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Daily Record
19 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Social enterprise hit by 'disaster' as thief swipes £5,000 worth of equipment
Green Aspirations is a social enterprise focused on reconnecting people to their environment, through woodlands based at the Cardross Estate, Port of Menteith. A rural Stirling social enterprise was left reeling this week after a brazen thief stole equipment worth £5,000. Green Aspirations is a social enterprise dedicated to reconnecting people with their environment, operating from woodlands based at the Cardross Estate, Port of Menteith. The enterprise was established by Paul Cookson, who now manages the company alongside his partner Jo Edwards. They were devastated to find that several crucial tools had been pinched upon their return from holiday last weekend. Green Aspirations offers workshops, kids holiday clubs, events, products (charcoal, traditional games, other small items), volunteering opportunities, and sustainable woodland management – all focused on imparting traditional rural skills, such as green woodworking and blacksmithing. The emphasis is on teaching people to create things themselves and encouraging them to consider the origins and manufacturing processes of items. The enterprise has been operational since 2013. An online fundraiser has now been launched to help the group replace the stolen items. Jo told the Stirling Observer: "We had around £5,000 of equipment stolen that's really essential in what we do, so it's been a real blow, but at the same time, people are being really generous with their donations and offers of help, which has been amazing." Among the stolen items were two chainsaws – a STIHL 231 and a STIHL 661 , am Alaskan chainsaw mill, a generator, a circular saw, and various hand tools. Jo added: "The chainsaws are an integral part of the charcoal side of the business, and we're probably the second biggest charcoal producer in Scotland, so losing them is a bit of a disaster. "We buy our charcoal wood from the Cambusbarron Development Trust, and then process it on our site, so we've had to borrow a chainsaw this week to keep that going. "The chainsaw mill is used for preparing materials for workshops, so we've had to postpone the workshop we had planned for this weekend, as we can't get the pieces ready. While we've not cancelled, it does mean that the weekend we've moved it to now can't be used for any other workshops. "The other tools are also used for workshop prep, as well as helping us make the traditional games – stocked in Made in Stirling, so we'll have to find another way to keep that going while we sort things out." Regarding financial struggles, Jo added: "We're around 90 per cent supported through income we generate ourselves, rather than through grant funding, so all of this means that if we don't generate the income, then we can't pay our bills, or our one member of staff who works with us a couple of days a week. "We rarely pay ourselves as it is, although we were nearly at that point before this happened, so [this is] just another frustration." The Crowdfunder page states: "As a social enterprise, we operate on a pretty tight budget. So when something like this happens – the theft of a number of pretty expensive bits of kit – it really sets you back. We're looking for various sources of funding to help us replace what's been taken, but we're looking at all the avenues we can. So we're hoping you can help!".
Daily Record
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Organisers of Back Doune the Rabbit Hole confirm festival will go ahead after The Fratellis withdraw from line-up
The organisers insist the revamped Back Doune the Rabbit Hole music festival will go ahead despite The Fratellis cancelling their set over an unpaid deposit. The team behind Back Doune the Rabbit Hole music festival have said they remain committed to pushing forward with this year's event, despite The Fratellis withdrawing from their headline slot due to an issue over an outstanding deposit. The Stirling Observer reported last week that the 'Chelsea Dagger' hitmakers had backed out of their scheduled set at the upcoming Back Doune the Rabbit Hole (BDTRH) festival citing failure on the side of the promoters to 'fulfil contractual obligations to pay deposits to confirm the band's appearance'. The organisers, who said they arranged the band's participation through an external third-party promoter, expressed their regret, stating it is 'sad to share' that The Fratellis will not perform at the event, attributing it to 'circumstances outside our control'. In a post on their official website, The Fratellis said: 'Unfortunately our planned Summer festival appearances at the recent Stone Valley South, and forthcoming Monument, Back Doune The Rabbit Hole and Lindisfarne Festival will not be going ahead. 