report with regards to the Duntiglennan issue only.

Report from Public Meeting No 1  Charrette - 11th-14th February
…..“The Scottish Government has selected Clydebank town centre for a major locally driven
design charrette….. the fundamental aim is to involve local residents, business and stakeholders in planning the future of the town centre. A charrette is an intensive consultation that engages local people in the design of their community……..Planning and design workshops will be held in the Clydebank Town Hall over a four day period… when the public, designers and specialists will be working together, ‘hands on’, to prepare a long term vision, development framework and action plan for Clydebank Town Centre with the ideas translated into plans and drawings…
.”
This charrette was only originally to discuss Clydebank town centre which is now seen as only the Shopping Centre. The few oldies that turned up at the general public session perhaps convinced the enthusiastic and receptive young planners appointed by the Scottish Government, that Bankies considered the town centre should include the area around the Town hall and Library. Unfortunately our council leading officials are hell bent in destroying any semblance of a civic centre in Clydebank by closing the council offices at Rosebery Place, having previously priced local organisations out of the town hall. Our local museum has been replaced with a gallery mostly concentrating on art exhibitions from outwith the area and not showing the archaeology, history and artefacts of the local area which should be its main purpose.

Clydebank Re-built went through the same forum process nearly ten years ago; not just a couple of hours but over very many sessions and yet our young planners seemed not to have heard of it and no one seemed to know where all the information and ideas gathered then went. I am afraid we have seen and heard it before and have been waiting over 70 years since the blitz for some decent town planning. Don’t hold your breath for anything like a coordinated plan for the centre of Clydebank to arise from this. 
                                                                                                                   
There will be a further meeting to show the conclusions of the charrette shortly.
 http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/planning-building-standards/clydebank-town-centre-design-charrette/
A similar charrette was held in Dumbarton focusing on the Castle Rock and surrounding areas and we hear there were many positive suggestions which were favourably received
http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/planning-building-standards/dumbarton-rock-charrette/


Report from Public Exhibition No2- January 22nd
This was held in the Clydebank College when agents for the developers showed plans for the possible development of Queen’s Quay (former John Brown’s shipyard). These were only indicative of what might be and opinions sought. Basically four storey flats would front along a riverside walkway with lower density housing with gardens, in the streets towards Dumbarton Road, This possibly would maximise the sales value by building what is currently the type of property in demand. Is this really the site for suburban type housing? Around the fitting out basin could be shops/cafes/ pubs /hotel, office space etc., with a small supermarket towards Glasgow Road. No indication of public open space provision, children’s play areas or a civic square to the south of the Town Hall as were in the suggestions once proposed by Clydebank Re-built. There is the possibility of new council nursing home and Health Centre nearer to Dumbarton Road. The meeting was not well attended and was not connected in any way with the above meeting on ‘Clydebank town centre’

Public Meeting 3
A meeting organised by Old Kilpatrick Community Council in January led to subsequent meetings and a group , several of whom take part in the Sunday litter picks at the Saltings are in the early stages of forming a community volunteers group.

Old Kilpatrick Community Group
It all began with litter picking in Lusset Glen and the Saltings, carried out by some local and not-so-local individuals. Then, Sandra Anton (Community Engagement Ranger), told us about some greenhouses that might be used by a community group.  With her support and that of Linda Adam, (Community Greenspace Officer), three meetings have been held at the Napier Hall, and a group of local volunteers interested in enhancing the village has emerged, focusing on the environment (e.g. litter issues), local history and archaeology (e.g. Antonine Wall), and horticulture (e.g. flowers to brighten up the village spaces).  

Although it is still early days, good progress is being made and plans are being formulated. The name, aim and objectives of the group are still to be finalised, and a more detailed report will be made at that time.  

 It is hoped to hold a Community ‘Launch Day’ on Saturday 20th June.  More details to follow!

Clydebelt’s 25th Anniversary
It will be 25 years since Clydebelt was formed after 400 people attended a public meeting in Trinity Church to oppose a massive planning application along the whole face of the Kilpatricks from Gavinburn to Edinbarnet.  Proposed was an exclusive leisure estate with golf courses and club houses, hotels, artificial ski slope, riding establishments, rural/rare breeds centre, corporate training and conference centre, parking for 2500 cars, new roads, etc.

