The year 2004 has been another busy and eventful one for Friends of the Ochils. Without doubt the saddest moment of the year came with the death in June, at the age of 75, of FotO stalwart and founder-member David Robertson. He is already much missed.
In terms of "issues", the twin debates over wind turbines and electricity pylons have tended to dominate things, much as they might, in due course, come to dominate the local landscape. In pragmatic terms, it looks likely that one or two windfarms will, whether we like it or not, eventually be built somewhere on the Ochils, probably along towards the eastern end. This might not happen: there might end up being none. But then again, there might end up being more than one or two, and there is a fine line to be walked in terms of negotiations with, and lobbying of, politicians and the power companies. On the whole we're against all such industrial intrusions into the hills, but if these things are going to be built - and the political tide in favour is currently very strong - then we need to ensure that only the most sensible, thought-through and hill-friendly schemes make it through the planning process. There is still a lot of work to be done on this.
Ditto the massive Beauly-to-Denny pylon-line. This is connected in every sense to the wind-turbine issue, but it differs from a FotO point of view in that not only is the bulk of the line off our patch (and therefore not something on which we can legitimately comment), but there is also scope for persuading the planners to swerve the Ochils completely. As things stand this doesn't look likely - the west-of-the-A9 option remains out of favour - but we can try, and it surely makes sense for massive metal structures to be built alongside the existing intrusions of the A9 and the railway rather than to march down the front of Dumyat and so impinge negatively on landscape and the view-driven tourist trade.
With this in mind, it's worth reiterating the regular rallying-call not just for more members of FotO, but for more people to join the committee. This isn't an arduous or unpleasant chore (tea, biscuits and even occasional social drinks have been known to feature), but it's important that we have enough people involved such that the various issues can be tackled adequately. Right now we feel pretty stretched. So if you've not been actively involved in FotO until now, have a think and let us know if you're keen. Increased numbers on the committee would also allow the office-bearers to rotate and stand down after a few years in post - always a good policy in any organisation, since it prevents stagnation and allows fresh ideas and energies to emerge.
Dave Hewitt
Chair,
October 2004
| President | Rennie McOwan | 7 Williamfield Avenue, Stirling, FK7 9AH |
| Chair;
Web contact Publications |
Dave Hewitt | 3 Ferry Orchard, Cambuskenneth, Stirling FK9 5ND, 01786 450047
Dave.Hewitt@dial.pipex.com |
| Treasurer, Membership, charity regulation | David Gordon | 38 Anchorscross, Dunblane, FK15 9JW,
01786 823745 david.kathryn@btinternet.com |
| Clacks planning | Ian Buchanan | 67 Cleuch Drive, Alva, Clacks, FK12 5NY |
| Jimmy Horne
(Resigned) |
2 Devonknowes Road, Coalsnaughton, Clacks, FK13 6LY | |
| Talks; Publicity; Stirling planning | Robin Kelsall | Kirklea, Blairlogie, Stirling, FK9 5PX |
| Minutes secretary | Felicity Martin | Belvue, Thimble Row, Dunning, Perthshire PH2 0RT |
| Perthshire planning | Dave Prentice | The Smiddy, Tibbermore, Perth, Perthshire PH1 1QJ |
| Forestry and Woodland Group link; Perth access | Andrew Thompson (co-opted) | Belvue, Thimble Row, Dunning, Perthshire PH2 0RT |
| Forestry and Woodland Group convenor | Bruce Sewell |
After many years of being in balance or surplus, the accounts showed a significant loss in the year to 31 August 2004. This was deliberate. We published a leaflet to raise awareness of the value of the Ochils and to increase recruitment of new members. We commissioned Andy Wightman to research and map land ownership in the Ochils. Administrative costs increased because of restocking with headed notepaper, with our updated logo. These activities added over £1400 to our routine expenditure.
Income increased, though slightly artificially since the accounts contain Gift Aid receipts for this year and last year and two new life members. The deficit of £708.01 still leaves us with ample reserves for an organisation of our size. We have plenty scope to invest in good ideas that will raise awareness of the value of the Ochils and of threats to them. If such activity can increase membership, that would be a real bonus not only for the strength of the organisation but also to increase the pool of active members. There are certainly plenty of threats to respond to.
The benefits of the leaflet are already bearing fruit. Membership increased by 19 after many years when it was, at best, static. We welcomed the Alva Glen Regeneration and Restoration Project as Community members. Friends of the Ochils covers a wide geographic area . It is one of our distinctive features. It does mean, however, that we would stretch ourselves too thinly if we attempted to run specific local projects. In any case, they are better run locally, with local enthusiasm. We welcome them as evidence of interest in the hills and glens and are always prepared to work with local projects - at the very least through mutual publicity - provided their activities are consistent with our charitable objectives.
| Category | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 |
| Life | 15 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| Family | 26 | 25 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 30 |
| Individual | 41 | 43 | 44 | 46 | 44 | 44 | 50 |
| Concession | 45 | 40 | 39 | 41 | 39 | 38 | 40 |
| (Total personal *) | (153) | (148) | (154) | (154) | (149) | (145) | (164) |
| Community | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 |
| Corporate | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | - | - |
* Family counted as two members
| 2003/04 | 2002/03 | |
| INCOME | £ | £ |
| Subscriptions | 843.50 | 619.50 |
| Donations | 106.00 | 112.00 |
| Gift Aid (2) | 158.85 | - |
| Bank interest | 98.54 | 94.20 |
| Other (3) | 40.00 | - |
| 1241.89 | 825.70 | |
| EXPENDITURE | ||
| Projects - publicity (4) | 767.74 | - |
| Projects - landownership mapping | 600.00 | - |
| Publicity and Newsletter | 378.53 | 309.14 |
| General administration | 203.63 | 40.00 |
| Other | - | 30.00 |
| 1949.90 | 379.14 | |
| SURPLUS (DEFICIT) FOR YEAR | (708.01) | 446.56 |
| ADD balance at 31 August 2003 | 3861.59 | 3415.03 |
| BALANCE AT 31 AUGUST 2004 | 3153.58 | 3861.59 |
| REPRESENTED BY | ||
| Bank of Scotland | 334.79 | 338.70 |
| Standard Life Bank | 2818.79 | 3522.89 |
| NET ASSETS | 3153.58 | 3861.59 |
(1) Accounts prepared to show actual income and expenditure within period.
(2) Gift Aid payments from Inland Revenue of £61.20 for 2002/03 and £92.65 for 2003/04.
(3) Sale of display boards.
(4) Includes £120 for website maintenance - payment made but cheque still to clear at 31/8/04.
David S Gordon, Honorary Treasurer
Dunblane, 29 September 2004
Examined and found in accordance with the Honorary Treasurer's books and records.
Jacquie Cringles, Hamilton, 29 September 2004