Friends of the Ochils is an independent Scottish charity protecting the landscape and character of the Ochils, hills and glens.

We...

• Protect and conserve the landscape, wildlife and natural beauty of the Ochils, and their historical and social character
• Encourage implementation of good planning policies
• Support responsible public access consistent with the conservation of the landscape and the needs of those who earn a living on or from the hills

If you support these aims, why not become a member of Friends of the Ochils? We are an independent voluntary association based on the support of those of like mind. There may be opportunities for action to suit your interests.

We publish a Newsletter twice a year and hold an annual lecture. We monitor developments and planning applications. Recent issues have included:

• Preventing a telecomms mast being placed on the slopes of Dumyat
• Influencing the shape of native woodland planting at Glen Quey and Glen Sherup.

A Scottish Charity: SC022034

Heaven keep the Ochil rampart free, that rises green among us!

(Ochil Idylls & Other Poems, Hugh Haliburton, 1891)

The imposing southern rampart of the Ochils, rearing above the flat carse and the Hillfoots from Blairlogie to Dollar, is one of the best known and loved views in Central Scotland.

Other views reveal hills that are less dramatic, but no less important in the landscape. East of the pass through Glen Devon and Glen Eagles the hills stretch more gently through Perth and Kinross into Fife. West, they drop away over Sheriffmuir to Dunblane. North, they slope down to Strathearn and Strathallan.

The gorges running down to the old mill towns of the Hillfoots - Menstrie, Alva, Tillicoultry, Dollar - are well known. But quieter valleys also run deep into the hills - to places with a surprisingly remote feel. Yet half the population of Scotland lives within an hour's drive.

The Aichils cheynge aa dey

(Benorth Forth, David Angus)

People value the Ochils:

• For their imposing spectacle
• For their views
• For their glens, waterfalls and gorges
• For their wildlife, woodland and plants
• As a place for recreation
• For walking, running, riding and fishing
• As a place to earn a living
• For solitude and space
• For their presence in all seasons

Friends of the Ochils was founded by Rennie McOwan in 1993. It is the only organisation concerned specifically with the landscape of the entire Ochils. We cross the geography of council boundaries and have a general interest in all aspects of the Ochils. What links it all together is the landscape and our enjoyment of it.

We aim to protect the Ochils from intrusive and inappropriate developments such as windfarms, while recognising that some change is inevitable. We work as an independent organisation to influence change for the better.

How to become a Friend of the Ochils

Fees are annual payments except for Life Membership.

Methods of payment

A. I enclose a cheque for: ________________________

Please make cheques payable to Friends of the Ochils

B. Banker's Order

(Payments by standing order are a great help in reducing administration. To pay by this method, please complete this mandate.)

Please pay now and thereafter annually on the 1st November, to the Bank of Scotland, Dunblane (80-06-47) for the credit of Friends of the Ochils (a/c no.00423841) the sum of:

_________ pounds & _________ pence

Gift Aid

If you pay UK income or capital gains tax, Gift Aid lets us reclaim tax on your subscription at no extra cost to yourself. One declaration covers all payments to Friends of the Ochils and remains in force until cancelled. You can write to us at any time to cancel it.

Do you have any skills that could benefit the Ochils?

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

Send your completed form to: Dr David Gordon (Treasurer), 38 Anchorscross, Dunblane, FK15 9JW, Scotland or write for further information.

Image file of this information, page 1

Image file of this information, page 2

Back to Friends of the Ochils Home Page