We are intending to hold some kind of an event/buffet on the 13th or 14th November- save the dates: more precise details to follow.

History Ramble at Cochno/Edinbarnet/Auchnacraig  Wednesday 6th May 7.00 pm
As part of the 25th Anniversary celebrations we will have a short walk showing the varied history /natural history of this area.   
Druid and ring stones, bleach field, water powered sawmill, Lady’s Linn, Graveyard, stately country houses and bluebells.
Meet in the Auchnacraig car park on Cochno Road. As the ground can be rough, steep in a few places and wet, appropriate footwear is required.    And also

Walk to the Jaw Reservoir    Thursday 7th May 7.00pm
Circular walk of about 3 miles through Cochno and Edinbarnet estates to the Jaw Reservoir. Again from Auchnacraig car park.
For both please book and obtain any other details from Sam Gibson Tel 01389872490 or email

Hardgate Knowes- Clydebelt clean up- Sunday 19th April 10.00am – 2.00pm
Once again we are having what has become an annual clean up on Hardgate Knowes. Meet at the car park behind Whitehills Hotel (opposite Tesco) at Hardgate roundabout; equipment supplied. Treats being supplied by Greggs. We always come away wishing we had more volunteers to attack some of the more remote spots.  Please come along and show your support.

WDC clean ups take place on the Saltings on the first Sunday each month meeting in the car park off Erskine Ferry Road at 10.00 am

Explore Outdoors! Lang Craigs & Kilpatrick Hills
Saturday 30th May 11am – 3pm

Join the expedition with Forestry Commission Scotland & Woodland Trust Scotland to explore new trails and hidden areas of Lang Craigs & Kilpatrick Hills. Fun for explorers of all ages with children’s treasure hunts, geocaching and other fun family activities such as storytelling and camp fires.
Refreshments available on the day.
No booking required, drop in at any time.
Free of charge – parking available at Woodland Trust car park beside Overtoun House’.
 http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCIQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wdcvs.com%2F&ei=TSIbVevTB4bbap3egrgH&usg=AFQjCNH6lwvy0fJNGdxU_4ikJNu3NFBLwA&bvm=bv.89744112,d.ZGU&cad=rja

West Dunbartonshire Community & Volunteering Services (WDCVS) 
  http://www.wdcvs.com/
The WDCVS send out informative e- newsletters on a regular basis. You can be put on the mailing list thro’ the link on their website. ‘WDCVS have been very lucky to have been given access to one of the community plots at Dalmuir where local people have been able to volunteer there learning new skills, passing on their skills, meeting new people, breaking down isolation, getting people outside and active as well as being able to eat the produce they grow. The volunteers last year worked on parts of the allotment in small teams or on a 1-1 basis If you would like to volunteer at the allotment or want to find out more then contact Rhona on 0141 941 0886.’

Clydebank Post
Over the years many had been put off reading the Post due to an over emphasis on crime and associated lurid headlines. Recently this has changed and a new team are trying to create a paper reporting more on community events and people, council doings (or lack of) and showing a more positive side to the area.

THE WATCHMEAL OF KILPATRICK, AND DAVID MURRAY
 To finish with an interesting snippet of ancient history concerning the Kilpatrick Hills.... etc.
  Centuries ago there were wolves on the Hills.  One hill named Knockvadie means ‘Hill of the Wolf’ which bears testament to this fact.  The wolves naturally were considered to be a threat to domestic livestock. A local feu duty, or tax, was instigated in the 14th century named the Watchmeal of Kilpatrick – a tax paid for by local tenants and heritors, to help meet the cost of expelling the predators.  This was paid not in money but in oatmeal – which collectively would contribute to some level of protection of the livestock on the Hills.  It was locally known as ‘dogmeal’ since it was thought to go towards feeding the hunting dogs kept at Dumbarton Castle for use against the wolves.

