Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park - Welcome

Gartmore

This summary profile is taken from the Gartmore Community Action Plan published in 2007.

Location

Gartmore is one mile off the main A81 Glasgow to Aberfoyle road, three miles to the south of Aberfoyle. It lies 18 miles from Stirling and 20 miles from Glasgow. The area is characterised by rolling farmland and forest with open views to the hills and mountains beyond the council boundary. As well as the village itself there are groupings of several dwellings at Dalmary and Crinigartand properties in ones or twos throughout the area.

Population

Over 500 people live in the Gartmore Community Council area, spread evenly between the village itself and the surrounding area. The population has been steadily growing, but there remains a healthy balance of age ranges, with a higher than national average percentage of under-19’s.

Housing

There is a dominance of owner occupation, with buoyant house prices and a reduction in public sector housing due to property sales. There are 8 Housing Association properties for rent in the village. There are no current plans for anything beyond individual developments.

Employment and The Local Economy

There is a very high proportion (three times the national average) of self employed individuals in Gartmore. A number of these have recently undertaken home improvements to facilitate business development, or moved to premises in Stirling. The main local employers are Gartmore House and Trossachs Holiday Park. However, many people commute from Gartmore on a daily basis.

Social and Community

The Community Council, Gartmore Association and the Community Trust all have a community-wide remit. The Gartmore News and the developing community website (www.gartmore-village.co.uk) provide valuable information. The community owns the Village Shop and Post Office, and also controls a wealth of facilities, all of which require upgrading.
There are numerous long-established village clubs and societies (for example, a Horticultural Society and WRI). More recently formed groups (for example, the Heritage Society and Forest Theatre Group) have established a valued reputation.
Gartmore does have to rely on larger neighbouring towns for most of its main services, but has some of its own that it values greatly –
  • The Village Shop and Post Office
  • The Primary School with all its wonderful developments
  • The local hotel and pub
  • The Village Hall and Village Club
  • Gartmore House
  • The volunteer transport scheme to Aberfoyle doctor’s surgery

Environment

Gartmore is in the heart of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, but is still high enough at 245 feet to have good views of the surrounding countryside. There are three sites of Special Scientific Interest in the area, and the National Cycle Route 7 passes through the village.
There are numerous walks and trails in and around the village, although some are falling into disrepair. Borland Wood has recently been sympathetically developed by the landowner, and the school has obtained Green Flag Ecostatus.

Heritage

Gartmore has a rich cultural heritage. The village itself is an excellent example of an 18th century planned estate village and has designated conservation status. Key heritage features include:
  • “Cup and Ring” stones
  • Gartartan Castle
  • Cunninghame Graham Memorial
  • Gartmore House
  • The Parish Church
  • Cayzer Burial Ground and “Moondial”

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