l6 dykehead rolling valley farmland · a belt of glacial deposits on a north-south alignment cuts...

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L6 Dykehead

Rolling Valley Farmland

A belt of glacial deposits on a north-south alignment cuts across the Carse of Stirling

to the west of Flanders Moss National Nature Reserve. The River Forth has cut a way

through these deposits near Parks of Garden, so that a narrow strip of flat land links

the Carse West of Stirling and Flanders Moss West, with higher land to either side. The

small but distinctive landscape of Dykehead is the northern of the two areas of gently

rolling farmland established on the remnant end moraines, lying east and south of

the Lake of Menteith. In terms of landform, land cover and settlement history it differs

markedly from the adjacent carselands.

Relationship to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) National

Landscape Character Assessment

This area is not included in any published national landscape character assessment.

It was not included in the Central Region Assessment and falls outwith Loch Lomond

and the Trossachs National Park Landscape Assessment.


L6 Dykehead


LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

This undulating landscape nestles below the Menteith Hills and between Flanders

Moss and the Lake of Menteith, which lies within the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

National Park. It comprises farmland, woodland and parkland largely sitting upon glacial

deposits and elevated above nearby areas of carse land and the lake. These deposits

form the northern section of the Western Forth Valley Geological Conservation Review

Site, of national importance for our understanding of ice movements during the last ice

age. Part of the landscape also lies within the Rednock Local Landscape Area.

Diversity of tree cover is a distinctive feature of this landscape with many hedgerow and

roadside trees in addition to the woods and policies. These form a valuable network

of woodland habitats. Field boundaries are generally clipped hedges and/or post and

wire fencing. Stone walls demarcate some estate boundaries.

The B8034, linking Port of Menteith to Arnprior, runs through the middle of the

landscape; but despite this much of the area has a sense of intimacy and privacy

because of the hummocky topography, tree cover and lack of formalised footpaths

through the estate policies and parkland. Views are generally shortened and contained

by the landform and tree cover. There are glimpsed views through trees to the Lake of

Menteith from the B8034 and more open views occur along the A81, which forms the

northern boundary with the national park.

The northern part of this landscape makes an important contribution to the setting of

the Lake of Menteith (an important tourist destination and recreational resource) and

the Port of Menteith.


L6 Dykehead


Settlement Pattern

Raised above the adjacent carse, but at a lower elevation than the upland to the north,

this sheltered and well-drained landscape has a long history of settlement including

the estate houses of Rednock and Cardross and scattered farmsteads and roadside

houses, many in an attractive vernacular style.

The little settlement of Port of Menteith lies just within the national park at the junction

of this landscape with the Menteith Hills and the lake. Just south of the village and to

the east of the B8034, lie a small cemetery and a public car park located in woodland.

Summary

• Small-medium scale landscape with distinctive landform features fashioned by

geological processes and contrast between rolling landform and the adjacent flat

carse and lake.

• Rich diversity of tree cover, including commercial conifer plantations, broadleaf

woodland and copses together with parkland, policy and hedgerow trees.

• Not densely populated but overall impression is of an area of established hamlets

and farms. Although the mansion houses of Rednock House and Cardross are

not generally visible from the wider landscape, their designed landscapes have a

strong influence on the landscape character of the area.

• Tranquil and rural character with a sense of shelter, privacy and seclusion because

of the undulating topography, tree cover and lack of formalized footpaths through

the estate policies and parkland.


L6 Dykehead


MANAGING LANDSCAPE CHANGE

Recent and anticipated future forces for change:

• Some areas of commercial woodland are nearing harvesting.

• Decline and loss of old parkland trees.

• New housing in the countryside.

• Potential pressure for tourism related development because of proximity to the

national park.

• Potential for some enhancement/expansion of mixed and semi-natural woodland.

Particular sensitivities within the Dykehead Landscape:

• Man made elements of a scale or nature which are at odds with the small to

medium scale of the rolling farmed and wooded landscape, its quiet landscape

character and setting of the lake or impact on the geological resource.

• Safeguarding the setting of important historic buildings and associated designed

landscapes.

• Location adjacent to and gateway for the Loch Lomond & Trossach National Park.

Guidelines for planting and biodiversity

• Safeguard and enhance functionally connected habitats, which cover much of

the area.

• Manage tree cover to safeguard diversity and maintain well-wooded character.

Limited expansion of woodland may be appropriate, subject to maintaining an

appropriate balance with parkland and other open space and safeguarding the

existing network of functionally connected woodland habitats and the geological

resource.

• Encourage the management and eventual replacement of individual parkland

trees and exotic specimens within estate policies.


L7 Garden/Gartinstarry


A belt of glacial deposits on a north-south alignment cuts across the Carse of Stirling

to the west of Flanders Moss National Nature Reserve. The River Forth has cut a

way through these deposits near Parks of Garden, so that a narrow strip of flat land

links the Carse West of Stirling and Flanders Moss West, with higher land to either

side. The small but distinctive landscape of Garden/Gartinstarry sits partially on the

southernmost of these deposits and on a belt of hummocky land extending west,

separating Flanders Moss West and the farmed slopes rising to Kippen Muir to the

south and Bat a’Charchel in the west.









LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

This small belt of undulating landscape lies between the flat valley floor of West Flanders

Moss (L3) and rising ground which forms the farmed valley fringe landscape of Forth/

Kippen Muir (L15) and, to the west, the moorland hill fringe of Bat a’ Charchel (L22). It

comprises farmland, woodland and parkland, sitting in part upon the glacial deposits

that form the southern section of the Western Forth Valley Geological Conservation

Review Site; which is of national importance for our understanding of ice movements

during the last ice age.

The sheltered location and well-drained soils support good grazing and arable

production. Diversity of tree cover is a distinctive feature of this landscape with many

hedgerow and roadside trees in addition to small woods and policies. These form a

valuable network of woodland habitats. Field boundaries are generally low clipped

hawthorn hedges and/or post and wire fencing.

The A 811, Stirling to Drymen road, roughly marks the southern edge of this landscape,

and the B835 runs through its western section. A number of minor roads and access

tracks lead off these two public roads to serve scattered farms and houses. Several

core footpaths link Buchlyvie to the north and east of this landscape, with recreational

access to the west via minor roads and tracks.

Within this character area many internal views are shortened and contained by the

landform and tree cover, only unfolding to the wider landscape on its edges or on open

crests of higher ground.




Settlement Pattern

Raised above the adjacent carse, but at a lower elevation than the upland to the south,

this sheltered and relatively well-drained landscape has a long history of settlement.

The predominant pattern is one of individual traditional farmsteads and some houses

adjacent to the minor roads or set along tracks leading off the A811 or B835. But

the area also includes several larger houses, such as Garden, Ballochneck and

Auchentroig, set in their own parkland and/or policies.

The village of Buchlyvie lies at the junction of this landscape with the rising valley side.

Originally the settlement was aligned east to west, adjacent to the Stirling to Drymen

Road (now the A811); but it subsequently expanded south, up the lower valley slopes,

and north - onto the edge of this landscape. The most recent phase of expansion has

also been into this area.

Summary

• A narrow belt of small to medium scale undulating farmland with woods. Distinctive

landform features fashioned by geological process. The policies and parkland

associated with a number of small mansion houses also have a strong influence

on landscape character.

• Not densely populated but overall impression is of an area of established and

prosperous farms.

• Diversity of tree cover, including small conifer and mixed woods, avenues, copses,

parkland, policy and hedgerow trees.

• Tranquil rural character with a sense of shelter and seclusion because of the

undulating topography and tree cover.






• New housing on the edge of Buchlyvie

• New housing in the countryside and conversion of traditional farm steadings to

multiple-unit residential use.

• Tourist accommodation already provided at a number of farms and houses.

Potential area of interest for tourism related developments because of proximity

to the national park

• Potential area of interest for small to medium-scale wind turbines.

• Potential area for expansion of mixed and/or native broadleaf woodland.

Particular sensitivities within the Garden/Gartinstarry Landscape:

• Man made elements of a scale or nature which are at odds with the small

to medium scale of the rolling farmed and wooded landscape, its quiet

landscape character or impact on the geological resource.

• Safeguarding the setting of historic mansion houses and associated

parkland/policies. Existing character vulnerable to change through decay or loss

of key traditional features


• Manage tree cover to safeguard diversity and maintain relatively well-wooded

character. Hedgerows and hedgerow/roadside trees are a valuable local resource

- encourage their retention and management.

• Limited expansion of woodland may be appropriate, subject to maintaining an

appropriate balance with parkland and other open space and safeguarding the

geological resource.




L8 Middle Endrick Water Rolling Valley Farmland

Tucked at the northern foot of the Campsie Fells, separated from the Forth Valley by

the Fintry Hills and Kippen Muir, the middle section of the Endrick Water Valley has a

‘hidden’ quality, appreciated especially when approached from higher land. The valley

forms a cohesive topographic feature, although its character changes from east to

west.



This area broadly conforms to Character Area 27: MIDDLE ENDRICK WATER River

Valley (Ash Consulting Group 1999, Central Region Landscape Character Assessment,

SNH Review No. 123, http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/review/123.pdf)

http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/review/123.pdf)


L8 Middle Endrick Water


LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

As the Endrick Water leaves the hills its valley is tightly contained by the high masses

of the Fintry Hills to the north and the Campsie Fells to the south. Beyond the bridging

point at Fintry the valley gradually opens out – as the precipitous outer edges of the

Fintry Hills give way to a lower moorland plateau in the north and spreading foot slopes

separate the valley from the high corries and scarps of the Campsie Fells to the south.

A further change occurs as the river approaches the bridging point below Balfron, and

the valley again becomes pinched between higher land.

South of Fintry, the narrow valley floor with its smooth grass fields and riparian trees

contrasts strongly with the closely encroaching, roughly textured hill slopes, with their

assortment of rock outcrops, bracken and moorland. Nearer to Fintry the steep valley

sides are patterned with woodland and the estate policies of Culcreuch Castle. This

upper part of the valley lies within a local landscape designation, the Southern Hills

Local Landscape Area.

From Fintry to Endrick Bridge the small, strongly meandering river runs across a near-

flat valley floor, occasionally broken by gentle undulations and enclosed by steeply

rolling valley slopes. Many streams run from the surrounding high land across these

slopes to merge with the Endrick Water. The pastureland of the valley floor is patterned

by a variety of clipped or tall beech or hawthorn hedgerows and fences, or occasional

drystone walling. Trees and woodlands make a positive contribution in the form of

mature deciduous avenue and roadside trees; curvilinear shelterbelts; copses and

thickets of trees hugging dwellings; streamside fringes; and mixed and broad-leaved

semi-natural woodlands of ash, beech and oak. Woodland cover is especially marked

in the vicinity of Ballikinrain, where there are a number of old policy and parkland

landscapes. To the north of the valley, where it merges with the higher open plateau

of Kippen/Ballindalloch Muir, woods are less common but small patches of birch and

conifers, and hawthorn and gorse hedges occur.




The Endrick Water itself is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of

Conservation for lampreys.

The valley is a route corridor for the locally important B822 and B818 roads; in addition

a minor road runs on the north side of the valley, just below Ballindalloch Muir.

Views within the landscape are predominantly channeled along the river floodplain or

valley sides, restricted and dominated by the surrounding hills and moorland plateau.

Dramatic views to crags and corries on Fintry and Campsie Hills. Important views into

the landscape on descending from higher ground on the B822.

Settlement Pattern

The valley is well settled in comparison to the surrounding hills and moorland.

The small linear village of Fintry stretches intermittently along the Endrick Water where

it leaves the hills. The main settlement is centred on the bridging point of the Kippen

Road and contains many pleasant stone or harled dwellings, including a stretch of late

18th century millworkers’ flatted cottages. Further east is an outlying part of the village

focused on Fintry Kirk and the Clachan Inn.

Away from the village numerous farmsteads, houses and estate houses are strung

along or accessed off the roads running along the edges of the valley. A small modern

housing development is located adjacent to the public road within an old walled garden

at Ballikinrain, but the majority of the scattered settlement is traditional in form and

construction.

To the west, below Ballindalloch Muir, the large village of Balfron, of 18th and 19th

century origins, spreads up the valley slope, extended by occasionally visually intrusive

new housing at its edges.




Summary

• The valley changes in character from east to west, as it opens out and farming

extends up the valley sides.

• Strong enclosure and intimate visual character of upper valley around Fintry,

which lies within a designated Local Landscape Area.

• Strong presence and influence of large estate houses and their associated estate

buildings parkland and woods.

• Richly patterned landscape, often intimate in character with a sense of enclosure,

although the influence of the encroaching moors lessens the settled character of

the valley.

• Hidden/secret quality.






• Pressure for expansion on edges of Fintry and Balfron.


multiple-unit residential and/or commercial use.

• Development of buildings and grounds on traditional estates, with potential

pressure for further development.

• Potential area of interest for tourism related development.

• Potential area for expansion of mixed and/or native broadleaved woodland.

• Potential area of interest for small to medium scale wind turbines within the more

open section of valley.

• Potential area of interest for run-of-river/micro hydro schemes.

Particular sensitivities within the Middle Endrick Water Landscape:

• Larger or cumulative developments that erode the sense of containment or

secluded and tranquil character of the valley. In these respects the direct and

indirect effects of development or land use change should be considered.

• Importance of the valley in foreground views of adjacent distinctive hill

edges, particularly the dramatic northern edge of the Campsie Fells.

• Role and importance of the landscape in the setting of Fintry and a number

of historic and designed landscapes. Development or land-use change that

may detract from settings and key views in (e.g. to landmark buildings) and out

require very careful assessment.

• Role and importance of the upper valley in respect of the wider Southern

Hills Local Landscape Area - its character and special qualities.





• Safeguard prime nature conservation value of the Endrick Water Special Area of

Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest.

• Develop a strategy and make the most of opportunities to manage, enhance

and expand the small-scale pattern of hedgerows, hedgerow trees, woods and

shelterbelts.



• Ensure appropriately scaled and selected tree and other planting (especially

hedges) are provided for new built development. Adequate space needs to be

allowed for this.


L9 Lower Endrick Water


This well-settled, agricultural landscape of strongly rolling terrain encloses the lower

Endrick Water and its confluence with the Blane Water to the north-west of the

Campsie Fells. The low smoothly rounded and interlocking ridges and hummocks form

a common horizon line, through which the winding river is generally inconspicuous and

obscured.



This area broadly conforms to Character Area 26: ENDRICK WATER/BLANE WATER

River Valley (Ash Consulting Group 1999, Central Region Landscape Character

Assessment, SNH Review No. 123, http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/review/123.pdf)

It is also contiguous and shares some characteristics with the ‘Rolling Farmland with

Estates’ and ‘River Valley Farmland with Estates’ landscape character types in the

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Landscape Assessment.





LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

The valley of the Endrick Water west of Balfron opens out and the sloping the valley

sides are overlaid by a complex pattern of ridged and rounded landforms, which

largely hide the course of the river. These hummocky features are formed by glacial

deposits and are important for our understanding of the glacial history and associated

landscape change in this part of Scotland. The western section of this character area

contains features of national importance, designated as a Geological Conservation

Review Site.

The varied orientation of the deposits has a strong influence on how the landscape

is experienced at a local level. North-west and west of Gartness the main features

are long moraine ridges, on a roughly north/south axis. North-east and east of the

Gartness, either side of the river and on the rising ground towards Balfron and Killearn,

clusters of rounded, hummocky drumlins are generally orientated east to west. The

Endrick Water and a few minor tributaries meander around and occasionally cut

through these features. The Endrick Water itself is a Site of Special Scientific Interest

and a Special Area of Conservation for lampreys.

Land-use is predominantly agricultural. Post-and-wire fencing divides the fields of

pastureland; internal hedgerows occur, but are not common except in a few localised

areas - similarly with sandstone walls. In contrast the edges of many minor roads

and tracks are edged by neatly clipped beech or hawthorn hedges. Field and lane

boundaries are liberally sprinkled with broad-leaved trees.

West of the A81 woodland cover is very localised but to the east of the trunk road

the farmland is broken up by numerous coniferous or deciduous shelterbelts, lines of

birch, ash and oak woodland edging some of the watercourses and policy landscapes.

Several small woodlands west of Killearn are designated as Sites of Special Scientific

interest and form part of a small network of functionally connected woodland habitats.




The northern, eastern and southern boundaries of this character area are broadly

defined by the A811, A875 and B834, whilst and the busy A81 runs roughly north to

south through the middle. A number of other minor roads and tracks wind through the

landscape, some forming core or countryside paths. It is still possible to discern the

line of a dismantled railway line curving through the rolling landform, part of which now

forms a section of the West Highland Way.

Within the strongly rolling and well-treed landscape views are alternately contained and

open. On rising ground and ridges some wide views are possible - to the craggy face

of the Campsie Fells and hills to the north as well as the glinting, twisting meanders

of the Endrick Water near Drymen, alternating with more localised views within the

lower dips. Key views into and across this landscape are from the surrounding higher

ground.

Settlement Pattern

The landscape is relatively well-settled, the legacy of farming and industrial activity

over a long-period and easy access to/from the Glasgow conurbation. In addition to a

large number of scattered farmsteads and houses there are number of larger houses

set in their own parkland and policies.

The small hamlets of Gartness, Balfron Station and Boquhan are tucked into the

landscape, whilst the larger villages of Balfron and Killearn sit elevated above and on

the very edges of this character area, at the junction with other landscape types. In

both these settlements the historic village centres have been extended by 19th and

20th century housing development. Some of the modern housing sits prominently and

uncomfortably in the landscape.




Summary

• Glacial deposits overlaid on the valley floor and side slopes create a complex,

strongly detailed landform. The undulations of the landform are emphasized by a

strong pattern of field enclosure.

• Mosaic of farmland with relatively high proportion of tree cover and hedgerows,

especially in the east.

• Nationally important glacial landforms near Gartness and high nature conservation

value of river habitats and scattered small semi-natural woodlands.

• Long history of settlement and human activity has left a heritage of post-medieval

industrial archaeology, estate houses and parkland, farmsteads and prosperous

villages - with continued pressure for expansion.

• Land form and land cover combined create a landscape with varied/alternating

experience of prospect and shelter as well as a landscape that has absorbed

relatively high levels of settlement, yet still feels largely rural in character.






• Intensive development pressure on settlement edges at Balfron and Killearn and

smaller settlements such as Balfron Station.



• Some loss/decline of hedgerow trees and hedges, as they age and are not

replaced or when fields are amalgamated.

• Pressure on traditional estates for development of buildings and grounds.

• Potential area of interest for tourism related developments because of proximity

to the national park and West Highland Way.

• Potential pressure for working of glacial deposits.

• Potential area of interest for small to medium-scale wind turbines.


Particular sensitivities within the Lower Endrick Water Landscape:

Relatively robust landscape framework has potential to absorb carefully scaled,

sensitively sited and designed development. However, sensitivity to changes in

landscape character with regard to:

• Man made elements of a scale or nature which are at odds with the small to

medium scale of the rolling farmed and wooded landscape or impact on the

geological resource.

• Protection of visually prominent glacial features outwith the Geological

Conservation Review Site: Seek to preserve key features in any mineral or

other development proposals.





• Safeguard prime nature conservation value of the Endrick Water and other Sites

of Special Scientific Interest.

• Develop a strategy and make the most of opportunities to manage and enhance

small-scale pattern of hedgerow trees, woods and shelterbelts. Potential to

enhance and expand native woodland network to the east of the A81 and along

the river near to Gartness, subject to maintaining integrity of the Geological

Conservation Review Site.




L10 Strath Blane


From its origins in the Strathblane Hills, the Blane Water cuts a course north-westwards

between the commanding presence of the Campsie Fells and the rugged outcrops and

steep slopes edging the moorland fringes of the Kilpatrick Hills. The flat bottomed valley

becomes broader as the river flows westwards from its source towards its confluence

with the Endrick Water. The domestic character of this lush, well-settled landscape is

overshadowed by the dominant volcanic hills which rear above.



This area broadly conforms to Character Area 25: STRATH BLANE River Valley (Ash

Consulting Group 1999, Central Region Landscape Character Assessment, SNH

Review No. 123, http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/review/123.pdf)



L10 Strath Blane


LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

The valley is at its narrowest at its eastern end, where it is overlooked by the neighbouring

villages of Strathblane, Netherblane and Blanefield. The river then runs through the designed

landscape of Duntreath Castle and past the local landmark of Dumgoyach Hill before

opening out to form a small flat-bottomed strath. The river is fed by minor burn tributaries

which tumble down the hill slopes to either side and become modified and straightened into

unobtrusive field ditches on the farmed valley floor.

The large grass fields of the valley floor are edged by low stone walls, post-and-wire fences,

clipped beech and hawthorn hedgerows with occasional lines of hedgerow trees. Woodland

is concentrated along the sides of the valley, with large sweeping swathes of mixed coniferous

and broadleaf woodland, shelterbelts and policy plantings. Tree cover on the valley floor is

limited, largely confined to an area immediately around Duntreath Castle and few small

blocks of conifers in the widest part of the valley, somewhat disrupting the open character.