This levy has its first mention in a charter dated 1348 and was aimed at occupiers of the land owned by  Paisley Abbey, the fourteen townships or Abbey lands of Kilpatrick.  These occupiers and tenants were bound to ‘pay’ a total of five chalders of oatmeal. (an ancient Scottish measure of grain).  After the 16th century this authority to impose the tax was later taken over by the crown after which the heritors and tenants paid this feu in money rather than oatmeal. The 4th Marquis (later the 1st Duke of Montrose) acquired all the duties payable to Dumbarton Castle from the Duchy of Lennox between 1702 – 1704 and  attempted to revert the system to payment in kind (oatmeal), and introducing a larger grain measure.  The Kilpatrick heritors and tenants resisted this, and questioned the need to pay this particular levy at all, claiming that the wolf had long since disappeared from the Hills. However the Duke’s application was upheld by the Sheriff of Dumbarton in 1706.  Payment reverted to ‘in kind’ (oatmeal) but again with an even larger measure.  The heritors and tenants again appealed but the Duke’s demands were upheld at the Court of Sessions.  There is no further record of protests by the local farmers and meanwhile the lands and feu entitlement were put back on the market.  In 1826 they passed to William Dunn, local Mill owner, who was hoping to use this title to the lands to his political advantage to create ‘Parchment Barons’- supporters who could vote for him in elections, if required.  During the interim after his death in 1849, the local heritors and tenants of the fourteen townships were given the opportunity to buy out their obligation to pay the Watchmeal Tax.  All except one of these, Lord Blantyre, accepted the proposal.  David Murray of Cardross, (1842 – 1928)  a lawyer and local historian, and  “a man of culture and of large and varied knowledge, conjoined with great industry and deep research”,  bought (primarily as an historical curiosity)  this last remaining ‘feu superiority’ for Lord Blantyre’s land still subject to the Watchmeal duty.

After Mr Murray’s death, his extensive library of books went to Glasgow University, but items of relevance to Dunbartonshire went to Dumbarton Library.  The books and papers presented by him formed the basis of the library's Watchmeal Collection, which exists to this day; the collection to be supplemented using the modest income from the Watchmeal fund.  

NB    it is worth noting that there is a road named after this story: Watchmeal Crescent in Faifley, as well as an Abbeylands Road!
Acknowledgements:     John Mitchell, Scottish Local History  Issue 80, February 2011;                                                             Lairich Rig   “The Murray Family Memorial”, http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/332117

Next Clydebelt Meeting   
Tuesday 19th May 7.00 in Trinity Church Hall, Roman Road, Duntocher – all welcome.

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March 30th, 2015

29/3/2015

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NEWS RELEASE
Forestry Commission Scotland has appointed Amy Telford as Community Ranger for the Kilpatrick Hills.
 
The appointment comes as the Commission publishes its 10-year Land Management Plan for Kilpatrick Hills, which sets out the vision of the woodland in the future following extensive analysis, community consultation and development work.
 
The partnership role will see Telford working jointly for Forestry Commission Scotland and the Woodland Trust Scotland at the Kilpatrick Hills.
 
Amy said: I˙m really excited about my new partnership role and look forward to engaging with the local community and arranging recreational events at Kilpatrick Hills.  Iâ•˙ll also be working with local schools and families to encourage and support outdoor learning and playing.  Our aim is to encourage and support more people from all abilities and backgrounds to visit Kilpatrick Hills.
 
Robert Clamp, District Forester Planning, Forestry Commission Scotland said:  Our vision is for Kilpatrick Hills to be a highly accessible area providing a wilderness experience for the public to enjoy with more recreational opportunities.  This has been incorporated into the Land Management Plan, which aims to increase the ease and access to the hills by linking up existing routes into longer loops including the John Muir Way.
 
The Land Management Plan sets out ongoing improvements for the management of the site, including tree felling and restructuring to diversify the make-up of the forest.  Different tree species are to be planted at Kilpatrick Hills, including conifers, broadleaves and a wide range of native woodland types, which will benefit the flora, fauna and wildlife across the Hills.
 
The Kilpatrick Hills is a 3,500 hectare site and offers a taste of the Highlands on Glasgowâ•˙s doorstep, just nine miles from the city centre with spectacular views over Glasgow and the River Clyde, as well as hill walking and bike-riding and the chance to spot red deer, otters and ospreys.
 