'This is due to the promoters of each event not fulfilling our contractual obligations to pay deposits to confirm the band's appearance.' The BDTRH festival organisers have since released an update addressing the concerns of disappointed fans, shedding light on their stance. In a statement issued on Thursday afternoon, they acknowledged the fans' frustration, saying: 'We care deeply about this festival and the community around it, and we want to be transparent about what has been going on and how we are moving forward. 'Back Doune the Rabbit Hole is independently owned and operated by Brian Harkin, Colin Black and Paul Aspey through Back Doune Ltd. We took this on because we love Scotland's music scene and saw a real opportunity to create something meaningful and homegrown.' The organisers went on to explain: 'We were aware of the history that came with this festival name, but we also believed it was worth trying to build something better from it. That belief has not changed.' Regarding the involvement of external parties, the statement elaborated: 'In the early planning stages, we brought in external support from several individuals to help with logistics, ticketing and artist bookings. 'We want to be really clear that these individuals were never directors or owners of Back Doune the Rabbit Hole. At the time, there were no obvious signs of the problems that later came to light at the other events they were involved with. Like many others, we have had to deal with the consequences of how they operated, and that has included the cancellation of The Fratellis performance.' The team behind BDTRH are steadfast in their commitment to proceed with plans for this year's festival. They acdded: 'We know that is disappointing news. We feel it too. But we want to reassure you that this is not part of a wider problem with the event. Everything else is on track, and we are already working on a brilliant new Saturday night headliner. 'Back Doune the Rabbit Hole is fully independent, and we are proud of that. In a time when true independence is rare, it gives us the freedom to stay focused on what matters most. That focus now is on delivering an amazing weekend in August. We are in a strong position, and we are moving forward with the support of a brilliant team around us.' The much-awaited event is scheduled to take place at the Cardross Estate, Port of Menteith, in Stirling, slated for August 1-3. Event director Brian Harkin commented on the festival's progress, saying: 'This has been a challenging moment, but our commitment to the festival and its future hasn't changed. We took on Back Doune the Rabbit Hole because we believe in the power of independent music events and the community they bring together. 'Being independent means we are able to stay true to our values and keep building something real, even when things get tough. 'The rest of the lineup is solid, and we're focused on delivering the weekend we've promised. We're in this for the long haul, and doing everything we can to create a festival that our audience, artists, team and local community can be proud of.' This year marks the debut of the revamped festival under new stewardship, following up from its predecessor, the Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival. Doune The Rabbit Hole had previously secured its spot as a highlight within Stirling's cultural agenda before encountering difficulties and inevitably folding. The festival was previously managed by Jamie Murray – who ran up nearly £1million in debts with only £2.38 in the company account to settle with creditors. A number of disgruntled performers, staff and businesses remained unpaid when Mr Murray closed the company behind the festival in 2022. His father, the jailed Salmond blogger Craig Murray, assumed control over the 2023 festival under a new company, aiming to clear the debts owed by his son's former firm using profits generated by the festival. However, the event was scrapped a month prior to its scheduled date, leaving creditors in the dark.