Travelling from east to west there is a strong sense of escape as the river emerges from

compression within the hills to wind through the more open strath and as views become

less dominated by the proximity of the Campsies, opening out towards the lower undulating

farmland near Drymen. From the villages of Strathblane and Blanefield there are many views

out to the wooded hills and up to the Campsie Fells. Key views into the valley are from the

surrounding higher ground - for example from parts of Killearn and from the A81 Milngavie

Road as it descends into Strathblane.

The strath is an important route corridor through the hills that separate the lowlands around

Glasgow and the Clyde from the Forth Valley. The busy A81 runs along the length of the

strath and was once paralleled by a railway line - which is now used in part for a section of

the West Highland Way. Other local recreational routes provide access along the valley and

onto the surrounding hills. An occasionally visually prominent line of pylons runs along the

western edge of the valley before rising onto the adjacent moorland.


L10 Strath Blane


The valley slopes north of Strathblane/Blanefield and to the east of the A81 lie within

the Southern Hills Local Landscape Area. Land in an arc east, south and west of the

settlement is designated Green Belt and contributes to the wider objectives of the

Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Belt, established to control and direct development

on the edges of Greater Glasgow. This designation has played a key role in maintaining

the separate identities of Strathblane, Mugdock and Milngavie in the face of intense

development pressure.

Settlement Pattern

Within the narrower parts of the strath settlement generally avoids the valley bottom,

and scattered farms, cottages and houses are located along the valley sides; often

partially hidden by the extensive tree cover. The key exceptions are Duntreath Castle,

which lies on the valley floor surrounded and largely concealed by its parkland and

policies and part of the centre of Strathblane.

The settlements of Strathblane and Blanefield have a distinctive character and strong

relationship to the landscape, key features are:

• Form of settlement clearly related to topography and aligned along the curving

lines of the valley

• Large number of trees through the settlement visually link the village(s) to the

wooded hills above

• Predominance of white walled buildings with grey roofs

Development pressure is extremely high, because of the attractive character of the

village(s) and proximity to the Glasgow conurbation. To date most modern development

has been well contained and has not detracted from the relationship of the settlement

with it’s setting - however this relationship is extremely sensitive and could be easily

eroded. (For more information see David Tyldesley & Associates, Stirling Landscape

Assessment for SNH and Stirling Council, 1999.)


L10 Strath Blane


Dumgoyne Distillery is located in a wider part of the strath, the original buildings are

tucked into a fold of the valley side on its north-eastern edge, although modern storage

sheds and a visitor car park now sit on the edge of the valley floor. A few scattered

houses and roadside inn are also located on the valley floor at the nearby hamlet of

Dumgoyne. The abandoned Killearn Hospital site and some remaining buildings lie on

the edge of the valley floor at the northern end of the valley.

Summary

• Strong topographic and visual identity, defined by flat valley floor enclosed by

steep slopes on both sides with a prosperous lowland character in marked

contrast to the surrounding, looming hills and moorland.

• Southern/eastern end of the strath more closely confined with strong linearity

reinforced by enclosing hills, settlement form and shape/orientation of valley-side

woodland.

• Northern/western end of the valley less confined, with flat valley bottom farmland

and more open views

• Rich variety of woodland types.

• Natural and cultural heritage features of national and local importance.

• Intense development pressure because of proximity to and accessibility from

major urban area.

L10 Strath Blane





• Expansion on edges of Strathblane and Blanefield, with continued pressure for

further development.


multiple-unit residential and/or commercial use.

• Area of interest for tourism related development - on main approach road to

national park and accessible from Glasgow conurbation.

• Sand and gravel extraction

• Potential area for expansion of mixed and/or native broadleaved woodland.

• Potential area of interest for small to medium scale wind turbines within the more

open section of valley.

Particular sensitivities within the Strath Blane Landscape:

• Cumulative effects of small developments are as much a risk as individual

larger-scale developments in eroding distinctive landscape character and

quality. The risk of attrition of rural character and suburbanization is particularly

high close to settlements and along the A81 corridor.

• Large man-made structures, such as pylons, masts and turbines on the

floor, sides or upper edges of the valley, which overshadow or diminish the

scale and character of the valley.

• Safeguard setting of local landmark features of Dumgoyach and Dunglass.

• Safeguard the setting of historic mansion houses and associated parkland/

policies. Existing character vulnerable to change through decay or loss of key

traditional features.

L10 Strath Blane




• Tree cover is an important characteristic of the settlements of Strathblane and

Blanefield. Encourage retention, management and eventual replacement of

existing resource and ensure appropriate tree planting is provided for any new

developments.

• Encourage traditional management and enhancement of estate woodlands,

including the management and eventual replacement of individual parkland trees

and exotic specimens within policies.

• Potential for some expansion of native woodland, subject to maintaining a

balance between woodland and open land, especially on the valley floor, and

safeguarding key views.


L11 Carron Valley

Forested River Basin

The dominant feature of this landscape is the Carron Valley Reservoir, nestling within and

enclosed by the volcanic masses of the Campsie Fells and the Fintry, Gargunnock and

Kilsyth Hills. From the margins of the reservoir the hill slopes sweep up to the surrounding

hills and peaks - until recently largely covered in mature conifer plantations, although a

long-term programme of major harvesting and restocking is now underway. The whole

valley lies within the Southern Hills Local Landscape Area.

Relationship to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) National Landscape

Character Assessment

This area broadly conforms to Character Area 28: UPPER CARRON River Valley (Ash

Consulting Group 1999, Central Region Landscape Character Assessment, SNH Review

No. 123, http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/review/123.pdf)



L11 Carron Valley


LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

At the eastern end of the area (between Carron Bridge and Carron Dam) the valley

is relatively narrow and there are no views of the reservoir; but elsewhere the circle

of hills creates a natural ‘basin’ landform, which is overlaid with the dominant modern

and man-made elements of water supply reservoir and conifer plantations. Localized

open areas occur at Craigannet Hill and part of Dundaff Hill, which are given over to

improved and rough grazing with tumbledown stone walls and post-and-wire fencing;

and to the north-west of the reservoir, where the relatively flat and open ground around

Loch Watson and Todholes Farm allows views to the Earlsburn windfarm. There is also

an open area of poor rough grassland and heather moorland centred on Meikle Bin.

In addition to the softwood forests there are drifts of mixed woodland and trees along

the northern edge of the reservoir and a distinctive pattern of shelterbelts on the south-

west flank of Dundaff Hill.

This is a landscape undergoing change. Forest harvesting is opening up areas and

views hidden for many years and whilst restocking will return many areas to productive

woodland, its character and appearance will be somewhat different, with greater age,

structural and textural diversity.

Windfarms have been established in adjacent hill areas and the dynamic presence of

the large turbines is prominent from the surrounding hill peaks, although they can only

be seen at present from a few low level locations in the valley.

The B818 traverses the valley from west to east, hugging the north shore of the reservoir

and following the River Carron beyond the dam. The combination of accessibility

from urban areas, a good network of paths and a sense of relative isolation make

this a popular recreational area. Localized impression of neglect, for example: where

traditional field boundaries are in poor repair or there are small areas of dereliction

associated with former land uses


L11 Carron Valley


Settlement Pattern

Settlement is very sparse, most of the former farms having lost their land to the

reservoir and forest, and is largely confined to locations close to the B818. There are

some clusters of farms and houses at Carron Dam and Muirmill, where shelter and

access are more favourable. They vary in character from traditional farm steadings and

houses to more modern suburban-style properties, for example at Carron Dam. (These

‘water board’ houses relate to the infrastructure and the managed areas immediately

around the dam, rather than to the surrounding countryside.)

Summary

• Medium to large scale, enclosed, simple landscape, dominated by the basin-like

landform, forested slopes and expanse of reservoir.

• Strong sense of enclosure and introspection within the valley and forested slopes,

although panoramic views from the open hill tops allow appreciation of the setting

in the wider landscape.

• An important commercial forestry area that is planned for long-term retention and

production, although environmental improvements are being made through layout

and forest design as the timber is harvested. The on-going programme of felling

and restocking makes this a landscape of change – an impression heightened by

the development of windfarms close by.

• Settlement is sparse, confined primarily to the eastern end of the valley and close

to the B818. Small groups of houses are found at a few locations, otherwise

settlement is dispersed.

• The simple composition of water and afforested hillside, combined with very little

settlement creates a moderately remote atmosphere.

• Scenic and recreational importance of this landscape and the encircling hills, are

recognized by a Local Landscape Area designation.


L11 Carron Valley




• Ongoing programme of major forest felling and restructuring which will, in time,

bring about positive changes. (Unsympathetic woodland margins and lack of

visual diversity and biodiversity were identified as ‘negative attributes’ in the

National Landscape Character Assessment.)

• Plans to reduce the input of fertilisers etc during restocking may bring the tree-line

for commercial forestry down-slope.

• Loss of tree and shelterbelts through lack of management outwith managed forest

area.

• Old stone field boundaries falling into disrepair and/or replacement with post and

wire fencing.

• Area of considerable interest for large-scale wind turbines and windfarms.

• Potential area of interest for new housing in the countryside, particularly in

relatively accessible locations.

• Potential for increase in recreational use and within an area that could be included

in a country/ regional park partnership, to enhance recreational management and

development.


L11 Carron Valley


Particular sensitivities within the Carron Valley Landscape:

• Developments or changes to land management that compromise the feeling

of containment or diminish the sense of scale and seclusion.

• New buildings out of scale or character with the existing predominantly

scattered and traditional patterns of development. Requirement for careful

siting and design applies to all built development, for example power houses

associated with run-of-river/micro hydro schemes as well as farm, commercial or

residential developments.

• Ground disturbance, resulting for example from cut and fill works, can take

many years to restore/recover because of the nature of the upland soils and

harsh climate. Particular care is needed to protect and conserve high carbon/

peat soils and to avoid pollution of watercourses.

• Development tipping delicate balance of existing wind energy developments

and landscape character/quality within the Carron Valley and of the Southern

Hills as a whole. Presence of windfarms in adjacent landscapes heightens

sensitivity to some forms/scales of additional wind energy development within

the Carron Valley. In particular, potential for adverse effects on the setting and

‘fit’ of existing wind energy developments and on overall landscape character

(including local distinctions), were additional wind energy developments to spread

to inappropriate new areas, increase the extent of skylines affected or result in

visual complexity and confusion from key public viewpoints.


L11 Carron Valley


Guidelines for planting and bio-diversity

• Ensure restructuring of the productive forest continues to address issues of

unsympathetic margins and lack of visual diversity and biodiversity.

• Safeguard scenic and nature conservation value of small areas of native

broadleaves. Potential to enhance and expand native woodland network,

particularly where relict areas of broadleaves are found and along margins and

watercourses when plantations are restructured.


small-scale pattern of shelterbelts around Dundaff Hill.

• Potential for sensitive expansion of forestry on north side of reservoir, to unify

visual character, although this would need to balanced against loss of open

habitats, which have their own biodiversity value.

• Support management and restoration of existing stone dyke field boundaries.


L12 West Ochil Hill Fringe

Farmed Hill Fringe

An area of steeply sloping or rolling farmland and woodland lying to the south-west of

the Ochil Hills and Sheriff Muir but elevated above the adjacent river valleys of the Allan

Water and Carse of Stirling; it also includes Abbey Craig and landmark building of the

Wallace Monument. This landscape forms the setting for the campus of the University

of Stirling and its distinctive outward facing slopes form the backdrop to Bridge of Allan.

The majority of the area lies within the Western Ochils Local Landscape Area, of which

it forms an integral part.



This area is included in Character Area 9: OCHIL HILLS Lowland Hills and Character

Area 32: TEITH/FORTH/ALLAN Valley Fringe (Ash Consulting Group 1999, Central

Region Landscape Character Assessment, SNH Review No. 123, http://www.snh.org.uk/

pdfs/publications/review/123.pdf).

http://www.snh.org.uk/



Farmed Hill Fringe

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

Towards their south-western edge the Ochil Hills shelve downwards into the transitional

moorland of Sheriff Muir (L19) before falling away into an area of strongly rolling and

sloping farmland and woodland, which comprises this transitional hill fringe landscape.

The western boundary is demarcated by the deeply incised Allan Water running

between Dunblane and Bridge of Allan, on the far side of which lies the Forth/Teith/

Allan Valley Fringe (L13). Whilst the two landscapes share some characteristics they

also form discrete areas in their own right.

The rolling and (sometimes steeply) sloping ground is overlaid with woodland, farmland,

historic parkland, two golf courses, the residential area of Upper Bridge of Allan and the

complex of buildings and open space that make up the university campus. To the south

the steep rocky and largely wooded outcrop of Abbey Craig rises dramatically from the

flat carse and gains added height from the presence of the Wallace Monument - so

although Abbey Craig is much lower than the hill summits, together with the tower it

creates a complementary focal point and landmark feature

Extensive and diverse tree and woodland cover is a key feature of this landscape,

sheltering and defining areas of open ground and contributing significantly to

biodiversity and the recreational and scenic resource. Kippenrait Glen Site of Special

Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation lies largely within this landscape,

along a tributary of the Allan Water. In addition Wolf’s Hole Quarry, on the edge of the

Bridge of Allan Mine the Woods, is a nationally important Geological Conservation

Review Site. There are two inventory designed landscapes (Kippenross and Airthrey

Castle), a conservation area (Upper Bridge of Allan) and many listed buildings.


Farmed Hill Fringe


The main through route is the B998, cutting between Abbey Craig and the university

campus to link Causewayhead and the Hillfoots. Elsewhere minor roads, farm tracks

and a good network of recreational footpaths allow ease of access from adjacent

settlements to the hill fringe. Abbey Craig and the Wallace Monument are readily

accessible to the public and receive many visitors each year.

Outstanding and varied panoramic outward views - to Stirling town and castle, the

Forth Valley and the surrounding uplands, alternating with more introverted views

where landform and/or tree cover close in. Views to this landscape are as important as

views from within, forming an attractive backdrop to Bridge of Allan and foreground to

views of the Ochils. Abbey Craig and the Wallace Monument are often seen together

with Stirling Castle, standing sentinel either side of the River Forth and creating a

strong sense of place and local identity.

Settlement Pattern

The residential area of Upper Bridge of Allan lies on the lower southern slopes of this

landscape. It comprises, a mix of 19th and 20th century properties (many listed) lying

in well-treed gardens and streets, giving the suburbs a strongly wooded character.

Some housing is also found on the slopes above Causewayhead. This landscape also

contains the landmark building of the Wallace Monument and extensive areas of built

development at the university and associated Innovation Park, although in external

views the buildings are only prominent from higher ground/viewpoints (e.g. Wallace

Monument and Drumbrae above Bridge of Allan.)

Outwith these urbanized areas, settlement largely comprises a few scattered

farmsteads and houses. Some steadings have been converted/extended to multiple

units, including a development on the south-east edge of Dunblane

Two mansion houses, Kippenross House and Airthrey Castle (now part of the university

campus) lie within important designed landscapes and there are a number of nationally

and locally important archaeological features/sites, evidence of a long history of human

activity and settlement in this landscape.


Farmed Hill Fringe


Summary

• Relatively small but important transitional landscape where the Ochil Hills

descend to meet the Allan Water and carse north of Stirling. Natural features are

at a smaller scale and landform and land cover are more varied than in the main

hill mass

• Rolling ground and outward facing slopes overlaid with a diverse and complex

mix of extensive woodland, farmland, parkland and areas of built development.

• Landscape makes an important contribution to the setting and character of the

University of Stirling, Bridge of Allan, Causewayhead and south-east Dunblane.

• Many areas/features have high natural and cultural heritage value - some are of

national importance.

• Highly accessible landscape via a good network of paths and tracks.

• Outward facing slopes and the Abbey Craig/Wallace Monument are important

features in key external views towards the Ochils and from viewpoints that take in

both Stirling Castle and the hills.

• The special landscape and scenic qualities of the area are recognized by a local

landscape designation.


Farmed Hill Fringe




• Development pressure on the edges of Bridge of Allan and south-east Dunblane.

• Housing in the countryside and conversion of traditional farm steadings to multiple-

unit residential use.

• Stirling University continues to evolve and grow. A long-term development plan is in

place and subject to periodic review.

• Associated business and research developments at the Innovation Park, with several

plots still to be developed.

• Renewal and expansion of visitor facilities and car park below the Wallace Monument,

with potential pressure for additional parking.

• Some areas of commercial conifers at or nearing harvesting; including some highly

visible areas such as at the entrance to Kippenross House off the B8033 Perth Road

in the centre of Dunblane.

• Some previously neglected semi-natural woodland has been brought back into

management, with potential for other areas to be enhanced.

• Potential area of interest for wind turbines.

• Landscape mitigation measures associated with the Beauly Denny Power Line.

Particular sensitivities within the West Ochil Hill Fringe Landscape:

• This landscape comprises part of the distinctive hill edges of the Western

Ochil Hills, with an important role in the wider composition of the Forth Valley

west of Stirling. Particular sensitivity to development or land-use change that could

compromise physical integrity and views of these edges and skylines. As well as

important public viewpoints within the character area there are many external locations

with good views towards the hill fringe and Ochil Hills (e.g. Stirling Castle Esplanade

and major transport routes as well as a large number of residential properties) and a

large viewing population.

• Role and importance of the landscape to the setting of Stirling University,

Causewayhead, Bridge of Allan and the south-eastern edge of Dunblane.

• Safeguarding the setting of historic mansion houses and associated designed

landscapes and the setting of the Wallace Monument Grade A Listed Building.


Farmed Hill Fringe



• Significant potential for area to make positive contribution to enhancement/

expansion of the wider Stirling Green Network.

• Valuable network of functionally connected woodland habitats covers much of

the landscape. Work has already been undertaken by Stirling Council and Stirling

University to bring some woodland back into active management, but other

enhancement is possible. There is also some potential to expand the native

woodland network, subject to safeguarding key areas of open space and outward

views.

• As older commercial plantations reach harvesting, ensure restructuring/restocking

improves biodiversity, landscape ‘fit’ and, where appropriate, access.




L13 Forth/Teith/Allan Valley Fringe

Farmed Valley Fringe

A rolling tract of estate-influenced farmland and woodland elevated above and defined

by the adjacent river valleys of the Allan Water, Forth and Teith and, to the north, the

minor watercourse of the Ardoch Burn. The strategic nature of the location is reinforced

by the presence of important local and regional routes. The south-eastern section of

this landscape forms the Keir Local Landscape Area.



This area forms broadly conforms to Character Area 32: FORTH/TEITH/ALLAN Valley

Fringe (Ash Consulting Group 1999, Central Region Landscape Character Assessment,

SNH Review No. 123, http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/review/123.pdf).

However, land east of the Allan Water valley between Dunblane and Bridge of Allan, is

here included in L12 West Ochil Hill Fringe.





LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

Towards their south-western edge the Ochil Hills shelve downwards into the transitional

moorland of Sherrif Muir (L19) before falling away into an area of rolling and sloping

farmland and woodland, which are here separated into the West Ochil Hill Fringe (L12)

and Forth/Teith/Allan Valley Fringe (L13). The eastern boundary is demarcated by the

deeply incised valley of the Allan Water, on the far side of which lies the West Ochil

Hill Fringe (L12). Whilst the two landscapes share some characteristics they also form

discrete areas in their own right.

Forth/Teith/Allan sits elevated above the flat expanse of the Carse of Stirling (L2), from

which it is separated by well-defined slopes. The B824 runs east to west on a ridge

of higher ground, linking the Keir Roundabout to Doune. The land rolls away from

this road, south towards the carse and north towards the Ardoch Burn - which in turn

demarcates a boundary between this more gently rolling agricultural landscape and

the strongly undulating and hummocky ground of the Lower Braes of Doune. To the

north-east this landscape abuts the Allan Water Valley

Keir Estate has had a marked influence upon this area. Although the house itself

is largely hidden from view its associated buildings, gateways and other landscape

features are very visible and distinctive elements. The policy and associated farm

woodlands are especially important, sheltering and defining large arable fields

bounded by clipped hedgerows of beech and hawthorn and well-maintained stone

walls. A further distinctive landmark feature is Lecropt Kirk - occupying a fine, elevated

position looking across the carse to Stirling Castle. The landscape immediately around

Keir House and between Bridge of Allan and Dunbalne is designated as the Keir Local

Landscape Area.




The south-east corner of this landscape is bisected by the northern termination of the

M9 motorway and route of the A9 trunk road. Other well used local roads also run

through the landscape, linking Bridge of Allan, Dunblane and Doune. The gently rolling

landform and wealth of tree cover help to absorb and lessen the disruptive effects of

these busy roads to some extent, although less so around Keir Roundabout itself.

There is a good network of paths east of the M9/A9 with ease of access from Bridge

of Allan and Dunblane – although the motorway, trunk road and Keir Estate boundary

wall make pedestrian access to the west difficult.