For more information on the Kilpatrick Hills Land Management Plan, please visit: http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/managing/plans-and-strategies/land-management-plans/616-kilpatrick-hills
or Facebook.com/visitkilpatrickhills
 

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Kilpatrick Hills Forest Design Plan - Final Draft

23/7/2014

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from Forestry Commission Scotland 

We have now had a chance to look at all the feedback that we have received and evaluate everything against the data we have to help formulate our final plan for the site. The final plan is now completed and is available to be viewed on our website, please click on the link below to navigate to the page. 

http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/supporting/communication-consultation/forest-design-plan-consultations/kilpatrick-hills

The woodland officer that is overseeing this application is Jenny Flavell; she can be contacted in writing on the details below should you have any concerns regarding the final plan. 

Jenny Flavell
mailto:Jennifer.flavell@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Forestry Commission Scotland
Bothwell House
Hamilton Business Park
Caird Park
Hamilton
ML3 0QA
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Clydebelt  Newsletter  January 2014

14/1/2014

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Posties Park Dumbarton
- a Victory for the People. 
The council meeting to decide on the site for the proposed new Our Lady and St Patrick’s school was held on Wednesday 8th January. Posties Park, currently zoned as open space, is to the seaward side of Levengrove Park and was the site being promoted as the most suitable by Terry Lannigan, Executive Director of Educational Services and the council’s advisory team. This was being opposed by many including  a  ‘Save Posties Park’ campaign group  

A statutory consultation had been held to which there had been 515 responses, 149 recommending Posties Park, 185 the current school site on Cardross Road and 176 for other sites. Feeling in Dumbarton on the possibility of losing this public park was running high.

Clydebelt had objected to the choice of Posties Park mostly on the grounds of loss of very valued open green space and being contrary to the Local Plan in several aspects.

 The committee meeting was held in the Denny Theatre as it was anticipated that there would be a large attendance. The theatre was full (350) seats.   Protesters had many banners and placards. The Director of Education spoke, through some noisy interjections, as to how this was the preferred site and no others would be as suitable.  Cllr David McBride (Labour) motioned, with a very reasoned speech, for a refusal of acceptance of this choice of site.  Cllr Jonathon McColl (SNP group leader) seconded the motion and it was obvious then that the case for the Posties Park objectors was won. The meeting ended with much cheering and jubilation among most of the audience. Unanimous decision and unexpected as most thought the ruling Labour group were going to support their Education Director.    A victory also for reason and democracy. 

Rose Harvey, who was prominent in the Save Posties Park campaign, is a committee member of Clydebelt and, with many others, put considerable time and effort into this highly successful campaign. Well done Rose and the others who showed the WDC councillors that people do value their green spaces.

Forest Design Plan for the Kilpatrick Hills.
Forestry Commission Scotland will be hosting community consultations in January 2014 to gain feedback on their draft Forest Design Plan which covers their existing plantations and the ground more recently acquired.
The venues, dates and times where these sessions will be held are listed below:
* Clydebank Shopping Centre, Sylvania Way, Clydebank,  (old BHS café space) Saturday 18th January, 10am - 4pm
* Edenmill Farm Shop, Blanefield, Glasgow, G63 9AX, Sunday 19th January, 12 noon - 4pm
* Napier Hall, Dumbarton Road, Old Kilpatrick, G60 5JH, Tuesday 21st January, 4pm- 7.30pm
* Artizan Centre, Dumbarton, G82 1LJ, Saturday 25th January, 10am-4pm

They are keen to encourage the local community, groups, individuals, businesses and anyone with an interest in this site to contribute towards this process so please pass this information on to other people you think might be interested in attending.