Daily Record
04-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Former detective to complete epic 2,500 mile charity cycle across Europe and Africa in memory of schoolgirl
Johnny Dreczkowski, a retired Detective Inspector who worked with the Head of Counter Terrorism and Covert Specialist Training, is set to arrive in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh tomorrow (Thursday) after tackling some of Europe and Africa's toughest terrain. A retired anti-terrorism detective is nearing the end of a gruelling 2,500-mile charity cycle ride to Morocco in memory of a tragic Scottish schoolgirl. Johnny Dreczkowski, a former Detective Inspector who worked alongside the Head of Counter Terrorism and Covert Specialist Training, is due to reach Marrakesh tomorrow (Thursday), having traversed some of Europe and Africa's most challenging landscapes. The epic journey was undertaken by Johnny to raise much-needed funds for a respite home established in memory of a Scottish teenager. Setting off from the historic Stirling Castle at the beginning of May, Johnny has cycled solo and unsupported through seven countries, across two continents, crossing three different time zones – all within just 34 days. His efforts are aimed at raising vital funds for the Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund respite home, located in Thornhill, Stirling. Johnny, who resides not far from the home, in Bridge of Allan, has so far navigated his way through Scotland, England, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, and finally Morocco. The respite home, nestled in the Stirlingshire countryside, holds a special significance for Johnny. His wife, Ally Croal, was the architect who collaborated closely with Eilidh's family to turn the dream of the respite home into reality. Eilidh, a young girl from Stirling, lost her fight against a rare germ cell cancer on March 25, 2010, just nine days before her 16th birthday. During her battle with the rare disease, Eilidh and her family, from St Ninians, spent quality time together at the Calum's Cabin respite home on the Isle of Bute. Eilidh's final wish was for a sanctuary to be built closer to home, where families grappling with the fear and uncertainty of childhood cancer could find solace. After over a decade of tireless fundraising and dedication from her family, the respite home finally came to fruition in 2023, offering much-needed support to families during their darkest hours. However, to keep the home operational, it requires a minimum of £50,000 annually. Johnny is hopeful that his solo ride will not only raise awareness but also contribute significantly towards this amount. Speaking with the Stirling Observer before embarking on his remarkable journey, Johnny explained: "Why am I doing this? Because the Eilidh Brown Respite Home provides much-needed support and a safe haven for families dealing with the unimaginable. "They offer a space of comfort and care, and I want to help ensure that with annual costs of around £50,000, they can continue their unbelievable work. "But I can't do it alone – I need your help! By sponsoring my ride, you'll be directly supporting the Eilidh Brown Respite Home and the incredible families they assist. "Every mile I ride will be powered by your generosity and our belief in this cause. "Your kindness and teamwork built this, let's keep it going, help me please." Johnny has taken on the entire cost of his ride, ensuring that every single penny raised from each pedal stroke goes directly towards the home. With the close family ties to the respite home, Johnny has been no stranger to massive fundraising efforts. In May 2021, he cycled an impressive 875-miles from Land's End to John O'Groats, all in aid of the Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund. His other feats include completing the West Highland Way, conquering the North Coast 500, undertaking the Three Peaks Challenge, participating in the Cateran Yomp 24-hour Challenge and running the London Marathon. In May 2023, he embarked on a solo cycling journey spanning 1,400-miles, from Stirling Castle to the Colosseum. in Rome, to raise funds for the respite home. Just last year, he managed to cycle around the entirety of the UK and Ireland in a mere seven days. Over time, his tireless efforts have helped amass more than £100,000 for charity, thanks to the unwavering support of friends, family, and the local community. This year alone, his marathon endeavour has already raised a staggering sum exceeding £27,000. Upon his return to Scotland, Johnny plans to host a 'Rock to Morocco Music Festival' as a celebration of these efforts and to generate additional funds. The event is scheduled to take place at The Meadowpark Kitchen and Bar on Saturday, June 14, with tickets available for purchase on Eventbrite for £20. All proceeds will go towards The Eilidh Brown Respite Home. To contribute towards Johnny's 'Rock to Morocco', click here.