Belts of trees and/or dips locally limit or enclose views, but the elevated position allows

some excellent outward vistas, notably: towards Sheriffmuir and the western Ochils;

towards the Braes of Doune and the Braes of Doune windfarm; towards Stirling Castle

and carse; outstanding panoramic views from the David Stirling Memorial and from the

area around Craigarnhall. In external views from the Forth Valley, Stirling and Bridge

of Allan, the southern edge of this landscape forms an attractive backdrop to the north-

eastern edge of the carse. Views from Dunblane are more limited, because of its valley

location and screening afforded by trees.

Settlement Pattern

Farmsteads and a few houses are scattered regularly throughout the area, often set

off the public roads at the end of access tracks. There are also building groups, lodges

and farms historically associated with Keir Estate.

The south-western suburbs of Dunblane have extended onto the north-eastern edge of

this landscape character area. These largely comprise relatively modern developments.

Several small groups of houses on the outskirts of Bridge of Allan also fall just within

this landscape. Pressure for further expansion on the edges of both settlements into

this (and other adjacent landscapes) is intense.




Summary

• Keir Estate designed landscape establishes core high-quality landscape

character, reinforced by local landscape designation

• Rolling landform overlaid by small to medium-scale field pattern with good network

of hedges, shelterbelts and small woodlands imparting a diversity of colour and

texture to the landscape.

• Transitional links in character to Braes of Doune and carseland further enhance

landscape diversity on margins.

• The landscape sits at a point of transition – between the lowland Carse of Stirling

and more highland Strath Allan, creating a ‘gateway’ feel travelling north or south.

Strategic geographic location is expressed/reinforced by the presence of several

regionally and locally important routes.

• Marked contrast, and some tension, between busy activity along the road corridors

and areas of quiet seclusion.



• Intense pressure for development on the edges of Bridge of Allan and Dunblane.

• Planning Permission in Principle granted (August 2017) granted for a tennis centre, golf course and enabling housing development in the Park of Keir area.

• Housing in the countryside and conversion of traditional farm steadings to


• Some areas of commercial conifers at or nearing harvesting; including some

highly visible areas such as north of Keir Roundabout.





Particular sensitivities within the Forth/Teith/Allan Valley Fringe

Landscape:

• Man made elements of a scale or nature that are at odds with the small

to medium scale of the rolling farmed and wooded landscape. Prominent

buildings or structures that interrupt the skyline viewed from the carse or compete

with the local landmark feature of Lecropt Church are particular sensitivities.

• Safeguarding the setting of important designed landscape and associated

buildings/features. Existing character vulnerable to change through decay or

loss of key traditional features.

• Role and importance of the landscape in maintaining the settings of and

distinction between Bridge of Allan and Dunblane. Buildings or other

structures in prominent locations which begin to ‘infill’ the open rural landscape

between the settlements of Bridge of Allan and Dunblane of particular concern.

High standards to be applied to the siting, scale and design of the Park of Keir

golf course to avoid adverse effects on the setting of either settlement, or the

overall character and integrity of adjacent inventory designed landscapes (Keir

and Kippenross) or of the Keir Local Landscape Area.

• Cumulative effects of development eroding the character and quality of

the landscape and ‘suburbanising’ valued countryside: Acceptance of

development potential at Park of Keir increases the sensitivity of the remaining

undeveloped landscape to larger-scale development or cumulative effects

of smaller developments, especially in the east/A9 corridor. Risk of harmful

landscape and visual effects if traffic, associated infrastructure clutter and signage

continue to increase.




Guideline for planting and biodiversity



• Safeguard and enhance the network of functionally connected woodland habitats

that covers much of the south-eastern part of the landscape. Potential to expand

the native woodland network, subject to safeguarding key areas of open space

and outward views.






L14 Forth/Teith Valley Fringe


A broad spur of undulating land extending eastwards from the Menteith Hills separates

the valley of the River Teith to the north from the wide Carse of Forth to the south.

The south facing slopes of this spur comprise the Forth/Teith Farmed Valley Fringe, a

broad tract of rolling farmland elevated above and generally sloping towards the Carse

of Stirling.



The eastern part of this landscape comprises the southern section of Character

Area 31: FORTH/TEITH Valley Fringe (Ash Consulting Group 1999, Central Region

Landscape Character Assessment, SNH Review No. 123, http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/

publications/review/123.pdf) The rest of Character Area 31, falling away northwards from

the ridge crest towards the River Teith, is here included in the ’Teith Valley’ description.

http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/




However, an additional tract of land west of the B822, extending north to Lennieston

Muir and west to the A811/national park boundary, is not included in any published

national landscape character assessment. It was not included in the Central Region

Assessment and falls outwith Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

Landscape Assessment.




LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

A transitional landscape of generally subdued relief, although the land climbs higher

in the west towards the Menteith Hills. Minor burns wind through the lower slopes to

feed into larger watercourses. Several small waterbodies are absorbed by the rolling

landform and enhance diversity.

The central ridge of higher ground is dominated by larger-scale forestry, particularly

in the north-west on Lennieston Muir, edged in parts by patches of scrub vegetation.

Scattered gorse clumps and post-and-wire fences delineate fields of pasture, which

give way to mixed grassland and arable crops with clipped hawthorn hedges across

lower slopes and adjacent to roads. This transition in character between high and low

ground is also reflected east to west; with larger more open fields below Lennieston

Muir forestry, becoming more settled and diverse, with smaller fields, trees, woods and

shelterbelts in the east. Hedgerow trees are a strong feature in some areas.

The majority of public roads run east to west across the lower slopes, with many

access tracks leading off to individual farms and houses. However, from Thornhill the

B822 rises up and over the ridge, giving access to the Teith Valley and Callander. Good

network of core footpaths in the immediate vicinity of Thornhill.

Many outward views towards the Carse and/or surrounding hills, giving a feeling of

‘openness’, although locally pockets of more contained land and/or views do occur,

creating an intimate character and sense of shelter or enclosure. Outstanding and

extensive views south from parts of Thornhill and the A837 between Thornhill and

Ruskie. In external views from the carse and rising ground to the south this landscape

reads as a ridge, the crest of which appears as a skyline or intermediate horizon

in front of the distinctive hill edges to the north (Uamh Bheag and Upper Braes of

Doune including the Braes of Doune Windfarm), depending upon the elevation of the

viewpoint.




Settlement Pattern

The historic planned village of Thornhill and groups of properties at Blairdrummond

and Blairhoyle, are the main concentrations of population, all located on the southern

edge of the area and mainly traditional in style.

Elsewhere settlement is well dispersed. Scattered farmsteads and houses are found

throughout the area, except on the highest, most exposed slopes. Dwellings are

generally set back from the road at the end of private tracks, although houses are

occasionally located next to public roads. Buildings often carefully positioned to

maximize the south facing aspect, making some properties quite prominent when

viewed from the wider landscape; however, the scale and form of development is

generally well suited to the local landform and softened/ integrated by the use of

planting.

Summary

• Slight elevation and change in landcover establishes important visual separation

between the Forth carselands and Teith Valley. Road pattern on lower ground and

forested crest reinforce overall configuration of landform

• Forestry and pasture in the north and west give way to smaller, enclosed fields

and some arable cultivation with small woods and shelterbelts to the south and

east, where the influence of nearby estates is evident.

• Rolling landform and tree cover create some pockets of concealed ground, but in

general the landscape has good visual connectivity with areas to the east, south

and west, and it forms an integral part of the wider composition of the Forth Valley

west of Stirling.






• Forestry on higher ground at or near harvesting stage. Restocking offers

opportunities to improve age and species diversity, biodiversity value and edges.

• Some poorly maintained fences and stone walls in more marginal areas.

• New housing on the edges of Thornhill.



• Area of interest for wind turbines, including larger machines on higher ground.

• Potential area of interest for tourism related developments because of proximity

to the national park


Particular sensitivities within the Forth/Teith Valley Fringe

Landscape:

• Much of the landscape is inter-visible with other landscapes and key

viewpoints. Longer-distance views should be taken into account when assessing

larger-scale development proposals or land use changes.

• Developments that impinge on the ridge line in key views need very special

consideration. As already noted this appears as a skyline or intermediate

horizon depending on the elevation of the viewpoint. (It should be noted that very

tall structures on the ridgeline are also likely to be visible from and impact upon

the character of the Teith Valley landscape to the north.)

• Role and importance of the landscape in the setting of Thornhill. The village

form has a strong relationship to the landform and this should be respected and

reinforced. In addition development or land-use change that may detract from key

views in (e.g. to landmark buildings) and out require very careful assessment.





• Safeguard scenic and nature conservation value of small wetlands and associated

scrub and, in particular, the prime nature conservation value of Loch Watston Site

of Special Scientific Interest.

• Ensure restructuring of areas of commercial forestry addresses issues of



small-scale pattern of hedgerow trees, woods and shelterbelts on lower ground.

• Good potential to enhance and expand native woodland network throughout

the area, subject to securing an appropriate balance with open space and

safeguarding valuable open habitats and important outward views.


• Tree planting is associated with many existing properties. If new development

can’t be sited to relate well with existing planting, then new planting should

normally be provided and adequate space must be available for this.


L15 Forth/Kippen Muir Valley Fringe


This narrow valley fringe of well-tended farmland forms a transition between the carse

and moorland plateau of Kippen Muir. The rounded, fertile slopes are incised by small

streams, forming frequent indentations along the sweeping valley edge. A long history

of farming and human occupation on these ‘dry fields’ has shaped the landscape we

see today.



This area broadly conforms to Character Area 34: FORTH/KIPPEN MUIR Valley Fringe

(Central Region Landscape Character Assessment, SNH review No. 123, 1999, http://

www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/review/123.pdf).


http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/review/123.pdf





LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

Elevated above and sloping towards the carse, the fertile, well-drained soils of this

area have long been farmed. Field boundaries are defined by post and wire fences

and/or hawthorn hedges. The small, incised stream valleys frequently contain and

are emphasized by trees, scrub or strips of broadleaf woodland. These, together with

frequent hedgerow and avenue trees, small mixed shelterbelts and farm woodlands

give an attractive, well-wooded feel to the landscape, especially to the east, where

the influence of policies and estates is also stronger. These trees and woods are also

important for biodiversity and woodland in Arnprior Glen is designated as a Site of

Special Scientific Interest. The character of the area changes somewhat as the slopes

level off onto the moorland to the south - with arable fields giving way to rougher

grazing and patches of gorse with rushy grasses in poorly drained areas.

The A811 skirts the northern edge of this landscape and the B822 and B8037 give

access to Kippen. In addition several tracks and minor roads run perpendicular to

the slopes, serving farms and linking the carse and higher ground. Some routes

near settlements are designated core paths, with key longer rotes recognized as

‘countryside’ paths.

This landscape possesses qualities of both ‘shelter’, derived from the higher ground

to the south and small scale of field enclosures, hedgerows and tree planting; and

‘prospect’, with open views across the carse and to the uplands beyond. Locally

pockets of more contained land and/or views do occur, creating an intimate character

and sense of enclosure. In many external views from the carse and rising ground on

the other side of the valley, this landscape reads as foreground to higher land to the

south - Kippen Muir and the Southern Hills beyond.




Settlement Pattern

The long-established village of Buchlyvie and hamlet of Arnprior lie on the very northern

edge of this landscape, straddling the A811. To the east is the large village of Kippen,

perched on the valley slope and enjoying panoramic views. The historic village has

expanded considerably in recent years and Kippen remains an important local centre.

Elsewhere within this landscape settlement comprises dispersed traditional farmsteads

and houses, becoming less frequent and more widely spaced to the west. Dwellings

are generally set back from the road at the end of private tracks - sometimes well up

on the slope, making some properties quite prominent when viewed from the wider

landscape; however, the scale and form of development is generally well suited to the

local topography and softened/ integrated by the use of planting.

Summary:

• Productive agricultural landscape in long-standing cultivation.

• Field boundaries well defined by hedgerows, trees and shelterbelts, especially in

the east.

• Enhanced by attractive long-established small settlements and scattered, well-

kept farmsteads and houses.

• Rolling landform and tree cover create some pockets of concealed ground, but in

general the landscape has good visual connectivity with areas to the east, north

and west; and it forms an integral part of the wider composition of the Forth Valley

west of Stirling from a number of key viewpoints.



• New housing on the edges of Buchlyvie and Kippen, with pressure for further

expansion.

• Some decline and loss of field boundary hedgerows and trees.






• Area of interest for small to medium scale wind turbines.

• Potential for enhancement and expansion of semi-natural woodland.

Particular sensitivities within the Forth/Kippen Muir Valley Fringe

Landscape:

• Capacity to absorb change is limited by strong agricultural character and

importance of retaining key elements such as hedgerows, trees and small

woods.

• In addition much of the landscape is inter-visible with other landscapes and

key viewpoints. These longer-distance views need careful consideration when

assessing larger-scale development proposals or land use changes.

• There are particular sensitivities with regard to large-scale developments

and to large/tall structures impinging on skyline and, potentially, adjacent

distinctive hill edges.

• Role and importance of the landscape in the setting of Kippen. Development

or land-use change that may detract from key views in (e.g. to landmark buildings)

and out require very careful assessment.


• Safeguard prime natural heritage value of Arnprior Glen of Special Scientific

Interest.


existing pattern of small woods, shelterbelts and avenues. Significant potential to

expand native woodland network within this landscape.

• Make the most of opportunities to plant new hawthorn hedgerows and hedgerow

trees to reinforce landscape character and provide important boundary habitats.


L16 Gargunnock Hill Fringe

Farmed Hill Fringe

A belt of strongly rolling slopes, sweeping from the base of the seemingly towering

Gargunnock Hills down to the carse. The slopes are crossed and deeply incised by

many burns originating in the hills to the south, forming a landscape of interwoven

undulating groundswells richly patterned with fields, hedgerows, trees, woods and

settlement. Most of this landscape lies within the Southern Hills Local Landscape Area.



This area broadly conforms to Character Area 16: GARGUNNOCK/FINTRY Hill Fringe

(Ash Consulting Group 1999, Central Region Landscape Character Assessment, SNH

Review No. 123, http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/review/123.pdf) However, the more

level, open and marginal farmland between the base of the Fintry Hills and B822,

south-west of Kippen, is here included in the ’Kippen Muir’ description.



Farmed Hill Fringe


LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

A transitional landscape between the dramatic, seemingly high hills to the south and the

flat expanse of productive carse farmland to the north. Rolling slopes shelve towards

the carse, open crests and ridges alternating with areas of enclosed ground between

undulating groundswells and in small incised valleys.

A proliferation of policy landscapes across the hill-slopes has produced a landscape

of great visual diversity and prosperity. Marginal grazing and some small (occasionally

discordant) areas of plantation woodland on the boundary with the hill scarps quickly

gives way to lush pastureland intermingled with fields of crops, defined by lines of

mature trees, curving shelterbelts, clipped hedges, fence lines and stone walls. The

farmland is well wooded, particularly to the east where medium-scale spruce and larch

plantations integrate with broad-leaf/semi-natural woods and streamside planting.

Avenue, parkland and policy trees are associated with old mansion houses

Several minor roads and tracks provide access to the village of Gargunnock and to the

farms and mansion houses scattered across the slopes. Good network of recreational

routes.

Views southwards are dominated by the overshadowing bulk of the Gargunnock Hills.

Looking north open panoramas alternate with more confined and intimate views, where

the rolling landform and woods create enclosure. Notwithstanding the presence of

some ‘hidden’ ground this landscape as a whole, and the outer edges in particular, has

a high level of visual connectivity with the wider landscape. It is important in foreground

in views to the southern Hills from the carse and beyond.


Farmed Hill Fringe


Settlement Pattern

With the exception of the historic village of Gargunnock, climbing the slopes above

the carse, the settlement pattern is predominantly one of dispersed traditional farms

and houses - although occasional groupings of houses occur. Marked presence of a

number of historic mansion houses. The parkland and policies at Gargunnock House

are included in the National Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes.

Summary

• A prosperous, well-tended and human-scale landscape with a strong historic

tradition of settlement, including mansion houses with associated policies and

parkland

• Rolling topography and mix of arable and pastureland interlocking attractively

with a woodland and tree cover

• Hedges, trees and woodlands of varying kinds are prominent features -

including avenues and important areas of semi-natural woodland

• These characteristics and features combine to create a richly patterned and

diverse landscape with a changing sense of prospect and shelter.

• Strong visual inter-relationship between towering stepped hill escarpments and

these lower foot slopes.

• This landscape plays an important role within the Southern Hills Local

Landscape Area.



• New housing on the edges of Gargunnock.

• Some commercial plantations at or near harvesting stage. Restocking offers

opportunities to improve age and species diversity, biodiversity value and edges.



Farmed Hill Fringe




Farmed Hill Fringe



• Area of interest for small to medium-scale wind turbines.


Particular sensitivities within the Gargunnock Hill Fringe

Landscape:

Relatively robust existing framework of ‘structural’ landscape features provides strong

basis for reinforcement and an ability to absorb a moderate level of change. However:

• This landscape comprises part of the distinctive hill edges of the Southern

Hills, with an important role in the wider composition of the Forth Valley

west of Stirling. Particular sensitivity to larger-scale development or land-use

change that could compromise physical integrity and views of these edges.

• Hedgerows, trees and small woods form key elements of this landscape

and should be safeguarded/enhanced.

• Safeguard the setting of historic mansion houses and associated parkland/


traditional features



improves biodiversity, landscape ‘fit’ and, where appropriate, access. In a few

high-level areas this may include not restocking and reverting to grazing.


small-scale pattern of hedgerow trees, woods and shelterbelts on lower ground.

Potential to enhance and expand native woodland network, subject to

safeguarding important open habitats and local viewpoints.





L17 East Touch Hill Fringe

Farmed Hill Fringe

To the east the Touch Hills drop down towards the Forth Valley and become less

unified, with the rock banding becoming fragmented forming a strongly rolling and

diverse hill fringe area, extending from Gillies Hill, Lewis Hill and Loch Coulter towards

Stirling and the M9 and including the Touch Estate.



This area broadly conforms with Character Area 15: EAST TOUCH FRINGE Hill Fringe






Farmed Hill Fringe

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

The eastern boundary of the Touch Hills is demarcated by the rugged, crag-edged

outcrops of Scout Head and Lewis Hill. These mark the edge of a broad swathe of

strongly rolling, occasionally hummocky farmland, which forms a transition in height

and form from west to east between the Touch Hills and wide flat valley of the Forth

Estuary. The area is bounded to the east by the line of the M9 and to the south by the

administrative boundary with Falkirk. Most of this landscape character area lies within

the Southern Hills Local Landscape Area and there are a number of national natural

and cultural heritage designations also.

Large fields of rough and semi-improved grassland, stippled with bracken or tussocks

of rush across rockier or damper areas, and divided by neglected stone walls and gorse

scrub, bound the perimeter of the Touch Hills. Elsewhere, fields of improved pasture

and occasional arable land are the dominant farmland, sheltered and contained by

woodland. Field boundaries on the lower slopes and estate landscapes are defined by

clipped beech and hawthorn hedges, low stone walls and post and wire fences.

The mixed and broad-leaf woods and curving lines of shelterbelts, tree clumps and

roadside and avenue trees which characterize the policy landscapes dispersed across

the hill slopes create a notably well-wooded character. (Touch is a nationally important

designed landscape.) Larger expanses of coniferous forestry and semi-natural

woodland define the striking topography of the dolerite hills of Gillies Hill and Lewis Hill.

The south-east corner of the landscape is bisected by the parallel routes of the M80

and A872. Smaller farm and estate roads and tracks wind across the slopes, often

following detours due to the impeding motorway routes. Good network of core and

other footpaths through the countryside and at Plean Country Park. North Third

Reservoir also has a recreational role.



Farmed Hill Fringe

Visual characteristics and relationships within the landscape are complex. Views from

North Third and the hill plateau to the west reveal the unexpectedly rugged edges of

Lewis Hill and Sauchie Craigs rising above the reservoir. Many views from the Lewis

Hill and North Third looking west now include the dynamic element of large turbines

at Craigengelt and, to a lesser extent, Earlsburn windfarms. On descending the rolling

slopes views open and close, controlled by landform and tree cover. From the east of

the area views of the busy and populous Forth Valley are more frequent.

In external views from the north and east the wooded and farmed slopes of this area

often form an important backdrop to Stirling Old Town and Castle; although they also

contain ‘dead ground’, where land form and tree cover conceal areas from view,

creating ‘secret’ enclaves

Settlement Pattern

The large interwar mining village of Plean lies on the south-eastern edge of this

landscape and former spinning and weaving village of Cambusbarron nestles on the

north-east boundary. Both settlements have expanded beyond their historic origins in

modern times.

Elsewhere and at lower levels a frequent scattering of farmsteads and historic estate

houses dot the rolling slopes, with small groupings of houses at Auchenbowie and Old

Cultenhove/Swanswater. On the higher land and boundary with the hills farmsteads

are more sparse and scattered.