You can download a Summary of the Proposals by the following button:
kilpatrick-hills-fdp_--summary-of-proposals.pdf
File Size: 91 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


We have attached a Summary of the Proposals and have on file a series of MAPS to accompany this but the file is too large to transmit to several recipients at a time. Will send individually on request. Titles are 1-Overview, 2-Potential Afforestration, 3-Potential Deforestration, 4-Roads & Quarries, 5a-Peat Depth Survey, 5b- Breeding Bird Survey, 5c-0pen habitat survey, 6-Sensitivities and 7-Qualifying Projects . The initial letter codes used in some of the maps legends are not explained and perhaps not understood by non- foresters. These will no doubt be on show and explained at the sessions above.
Contact is-- Eilidh Spence
Woodland Learning & Community Officer
Woodland Trust Scotland & Forestry Commission Scotland Lang Craigs & Kilpatrick Hills
Mobile: 07770430185

Sustrans Volunteers - be a Greener Greenways Champion
Sustrans has recently started an exciting new project in Scotland called ‘Greener Greenways’ to enhance and improve the biodiversity on traffic-free sections of the National Cycle Network, which act as wildlife corridors, linking habitats and species which would otherwise be isolated from each other. With funding from the Scottish Government and Scottish Natural Heritage, the project was launched in August 2013 and will initially run for three years, creating habitat management plans on 100km of Sustrans-managed greenways and over 100km of greenways managed by other organisations, such as local authorities. Volunteers will be trained in wildlife ID, surveying skills and habitat management, and will monitor and record wildlife on a local stretch of route. All that is needed is an interest in nature and enthusiasm!

Locally volunteers are required to monitor wildlife and collect data on the traffic-free route from Dalmuir along the canal and on to Milton in order to help improve and enhance biodiversity, and engage the public.
To find out more about becoming a Wildlife Champion, contact your Sustrans Scotland Volunteer Coordinator, Laura White:   laura.white@sustrans.org.uk   Tel 0131 346 3016
http://www.sustrans.org.uk/volunteer/get-involved/vacancies/wildlife-champion-greener-greenways-dalmuir-milton
  and/or   
http://www.volunteerscotland.net/find-an-opportunity/opportunity-search/detail/?opportunityID=124661  

W.D.C. Budget Meeting Consultation
Prior to the WDC’s Budget Meeting on February 6th there has been an online public box ticking consultation which runs to Friday 17th January. The Council require to make £17 Mn. savings by 2016/17, but this ‘consultation’ is only to access public opinion on achieving savings options of £189,000 in the current year. Without in depth knowledge of the implications of most of the cuts suggested we would have doubts as to the value of such ‘box ticking’ consultations.

The major concern for Clydebelt is the suggestion of reducing Dalmuir Golf course from 18 to 9 holes. What is not being said is that the intention is to sell off the remainder for housing, no doubt the real agenda being to lessen some of the of the £17 Mn. shortfall. 

Clydebelt and others have petitioned at the last two local plan consultations to keep the Dalmuir wedge as green belt and to stop housing on it as was proposed twice, and failed, for Auchentoshan estate. The local plans evolve through a reasonably democratic consultation process and it seems that some elements in the council seem to think they can ignore them whenever they have new proposals. Posties Park being an example; saving the Dalmuir wedge could be the next public protest they might have to contend with. Or, could it be we’re being ‘wound up’ on this in order to accept some other cut elsewhere.  

As regards the suggested cutting of some valuable council services to save £189.000, what will be final bill for the recent change to the Council’s Logo, hardly a priority in times of austerity, and, what do these surveys cost?
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=hcBs7VahZ8gUY35APzF6bQ%3d%3d 

Clydebelt AGM and Membership Fees.
The AGM was relatively well attended as happens when there is a contentious issue. The evolving new WDC Local Development Plans intention to change the green belt designation to housing at Duntiglennan in Duntocher brought new faces to the meeting and several joined Clydebelt. The opinions put forward to the council on the plan will now  be under consideration for presentation in the next stage towards the final plan.

The other main discussion was on membership fees. When Clydebelt was founded in 1990 a minimum of £1 per household was asked as a membership fee and no renewal fee has been asked since. We have been living on the large sum which was raised then by fund raising events and augmented by several donations and new memberships since. However we now need to raise some money and it was agreed that a minimum membership fee/donation of £5 per household will be implemented from January 1st. We cannot guarantee that your payment will last for 24 years this time.  Some of those at the AGM have already paid. We will be investigating if there is a simple way to transfer money to Clydebelt’s account but meanwhile cheques made out to Clydebelt, with particulars and email if possible, can be sent to ELIZABETH PITTS, FAIRHILLS, STATION ROAD, OLD KILPATRICK G60 5LT

There were no new volunteers for the committee at the AGM. Anyone with an interest in protecting and improving the environment in around the Kilpatrick Hills and surrounding areas please come along to our meetings or get in touch.

