New strategy to protect historic assets agreed after Christie Clock controversy
A strategy to secure the future of Stirling’s historic assets, developed in the wake of the demolition of the historic Christie Clock, has been approved by Stirling Council.
The Stirling Heritage Strategy 2025-2028 will protect and manage listed buildings, monuments and other important landscapes, archaeological sites and conservation areas.
Its production has been led by the Stirling City Heritage Trust alongside the Council and a range of partner organisations, including Historic Environment Scotland, National Trust for Scotland, Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce.
It was approved by the council’s finance, economy and corporate support committee last week.
An action plan to support the Heritage Strategy will also be prepared with Stirling City Heritage Trust, the council and partner organisations, setting out short, medium and longer term actions to protect and enhance the many assets across the Stirling area.
The decision to develop a Heritage Strategy was taken in November 2023 following the dismantling of the Christie Clock. A report relating to the clock will be considered at the next full council meeting on Thursday, December 12.
Committee members praised the strategy, with Conservative councillor Neil Benny describing it as “a fantastic piece of work”, but also stressed they wanted to ensure strong local input going forward and not just from national bodies.
Councillor Benny said: “I’m just worried it will be a lot of people from Edinburgh saying you’re doing fine, when actually we’re not doing fine from where local people would consider this.”
Council officers said when the strategy was being prepared there was also a lot of involvement from local groups and organisations and “that will continue and that’s absolutely imperative in delivering the aims within the strategy”.
SNP councillor Gerry McLaughlan said he shared Councillor Benny’s concerns about local input, while adding that he was grateful for the “much needed” strategy being brought forward.
“If you look at the record recently I think a lot of criticism outwith the council is valid - from the Christie Clock, to Langarth House, to us allowing development on a crucial battlefield site - so I’m glad there’s a strategy coming in.
“I think we do need to have a very clear line of accountability that reflects public concern.”
He said one of the main concerns in the report was “poor maintenance of buildings” and asked “will we see trees being removed from the tops of shops”.
Head of infrastructure, Brian Roberts, gave assurances that issues in the city centre - some caused by absent landlords - would be dealt with, adding: “Some of these issues aren’t under our direct control but part of the actions that come out of the strategy, but also from the city centre improvement plan with the BID, is to deal with that and we’ve already started those discussions around how we work together with agencies...”
Speaking of Stirling’s heritage assets in general, Councillor Benny said: “Everybody owns them, we all own them collectively in the context of these being major parts of our history. These are things people love and care for.”
Committee vice convener Cllr Jen Preston, said: “Stirling has internationally recognised assets, many of which have shaped the course of Scottish history.
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“We are proud of our rich tapestry of buildings, battlefields, structures, artefacts and archaeology. They not only contribute to our sense of place and environment, but also support Stirling’s economy, tourism sector and community wellbeing.
“However, we recognised there was a lack of a strategic framework to protect and understand the care and conservation needs of these assets.
“Working with our partner organisations and local communities, we are committed to protecting, preserving and enhancing them all through this important Heritage Strategy.”
There are 1,441 listed buildings, four historic battlefields, 32 conservation areas, 183 scheduled monuments, five museums and six archive collections in the Stirling Council area.
Following consultations earlier this year with local people, as well as local, regional and national organisations, the Heritage Strategy has set out a series of seven aims.
These include conserving and preserving existing assets, improving partnership working, engaging communities, promoting traditional skills and supporting heritage education.
Stirling City Heritage Trust manager, Dr Lindsay Lennie, said: “The Trust was pleased to lead on the delivery of this important new strategy for Stirling. The area has some of Scotland’s most important heritage and it requires careful management and a strategic approach involving local partners and key heritage organisations.
“We look forward to working with Stirling Council and other stakeholders to meet the strategic aims of the strategy and the vision that Stirling’s historic environment will be valued and protected.”