Summary

• Transitional landscape with rugged, elevated craggy outcrops of dolerite above

strongly rolling pronounced hills sloping more gently to the Forth Valley floodplain.

Rough and semi-improved grassland with gorse scrub on higher ground gives way

to improved pasture with some arable at lower levels. High levels and diversity of

woodland and tree cover.

• At lower levels the landscape is relatively well settled and well served with minor



Farmed Hill Fringe

roads, tracks and paths. Traditional estates and policies have a strong influence

throughout the area.

• Attractive intimate character derived from complex mosaic of rolling landform,

woods and farmland. Despite the presence of the motorways and infiltration of

other urban and industrial elements towards its eastern and western edges, the

landscape for the most part still has a quiet and in places secluded air. Popular

recreation area for local people.

• Much of this landscape forms an integral part of the Southern Hills Local

Landscape Area.



• Built development on the edges of Plean and Cambusbarron.

• Location for proposed new settlement (Durieshill) including major infrastructure,

housing and commercial development etc.



• Some neglect of stone walls and hedgerows.

• Pressure on traditional estates for development of buildings and grounds.

• Potential pressure for further expansion of hard rock quarrying along the dolerite

outcrop.

• Potential for further recreational routes and uses, which in some cases may

generate additional vehicle traffic and parking issues.

• Potential area of interest for wind turbines, including larger machines. The

presence of windfarms in the adjacent landscape character area has already had

some effects on this landscape, particularly in the Lewis Hill/North Third area.




Farmed Hill Fringe

Particular sensitivities within the East Touch Hill Fringe Landscape:

This landscape has variable capacity to absorb change, related to landform, land cover

and visual sensitivity. Particular consideration should be given to:

• Safeguarding the physical integrity and views of key skylines and distinctive

hill edges or important geological and landform features.

• Erosion of rural character and distinct identity on the edges of existing

settlements - the cumulative effects of new infrastructure and smaller

developments are as important as larger scale developments.

• Role of the landscape as a backdrop to the setting of Stirling and the Castle.


parkland/policies.

• The Craigengelt and Earlsburn WIndfarms lie in an adjacent character

area, but are distinctive features from a number of viewpoints within this

landscape. Additional wind energy development in this or adjacent landscapes

could cause visual complexity and confusion.

With regard to the proposed Durieshill Major Growth Area and approved housing

area at Pleanbank Farm: It is essential that a landscape-led approach is taken to

masterplanning and long-term investment is provided for the creation, implementation

and maintenance of new high quality landscapes within and adjacent to the new

settlement areas.



Farmed Hill Fringe



expansion of the wider Stirling Green Network

• Safeguard prime natural heritage value of the Sites of Scientific Interest.

• Safeguard and enhance/extend the valuable network of functionally connected

woodland habitats, between Scout Head, Gillies Hill and Lewis Hill, which lie part

within this landscape and part in the Fintry, Gargunnock & Touch Hills (L28)



• Promote continued mix of broadleaves and native tree species in new planting

schemes, emphasizing diversity of types and enhance hedges, shelterbelts and

copses on field boundaries.





L18 Sauchenford/Castleton Valley Fringe


A small area of productive rolling farmland lying between the slopes of the East Touch

Fringe and the flat valley floor of the Carse East of Stirling; extending from the edge

of Bannockburn in the west to the Castleton area in the east. Notwithstanding the

presence of Cowie and its associated industrial area and several busy roads this is

still a predominantly agricultural area and has a long history of farming and settlement.



This area forms part of Landscape Character Unit A: EAST TOUCH FRINGE Lowland

Hill Fringes (Tyldesley, D & Associates 1999, Stirling to Grangemouth Landscape

Character Assessment, SNH review No. 124 http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/

review/124.pdf).

http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/




LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

An area of ancient raised beach, this landscape of undulating low ridges and dips

lies between the foot slopes of the Touch Hills (L17), roughly demarcated by the M9,

and the flat expanse of the carse east of Stirling (L1). The edge of the raised beach

is clearly evident as the farmland descends steeply towards the carse on its north-

eastern boundary.

The farmland is predominantly improved pasture, giving way to arable fields on the

outer edge of the raised beach and rougher grazing near Castleton. Fields are medium

to large in scale, defined by post and wire fences and sometimes low clipped hedges

and stone walls. Small plantations, woods and shelterbelts occur, particularly in the

east of the area, but tree cover is much less than in the East Touch Fringe. There is

a large area of rougher, scrub vegetation on the area west of Cowie, known as Berry

Hills.

The presence of urban and industrial elements is more marked than on the East

Touch Fringe, and some landscape features appear more degraded and suffering

from decline, especially near busy roads and the edges of Cowie. The Beauly-

Denny overhead power line introduces large new pylons into the landscape east of

Cowie - although some of the smaller existing pylons, crossing the area near

Sauchenford, would be dismantled

The landscape includes the busy route corridor of the A9, the main Edinburgh/Glasgow

to Stirling railway line and the locally important B9124. Smaller roads and tracks criss-

cross the area, providing access to farms and often also serving as core footpaths,

of which there is a good network. The small commercial area lying east of the A91 at

Greenyards continues to grow incrementally and would benefit from a comprehensive

master plan to provide a properly established and maintained landscape framework.




Views from the ridges and above the carse are generally open and extensive and

include, (depending upon exact location), views of the Touch Hill Fringe around Plean,

Stirling Town and Castle and the mountains beyond and the dramatic Ochil scarp.

On lower ground landform and/or trees tend to channel or shorten views and man-

made features such as roads, pylons, larger buildings and the factory flues at Cowie,

often become more prominent focal points. In external views parts of this landscape

are visually prominent and sensitive – primarily on its outer slopes/edges facing

Bannockburn and the carse.

Settlement Pattern

The large former pit village of Cowie lies on the northern edge of the landscape. It is

also the site of a large factory complex manufacturing engineered wood products. The

village is conspicuous in views from higher ground but tends to be partially screened

by landform from the Forth Valley, although the factory flues and plumes are seen over

a wide area. Another much smaller area of relativley modern settlement is Suchenford

Small Holdings, lying between the A9 and M9. Elsewhere settlement is generally

dispersed farms and scattered houses or small groups of houses. Bannockburn

Hospital occupies a prominent site on the rising ground south-east of the A91.

There is a long history of settlement in this landscape, evidenced by prehistoric

archaeological finds and the remains of fortified tower houses. Remains of relict

designed landscape associated with Bannockburn House.




Summary

• Distinctive farmed landscape of ridges and dips, transitional in land-use and

character between the East Touch Fringe and the broad, flat carse east of Stirling.

• Predominantly still agricultural in character, but urban and industrial elements

including busy road traffic are sometimes prominent features, especially in the

Cowie - Plean - Bannockburn triangle.

• These man-made elements and presence of semi-derelict or underused ground

in and around Cowie detract from the quality and experience of the landscape in

localized areas.

• Accessible landscape close to settlement and with a good network of tracks and

paths.

• Western and northern outward facing edges visually sensitive.



• Intense pressure for residential and commercial development south and east

of Bannockburn extends east of the A91 into this landscape, for example at

Greenyards.

• Potential redevelopment of Bannockburn Hospital site.

• Residential expansion in Cowie, with further expansion likely - of employment and

infrastructure as well as housing.

• New housing in the countryside.

• Alterations and re-alignments to road infrastructure.

• Beauly to Denny power line introduces higher pylon towers into areas

previously free of power lines, although the existing line to the west will be

removed.

• Area of interest for wind turbines in all size classes.




Particular sensitivities within the Sauchenford/Castleton Valley

Fringe Landscape:

Landscape framework has potential to absorb some carefully scaled, sensitively sited

and designed development. However sensitivities exist in respect of:

• Visually sensitive western and northern outer edges and skylines.

• Cumulative effects of development. The risk of attrition of rural character

and suburbanization is particularly high close to settlements and along the road

corridors. New infrastructure such as overhead powerlines or associated with

roads, need as much consideration as built development.

Cowie: It is essential that a landscape-led approach is taken to masterplanning any

significant expansion of the village and that long-term investment is made in the

creation, implementation and maintenance of new high quality landscapes within and

adjacent to new settlement areas.

Bannockburn Hospital: Any redevelopment proposals should include a generous

and high quality landscape framework.

Greenyards commercial area, east of the A91: This area would benefit significantly

from a comprehensive master plan to provide a properly established and maintained

landscape structure.






expansion of the Stirling Green Network.

• Safeguard and enhance valuable networks of functionally connected grassland

and woodland habitats, in the Greenyards area and south of Cowie respectively.

• Outwith important open habitats develop a strategy and make the most of

opportunities to manage and enhance small-scale pattern of woods and

shelterbelts. Potential to enhance and expand native woodland network.

• Ensure appropriately scaled tree planting is provided and maintained for new built

development.


L19 Sheriff Muir

Moorland Hill Fringe

Towards their south-western edge the Ochil Hills level out to form the small but distinct

area of broadly shelving farmed and forested moorland of Sheriff Muir. Crossed by

two minor roads this area is accessible on foot or by car from nearby urban areas, yet

offers an experience of remoteness and isolation.



This area is included within Character Area 9: OCHIL HILLS (Central Region

Landscape Character Assessment, SNH Review No. 123, 1999, http://www.snh.org.uk/

pdfs/publications/review/123.pdf)

http://www.snh.org.uk/


L19 Sheriff Muir


LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

Sheriffmuir Road, a single-track road leading north from Bridge of Allan towards

Blackford, broadly separates the hill plateau from the less elevated and/or gentler

topography and transitional landscape of Sheriff Muir. A second minor road running

near the northern edge of the area climbs from Dunblane to the Sheriffmuir Inn. These

routes provide easy access by foot or by car from nearby urban areas. Networks

of functionally connected habitats, especially of grassland, cover much of the muir.

( Much of the moor is included in Historic Scotland’s battlefield inventory (Battle of

Sheriffmuir 1715). The more rugged southern section of Sheriff Muir is also included

within the Western Ochils Local Landscape Area.

The area is given over to a mix of rough and improved grazing and woodland, with

a little arable production on more level and sheltered ground in the west towards

Dunblane. Fields are large with low stone walls along roadsides with post and wire

fences generally used for internal boundaries.

A number of small conifer blocks and shelterbelts are scattered across the area, with

more extensive commercial plantations, of limited age and species diversity, along the

boundary between Sheriff Muir and upper slopes of the Allan Water Valley. Several small

reservoirs nestle into the landscape and a pylon line crosses the moorland, roughly

following the line of Sheriffmuir Road, before cutting down the Ochil escarpment above

Logie Kirk. The Beauly to Denny 400kV overhead transmission also crosses the area

– part on a new alignment and with higher pylon towers.


L19 Sheriff Muir


Lying away from the outward facing edges of the hills and views to the busy Forth

Valley much of the muir has a sense of remoteness and isolation, despite proximity to

settlement. There are outstanding views to the Braes of Doune, Ben Ledi and beyond

from the Sheriffmuir Road north of Sheriffmuir Inn, whilst views south-west take in

the Touch/Gargunnock Hills. Large-scale wind-energy developments are now features

in both of these scenes. External views from lower ground are generally at some

distance and Sheriff Muir is usually seen together with areas of adjacent landscape -

but discernible because of its different topography, textures and colours.

Settlement Pattern

A few scattered farms and houses, primarily accessed of the minor road from Dunblane.

Summary

• Large to medium scale transitional landscape of farmed moorland and woodland.

• Although of no great geographic extent and easily accessed from populous areas

it has a strong sense of place and feeling of remoteness.

• Contrasting visual experiences and perceptions of exposure and shelter are

provided by the juxtaposition of elevated and long-distance panoramic views over

a large geographic area and more contained views, near woodland and in folds

of land.

• Site of the Battle of Sheriffmuir.

• Forms and integral part of the Western Ochils Local Landscape Area. Although

only part of the muir is currently included there is a case for review of the boundary

to include additional land.


L19 Sheriff Muir




• Changes to farm support mechanisms impact on stocking levels in marginal

areas, which in turn affect land cover and biodiversity.

• Areas of commercial woodland are reaching maturity, and some harvesting has

already begun. Restocking offers opportunities to improve age and species

diversity, biodiversity value and edges. The possibility of leaving some of the

battlefield unplanted has been raised, although some form of woodland is likely to

be restored over the majority of area currently under trees.

• Degradation of some landscape features, including loss of tree and shelterbelts

through lack of management and old stone boundary walls falling into disrepair.

• The line of the Beauly to Denny 400kV overhead transmission runs

across the muir and battlefield site, before descending onto the carse near Logie.

• Potential area of interest for new housing in the countryside.


• Potential mitigation measures associated with the Beauly Denny Power Line.

L19 Sheriff Muir



Particular sensitivities within the Sheriffmuir Landscape:

• This landscape comprises part of the distinctive hill edges of the Western

Ochil Hills, with an important role in the wider composition of the Forth

Valley west of Stirling. Particular sensitivity to development or land-use change

that could compromise physical integrity and views of these edges and skylines.

• Presence of the site of the Battle of Sheriffmuir and important grassland

habitats heighten sensitivity to land-use changes that introduce strong

enclosure.

• Windfarm development in other landscapes has had effects on the

experience of this landscape. Until recently there have been marked differences

in the degree to which human activity and built developments have been visible

from Ochil summits, Sheriff Muir and associated hill fringe landscapes. Wind

turbines within other landscapes are increasingly visible from all of these areas,

eroding the distinction between views from interior and edge areas and reducing

the feeling of remoteness and isolation in some locations, including parts of

Sheriff Muir.

• Additional built structures could compromise the remaining sense of

remoteness. New infrastructure and signage along or close to roads as well as

new metalled roads/tracks in open areas need as much care and consideration

as new buildings.

• Presence of operational windfarms at Burnfoot and Greenknowes in the

hills to the east. These developments have their own established identity and

relationship to the landscape (appreciated from viewpoints within neighbouring

local authorities), which need to be respected and maintained. Consequently

Stirling Council’s wind energy policy identifies the Ochil Hills within its boundaries,

including Sheriff Muir, as an area of significant protection.

L19 Sheriff Muir




• Valuable networks of functionally connected grassland across much of the muir, with

some areas of woodland and wetland habitats also. Networks should be safeguarded

and enhanced. Any proposals to extend one habitat at the expense of another need

very careful consideration.

• Ensure restructuring of areas of commercial forestry addresses issues of unsympathetic

margins and lack of visual diversity and biodiversity.

• The extent and character of restocking of felled areas that have an important role in

understanding the Battle of Sheriffmuir need careful consideration.

• Support management and restoration of stone dyke field boundaries.


L20 Braes of Doune


Below the hills of Uamh Bheag and Beinn Odhar, which lie on the northern perimeter

of the plan area, the ground gradually levels out to form a broad, rolling expanse of

moorland before slowly shelving southwards to the River Teith. The horizon line is

broken by a smoothly swelling mantle of till deposits which results in the distinctive

hummocks of the step-like transitional hill fringes known as the Braes of Doune. Large-

scale conifer forests spread across considerable parts of the upper slopes, within a

matrix of moorland grasses, and heather. To the south and west commercial forestry

is still important, but becomes more fragmented and interspersed with other types of

woodland and patches of improved pasture.



This area broadly conforms to Character Area 12: BRAES OF DOUNE Hill Fringes

(Central Region Landscape Character Assessment, SNH Review No. 123, 1999, http://

www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/review/123.pdf)





L20 Braes of Doune


LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

The Braes of Doune represent an important transitional landscape between the open

hill ground at Uamh Bheag and the well-tended policies and farmland to the south.

A proliferation of small burns originating in the hills to the north gradually coalesce

and zigzag across the Braes to ultimately feed into the River Teith or Allan Water; the

stronger burns occasionally slicing into the lower slopes through narrow valleys with

rounded sides and pebbled floors. A few isolated minor lochans nestle within slope

depressions. The largest, Loch Mahaick, is a site of Special Scientific Interest and of

particular importance for over-wintering geese.

Subtleties of terrain on the upper slopes are often masked by the large areas of conifer

forest, particularly from the main public viewpoints, which are all at some distance. In

these longer distance views the higher areas appear as broad, shelving slopes overlain

with a large-scale pattern of forest and moorland. Where they exist field enclosures on

the upper slopes are large or very large, defined by low stone walls or post and wire

fencing.

Lower areas are distinctively hummocky and land cover more diverse. The strongly

rolling terrain is emphasized by a pattern of mixed woodland on higher points and steep

slopes with open areas primarily given over pasture. There is a strong well-defined

pattern of smaller fields, again demarcated by stone walls or agricultural fencing, with

occasional low, clipped hedgerows.

Minor roads and farm tracks wind through the rolling lower slopes serving farms

and houses. Some are also used as long-distance footpaths, linking with routes and

settlements in the Teith Valley and, via the open hills, with Braco.


L20 Braes of Doune


Settlement Pattern

A very few, widely scattered, farmsteads and huddled outbuildings spread across the

upper slopes, serviced by small winding roads and tracks. Settlement becomes more

frequent at lower levels, with a mix of farmsteads, cottages and houses – although

these are often hidden by the hummocky landforms. The influence of traditional estates

is also marked, with large houses, estate buildings, polices and parkland at Argaty,

Kilbryde Castle and Cromlix.

Summary

• Strong transitional character, with a gradual yet marked change from largely

uninhabited open rough pasture and large scale forestry plantations on shelving

higher slopes towards more diverse and smaller scale fields and woodlands with

settlement on the strongly undulating lower slopes.

• Forming a key, if unassuming, element in views from outside the area, especially

from Stirling Castle, Wallace Monument, parts of Dunblane and Sheriffmuir.


L20 Braes of Doune




• Harvesting of mature conifer plantations has begun and will continue for some

years. This work offers an opportunity to restructure the woodlands when

restocking, to enhance their biodiversity value and landscape fit.

• Plans to reduce the input of fertilisers etc during restocking may bring the tree-line


• Loss of tree and shelterbelts through lack of management outwith managed forest

area.

• Old stone field boundaries falling into disrepair and/or replacement with post and

wire fencing.

• Run-of-river/micro hydro schemes.

• Potential area of interest for wind energy developments.

• Potential for enhancement and expansion of native woodland.


L20 Braes of Doune


Particular sensitivities within the Braes of Doune Landscape:

Upper Braes of Doune:

• The Upper Braes of Doune and higher open hill land in the Uamh Bheag

Landscape (L26) together play an important role in the overall landscape

composition of the Forth Valley and with their extensive visual envelope

and large viewing populations, have a high level of visual sensitivity.




peat soils and to avoid pollution of watercourses

• The presence of an operational windfarm close by renders the Upper Braes

of Doune very sensitive to additional wind energy developments. Despite its

name the Braes of Doune Windfarm actually lies in the Uamh Bheag character

area, but it is a distinctive feature from many viewpoints that also include the

upper Braes of Doune landscape. Additional wind energy development on the

Upper Braes of Doune or adjacent landscapes could cause visual complexity and

confusion and impact adversely on the existing windfarm and the distinctive hill

edges.

Lower Braes of Doune

• At lower levels the undulating landform and existing diversity of land cover

create a relatively robust framework, potentially able to accommodate and

absorb a degree of appropriately sited and scaled development or land-use

change.

• Larger scale wind energy developments (large single turbines, clusters or

windfarms) are likely to exceed this capacity - again, because of the presence

of the large operational windfarm on the higher slopes and the need to safeguard

its distinct identity and avoid an uncontrolled spread of development and/or

visual complexity. Even the capacity for medium scale machines requires careful

assessment.



traditional features


L20 Braes of Doune



• Safeguard prime conservation value of Loch Mahaick Site of Special Scientific

Interest. The value of Loch Mahaick for geese would be improved by restoring to its

original extent and providing additional open ground on the loch margins.

• Ensure restructuring of the commercial forest area addresses issues of


• Safeguard areas of mixed and native broadleaves. Develop a strategy and make

the most of opportunities to enhance and expand native woodland network.

• Promote management and restoration of stone dykes and encourage reinstatement

in place of post and wire fences

• Promote agreements for sensitive management of semi-natural grassland and

moorland communities.


L21 Bat a’Charchel


The western end of the Forth Valley is defined and contained by the rising ground

of Loch Ard Forest. Farming and settlement on the lower, favourable areas quickly

give way to marginal agriculture, open moorland and extensive areas of commercial

forestry. Most of this area lies within the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

but a small area, to the south-west of West Flanders Moss and north of the A811

from Ballat towards Drymen, lies within the Stirling Local Development Plan area. This

transitional landscape, focused on Bat a’Charchel, helps define but is distinct from the

carse to the north-east and rolling valley farmland of the Lower Endrick Water to the

south.









LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

From the high point of Bat a’Charchel (230m), the land falls away north-east to West

Flanders Moss, east to the rolling farmland and valley fringe landscapes that lie below

Ballindalloch Muir and south to the Lower Endrick Valley. A number of burns drain

across the slopes, most eventually find their way into the Kelty Water/River Forth

although a few run south to the Endrick Water. In location and character the landscape

is transitional between adjacent hill areas with their large areas of both open and

forested ground, and settled, well-tended valley landscapes.