Daily Record
03-06-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Stirling Council to start posting on Facebook again - despite no updates in months
The council has not made any new posts on the channel - one of its main platforms for providing information - since March, but said it will resume posting there after work to "maximise its capabilities" is comnplete Stirling Council says it will resume posting updates for residents via its Facebook page, despite making no new posts in more than two months. The council hasn't posted any fresh content on the platform – one of its main platforms for providing information – since March 24 this year. Despite the lack of content issued to residents, the authority says that it will resume posting there after Facebook's parent company, Meta, 'works on' the page to 'maximise its capabilities'. A Stirling Council spokesperson this week told the Stirling Observer: 'Stirling Council's main Facebook page is currently being worked on by Meta, the parent company of Facebook, to ensure we can maximise its capabilities and while this is undertaken we won't be posting on the page. 'The main account is just one of many social media sites the council manages and information on services and events will continue to be posted and promoted across those and a range of other mechanisms. 'We hope to have the main Facebook page back up and running as soon as possible.' The Stirling Council Facebook page has more than 30,000 followers. The council has continued to post updates and information on X, formerly Twitter, regularly. Back in February this year, the council said it would 'keep under constant review' its use of X after some Scots councils quit the platform over the 'dissemination of harmful and extremist content'. South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) revealed that it was to stop posting on the platform – except for emergency alerts – due to 'widespread public concerns that X now allows the promotion and dissemination of harmful and extremist content, including content that is unlawful, abusive or false'. It was agreed that SLC would continue to use the platform for the time being, but only for the sharing of alerts that provide information that local residents need to know immediately – such as school or road closures, extreme weather events or other issues that impact on council services. The Stirling Observer asked Stirling Council whether it had any plans to follows suit and cease its use of the site. A council spokesperson at that time said: 'X, formerly known as Twitter, is one of a large number of mechanisms used to communicate information to ensure residents are informed about local services and we promote the council to a wide visitor and business audience. 'These are incorporated into the communications mix as part of our commitment that communications from the council are clear, easy to access and understand, appropriate to the audience and that all communications mechanisms used are done so in a consistent way. 'There are no current plans to stop using X but all channels are kept under constant review for their effectiveness as mechanisms in reaching audiences across Stirling Council and wider areas and managed through the council's media policy to ensure their effectiveness.' Stirling Council currently has almost 30,000 followers on X. Earlier in February, Edinburgh City Council was urged to cease its use of X. Green councillor Chas Booth put forward a motion calling for use of the site to be discontinued. A number of councils and organisations, including Renfrewshire Council, Devon County Council, North Somerset Council and others, took the decision to stop using X. X lost millions of active users after controversial tycoon Elon Musk completed a $40billion takeover of the platform in October 2022.
Daily Record
07-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Stirlingshire volunteers delve into the archives to mark 80th anniversary of VE Day with special WWII exhibition
History enthusiasts in Strathblane have put together the story of the village's contribution to World War Two. Local history enthusiasts in Strathblane have been delving into the archives of the Stirling Observer as they research their community during the Second World War. The results form part of a remarkable exhibition at their local library to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Anne Balfour of Strathblane Heritage said: 'The Observer has been a great source of information and illuminating colour.' In 1939 it reported evacuee children arriving in Strathblane by train from Glasgow. There are reports of fines for breaching blackout regulations and warnings not to leave out white washing at night that could attract enemy bombers. Numerous clips chart the 'penny a week' collections and fundraising events to provide 'comforts for the services'. In 1945 the Observer described how the community celebrated VE Day on May 8 with a concert from the newly-formed Strathendrick Pipe Band and a dance at the Edmonstone Hall. Later there would be a Welcome Home Dinner featuring Victory Trifle! Last year volunteers from Strathblane Heritage began researching the lives of the WW2 casualties featured on their local war memorial. Anne Balfour said: 'There are some heartbreaking stories. 'One man fell overboard from a minesweeper in the Firth of Forth. 'Another was killed in an explosion barely three months after his marriage. His wife bore their son eight months later. 'Perhaps the most remarkable story is of Colonel Dick Pedder, leader of No 11 Scottish Commando, who was killed behind enemy lines in Syria in 1941 and is revered by Sir Winston Churchill in his monumental history of the war.' The team have also been talking to a group of Strathblane's 'Super Seniors', old enough to remember the war. 'Regardless of their social background, they all tended to focus on the same things, like claustrophobic gas masks and going to Annie Bone's legendary confectionery shop in Blanefield for their tiny weekly sweetie ration,' said Anne. The exhibition also recounts the horror of 14 March 1941 when a parachute landmine fell on New City Row in Blanefield killing four civilians, including two children who had fled the bombing in Govan. And it details how locals prepared for a possible enemy invasion. 'Strathblane & the Second World War: Stories of the Fallen & Memories from the Home Front' is at the Thomas Graham Community Library, Strathblane, until May 23 (during library opening hours). For any further information contact Anne Balfour, Co-Chair Strathblane Heritage at anne@ 01360 770750 or 07801 456092.
