Dear Residents,
As Chair of Strathard Community Council, I am pleased to present our Annual Report, reflecting on our work over the past year. This has been a year of active engagement, ongoing initiatives, and community-focused planning. I would like to thank all community members, councillors, and partners for their continued support and involvement.
We are fortunate to live in a region of outstanding natural beauty and strong community spirit. Our role as a Community Council is to ensure that the voices of Strathard’s residents are heard and represented in matters that impact our lives — from infrastructure and housing to environmental stewardship and public services.
Key Areas of Progress and Focus
Flooding Mitigation
Flooding remains a significant concern for our community, particularly in light of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. Over the past year, we have worked closely with relevant authorities to identify vulnerable areas and explore sustainable mitigation measures. Engagement with local residents has been key to gathering data and advocating for appropriate drainage improvements and long-term flood resilience strategies. We also hosted information sessions and supported funding bids for preventative works. Our aim is to reduce the risk to homes and livelihoods while encouraging nature-based solutions wherever possible.
Housing
Access to suitable and affordable housing continues to be a pressing issue. We have participated in consultations and submitted community feedback to local planning authorities to ensure that any development aligns with the needs and character of our area. In particular, we have emphasized the importance of housing for young families, key workers, and older residents wishing to downsize without leaving the community. We will continue to push for housing that supports local livelihoods while preserving our natural and cultural heritage.
Beaver Translocation
The proposal to translocate beavers into our local ecosystem has been an area of keen interest and mixed views. The Council has facilitated public discussion and sought expert input to better understand both the ecological benefits and the possible impacts on land management. We have worked to ensure that all viewpoints are heard, with particular attention paid to those who may be most directly affected. This is an evolving topic, and we remain committed to ensuring that the community is fully informed and represented in any future decisions.
Trossachs Explorer Success
We were pleased to see the continued success of the Trossachs Explorer service, which has provided vital sustainable transport for both residents and visitors. The service not only helps reduce traffic pressures but also supports local tourism and businesses. We extend our thanks to all partners involved in delivering this important link and look forward to its continued development. Discussions have also begun around extending the service season and better integrating it with local transport timetables.
Safe Routes to School
Ensuring safe routes to school has been a priority this year. Following community concerns, we have conducted walkabouts, gathered feedback, and worked with local authorities to address speed limits, crossings, and signage. Improvements are already underway, including upgraded road markings and improved visibility at key junctions. We will continue to advocate for a safer environment for our young people, and we appreciate the engagement of parents, school staff, and pupils in these efforts.
Additional Areas of Engagement
Community Resilience and Emergency Planning
In response to extreme weather events and broader concerns around rural resilience, we have supported the development of updated emergency plans. These include local contact networks, resource hubs, and coordination with Stirling Council and emergency services. We encourage all residents to familiarise themselves with the plan and consider volunteering as local coordinators or first responders.
Tourism and Visitor Management
We’ve continued to collaborate with the National Park and local businesses to promote responsible tourism. Littering, parking pressures, and path erosion remain concerns, and we are advocating for increased ranger presence, improved signage, and visitor education initiatives. We welcome the economic benefits tourism brings, but we must balance them with protecting our landscape and quality of life.
Community Wellbeing and Social Inclusion
This year also saw renewed focus on the wellbeing of our residents, particularly those who may feel isolated or underrepresented. Initiatives such as community cafés and intergenerational events have helped strengthen local connections. We’re grateful to volunteers who give their time to support these efforts and welcome further ideas to enhance inclusivity across Strathard.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the coming year, we remain focused on representing the needs of our community in a collaborative and constructive way. We will continue to work with partners on key strategic matters while staying grounded in the everyday issues that affect our lives.
We encourage all residents to take part in our meetings and consultations, and we welcome new ideas and involvement. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, your voice helps shape the decisions that affect our future. Strathard is at its strongest when we work together.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our community.
Warm regards,
Paul Scrase
Chair
Strathard Community Council 