A mosaic of rough and semi-improved grazing on higher ground gives way to part of

an extensive commercial forestry area (an outlier of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park)

above the Park of Auchentroig.

Field enclosures on this higher ground are large or very large and bounded by post

and wire fences. Forest harvesting is opening up areas and views hidden for many

years and whilst restocking will return much of the land to productive woodland, its

character and appearance should be somewhat different, with greater age, structural

and textural diversity.

Farmsteads are all on the less exposed lower slopes, with their better soils and

scattered small areas of mixed woodland and shelterbelts. Field sizes are small to

medium scale on the southern and south-eastern slopes, with low clipped hedgerows

and hedgerow trees marked features on some farms; but are generally larger and more

open to the east and north. The Gartfarran Woods (Site of Special Scientific Interest)

are also found on lower ground at the boundary of this landscape with Flanders Moss

West (L3).




The area is largely bounded by public roads. Two trunk roads - the A81 (Glasgow to

Aberfoyle) and A811 (Stirling to Drymen) - define the eastern and southern boundaries

respectively. For much of its length the western boundary with the national park is

demarcated by the road linking Drymen and Gartmore. Although only classed as a

minor road it is well used by local people and tourists and forms part of the National

Cycle Network. The road gives access to Bat a’Charchel itself and to a Forestry

Commission car park near Drymen Road Cottage. The minor road linking Ward Toll

and Dalmary in the north of the area is the only road that crosses the landscape. There

are no core footpaths but there are paths and rides in the forestry area.

Many of the lower slopes are convex in shape, consequently views into the landscape

from the A811 and parts of the A81 are generally short, and don’t reveal the higher

moorland and forestry areas. These are seen from the Drymen/Gartmore Road, which

also gives access to Bat a’Charchel itself, an important local viewpoint with outstanding

panoramic views. The radio mast forms a (somewhat discordant) local landmark, but

the nearby pylon line is a more visually intrusive linear feature. In external views the

Bat a’Charchel landscape generally reads as rising ground forming/defining the edges

of adjacent river valleys. Sitting at the junction of several hill and valley areas this

small character area looks towards, and is in turn seen from, a number of different

landscapes.




Settlement Pattern

Settlement is confined to the lower south and east facing slopes with a number of

scattered houses and farms, generally accessed via tracks off the trunk roads. A single

farm, Caigievern, sits higher on the slopes, south of Bat a’Charchel and straddling

the boundary with the national park. A small cluster of farms and houses also sits at

Dalmary, near the Kelty Water and national park boundary. A small garden centre with

holiday lodges is located at Ward Toll.

Summary

• Strong transitional character. Medium to large scale, relatively simple landscape

at upper levels, extending seamlessly into the forest and moorland landscapes

within the national park. Sense of remoteness and isolation traveling on the

Drymen Road. More diverse on the farmed and settled lower slopes, where the

smaller scale features more closely resemble those of the adjacent rolling valley

farmland areas.

• ‘Pivotal’ geographic location at the junction of a number of hill and valley

landscapes. Intervisible with a very wide area.






• Commercial forestry at or nearing harvesting. Area covered by the Loch Ard

Long-Term Forest Design Plan and restructuring at restocking should improve

biodiversity and landscape ‘fit’.

• Area of interest for wind energy developments of all scales, including larger

turbines and windfarms.

• A power line cuts along the western edge of the area, just below Bat a’Charchel

and its mast. It forms a visually intrusive feature in some views.

• (At lower levels) new housing in the countryside and conversion of traditional farm

steadings to multiple-unit residential use.

• Already an area with some provision for recreation and tourism, with potential

interest in further development because of proximity to the national park.

• Potential area of interest for run-off river/micro hydro schemes.

• Potential area for enhancement/expansion of semi-natural woodland.

Particular sensitivities within the Bat a’Charchel Landscape:

• Area forms an integral part of the rim of higher ground that defines and

confines the far western end of the Carse of Forth. Particular sensitivity to

development or land-use change that could compromise physical integrity and

views of these edges and skylines.

• Landscape has a ‘pivotal’ geographic location and is intervisible over a

wide area.

• (At upper levels) ground disturbance, resulting for example from cut and

fill works, can take many years to restore/recover because of the nature of

the upland soils and harsh climate. Particular care is needed to protect and

conserve high carbon/peat soils and to avoid pollution of watercourses.

• Additional built structures could compromise the perception of remoteness

in higher areas. New infrastructure and signage along or close to roads as well

as new metalled roads/tracks in open areas need as much care and consideration

as new buildings.

• Location adjacent to and gateway for the Loch Lomond & Trossach National

Park.





• Safeguard prime nature conservation value of Gartfarran Woods, Site of Special

Scientific Interest.

• Ensure restructuring of the productive forest continues to address issues of

unsympathetic margins and lack of visual diversity and biodiversity. Potential to

enhance and expand native woodland network, particularly where relict areas of

broadleaves are found and along margins and watercourses when plantations

are restructured.

• Develop a strategy and make the most of opportunities to manage and extend

small-scale pattern of shelterbelts, woods, hedgerows and hedgerow trees on

lower slopes.


L22 Cameron Muir/ Stockie Muir


The crag-rimmed volcanic plateau of Auchineden Hill (357m), located at the far

south-west corner of the plan area, dominates this character area. The land shelves

gradually northwards to form elevated moorland perched above the Blane Water, from

which the Muirs are separated by steep valley slopes punctuated by several distinctive

knolls. Faintly incised stream courses run across the rolling slopes, feeding into larger

tributaries of the Blane and Endrick Waters, which occasionally break up into falls as

they descend the steep valley sides. The simplicity of the open moorland contrasts with

the more diverse woodlands and rocky hillocks that fragment the eastern boundary

with Strath Blane.



This area broadly conforms to Character Area 13: CAMERON MUIR/STOCKIE MUIR

Hill Fringes (Central Region Landscape Character Assessment, SNH Review No. 123,

1999, http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/review/123.pdf)





LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

North of the volcanic plateau of Auchineden Hill the ground shelves gradually

northwards as the underlying bedrock changes into softer, lower-lying sedimentary

deposits. Between Cameron and Stockie Muirs, in the vicinity of Aucheneck House,

the generally subdued relief has a number of locally prominent hummocky features

formed by glacial deposits from the last ice-age; they include one of the best examples

of an end moraine ridge in the region. These features are of national importance for

our understanding of the glacial history and associated landscape change in this part

of Scotland and are designated as a Geological Conservation Review Site. Another

notable geological feature, and popular destination for walkers, is the dramatic rocky

cleft of the Whangie, to the north-west of Auchineden Hill.

Areas of mixed shelterbelts and broad-leaf woodland are found on the lower slopes

and burnsides, generally under estate management for mixed agricultural and sporting

use. More extensive coniferous forest is found on the higher ground around Auchineden

Hill and to the west, occasionally disrupting the skyline. Below the western slopes

of Auchineden Hill two reservoirs lie close together, absorbed within the undulating

terrain and craggy extrusions of the Kilpatrick Hills.

The open land is made up of a varied mosaic of improved and unimproved grassland,

poor rough grassland and heather moorland, with scattered clumps of scrubby birch

and gorse. Post and wire fences, or more rarely, low stone walls, edge the minor tracks

and field boundaries.

The Queen’s View, a popular (but rather unattractive) car park close to the A809,

provides dramatic views across Strath Blane to the Campsies, the Forth Carselands

and hills north of the Highland Boundary Fault. For the more energetic the car park

provides access to the Whangie and Auchineden Hill, which also offers fine views.




Settlement Pattern

Settlement is predominantly located towards the eastern edge of the area, close

to the Blane Valley and generally accessed off the A809, between Glasgow and

Drymen. Scattered houses and farms are also found in the vicinity of Auchineden

House and Aucheneck House.

Summary

• A transitional landscape between Kilpatrick Hills to the west and settled

farmed valleys to the north and east

• The simplicity of the open, undulating moorland contrasts with the rocky

hillocks, incised streams and areas of mixed woodland which mark the

eastern boundary with Strath Blane.

• During the late 20th C some moorland slopes in the vicinity of Auchineden

Hill were planted to commercial forestry, with recent proposals to extend the

planting.

• The landscape includes glacial deposition landforms of national importance.

• The steep mass of the Campsie Fells dominates views, which open out

across the moorland towards the broad swathe of the Carse of Forth.

• Proximity to the Glasgow conurbation has led to the popularity of high ground

around and including the Queen’s View area, as a visitor attraction.





• Recreational pressures at Queen’s View and Whangie.

• Commercial forestry plantations in the vicinity of Auchineden Hill. Some

of the older areas have unattractive edges, lack diversity and extend onto

prominent skylines. Continued interest in new planting.




• Potential area for some expansion of mixed and/or native broadleaf woodland

building on existing resource.

• Area of interest for wind turbines.


Particular sensitivities within the Cameron Muir & Stockie Muir

Landscape:

Relatively robust landscape framework has potential to absorb some carefully scaled,

sensitively sited and designed development. However sensitivities exist in respect of:

• The area south and south-west of Finnich Glen comprise part of the

distinctive hill edges containing and defining Strath Blane. Particular

sensitivity to development or land-use change that could compromise physical

integrity and views of these edges and skylines or important geological and

landform features.

• Loss of heather moorland habitat and protection of carbon-rich soils.

• Area valued for sense of remoteness while being easily accessed from

urban areas.

• Protecting visually sensitive zones forming the setting of important

viewpoints and their immediate visual envelopes from intrusive development

features.




• Avoid new large-scale forestry blocks on visually sensitive hill land.

• Opportunities for sensitive extension of mixed and broadleaf woodland on lower

slopes and up stream courses.



L23 Mugdock


This strongly rolling landscape lies above the Blane Water Valley between the looming

bulk of the Campsie Fells to the north and the Kilpatrick Hills on the outskirts of Glasgow

to the south. The varied landforms are overlaid by a range of habitat types and land

management regimes, resulting in a landscape of great diversity concentrated within

a relatively small area. The core of the area is occupied by Mugdock Country Park.

Views southwards towards the Glasgow conurbation surprise in revealing the nearness

of such a scale of settlement to a landscape of such rural character.



This area broadly conforms to Character Area 14: MUGDOCK Hill Fringes (see Central

Region Landscape Character Assessment, SNH Review No. 123, 1999, http://www.snh.

org.uk/pdfs/publications/review/123.pdf)

http://www.snh


L23 Mugdock


LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

This landscape extends from the Carbeth Estate in the west, through Mugdock estate

itself to the boundary with Craigmaddie Estate in the east, and also includes more

open areas of moorland and semi-improved pasture land, overlooking Strath Blane.

The underlying volcanic bedrock is intermittently exposed to form occasional mounds

or hummocks, such as those close to Loch Ardinning or, more dramatically, the steep

scarp slopes at the perimeter of Mugdock Wood. A number of small water bodies fed

by minor streams are scattered throughout the area, occasionally enclosed by rockier

sloping ground, at other times sited within depressions in flatter expanses of terrain.

Land cover is very diverse, reflecting both the varied landform and geology and a

frequent incidence of designed parkland and policies, for example at Mugdock, Carbeth

and Craigend. Woodland cover includes large swathes of coniferous forest; oak and

alder woods to the south and west; the unusual wall-rimmed clumps of mature beech

and Scots pine which cap the rocky knolls near the A81, and a variety of policy shelter

belts and tree clumps. Expanses of rough grass and heather moorland are

characterized by patches of gorse scrub and studded with Scots pine birch, willow etc.

Some moorland has been improved to provide grazing in relatively large, open fields

defined by low stone walls or post-and wire-fencing. In contrast boundaries around

estate grounds and settlement include higher stone walls and/or clipped hedging.

There are several semi-natural habitats of designated as Sites of Special Scientific

Interest: Mugdock Wood; Drumbrock Loch Meadows; Craigallian Marshes and Carbeth

Loch. In addition, Loch Ardinning is a local nature reserve, notable for its aquatic plants,

wet woodland and birds. This landscape also has high value for recreation, centred on

Mugdock Country Park, but including local and long-distance footpaths across a much

wider area.

L23 Mugdock



Several rural roads, tracks and footpaths, including part of the West Highland Way,

wind through the undulating landform and the A81 cuts along the eastern edge of the

Mugdock area, linking Glasgow and Strathblane. Two prominent pylon lines zig-zag

across the moors and through the woods, forming a visually intrusive element in an

otherwise diverse and attractive area. A former quarry north of loch Ardinning is now a

landfill site. It will be some years before the landscape restoration is complete.

Views from the Mugdock area in particular are dramatic, south over the Glasgow

Conurbation and north to the Campsie Fells. Where the landscape is more folded and/

or wooded landscape views are more restricted and introverted.

Settlement Pattern

Historically the large estate houses, together with their outbuildings, farms and lodges

etc were the main form of settlement. (An early 20th Century complex of holiday huts

at Carbeth Estate is distinctive yet incongruous in character, although now relatively

well-integrated, and given Conservation Area status.)

Mugdock village, lying to the east of the country park, comprises a mix of older stone or

rendered Georgian and Victorian houses and cottages, together with some more recent

development. A scatter of large and well-dispersed farmsteads sits even further east

on the ridge, commanding fine views to the south. In the more recent past, individual

and groups of houses have gradually climbed out of the Blane Valley onto the slopes

of Drumbrock Muir. Elsewhere the pattern of settlement is largely confined to scattered

farms and occasional houses.

The whole area is designated as green belt, and contributes to the wider objectives

of the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Belt, established to control and direct

development on the edges of Greater Glasgow. This designation has played a key role

in maintaining the separate identities of Strathblane, Mugdock and Milngavie in the

face of intense development pressure.

L23 Mugdock



Summary

• Varied land cover is superimposed on a strongly rolling landform, resulting in a

complex and diverse landscape, concentrated within a relatively small area.

• Concentration of old estates has a strong influence on landscape features and

character.

• High proportion of diverse woodland cover contrasting with areas of more open

moorland.

• Notable concentration of small water bodies and reservoirs.

• Several semi-natural habitats of national significance for nature conservation.

• Intimate character where views are enclosed by landform or trees. Strong contrast

where open, elevated land allows important panoramic outward views south over

Glasgow and northward to the Campsie Fells.

• Important recreational area, drawing visitors from the local area and the city.

Country Park at Mugdock and West Highland Way particular attractions.

• Intense development pressure because of proximity to Glasgow conurbation.

L23 Mugdock





• Intense pressure for housing and other development in the countryside.

• Mugdock Country Park generates high visitor numbers. Potential pressure to

develop additional facilities.

• Upgrading/replacement of Carbeth huts

• Future felling and restructuring conifer plantations offers potential for improved

forest design and biodiversity value.

• Potential for expansion of existing semi-natural woodland and when restructuring

commercial forests – subject to protecting important open habitats and views.

• Landfill operations in former quarry - potential pressure for further quarrying?



L23 Mugdock



Particular sensitivities within the Mugdock Landscape:

Reliance of existing character on a complex balance of small-scale features renders

the area sensitive to large-scale developments or land use changes and the cumulative

effects of smaller developments:

• Particularly delicate balance exists between complex matrix of natural and

developed features which must be considered carefully in any proposals for

future change, in particular:

• Prevention of further loss of woodland

• Scale of development must be in harmony with existing landscape scale,

which is predominantly small/intimate.

• Retention of character of important views

• This landscape comprises part of the distinctive hill edges containing and

defining Strath Blane. Particular sensitivity to development or land-use change

that could compromise physical integrity and views of these edges and skylines.


designed landscapes. Existing character vulnerable to change through decay or

loss of key traditional features.


• Safeguard prime natural heritage value of the Sites of Scientific Interest.

• There is some potential to expand the native woodland network; however,

proposals require careful assessment, implementation and monitoring to

safeguard important open habitats and to protect small-scale landform.

• Encourage the management and eventual replacement of large specimens trees

within estate policies.


L24 Kippen Muir

Moorland Plateau

The open, gently rolling plateau of Kippen, Buchlyvie and Ballindalloch Muirs stretches

north-westwards from the edge of the Fintry Hills. Bounded by and elevated above

the narrow valley of the Endrick Water to the south and the broad carselands of the

Forth Valley to the north, the overall impression is of a level horizon-line. The location,

landform and dominance of low moorland vegetation all work together to create an

open landscape with extensive views to and from adjoining hill masses and carseland.

Kippen Muir itself is included within the Southern Hills Local Landscape Area.



This area broadly conforms to Character Area 18: KIPPEN MUIR Lowland Plateau

(Central Region Landscape Character Assessment, SNH Review No. 123, 1999, http://

www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/review/123.pdf)





L24 Kippen Muir

Moorland Plateau

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

A relatively large-scale, simple landscape with a strong horizontal emphasis despite

subtle undulations within the landform. In location and character it is transitional

between adjacent open hill mass and settled, well-tended valley landscapes. The

dominant land cover is a mosaic of heather and grass moorland, tending towards

semi-improved grazing at the more settled, farmed borders of the plateau. Boggier

rush-dappled ground marks the edges of watercourses and lines damper hollows.

Two small lochans nestle within depressions on Kippen Muir. Two relatively large

conifer plantations between Buchlyvie and Ballindalloch Muirs, with rather harsh

and unsympathetic boundaries, interrupt the generally open landscape. Elsewhere

woodland is restricted to a few small areas, shelterbelts and narrow fingers of wood

rising along burnsides on the outer edges of the plateau, although patches of gorse,

scrubby birch, and in places old Scots pine, are scattered across the moorland. Balgair

Meadow Site of Special Scientific Interest lies on the southern flank of Ballindalloch/

Balgair Muir. Boundaries, where they exist, are mainly post-and-wire fencing or stone

walls.

The Kippen to Fintry road crosses the eastern end of the moorland, with a minor

offshoot running north towards Arnprior. A well-used lay by and viewpoint is located

close to the junction of these roads. A few other minor roads are found on Kippen Muir,

serving scattered farmsteads, but no public roads penetrate Buchlyvie or Ballindalloch

Muirs, although the A875 skirts the western tip of the area. There is some recreational

use of the area - the Kippen Muir viewpoint on the B822 is a popular place for cars to

stop and a number of recognized footpaths cross the moorland.

The elevated position and openness of the landscape result in outward views tending

to be panoramic and uninterrupted. There are outstanding views from the vicinity of

the ‘Kippen Viewpoint’ and on descending south into the Middle Endrick Water Valley.

In external views this landscape is important foreground in views to and from the

Southern Hills and it forms an integral part of the wider composition of the Forth Valley

west of Stirling.


L24 Kippen Muir

Moorland Plateau

Settlement Pattern:

The moorland is predominantly free of settlement or roads away from the fringes. The

majority of the few dispersed traditional farmsteads are found on Kippen Muir itself,

accessed off the B822 or via tracks from the minor road that runs at the foot of the Fintry

Hills. The village of Balfron lies close to the south-west boundary of this landscape.

Deserted farmsteads and the remains of lime kilns etc point to a time when the Kippen

Muir landscape was more populated and productive, although the archaeological

evidence is less frequent on Ballindalloch Muir.

Summary:

• Transitional landscape of relatively small extent. Shares characteristics with the

open hills, but active land management is more evident and shelterbelts, field

boundaries and scattered farms create a less simple landscape.

• Dominance of unimproved land cover types, including important areas of

grassland and peatland, birch scrub and small lochans; giving way to improved

grazing with more trees on the slopes above the Forth Valley

• Predominantly free of settlement or road penetration away from fringes - although

there are several villages close-by.

• The open and elevated character results in extensive uninterrupted views to

and from adjoining carseland and hill masses, resulting in a high level of visual

connectivity with the wider landscape.

• There is a strong sense of exposure and even remoteness - despite proximity

to settlements and the relatively small extent of this landscape type. A ‘wild land’

quality persists, although it is somewhat reduced in areas where there are views

of large wind turbines located in adjacent landscape character area.

• Kippen Muir itself plays an important role within the Southern Hills Local

Landscape Area.


L24 Kippen Muir

Moorland Plateau





• Felling and restructuring of conifer plantations, which are nearing harvesting

phase.

• Loss of landscape features because of lack of active management, e.g.

replacement of tumbledown dykes with fencing.

• An area of interest for wind turbines in all size classes, because of exposure and

relatively gentle slopes.

• Potential area of interest for new housing in the countryside - especially in more

accessible parts of the moorland.


L24 Kippen Muir

Moorland Plateau

Particular sensitivities within the Kippen Muir Landscape:

• Open and extroverted visual character with extensive views to and from

adjoining carselands and hill masses.

• This landscape comprises part of the distinctive hill edges of the Southern

Hills, with an important role in the wider composition of the Forth Valley

west of Stirling. Particular sensitivity to development or land-use change that

could compromise physical integrity and views of these edges and skylines.

• Additional built structures could compromise the perception of remoteness.

New infrastructure and signage along or close to roads as well as new metalled

roads/tracks in open areas need as much care and consideration as new buildings.