Next Clydebelt Meeting    Tuesday 21st January 7.30 in Trinity Church Hall, Roman Road, Duntocher.

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Have your say on shaping plans for the Kilpatrick Hills

6/1/2014

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NEWS RELEASE     6 January 2014   Issued by Golley Slater on behalf of Forestry Commission Scotland
 Following earlier community consultations over the last two years, Forestry Commission Scotland is holding follow up drop-in days to gather comments on the proposed forest design plan for the Kilpatrick Hills.
 
A large area of land was purchased by the Commission in 2012 to link up with existing plantations in Aucheneden, Auchentoirlie, Merkins and the newly created woodland at Cochno.
 
The Commission is looking to reshape the woodlands in these areas to make them better fit the landscape and create an extended path network to enable more people to access popular spots and enjoy the hills.
 
Covering an area equivalent to 3300 large football pitches, the proposed design plan has developed significantly after previous public feedback and analysis.
 
Matt Buckland, Forestry Commission Scotland’s community and recreation manager for the area comments: “The Kilpatricks have been treasured by hill foot communities and the wider area for hundreds of years. 
 
“The Forest Design Plan sets out the vision of the Kilpatrick Hills so it is very important that people are aware of what it planned. 
 
“We would encourage members of the public to come to the drop-in days to see what is planned and to give us plenty of feedback so that we can refine plans if necessary. 
 
“Everyone is welcome so please come along, ask questions and have your say in the shaping of this wonderful wild landscape.”

 
The public will be able to see the proposals, a large scale model of the landscape and speak to the Commission’s staff at a number of venues throughout January:
 
• Clydebank Shopping Centre, Sylvania Way, Clydebank,  (old BHS café space) Saturday 18th January, 10am - 4pm
• Edenmill Farm Shop, Blanefield, Glasgow, G63 9AX, Sunday 19th January, 12 noon - 4pm
• Napier Hall, Dumbarton Road, Old Kilpatrick, G60 5JH, Tuesday 21st January, 4pm - 7.30pm
• Artizan Centre, Dumbarton, G82 1LJ, Saturday 25th January, 10am - 4pm
 For more information on the Kilpatrick Hills community consultation, please contact eilidh.spence@forestry.gsi.gov.uk / 07770 430185 or visit: www.forestry.gov.uk/kilpatrickhills.
 
Forestry Commission Scotland has a 20 year management responsibility for the Kilpatrick Hills which involves taking an immediate and long term view of planting, forest maintenance and accessibility improvements to encourage more people to enjoy the hilly wild landscape.
 
The Kilpatrick Hills are an expansive range of hills that lies on the North of the River Clyde overlooking Dumbarton and Clydebank.  The nearest location is Old Kilpatrick, only nine miles west of Glasgow city centre and easily accessed by rail, road, cycle and bus routes.
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Clydebelt Newsletter and AGM Agenda 19th November 2013

13/11/2013

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The AGM of Clydebelt will be held in Trinity Church Hall Roman Road Duntocher 
at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 19th November.

Agenda
1. Apologies 
2. Minutes of last AGM 
3. Matters arising 
4. Secretary’s report 
5. Treasurer’s report 
6. Election of committee 
7. Current Issues-Local Plan 
8. Future Plans & Membership Fee 
9. A.O.C.B.
    ----< >---- 
Refreshments Tea, coffee, biscuits
   ----< >---- 
Talk by Paula Baker R.S.P.B Local RSPB Reserves

AGM time again and during the year the committee made the decision to remove from our large membership list all those who had not responded to the request to get in touch by email or send back the tear off strip on the last four AGM newsletters. 

It was also decided that at this AGM, a membership fee should be discussed and implemented. Perhaps this will further reduce our membership list but we are not prepared to hand deliver nor can we afford to post to disinterested or perhaps even deceased ‘members’.  Hopefully members will continue when we request Membership fees.