• Safeguard prime natural heritage value of the Balgair Meadow Site of Special Scientific

Interest

• Encourage conservation and enhancement of semi-natural vegetation types and

lochans. Some scope to expand native woodland along burn sides and edges of the

muir, as long as this doesn’t compromise important open habitats or block important

views.

• When existing commercial forestry blocks are harvested ensure re-design in line with

modern multi-purpose forestry objectives. Restructuring should address issues of


• Any proposals to expand commercial forestry need very careful consideration in respect

of impact on landscape and biodiversity.


L25 Ochil Hills

Lowland Hills

Most of the Ochil Hills, extending north and east of Stirling, lie in the Clackmannanshire

and Perth and Kinross local authority areas, but the dramatic, westernmost edge of

the range extends into the plan area. The dominant feature of the hills is the striking

contrast between the abrupt, extremely steep southern scarp and the broad, level

plain of the lower Devon River/River Forth below. On their north-western edge, the hills

merge with the gentler topography of Sheriff Muir.



This area largely conforms to Character Area 9: OCHIL HILLS Lowland Hills (Ash

Consulting Group 1999, Central Region Landscape Character Assessment, SNH Review

No. 123, http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/review/123.pdf). However, two peripheral

landscapes which differ somewhat from the hill mass are here dealt with as local character

areas in their own right - the West Ochil Hill Fringe (L12) and Sheriff Muir (L19).


L25 Ochil Hills

Lowland Hills


LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

The tightly-knit hill plateau is capped by smooth, rounded tops, strongly fissured by

the deep cuts of minor watercourses. The stream courses of the upper plateau slopes

converge and carve into the south-facing perimeter of the hills, to reach the adjacent

valley floor. The precipitous slopes are broken through by numerous rocky extrusions,

further contrasting with the smooth adjoining fields. The front face of the hill between

Sheriffmuir Road and Menstrie Burn, including Dumyat itself, contains geological

features of national and international importance and is designated as a Geological

Conservation Review Site. The whole area also lies within the Western Ochil Local

Landscape Area.

Across the rolling upper hill summits, peaty ground and extensive stretches of grass

and heather moorland are the dominant land cover, with a few localised areas of

improved grazing on the periphery. A number of small, (largely) coniferous plantations

and shelterbelts lie near the boundary of the hills with Sheriff Muir. They are of low

species diversity and very geometric in form. On the south face of the hills semi-natural

broadleaf woodland predominates: as a fringe on the lowest slopes around Blairlogie

and more extensively on rising ground behind Logie Kirk (Yellowcraig Wood).

Substantial woodland creation has been undertaken at Jerah, straddling both Stirling and

Clackmannanshire.

A single-track road leading northwards from Bridge of Allan separates the shelving

slopes of Sheriff Muir from the hills. A minor road also snakes up the hill from Logie

Kirk. Several tracks and walking routes penetrate the hill-mass, accessed from these

minor roads or from the valley below. Dumyat itself is a popular walking destination and

regionally important viewpoint.

Views out of this landscape are primarily from the roads, footpaths and tracks described

above. There are important views to this landscape from the Stirling area and beyond.

These include: Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument; a large number of residential

properties, footpaths and local roads in the Stirling urban corridor and from settlements

on the carse east of the city; recreational users in the Fintry, Gargunnock and Touch

L25 Ochil Hills

Lowland Hills


Hills; major roads such as A 84, A811, M9, A9, A91, A905, A907; other popular tourist

routes such as B824 and the railway line.

L25 Ochil Hills

Lowland Hills


Settlement Pattern

The core hill area is uninhabited. A small number of houses and cottages are accessed

off the minor road between Bridge of Allan and the Sheriff Muir Inn. The many remains

of deserted farmsteads, shielings and sheep pens etc are reminders of when the area

was used for summer grazing and temporary/seasonal settlement. (Refer to Menstrie

Glen, a farming landscape near Stirling" RCAHMS 2001).

Summary

• Distinctive, large-scale topography of rounded upper slopes and hill summits with

simple land cover, primarily of rolling grassy or peaty ridges and braes above

dramatic descent to adjacent valley floor “giving a landscape experience which is

unique in Scotland” (SNH Review No. 123).

• Absence of settlement except on extreme fringes and sense of remoteness

in some areas – yet close to dense population, which encourages intensive

recreational use, with associated land management problems.

• Views from the hills, in the vicinity of Dumyat in particular, are outstanding and

highly valued by local people and visitors alike.

• Views to the hills are equally important and contribute to the setting of Bridge of

Allan and Stirling University. Wide viewing population.

• Integral part of the Western Ochils Local Landscape Area in recognition of scenic

and recreational importance of the landscape and its high natural and cultural

heritage value.

L25 Ochil Hills

Lowland Hills






• Conifer blocks extending onto the lower slopes of the hill summits are nearing

harvesting stage. If woodland is replanted, potential to improve boundaries and

landscape fit.

• The Beauly to Denny 400kV overhead transmission line introduces higher pylon

towers descending the scarp face through Yellowcraig Wood to Logie Kirk and

across the valley to the River Forth. Various landscape mitigation measures are

associated with this project.

• Ease of recreational access will to continue to attract visitors - erosion adjacent to

parking areas and footpaths already evident.



• Potential to enhance and expand areas of existing native woodland.

• Potential pressure for new housing in the countryside because of accessible

location.



L25 Ochil Hills

Lowland Hills


Sensitivity to change:

• Developments or changes to land management that diminish the drama

and perception of great scale or adversely affect distinctive hill edges or

important geological and landform features on the southern escarpment:

Location, geology and topography combine to make the Ochils, particularly the

southern skyline (including Abbey Craig) and south facing slopes, one of the most

visually sensitive areas in Scotland. Particular sensitivity to large scale or tall

structures that interrupt the distinctive skyline or at the base of the scarp and

planting of open slopes masking the fine detail of rock outcrops

• Additional built structures or man-made features/infrastructure (pipelines,

power lines, fences and tracks etc) which compromise the perception of

remoteness and isolation within the hill plateau areas.

• Presence of the Beauly to Denny 400kV overhead transmission line

increases the sensitivity of the landscape to further change. The line has

a strong presence in the landscape from the Cocksburn area, through

Yellowcraig and onto the carse near Logie; diminishing some of the qualities of

the area and potentially heightening sensitivity to further additional change.

• Ground disturbance on higher areas, resulting for example from cut and fill

works, can take a long time to restore/recover because of the nature of the

upland soils and relatively harsh climate. Particular care needed to protect

and conserve high carbon/peat soils and to avoid pollution of watercourses and

reservoirs.

• Additional large man-made structures outwith the LLA could potentially

encroach on panoramic views or affect the perception of scale and/or

remoteness of the landscape. Particular areas of concern are on the carse at the

base of the southern scarp and Abbey Craig and on the hill summits to the east of

this landscape. (NOTE: Burnfoot and Greenknowes Windfarms are operational in

the hills to the east. These developments have their own established identity and

relationship to the landscape (appreciated from viewpoints within neighbouring

local authorities), which need to be respected and maintained. Consequently

Stirling Council’s wind energy policy identifies the Ochil Hills within its boundaries

as an area of significant protection.)

L25 Ochil Hills

Lowland Hills





• Safeguard and enhance valuable networks of functionally connected woodland,

grassland and wetland habitats around Dumyat, Menstrie Glen and Loss Hill.

There is potential to expand the native woodland network; however, proposals

require careful assessment, implementation and monitoring to safeguard

important open habitats and to protect the rocky knolls and landform features on

the southern face of the hills.

• Ensure restructuring of small areas of commercial forestry addresses issues of


• Opportunities to manage and enhance small-scale pattern of shelterbelts around

the north-west fringe.

• Support management and restoration of stone dyke field boundaries.

• Substantial woodland creation has been undertaken at Jerah, extending to 600 ha.

and straddling both Stirling and Clackmannanshire. Though primarily a

commercial undertaking, due consideration was given to other issues including

landscape impact, biodiversity, access, interpretation of historic landscape and

natural flood risk management.

L26 Uamh Bheag Lowland Hills

To the north of the Teith Valley, the rolling Braes of Doune gradually give way to the peaks of Uamh

Bheag (664m) and Beinn Odhar (626m), which mark the northern boundary of the plan area. These

hills are separated from the dramatic landscape of lochs and mountains to the north-west by the

Highland Boundary Fault and are underlain by sedimentary rocks. The rounded hill-tops cap smooth

and gentle southern slopes, which become more irregular and broken to their western extremity due to

conglomerated outcrops of the Highland Boundary complex. The Braes of Doune Windfarm is located

within this landscape and forms a strong visual focus in many views to the hills.

The western section of this landscape, adjacent the Loch Lomond & the Trossach National Park, forms

the Uamh Bheag Local Landscape Area.

Relationship to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) National Landscape

Character Assessment

This area broadly conforms to Character Area 8: UAMH BHEAG Lowland Hills (Central Region

Landscape Character Assessment, SNH Review No. 123, 1999, http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/

review/123.pdf) Link to navigation page




LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

Numerous small steams run southwards across the hill slopes, forming faint, visually

unobtrusive incisions in the hillsides. In the west, above Callander, the larger streams

are more deeply incised, resulting in more defined ridges with knobbly outcrops –

which contrast with the otherwise smooth profile of the hills.

A blanket of near continuous peat clothes the hill-tops, gradually becoming fragmented

and blending with rough grazing, stippled with bracken and long moorland grasses, on

lower slopes. These areas form a regionally valuable network of functionally connected

wetland habitats, covering much of the landscape - and extending onto the upper

Braes of Doune.

As the hills merge with the Braes of Doune, a few large-scale coniferous plantations

of spruce and larch occur, edged by thin drifts of birch along watercourses. Field

boundaries are absent from the higher ground; low stone walls occasionally divide the

large fields of the lower slopes along the boundary with the Braes of Doune.

A very few farm tracks extend onto the lower hill ground, but quickly peter out. The

exception is a track (and core footpath) in the in the far north-west corner of the area,

which links the Keltie Water with Glen Artney. In addition, an extensive network of

access tracks for the wind turbines has been created in recent years. A second core

path makes use of these to provide a link between the Teith Valley and Braco.

Views out of this landscape are primarily from the footpaths/tracks described above.

There are important views to this landscape from the Stirling area and beyond. These

include: Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument; a large number of residential

properties, footpaths and local roads in the Stirling urban corridor and from settlements

on the south side of the Carse; recreational users in the Fintry, Gargunnock and Touch

Hills, the Ochil Hills, Sheriffmuir and from popular peaks/viewpoints on the edge of the

national park; major roads such as M9, A9 and A811; other popular tourist routes such

as B822.



Settlement Pattern

The hills themselves are entirely deserted of settlement. A few scattered farms and

isolated cottages stop at the top edge of the Braes of Doune, just south of the open

hill slopes. There are also a few farmsteads near the Keltie Water at the western

boundary of the area with the national park. The current archaeological evidence for

earlier settlement and farming above the 300m contour line is sparse, mainly confined

to a few shieling huts and sheep-folds along sheltered burnsides with a few cairns on

exposed, outward looking hill tops or knolls.

Braes of Doune Windfarm:

The long, shallow southern slopes of the hills, with their simple, open, uninhabited

character and seeming height and absence of human influence, once set this area

apart and were in contrast to the busy, populous Forth Valley.

However, the presence of the Braes of Doune Windfarm has changed this: the complex

arrangement of turbines contrasts with the simplicity of the landform; the large turbines

(100m ground to tip) provide a scale reference previously missing and diminishing

the seeming isolation and scale of the hills themselves; whilst the movement of the

turbine blades, clearly discernible in good weather, creates a strong visual focus. The

windfarm is generally seen backclothed against the hillside, so that the turbines are

highlighted by their colour and shape or, alternatively, seen in profile against the hill

slope, when it appears to strongly contrast in form.

At present the windfarm occupies only a part of this landscape type and, notwithstanding

its complex horizontal and vertical layout and awkward fit with the landform in some

key views, is generally perceived to be a single feature, contained by but not

overwhelming the hills. The original government approval was for 25 years and the

longer-term presence of a windfarm is not yet certain. However, it is possible that

additional turbines will be proposed.



Summary

• Open, simple, large-scale character, accentuated by smooth, gently rounded

landform and uniform semi-natural vegetation cover. With high nature conservation

value.

• Absence of settlement or farm tracks except on extreme fringes.

• The open hill areas form a backdrop and contrast with the more wooded character

of the adjoining Braes of Doune.

• The hills help to contain and define important views outwith the landscape -

including nationally important viewpoints such as Stirling Castle and the Wallace

Monument and many locally enjoyed points and routes.

• The Braes of Doune Windfarm has introduced a complex, dynamic feature, which

has changed, but does not (as yet) dominate this landscape.

• The western section of this landscape, adjacent the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs

National Park, forms the Uamh Bheag Local Landscape Area.



• Construction of Braes of Doune windfarm, with potential interest in expansion



• Conifer blocks extending onto the lower slopes of the hills are nearing harvesting

stage. If woodland is replanted, potential to improve boundaries and landscape fit.

• Limited potential to expand areas of existing native woodland along watercourses.



Particular sensitivities within the Uamh Bheag Landscape:

• The Uamh Bheag character unit together with the Upper Braes of Doune

(L20) play an important role in the overall landscape composition of the

Forth Valley and with their extensive visual envelope and large viewing

populations, have a high level of visual sensitivity.

• A regionally valuable network of wetland habitats extends across much of

this landscape unit.




peat soils (which cover most of the landscape unit) and to avoid pollution of

watercourses.

• The presence of an operational windfarm within this landscape close by

renders it very sensitive to additional wind energy developments. An

additional windfarm would cause visual complexity and confusion and impact

adversely on the existing windfarm and the distinctive hill edges. Any proposals to

extend the current development would also need very careful consideration, as it

may exacerbate existing siting and layout problems.




• Safeguard and enhance the valuable network of wetland habitats that extend

across much of the landscape.



• Avoid new large-scale forestry blocks on visually sensitive hill land, escarpments

or foot slopes.

• Limited opportunities for sensitive extension of established native woodland on

lower ground and up stream courses.



L27 Campsie Fells Lowland Hills

The Campsie Fells form part of a long hill mass, extending from Dumbarton on the

Clyde to Stirling in the east. High, bleak and largely uninhabited the Campsie Fells

have their own distinct character and form a conspicuous and dramatic backdrop in

views from surrounding lower areas, settlements and important route corridors. Several

distinctive features also form important local landmarks, such as Dumgoyne Hill, the

Corrie of Balglass and Dunmore Fort.



This area broadly conforms to Character Area 11: CAMPSIE FELLS (Ash Consulting

Group 1999, Central Region Landscape Character Assessment, SNH Review No. 123,





LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

The Campsie Fells form the highest part of a larger hill-mass separating Glasgow and

its associated industrial lowlands from the Forth Valley. The smooth rounded hill tops

give way on their outward facing edges to dramatic ridges of rock and deep corries,

above steep slopes, often furrowed by burns. Garloch Hill, Dumgoyne and many of

the scarp features are designated Geological Conservation Review Sites - features of

national and international importance representing some of the very best geological

and geomorphological features of Britain. Some areas also have botanical interest and

are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. The whole area falls wtihin the

wider Southern Hills Local Landscape Area.

There is a well-defined transitional area of shelving heather moorland below the

northern edge of the hills, where localised estate influences are evident and some

areas of woodland present. Such transitional slopes and land use are largely lacking

where the Fells tumble dramatically into Strath Blane (which separates the Fells from

the Kilpatrick Hills to the west); and where the boundary between open hill and actively

managed farmland/woods is very abrupt.

Blanket cover of peat and rough grassland, broken by patchy bracken on rockier slopes

and clumps of rushes in damper depressions sweeps across the hill summits. This

open landscape is interrupted in the east by an expanse of commercial conifers to one

side of Gonachan Glen. Although the shape of the plantation respects the landform,

its harsh boundaries and lack of diversity make it a discordant feature. Tree cover

elsewhere is almost entirely confined to the lower reaches of burns and gullies fringing

the hill mass – although sometimes of high nature conservation value, such as near

the Spout of Ballagan. (The notable exception is another somewhat discordant conifer

plantation, on the upper edge of the adjacent Ballikinrain Muir beneath Barniemore

and Jock’s Cairn.)



The hill mass is largely devoid of roads and tracks. The B822 skirts the easternmost

perimeter of the hills. Elsewhere occasional tracks crawl up the lower slopes, one

winding further into the hills through the Gonachan Glen forestry plantation and

another serving the radar station at Holehead. Recognized footpaths access Dunmore

Fort (above Fintry) and Dumgoyne Hill (in the west) and other, less defined walking

routes exist, making little impact on the landscape but allowing recreational access

and enjoyment of the hills.

The Campsie Fells typically appear very large in scale although the highest point in

the hills, Earl’s Seat, is only 578m AOD. This is because there are few features on

the hill tops or slopes, which would give a truer indication of scale; in addition the

dramatic visual contrast between the hills and lower lying, more settled areas tends to

exaggerate their height.

A popular recreational area, outward views for hill walkers are typically open and

panoramic - although development of windfarms in adjacent upland landscapes has

somewhat diminished the perception of remoteness from some viewpoints. Key views

within the Fells (including glimpsed views of some of the Earlsburn Windfarm turbines)

for non-walkers are from the B822/Crow Road.



Settlement Pattern

The central and inaccessible parts of the hills are entirely uninhabited. There are a very

few scattered farmsteads near to the B822.

Summary

• Simplicity of land use and land cover, together with dramatic landform and

seeming large-scale mean that the Campsie Fells contrast markedly with adjacent

lower, settled landscapes and, with their distinctive profile, form a landmark and

important backdrop in wider views - including from the Loch Lomond & The

Trossachs National Park.

• High natural heritage interest associated with scarp/corrie features and some

gullies.

• Associated but distinct area of shelving heather moorland lies below the north

facing hill scarps and corries.

• Uninhabited and largely devoid of obviously man-made features, especially away

from the Crow Road and in contrast to the hills to the east, with the Carron

Reservoir, Earl’s Hill masts and 2 operational windfarms (with others proposed).

• The simple large-scale landscape composition, combined with lack of settlement

creates a remote atmosphere. This sense of isolation combined with accessibility

from urban areas makes this a popular area for hill walkers.

• Integral part of the wider Southern Hills Local Landscape Area and important

to the setting of Strathblane, Blanefield, Killearn and Fintry, located in adjacent

landscapes.







• Installation of weather radar and associated access track at Holehead.

• Future felling and restructuring of Gonachan conifer plantation.



development.

• Potential for expansion of native broadleaves in lower reaches of burns/gullies, on

some lower slopes and when restructuring the Gonachan plantation.

• Potential area of interest for wind energy, including large-scale wind turbines and

windfarms.


Particular sensitivities within the Campsie Fells Landscape:

• Development or changes to land management that could compromise the

physical integrity and views of key skylines, distinctive hill edges and

perception of their great scale and inaccessibility or important geological

and landform features.

• ‘Wild land’ character and sense of remoteness and isolation. Less prevalent

within the Southern Hills as a whole, because of modern communications and

wind energy developments.


and landscape character/quality within the Southern Hills as a whole.

Presence of windfarms in adjacent landscapes heightens sensitivity to additional

wind energy development within the Campsie Fells.








• Safeguard prime natural heritage value of the Sites of Scientific Interest and

Geological Conservation Review Sites.

• Elsewhere, respect and where possible enhance the open, wild land character

of the Fells. In particular safeguard, enhance/extend the valuable network of

functionally connected wetland habitats, centred on Craigbarnet Muir and Inner

Black Hill and just extending into the plan area between Earl’s Seat and Hart Hill.




or foot slopes.

• Opportunities for sensitive extension of established native woodland on lower

ground and upstream courses.



L28 Fintry, Gargunnock & Touch Hills

Lowland Hills

A major outcrop of Lower Carboniferous lavas forms a substantial hill mass separating

the Carse of Forth from the more populous lowlands to the south. The unified group

of the Fintry, Gargunnock and Touch Hills forms the north-east corner of this mass

and is separated from the rest of the hills by the valleys of the Endrick Water and

River Carron. The dramatic northern escarpment of the hills forms a distinctive edge to

the Carse of Stirling. The hill-mass becomes less unified, the rock banding becoming

fragmented and interspersed with isolated dolerite outcrops, as the Touch Hills drop

down towards the east,



This area broadly conforms to Character Area 10: FINTRY, GARGUNNOCK AND

TOUCH HILLS (Central Region Landscape Character Assessment, SNH Review No.

123, 1999, http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/review/123.pdf)




Lowland Hills

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

The northern and western edges of the hills are dramatically defined by steep,

precipitous slopes, topped by exposed horizontally banded lava flows. These basalt

flows are notched deeply by a fault-line which demarcates the division between the

Fintry and Gargunnock Hills. The cliff-edged plateau reaches its peak, at 485m,

above Black Craig in the Gargunnocks. Numerous streams and falls plunge sharply

down the sheer, convex lower slopes, lending a markedly ribbed appearance to parts

of the hill flanks. Many of the scarp features from Double Craigs (above Fintry) to

Scout Head (above Touch Estate), together with parts of Gillies Hill and Sauchie

Craig are designated Geological Conservation Review sites - features of national

and international importance representing some of the very best geological and

geomorphological features of Britain. Some also have botanic interest.

South of the escarpment the hill-plateau is dominated by rolling expanses of

uninterrupted grass and heather moorland, which gradually give way to semi-improved

grassland across the lower ground of the Touch Hills, broken up by often dilapidated

stone walling. Several small to medium scale reservoirs are concealed in dips and

depressions. Larger coniferous blocks, of which there are several, are generally

associated with the reservoirs towards the east and south of the hill-mass, creating

a more broken landscape diversified by the mixture of moorland, forestry and water.

The shapes and margins of some plantations are intrusive in some views. Infrequent

groupings of birch and Scots pine contrast with the more monotonous commercial

plantations. A few isolated, high-level conifer blocks have been established on the

footslopes of the Gargunnock and Touch hills escarpments, interrupting the stark

profiles of the lava cliffs and appearing as discordant features.


Lowland Hills


The north-western part of the hill mass was, until recently, largely devoid of roads

except for a few tracks to farms, forestry, the masts and reservoirs. However, a new

and extensive network of tracks has now been constructed to serve the Earlsburn

Windfarm. To the east side of the hills, two single-track roads link Stirling to the Carron

Valley, with a third serving the North Third Reservoir. There are a few more farm roads,

reflecting the higher incidence of scattered houses and farms and another new network

of tracks has been constructed for the Craigengelt Windfarm. A number of recognized

footpaths are found on the eastern edge of the hills and an old route from Kippen Muir

via the Spout of Ballochleam. Other, less defined walking routes exist, making little

impact on the landscape but allowing recreational access and enjoyment of the hills.

Settlement Pattern

The central and inaccessible parts of the hills are largely uninhabited; there are a

very few houses on Cringate Muir, accessed from the minor road nearby, with more

scattered farmsteads and houses on the lower ground near North Third Reservoir and

south-west of Loch Coulter Reservoir.

Other Built Development/Infrastructure

A number of infrastructure developments have taken place in this landscape, which,

because of their scale and nature, have impacted upon the character of the area and

in some cases its relationship with surrounding landscape types. These include the

series of small to medium-scale reservoirs already mentioned, the communication

masts on the top of Earl’s Hill and, most recently, wind turbines. A few buildings, such

as pump houses and control buildings etc. are associated with infrastructure provision.

Several key changes to the character and experience of this landscape have a resulted

from windfarm development:


Lowland Hills


• Despite their proximity to well-settled areas the hill tops were, until recently,

experienced to be remote; however, development of windfarms in this landscape

has diminished the perception of remoteness and ‘wildness’.

• From lower land the hills typically appear larger in scale than they really are. This

is partly because the dramatic visual contrast between the hills and lower, more

settled areas tends to exaggerate their height but also because there are few

features on the hill slopes or tops to give a clear indication of scale; in addition.

However, this impression has been diminished with the location of very large wind

turbines on skylines.

Wind energy developments do not yet dominate this landscape character area,

however, there continues to be interest in additional developments, which could

potentially tip the balance.

Summary

Northern Escarpment:

• The northern escarpments play an important role in the overall landscape

composition of the Forth Valley and with their extensive visual envelope and large

viewing populations, have a very high level of visual sensitivity.

• Wind energy developments have had an effect on these important hill edges

(especially in the east) although not, as yet, to an overwhelming extent.

• The lava flows which have resulted in the distinctive step-like appearance of the

escarpment have high natural heritage interest.


Lowland Hills


Hill Plateau:

• A landscape that has undergone dramatic change in recent years with the

introduction of large wind turbines over part of the core area - with continuing

interest in additional wind energy development. Change has also resulted from

the harvesting and restructuring of commercial woodland areas at Cairnoch Hill.

• The hill-plateau still has a simplicity and unity of landform, but this is more difficult

to discern now that the turbines have created new, dynamic focal points in the

landscape, increased complexity and obvious human intervention and provided

scale references previously absent. These effects have reduced, but not entirely

taken away an impression of remoteness and wildness, which was noted in the

National Landscape Character Assessment.

• In core areas and away from wind turbines, the hills are still open and lack

subdivision by roads, fences or other structures. Reservoirs and forestry continue

to provide visual diversity and scale reference points at the local level – but

travelling through the landscape it is impossible to be unaware of the near-by

windfarms to some extent.

• Dramatic panoramic views are still to be had from this landscape, but in some

areas the eye tends rather to be drawn to the new focal points created by the

windfarms. These too can be dramatic and attractive, but very different.

• The hills as a whole form an integral part of the wider Southern Hills Local

Landscape Area.


Lowland Hills




• Installation of wind turbines/windfarms and associated infrastructure, with further

development approved.

• Continuing area of interest for additional large-scale wind turbines/windfarms and

smaller, farm-scale machines.

• Changes to farm support mechanisms impact on stocking levels, which in turn

affect land cover and biodiversity.

• Harvesting of Forestry Commission woodland to the north and west of Cairnoch

Hill, with restructuring to meet modern multi-purpose forestry objectives.

• Future felling and restructuring of privately owned forestry blocks offers

opportunities to improve natural heritage value and landscape ‘fit’.

• Some potential for expansion of native broadleaves, for example: to extend

established planting on the lower reaches of burns/gullies, on some lower ground

near farms and when restructuring existing woodlands.

• Pressure for removal of some woodland, to compensate for loss of open habitat

as a result of wind energy development - although this potentially conflicts with

objectives for overall expansion of woodland.



• Potential area of interest for housing in the countryside in lower, more accessible

areas.



development.



Lowland Hills


Particular sensitivities within the Fintry, Gargunnock & Touch

Hills Landscape:

• Development or changes to land management that could compromise the

physical integrity and views of key skylines, distinctive hill edges and

perception of their great scale and inaccessibility or important geological

and landform features.


and landscape character/quality within this landscape character area and

the Southern Hills as a whole. Presence of windfarms in within this landscape

significantly heightens sensitivity to additional wind energy development within

these or adjacent hills.

• Other additional built structures could further erode the perception of

remoteness. New infrastructure as well as new metalled roads/tracks in open

areas need as much care and consideration as new buildings.





• Decline and loss of traditional features, such as stone walls and shelterbelts,

because of lack of management.


Lowland Hills



• Safeguard prime natural heritage value of the Sites of Scientific Interest and

Geological Conservation Review Sites.

• Safeguard, enhance/extend the regionally valuable network of functionally

connected woodland habitats, between Scout Head, Gillies Hill and Lewis Hill,

which lie part within this landscape and part in the East Touch Hill Fringe (L17)




or foot slopes.

• Support management and restoration of relict shelterbelts and of existing stone

dyke field boundaries.


H1 Glen Lochay Mountain Group

Mountains

The highest summits of Ben Challum (1025m), Creag Mhor (1047m) and Meall

Ghaordaidh (1039m) are sited to the north and west of the mountain group. Deeply

penetrated by Glen Lochay, the broad massif is composed of interlocking well-defined

mountain peaks and long ridgelines, which combine to create an atmosphere of a

large-scale, inaccessible terrain, the isolated character of which is emphasised by the

lack of settlement and tree cover.



This area broadly conforms to Character Area 2: GLEN LOCHAY GROUP Highland

Mountains (Ash Consulting Group 1999, Central Region Landscape Character

Assessment, SNH Review No. 123, http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/review/123.pdf),

although the upper parts of Glen Lochay are here included in the Glen Lochay (L3)

local landscape character description.




Mountains

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

Scattered rocky outcrops are exposed along many of the summits: elsewhere the

craggy forms of the underlying rock are clearly visible beneath a thin veneer of soil

and vegetation. An abundance of small streams cuts deeply into the lower slopes,

occasionally striating the hillside with the glinting lines of minor waterfalls. Within the

mountain plateau lie a number of small lochans. The high slopes are used for rough

grazing by sheep and also shelter deer, which use the mountains and passes to move

from valley to valley. The majority of the Glen Lochay Mountain Group is covered by a

local landscape designation (Glen Lochay Local Landscape Area), with the remaining

land, centred on Beinn nan Eachan, forming part of the Loch Rannoch & Glen Lyon

National Scenic Area.

A vegetation of rough moorland grasses and heather dapples the upper mountain

slopes, mixing with the brighter tones of bracken on lower ground. The moorland

vegetation is occasionally broken by rush-invaded, mossy flushes in damper hollows

and alpine vegetation on rocky outcrops. Montane habitats of national and international

significance are designated as sites of Special Scientific Interest and Special Protection

Areas. Tree cover is almost entirely absent from the area at present. The Glen Lochay

Estate native woodland creation project extends to two mountain passes, although the

new woodland in these areas will be open and scrubby and incidental to the landscape.

A single metalled track cuts across the northern line of peaks, in a high pass linking

Glen Lochay with Glen Lyon. A few farm tracks wind onto the lower mountain slopes

from upper Glen Lochay, but are only accessible to authorised vehicles, walkers and

cyclists. Several of the peaks and routes between peaks are popular with hill walkers.

From the corries and high valleys there are focused views along upper Glen Lochay,

opening out on the peaks and ridges into panoramic vistas. Important external views

of the mountain groups from the A82, A85 and A827 tourist routes.



Mountains

Settlement Pattern

The mountains themselves are uninhabited. Clusters of derelict shielings on the lower

mountain slopes are reminders of when the area was used for summer grazing and

temporary/seasonal settlement.

Summary

• Open, large-scale landscape of individual mountain peaks, ridges and corries the

footslopes of which often merge with the higher slopes of Glen Lochay.

• Remote, wild mountain atmosphere due to the total lack of settlement and lack of

penetration by metalled roads.

• Dominance of semi-natural vegetation types, including montane habitats of

European importance.

• Remains of temporary settlements and other archaeological features are

important reminders of earlier, more productive agricultural systems within the

mountains and high glens.

• The special landscape and scenic qualities of the area are recognized by a

national and local landscape designations.



Mountains



• Changes to farm support mechanisms have had and will continue to have direct

impacts on stocking levels, which in turn affect land cover and biodiversity.

• A major programme of native woodland creation began in Upper Glen Lochay

in 2010. Some small areas of open/scrub woodland extend into this landscape

character area, primarily in the vicinity of the lochans in the far south-west corner

of the area and in the high pass north-west of Kenknock.

• Hydro generation.

Particular sensitivities within the Glen Lochay Group Landscape:

Glen Lochay Mountain Group as a whole has very high natural and cultural heritage

value and there are sensitivities at a strategic and local level in respect of landscape,

visual, biodiversity and archaeological/cultural heritage interests.

• Safeguard prime nature conservation value of Sites of Special Scientific

Interest and Special Areas of Conservation. Elsewhere, respect and where

possible enhance important natural and cultural heritage value of the mountains

and their open, wild land character.

• Development of additional strongly linear man-made features (pipelines,

power lines, fences and tracks etc), particularly on the open hills, reducing

the areas sense of remoteness.

• Introduction of large or tall man-made structures on the upper slopes,

skylines or summits that diminish their sense of scale and seclusion. High

scenic and nature conservation value make this landscape very sensitive to large-

scale built development such as wind turbines.


Mountains


• Other built structures in prominent locations that are incongruous with

the remote and ‘wild’ land character and/or compromise scenic qualities.

In particular new dwellings are unlikely to be appropriate in the core mountain

area. If exceptional circumstances can be justified and/or other buildings are

essential for land management reasons, then siting and design must meet very

high standards.



harsh climate: Particular care needed to protect and conserve high carbon/peat

soils and to avoid pollution of watercourses.


Mountains



• Designation of Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Special Areas of

Conservation means that changes of land use and management practices are

restricted over significant areas of land, to safeguard important biodiversity

interests. However, reduced stocking levels will potentially lead to gradual changes

in vegetation over a wide area. Monitoring of changes would be beneficial.

• A programme of native woodland creation in Upper Glen Lochay extends in places

into the mountain landscape. The woodland planting has been carefully sited and

designed to fit the landscape whilst respecting a wide range of key constraints.

Any additional change would also need to be carefully considered to safeguard

the same sensitivities.

• Landscape, visual and biodiversity effects of major native woodland creation in the

mountain passes to be monitored as part of the project, allowing for amendments

to the plan or management regime where appropriate.


H2 Creag Gharbh Mountain Group

Mountains

This mountain group lies between Lochs Tay and Earn to the north and south

respectively. The Loch Tay fault-line bisects the plateau, running in a south-west to

north-easterly direction and, as a result, the mountain topography exhibits noticeable

differences to either side. Although these mountains are lower than the Glen Lochay

Group the open, large-scale topography, lack of settlement and metalled roads

combine to create a remote mountain atmosphere. The whole mountain group forms

an integral part of the Creag Gharbh Local Landscape Area.



This area broadly conforms to Character Area 3: BEINN LEABHAINN GROUP Highland

Mountains (Central Region Landscape Character Assessment, SNH Review No. 123,

1999, http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/review/123.pdf). However, the peak of Beinn

Leabhainn and Glen Ogle, which originally defined the western edge of the character

area, now lie within the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park and outwith this plan

area. In addition the forested slopes above Auchmore, which contrast markedly with

the open mountainsides, are here included in the landscape character description for

Auchmore (4).




Mountains

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

These mountains are lower than the Glen Lochay Group North-west of the Loch Tay

fault line the presence of metamorphic limestone seams has resulted in a craggy

irregular mass of rocky peaks and exposed outcrops, containing several lochans;

these present a distinctive silhouette bordering Loch Tay. South-east of the fault the

mountains are smoother and more well-defined, with few rock outcrops and more

sinuous outlines. Small, unobtrusive burns cross the mountainsides and coalesce to

form the larger, more deeply incised streams which follow the fault-line division. The

Lochan Breaclaich reservoir nestles to the south-west of Creag Gharbh, and forms

the uppermost storage reservoir of the St Fillans section of the Breadalbane Hydro-

Electric Scheme.

The dominant land cover of heather and grass moorland across the greater extent of

the mountain plateau fades into a heavily textured patchwork of bracken and rough

tussocky grasses on the lower or steeper slopes. Woodland is absent from the core

of the mountain massif. However, birch and oak woodland lines both the Beich and

Finglen Burns well into their upper valleys, and a scattering of small coniferous forest

blocks, somewhat incongruous in scale, are sited between Creag Gharbh and Meall

Daimh.

The core mountain area is inaccessible other than on foot. From Killin several tracks

and forest rides climb up the hillsides through the plantation woodlands of Auchmore.

One of these carries on to provide authorized vehicle access to the reservoir, hydro-

electric pipeline and masts which are absorbed within the uneven, rocky landform;

the track then follows the Allt Meall nan Damh north-east to Ardeonaig. The whole

route provides forms of the Rob Roy Way long-distance footpath. To the south of the

mountain group, a few farm tracks wind up from lower ground.



Mountains

From the periphery of the mountain mass, views are dominated by Loch Tay and the

dramatic ridgeline of Ben Lawers/Meall nan Tarmachan to the north and by Loch Earn

and high peaks beyond to the south. In contrast there are shorter, more enclosed

views from within the mountain group itself. There are important views to the mountain

flanks from sections of the A84 and A827 and from a number of nearby mountain

peaks, popular with hill walkers.

Settlement Pattern

The mountains themselves are uninhabited. A few clusters of derelict shielings lie

along some of the stream sides, reminders of when the area was used for summer

grazing and temporary/seasonal settlement.

Summary

• Open, large-scale landscape of individual mountain peaks and ridges, distinctively

different either side of the Loch Tay fault.

• Remote, wild mountain atmosphere due to predominantly uninhabited state. (The

man-made utilities within the mountains are generally unobtrusive from longer

views towards the area.)

• Dominance of semi-natural vegetation types.

• Remains of temporary settlements and other archaeological features are important

reminders of earlier, more productive agricultural systems within the mountains.





Mountains



• Changes to farm support mechanisms have had and will continue to have direct

impacts on stocking levels, which in turn affect land cover and biodiversity.

• Established hydro generation scheme and potential area of interest for run-off

river hydro projects.

• Potential for expansion of native woodland within the stream valleys penetrating

the mountains, especially in the lower reaches where established woodland is

already present; by extending up from loch side woodland areas and by conversion

of some higher-level conifer blocks when harvesting/restocking.




Mountains

Particular sensitivities within the Creag Gharbh Mountain Group

Landscape:

• Development of additional strongly linear man-made features (pipelines,

power lines, fences and tracks etc), particularly on the open hills, reducing

the areas sense of remoteness.

• Introduction of large or tall man-made structures on the hill slopes, skylines

or summits that diminish their sense of scale and seclusion.

• The outer skylines and flanks of the mountains are particularly visually

sensitive, with important views obtained from the A84 north of Kingshouse and

from the A827 and Ben Lawers Group on the north side of Loch Tay.

• Other built structures in prominent locations that are incongruous with

the remote and ‘wild’ land character and/or compromise scenic qualities.

In particular new dwellings are unlikely to be appropriate in the core mountain

area. If exceptional circumstances can be justified and/or other buildings are

essential for land management reasons, then siting and design must meet very

high standards.







Mountains


• Reduced stocking levels on grazing areas will potentially lead to gradual changes

in vegetation over a wide area. Monitoring of changes would be beneficial. Promote

agreements for continued sensitive management of semi-natural grassland and

moorland communities.

• Develop a strategy and make the most of opportunities to protect, enhance and

expand native woodland along stream margins and up from loch sides.

• Utilize restructuring plans in established plantations as opportunities to create

further open space areas, ameliorate margins and integrate shapes with landforms

and existing native woodland.


H3 Glen Lochay

Farmed & Wooded Glen

The valley of the River Lochay commences near Ben Challum and flows eastwards

towards Killin to converge with the River Dochart and enter Loch Tay. The upper glen is

currently very open and remote in character, in contrast to the more accessible, treed

and relatively settled lower valley. However, the two halves of the glen are treated as

a single landscape character area, as they form a single topographic feature and the

distinction between land cover in the upper and lower parts of the glen is becoming

less marked, because of a large-scale native woodland creation taking place in the

landscape west of Kenknock. All of Glen Locahy lies within the Glen Locahy Local

Landscape Area.



This area broadly conforms to the western section of Character Area 5: GLEN LOCHAY

Highland River Valley (Ash Consulting Group 1999, Central Region Landscape

Character Assessment, SNH Review No. 123, http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/

review/123.pdf)



H3 Glen Lochay


LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

The narrow flat bottomed valley contains a fast-flowing river, its meanders occasionally

marked by curving sweeps of shingle. Mountains surround the glen along its length,

and in places proximity of the lower convex slopes to the valley floor creates a series of

‘pinch points’, which contrast with the wider sections of the valley. Numerous streams

and waterfalls spill down the valley sides, which are heavily marked by extrusions and

ridges of metamorphosed limestone.

The upper section of Glen Lochay, west of Kenknock, is markedly larger in scale than

the lower glen. It is also, at present, largely devoid of the scattered woodland and

settlement found in the lower valley. The upper reaches of the glen merge with the

lower slopes of the mountains physically and botanically – semi-natural vegetation

types dominate, including montane habitats of national and international significance.

Lower areas comprise rough grazing, which until recently has been subject to very

high stocking levels. The lower areas also include some small geometrically shaped

coniferous plantations and shelterbelts as well as remnant patches of native

broadleaves in steep gullies. The pipelines to the power station lower down the glen

are very prominent in some locations. However, this is a landscape undergoing change

as the result of a significant native woodland creation project, and in years to come

the distinction between the upper and lower parts of the glen as far as land cover

are concerned will be less. The woodland restoration has been carefully designed to

respect the natural and cultural heritage sensitivities and the physical remoteness of

the upper part of the valley, reinforced by very limited settlement and lack of metalled

roads, will ensure that the high glen still has a sense of remoteness and wild land-

character.

The glen east of Kenknock becomes progressively more wooded in character – the

prevailing feature along the valley floor and sides is the quantity of woodland: gnarled

mature oak trees are knotted around farmsteads and along stone walls; mixed oak,

ash, alder and birch form a thick fringe of woodland along the riverbanks; drifts of birch

H3 Glen Lochay



and a few clumps of Scots pine dapple the valley sides and crown rocky hummocks;

and occasional areas of gorse scrub edge the roadsides. The flatter, more open parts

of the valley support small fields of semi-improved pasture, occasionally interrupted by

groups of lichen-patterned boulders or patches of boggy, rough ground. Drystone walls

and high deer fences bound the fields of the valley, which merge with expanses of

rough grassland and extensive areas of bracken across the enclosing higher ground.

A single track road twists along the valley, bridging the river at several points. This

terminates near Kenknock and the overriding impression is that the upper valley is a

dead-end, remote and inaccessible - although in reality a minor track climbs north to

a high pass giving access into Glen Lyon. Unmetalled farm tracks carry on along the

valley side and towards the source of the River Lochay, but are only accessible to

authorised vehicles, walkers and cyclists.