West Dunbartonshire Local Development Plan
About every five years local authorities bring out a revised local plan. The one now emerging is, more ominously, being called a Development Plan. These plans set many aspects of overall planning using guidelines and directives from central government. In particular is the designating of land into categories for use such as housing, industrial, retail, green space, green belt. Clydebelt has always examined the draft plans, which are produced for public consultation, in particular to see what changes are being proposed in removal of greenbelt or open space for housing. Once land is allocated for a specific purpose it is very difficult to prevent that development subsequently taking place. Hence if you have objection to the outline development on a piece of land the objection must be made at the formation of the plan and is unlikely to succeed if you only object when a specific application is submitted after the plan is in force. Representations on the new proposed plan must be submitted by November29th. Unresolved objections are adjudicated by a planner from the Scottish Government’s Reporters Department.

Of concern in Duntocher is the proposed removal of ‘Duntiglennan Fields’ from green belt. This was attempted at the current local plan consultation some five years ago. A builder wanted the greenbelt removed and local residents (and Clydebelt) were arguing for its retention. The reporter judged on the side of the residents. So what has changed? Last year the council put out a consultation document asking for comment on major issues including the removal of green belt from several sites including this one. Clydebelt tried to bring it to member’s attention at the time, but as mentioned above, most members had not bothered to get in touch with their contact details. Only three objections were received, including Clydebelt’s, and this has perhaps given the planners the impression there was little opposition and Duntiglennan was a site they could attempt to remove from green belt. Government directives have also changed and local authorities are being encouraged to stimulate the building industry and economy by release of green belt. Duntiglennan is being promoted for up to 100 houses. To see and comment on any aspect of the proposed local plan use this link, or go direct to the WDC website or see documents in the planning office at Rosebery Place and perhaps libraries. Deadline is 29th November. http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/planning-and-the-environment/planning-and-building-standards/local- development-planning/local-development-plan/#.Unq9FuLxA1I
Clydebelt will be making comment on this and other aspects of the proposed plan.

Sheep Hill
Nothing seems to have happened for almost a year. At a planning meeting last December, changes in the conditions of quarrying brought about by a Revision of Mineral Permissions (ROMP) were not agreed and deferred to a future meeting and subsequently delayed again. Clydebelt and others were trying to reverse the planning permission given in 1949 and re-approved in 2005, to remove Sheep Hill and its Iron Age fort, a listed ancient monument. We have written to Scottish Government planners and local MSPs but nothing seems to be happening.

Kilpatrick Hills Forest Design and Recreational Plans 
It’s not all bad news regarding the Kilpatricks. Forestry Commission Scotland are well on with their plans and have held a number of consultations to consider routes and access points for walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders. The aim is to try to keep everything as ‘low key’ as possible but still promote a ‘wilderness experience’ to the one million people who stay within about ten mile radius. Rumours that a timber extraction road might be made right across the Hills have been discounted. Timber from the plantations above Bowling and Milton will come out to the A82 via the Sheephill Quarry road at Dunglass roundabout. East and West Dunbartonshire Councils are proposing to designate the Kilpatrick Hills as a Local Landscape Area (LLA) in their respective Development Plans. This will help to manage change and the protection of the area’s special qualities. Along with SNH they have produced a draft ‘Statement of Importance’ identifying its extent, describing the landscape character, including those qualities identified as special and explaining the reasons for the designation.
http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/media/2589585/proposed_kilpatricks_hills_local_landscape_area_- _draft_statement_of_importance.pdf


Lang Craigs Woodland and Overtoun House
Access to the Woodland Trust’s new Lang Craigs woodland and walks on to the hills is easiest made from Overtoun House where there is a car park on the left near the gates. The house is let by the Council to an American Christian group for £1 per year. They originally asked for a 99 year lease. The local community council, Clydebelt and a few others went to court to try to stop this, but under threat of having to pay the Council’s court costs, if we lost the case, settled for a 35 year lease. The group is now advertising bed & breakfasts, wedding and conference facilities etc. They have to maintain and repair the property which like many WDC properties was badly neglected (Have a look at Balloch Castle!).

The possibility to have had an outdoor/heritage/activities/café/ranger centre etc.etc. perhaps associated with a regional country park like Muirshiel or Country Park like Mugdock has been lost. There is a café on Friday and Saturdays in winter 10.00-4.00. Worth a visit and walk round the grounds and Lang Craigs - one of the Kilpatricks finest walks. 