The glen is largely hidden from external views, with the exception of views down

and along the valley from the encircling summits, some of which are Munros. Views

within the upper glen are generally long and open, terminated and dominated by the

surrounding mountain peaks. Elsewhere, views are for the most part confined to the

valley and lower mountain slopes and vary depending on local landform and tree cover.

Settlement Pattern

The upper glen is almost uninhabited, with just a few scattered farm and estate

buildings in the main valley and nothing at all beyond – although historically there was

a high level of seasonal and even semi-permanent settlement throughout the area.

(Shielings).

Further down the glen and generally coinciding with pockets of improved fields, little

groups of dispersed farmsteads are found, usually close to the road and sited on slight

rises above the river floodplain. Most farmsteads are in an attractive vernacular style.

Again, historically the lower glen was much more settled, with archaeological evidence

of many abandoned farmsteads and even small townships.

H3 Glen Lochay



Just under 3km from the mouth of the glen there is a modern hydro-electric power

station. The building is sensitively designed, fitting into the landscape through the

use of local stone and a curving floor plan that echoes the coiling river. The pipelines

feeding the power station are rather less sensitively sited and designed and are very

prominent in some parts of the glen.

Summary

• The principle highland glen within the plan area, epitomizing highland landscape

and scenery.

• The glen has a sense of seclusion and tranquility (despite the modern human

intervention evidenced by the hydro-power scheme), hidden within and

overshadowed by the strongly moulded craggy mountain ridgelines to the north

and south.

• The western end of the glen, where the River Lochay emerges from the mountains,

is at a larger scale and has a sense of isolation in contrast to the intimate, farmed

and tended character of the valley further east.

• Diverse texture of land cover, including small-scale variations in topography and

presence of bracken, heather and scrub.

• Diversity of woodland of scenic and nature conservation value, with long-term

proposals for a major expansion of native woodland in the upper glen.

• Rich and varied natural and cultural heritage features, with multiple designations.

The special landscape and scenic qualities of the area are recognized by a local


H3 Glen Lochay





• Changes to agricultural support mechanisms have had and will continue to have

direct impacts on farmers’ decisions on stocking levels etc., which in turn affect

land cover and biodiversity, especially in the upper glen and on higher slopes.

• Potential area of interest for tourism related developments because of accessibility

and proximity to the national park. Already a popular recreational area for leisure

drives and hill walking. Popularity unlikely to wane, as relatively accessible

location yet possessing attractive sense of remoteness. (Evidence of some visitor

pressure at peak periods.)

• Loss of landscape features because of lack of active management, e.g. decline

in unfenced/unmanaged broadleaf woodland and replacement of tumbledown

dykes with fencing.

• A major programme of native woodland creation in the upper glen began in 2010.

Some potential for enhancement and sensitive expansion of native broadleaf and/

or mixed woodland elsewhere in the valley.

• New housing in the countryside - especially in the lower, more accessible parts

of the glen

• Established hydro generation scheme and potential area of interest for run-off

river hydro projects.

• Potential area of interest for farm-scale wind turbines

H3 Glen Lochay



Particular sensitivities within the Glen Lochay Landscape:

• Glen Lochay as a whole has very high natural and cultural heritage value.

The sites of national (and even international) importance are safeguarded by a

series of designations, but other special areas and sites also need to be respected.

• Throughout the glen there are sensitivities to large built structures or

strongly linear man-made features that are incongruous with remote and

tranquil character and/or compromise scenic qualities.

• Landscape character in Upper Glen Lochay is undergoing change, due to a

major programme of native woodland creation. It could be argued that sensitivity

is lessened whilst the new landscape is formed. However, the woodland planting

has been carefully sited and designed to fit the landscape whilst respecting a wide

range of key constraints. Any additional change would also need to be carefully

considered to safeguard the same sensitivities.

• In the lower glen the delicate existing equilibrium between land cover types

and between open and enclosed views is sensitive to quite small changes

in land uses.


• Designation of Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Special Areas of

Conservation means that changes of land use and management practices are

restricted over significant areas of land, to safeguard important biodiversity

interests. However, reduced stocking levels on grazing areas will potentially lead

to gradual changes in vegetation over a wide area. Monitoring of changes would

be beneficial.

• Landscape, visual and biodiversity effects of major native woodland creation in

the upper glen to be monitored as part of the project, allowing for amendments to

the plan or management regime where appropriate.


expand existing woodland in the lower glen, whilst maintaining a careful balance

between open space and woodland and safeguarding important views.

• Support management and restoration of existing stone dyke field boundaries and

extend to replace fences where possible.


H4 Auchmore

Large Scale Forested Glen Side

This area lies on the northwest flank of the Beinn Leabhainn/Creag Gharbh Mountain

Group, but the landscape has more in common with the forested flanks of Glen Dochart

to the west than the open mountains to the south and east. The landscape lies within

the Creag Gharbh Local Landscape Area.



This area forms a continuation of the ‘Forested Glen’ character area identified in the Loch

Lomond and the Trossachs Landscape Character Assessment, SNH Commissioned

Report N0. 093, 2005. It is also described within Character Area 3: BEINN LEABHAINN

GROUP Highland Mountains (Central Region Landscape Character Assessment, SNH

Review No. 123, 1999, http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/review/123.pdf).



H4 Auchmore


LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

To the south of Killin the flanks of Glen Dochart are extensively planted with coniferous

woodland. This large-scale commercial forestry extends eastwards, above the western

end of Loch Tay as far as the Lochan Breaclaich Reservoir and Allt Breaclaich Burn,

and is in marked contrast to the largely open mountain slopes and peaks within the rest

of the Creag Gharbh Mountain Group (H2).

Forest margins are sometimes hard and insensitive, although the rugged terrain and

large number of burns, ensures the planting is somewhat broken up and mixed with

broadleaves in some areas. In addition, the planting is reaching maturity and some

areas have already begun to be harvested, which as well as bringing change to the

landscape offers opportunities to improve the appearance and biodiversity value of the

forest at restocking.

Several tracks and rides cut through the forestry, some extending out on to the open

hills to provide access to the reservoir, hydroelectric pipeline and masts. The Rob

Roy Way makes use of one of these tracks, providing access from the loch shore, via

the forest onto the open mountains. Another track skirts the top edge of the forest to

provide a footpath link with Glen Ogle.

The forested slopes are clearly visible in views from the wider landscape to the north

of Loch Tay.


H4 Auchmore


Settlement Pattern

This landscape contains no modern habitation, although there is scattered

archaeological evidence of farmsteads and past cultivation.

Summary

• Relatively modern and large-scale landscape dominated by commercial timber

production, swathing the lower mountain slopes and upper glen sides between

Lochan Breaclaich reservoir and Killin.

• Although the rugged terrain lessens the visual prominence of the forest, margins

are sometimes harsh and insensitive. Generally low species and age diversity.

Harvesting and restocking offer significant opportunities for improvements in

forest design.

• Largely uniform appearance of plantation woodland gives way in the east to

a more broken and diverse woodland cover, reflecting more varied underlying

terrain.

• Some recreational value, with potential for enhancement.

• Lies within the Creag Gharbh Local Landscape Area.


H4 Auchmore




• Harvesting and restocking of commercial woodland areas.

• Plans to reduce the input of fertilisers etc during restocking may bring the tree line


• Potential area of interest for further recreational activities and tourism related

developments because of accessibility and proximity to the national park.

Particular sensitivities within the Auchmore Landscape:

• Utilize restocking after felling to restructure woodland, creating further open

space areas, ameliorating margins and integrating shapes with landforms

and existing/proposed native woodland.

• Forest design should consider longer distance external views from key

routes and viewpoints as well as views from footpaths/tracks within the

landscape.


• In addition to comments about re-design of the commercial forestry areas above,

seek opportunities to safeguard and expand native and semi-natural woodland,

with special consideration to maintaining/creating functionally connected

woodland habitats.


H5 West Loch Tay

Farmed & Wooded Lochside

The broad, 23km long curving sweep of Loch Tay runs from Killin in the south-west to

Kenmore in the north-east. Only the westernmost end of the loch and south-western

shoreline lie within the plan area. West Loch Tay is a very small landscape character

area, lying on the largely flat land between the national park boundary on the northern

and eastern edges of Killin and the loch itself. It is distinguished from the lochside to

the south-west of Loch Tay by its low elevation and proximity to settlement. The whole

landscape lies within the Creag Gharbh Local Landscape Area.




It was not included in the Central Region Assessment and falls just outwith the Loch

Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Landscape Assessment.


H5 West Loch Tay


LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

In some respects this small landscape area is a continuation of the glen to the west

and as described in the ‘Highland Strath & Glen Floor Landscape Character Type’ of

the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Landscape Assessment. (Only

omitted from the latter because of the park boundary follows the course of the River

Lochay rather than the loch edge). However, it differs from the main strath in as much

as it abuts and provides an interface with Loch Tay itself.

Land south of Pier Road, which links the northern end of Killin with the loch shore,

is flat, low lying and at risk of flooding. To the north of this minor road the land rises

towards the A827, quite markedly at the plan boundary with Perth & Kinross.

For such a small area there is a mix of land use and land cover, with rough grazing

on the meadows closest to the loch, semi-improved land in the drier areas, patches of

woodland, a golf course and a cemetery. Trees fringe the rivers, loch shore and little

islands at the westernmost end of the loch. The Loch Tay Marshes Site of Special

Scientific Interest partially falls within this area.

In addition to Pier Road there are a number of well used paths and tracks, giving

pedestrian access to the river banks, lochshore and golf course.

H5 West Loch Tay



Settlement Pattern

This landscape is largely rural in character although the cemetery and golf course are

more urban elements and the eastern outskirts of Killin lie close by. There are a few

houses along Pier Road and one or two farms.

Historically there were at least two defensive sites, a consequence of the strategic

location.

Summary

• Small but distinctive area of glen floor with flat fields and riparian/wet woodland,

including some small islands close to the shore, together with and an area of

hummocky and rising ground to the north. Strong sense of place.

• Grandeur of scale of setting provided by major fault-guided loch and enclosing

mountain masses. Marked contrast between the horizontal plane of water surface

and the low lying land at the head of the loch and surrounding steep hillsides.

• Close to settlement, the influence of which extends beyond the residential streets,

e.g. golf course, and small cemetery.



H5 West Loch Tay





• Any increase in frequency and/or extent of flooding will potentially drive and/or

shape options for change

• Potential pressure for new housing and other infrastructure and built development

on the edges of the village


and proximity to the national park and the popular centre of Killin.

• Some potential for enhancement and expansion of native broadleaf woodland.

Particular sensitivities within the West Loch Tay Landscape:

• Small extent and intimate qualities of this landscape area makes it sensitive

to large-scale or cumulative effects of change, which could quickly erode

its tranquil, largely rural character. The risk of attrition of character and

suburbanization is particularly high given the accessible location and proximity

to Killin.


• Safeguard prime nature conservation value of Loch Tay Marshes Site of Special



expand existing semi-natural woodland whilst maintaining a careful balance



The broad, 23km long curving sweep of Loch Tay runs from Killing in the south-west

to Kenmore in the north-east. Only the south-western shoreline and westernmost end

of the loch lies within the plan area. The southern shoreline is backed by the craggy,

mountain plateau of the Beinn Leabhainn/Creag Gharbh Mountain Group, and looks

across to the strongly defined sharp ridgelines of the Ben Lawers range. Numerous

small streams, and several larger burns, wind across the slopes towards the shoreline,

which is often broken by small, rounded promontories. This landscape area varies in

extent, depending upon how close the mountain slopes press to the loch shore, and

in character from almost flat or gently rolling farmland to steeply sloping woodland.

Restricted access and the rugged terrain of the adjacent mountain slopes, combine

to create a strongly rural and unspoilt character. The whole landscape lies within the

Creag Gharbh Local Landscape Area.



Much of this area falls within of Character Area 6: SOUTH-WEST LOCH TAY Highland

Lochs (Central Region Landscape Character Assessment, SNH Review No. 123,

1999, http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/review/123.pdf) However, it excludes

an area of dense coniferous forest south-east of Killin, which is here included in the

landscape character description for Auchmore (H4).

H6 South-West Loch Tay






LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

As the lower, north-facing slopes of the Creag Gharbh Mountain Group roll down

towards Loch Tay, some shelve out or are folded into small valleys and, on the gentler

slopes that are created, farming is possible. Elsewhere, where the mountain slopes

press closer to the water’s edge, the lochshore is given over to mixed and semi-natural

woodland. Despite these variations in topography and landcover there is a unity to the

landscape, provided by its intimacy, constant relationship to the loch and repeating

elements in the scenic composition.

Fields of semi-improved pasture, dotted with occasional mossy boulders and a

scattering of coarse rush and sedge clumps in damper flushes, are bordered by stone

walls and post-and wire or post-and-rail fences. Scattered groups of oak crown rocky

knolls within the pastureland and streams are defined by birch and alder. Where the

improved pasture abuts open hill ground, there is generally a marked and abrupt

change to rough grazing, often marked by a headwall. On uncultivated or steeper

ground, semi-natural deciduous woodland dominates. Cambusurich Wood, fringing

the loch and climbing the slopes above Fiddler’s Bay, is designated as a Site of Special

Scientific Interest. Curving fringes and clumps of oak, birch, ash and Scots pine define

the lochside.

A minor, single-track road with passing places winds along the slopes above the loch

edge, linking Killin to Kenmore and providing the only vehicle access to the scattered

houses and small settlements along the south side of Loch Tay. The road is also a

recognized core footpath and cycle route. Access to the lochside itself is limited to a

few locations, e.g. Firbush and Fiddler’s Bay.




The difficulty of access by road, scattered settlement and nature of the land cover/use

combine to create an intimate, rural character in marked contrast with the adjacent,

rugged mountain slopes. The elevated position of the public road above the loch

shore gives a pleasing range of channeled views through woodland, vistas along the

loch and open views to the Ben Lawers hills. Visual enticement is created through a

rhythmic narrowing and widening of views. There are important external views to this

landscape from the A827 and the Ben Lawers Range to the north of Loch Tay.

Settlement Pattern

A variety of stone or white-washed farmsteads and houses are strung along the minor

road, generally well-integrated by sheltering tree groups. At the eastern end of the

study area, the small village of Ardeonaig and associated scattered farms cluster at the

foot of the Finglen Burn and along the lower reaches of the Allt Meall nan Damh, where

there is a wider area of farmland. Some small scale tourist and recreational facilities

are also located in this area.

This landscape has had a long history of attraction for human settlement, evidenced

by the number of deserted farmsteads and townships, which, together with earlier

archaeological sites, are found throughout the area.




Summary

• Grandeur of scale of setting provided by major fault-guided loch and enclosing

mountain masses.

• The lochside landscape of green pastureland and woods with its scattered, long-

established settlement is in marked contrast to the rough, uninhabited moorland

of the mountain slopes above.

• Rich natural heritage value of semi-natural woodland and cultural heritage assets.

• Relatively low traffic volume on road and only low level of loch shore tourism and

recreation development.

• Relative isolation and introverted visual character creates strong identity and

sense of place.








• Area of interest for tourism related developments because of accessibility and

proximity to the national park and the popular centres of Killin and Kenmore.



• Loss of landscape features because of lack of active management, e.g. decline in

unfenced/unmanaged broadleaf woodland and replacement of tumbledown stone

walls with fencing.

• Run-off river hydro schemes.

• Potential for enhancement and expansion of native broadleaf and/or mixed

woodland.

• Potential area of interest for farm-scale wind turbines.

Particular sensitivities within the South-West Loch Tay Landscape:

• Existing equilibrium between land cover types and between open and

enclosed views, create a strong rural character and sense of identity. Large-

scale development or land use changes could compromise these qualities and the

areas sense of relative isolation and tranquility. All such proposals require very

careful assessment; including the indirect impacts of development, for example

significant increases in vehicle traffic on the public road (which is also a core path

and cycle route) or car parking. The cumulative effects of smaller developments

should also be considered.

• Role and importance of the landscape in respect of the wider Creag Gharbh

Local Landscape Area and the attractive contrast provided with higher, open

ground.





• Safeguard prime nature conservation value of Cambusurich Wood Site of Special



expand existing semi-natural woodland whilst maintaining a careful balance




• Tree planting is associated with many existing properties. If new development

can’t be sited to relate well with existing planting, then new planting should

normally be provided and adequate space must be available for this.


The linear form of loch Earn runs for approximately 10km from Lochearnhead in the

west to St Fillans in the east, closely rimmed bu mountain plateaux to the north and

south. The loch and its southern shore lie within the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs

National Park and much of the northern loch fringes are within Perth and Kinross.

The Beinn Leabhainn/Creag Gharbh Mountain Group is deeply penetrated from the

south by the Beich Burn, but at its southern end the little river valley opens out just

before joining Loch Earn and its green fields and woodlands contrast markedly with

the surrounding open hills. This small area of lochside farmland, centred on Glenbeich

Lodge, falls within the Stirling Plan Area.



This area falls within Character Area 7: NORTH-WEST LOCH EARN Highland Lochs



H7 Lower Glen Beich




H7 Lower Glen Beich


LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Generally:

For the most part the mountains north of Loch Earn tilt steeply downwards almost to

the water, but their edge is broken by the valley of the Beich Burn, at the mouth of which

is a delta of flat ground, fanning out into the loch. The whole glen lies within the Creag

Gharbh Local Landscape Area.

This small character area comprises the smooth expanses of semi-improved pasture

on the edge of the loch and lower valley floor and sides. This land is tightly defined

by the head-dyke that marks the change to grass and heather moorland on the lower

mountain slopes. An area of botanic interest lies on the south-west corner of the area,

at the junction of the improved pasture and open hill (Dalveich Meadow Site of Special

Scientific Interest). The pasture land is broken up with gappy bramble, hawthorn

and dog-rose thickets; low, often tumbledown stone walls; post-and-wire fences;

and shelterbelts and hedgerow lines of birch, ash and oak. As the valley narrows, its

constriction is emphasised by rounded clumps of Scots pine and mature ornamental

conifers framing Ardveich and a long finger of decidous woodland penetrates for over

2km into the glen.

The A85 runs across the bottom of the valley, separating it from the loch shore (which

is within the national park). The line of a disused railway can also be discerned running

roughly parallel to the trunk road, and beyond that an electricity pylon line. Both fetaures

are generally well absorbed by and unobtrusive within the landscape. Private access

tracks serve the farmsteads and houses which nestle at the entrance of the glen

Views at the mouth of the valley are generally across the fields, towards the loch and

hills beyond, framed by the high land either side of the little glen. The valley quickly

narrows to the north, and views here are much more enclosed and dominated by the

surrounding mountain slopes and the burnside woodland.

H7 Lower Glen Beich


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Settlement Pattern

Settlement is concentrated at the foot of Glen Beich, where several large, handsome

stone and slate farmsteads are sited. Soft greens, blues and rich russet reds have

been used to paint porches, doorways, barge-boards, window frames and outbuildings.

Summary

• Small discrete area enclosed by steep hillsides with a human-scale and sense of

intimacy.

• Marked contrast between the rough moorland of the mountain slopes and green

pastureland and woods of the lochside and valley farmland

• Rich natural heritage value of wet meadows and semi-natural woodland.

• Attractive vernacular buildings at the mouth of the glen.

• Forms part of the Creag Gharbh LLA.




and proximity to the national park.

• Loss of landscape features because of lack of active management, e.g. decline

in unfenced/unmanaged broadleaf woodland and replacement of tumbledown

dykes with fencing.

• Potential area of interest for new housing in the countryside and conversion of

traditional farm steadings to multiple-unit residential use.

• Potential for enhancement and some expansion of native broadleaf and/or mixed

woodland.

• Potential area of interest for farm-scale wind turbines in open areas.

• Potential area of interest for run-of river hydro schemes

H7 Lower Glen Beich



Particular sensitivities within the Lower Glen Beich Landscape:

• Small extent and intimate qualities of this landscape area makes it sensitive

to large-scale or cumulative effects of small-scale change, which could

quickly erode its tranquil, agricultural character.

• Role and importance of the landscape in respect of the wider Creag Gharbh

Local Landscape Area, and the attractive contrast provided with higher, open

ground.


• Safeguard prime nature conservation value of Dalveich Site of Special Scientific

Interest.

• Create a strategy and make the most of opportunities to protect, enhance and

expand existing woodland in the lower glen and on to surrounding hill slopes;

subject to safeguarding important grassland habitats and maintaining a careful

balance between open space and woodland



Planning Services

Infrastructure

Planning and Building Standards

Teith House

Kerse Road

Stirling

FK7 7QA

Stirling Council:

Phone 01786 404040 Email [email protected] www.stirling.gov.uk

Formats

If you need help or this information

supplied in an alternative format

please call 01786 404040.

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.stirling.gov.uk

l6 dykehead rolling valley farmland · a belt of glacial deposits on a north-south alignment cuts...

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