Merkins Wind Farm
At last this has come before the Planning Committee and turned out to be a bit of a cliff-hanger. The council planners were recommending refusal, perhaps due to strong objections from Scottish National Heritage, the National Park, Friends of Loch Lomond and many others. Only six councillors attended and one declared an interest and withdrew. Cllr. Agnew and Provost McAllister voted for refusal and put up good cases why it was against the planning regulations. Cllr. McColl and O’Neill voted for the application to be passed claiming it had little visual impact on the landscape and emphasising the benefits the developers might bestow on the local community. Our interpretation is that monetary or similar gain is no way to judge a planning application; it must first sit within the planning guidelines. Fortunately, with the casting vote Cllr.Gail Casey was firmly against. Clydebelt had also objected mainly on the grounds of visual effect of the turbines on the Kilpatrick Hills and views from and to the National Park. It was a test case, if passed it would be difficult to prevent similar wind farms all over the Kilpatricks. The developer will, no doubt, go to appeal.


Posties Park 
Objections to building on this have to be in by Nov. 14th See 
http://clydebeltblog.weebly.com/1/post/2013/10/posties-park-dumbarton-public-consultation.html


There is a Kilpatrick Hills section at Flickr  with some remarkable pictures.

If you have any interest in these topics or any other aspects of the Kilpatrick Hills and the environment of surrounding areas, please come along to the AGM, November 19th 7.30 Trinity Church Duntocher, member or not we will be glad of your support and are willing to listen to your concerns.
Please come and show your support and hear our speaker Paula Baker from the R.S.P.B

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New track building in the vicinity of Loch Humphrey

25/10/2013

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Clydebelt recently had the following from an enquirer (thanks for the information).

New track building ... branch left and right from the Loch Humphrey track in the vicinity of the loch itself. One goes off towards Greenside Loch and the other runs away in the direction of Milton, adjacent to the forest edge. The works are quite substantial and look designed for heavy stuff - not just pedestrians and cyclists.

Apparently the new roads are for access to power line works. The Forestry Commission wants to retain them afterwards for their own purposes.

See this link
to an account of a walk by someone who "spent most of the summer forging a new road through a part of the Kilpatrick Hills" :
http://www.scottishhills.com/html/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=16276

This is in addition to other road works planned for the hills that we've been told about:

FCS have just bought the small plantation above Wester Cameron Farm. This is to help them secure a exit route for the timber from Merkins plantations. The route west down Auchencarroch road was always looking difficult-the road could not cope with timber wagons. 

They are now planning to take the timber east over the Cameron Muir track to Finnich Toll. Campbell Graham, Aucheneck, has agreed to the upgrading of this track. This leaves them with a short distance of new track to build to link into the existing forest road. The John Muir Trail will be using the existing forest track and coming west down Auchencarroch road before joining CR7 to Balloch.

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Lang Craigs Autumn Tree Planting Day 5th October

2/10/2013

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A reminder from Eilidh Malcolm -Woodland Learning & Community Officer Woodland Trust Scotland & Forestry Commission Scotland Lang Craigs & Kilpatrick Hills
We would love you and other members of Clydebelt to join us to help plant new native woodland at Lang Craigs and enjoy the breathtaking landscape of the Kilpatrick Hills.

Autumn Community Tree Planting Day
Lang Craigs Wood 
Saturday 5th October 2013, 11am - 2pm

Meet at West Dunbartonshire Council Office car Park, Garshake Road G82 3LG.
 
A minibus will transport you to the planting site.

There will be child friendly activities such as African drumming, environmental art and also refreshments for volunteers. 
Please wear warm clothes and sturdy footwear. 
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 
Dogs are welcome on leads.

Please let us know if you plan to join us so that we have an idea of numbers for the catering.
To book a space or find out more please contact Woodland Trust Scotland Email: scotland@woodlandtrust.org.uk

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Clydebelt Newsletter April 2013

7/4/2013

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Click on Read More to see the latest newsletter.

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Newsletter January 2013

10/1/2013

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