The Area

The Killin area, which includes the village of Killin and the smaller settlements at Ardeonaig, Glen Dochart and Glen Lochay, is one of great scenic beauty, set between the famous and spectacular Falls of Dochart, the western head of Loch Tay, and the mountains of Ben Lawers and the Tarmachans. The village acts as a service centre for the wider NorthWest Highland area of Stirling, animportant role given its distance from both Stirling and Perth.

The Population

The population of the Killin area has been growing steadily over the last 30 years. The population is now around 1000 compared to 880 15 years ago.

Housing

Our own estimate in 2006 is that there are around 450 houses in the area of which 63% are owner occupied. Overall there has been an increase in the number of houses to match the growth in the population. The decline in the social rented sector in the 80’s and 90’s has now been offset by new build housing for rent by Rural Stirling Housing Association in the last five years. The increase in house prices has been linked to second and holiday homes.

The Economy

There has been an increase in those economically active, particularly those in full time and self-employment. More people are commuting to work, although there is still a strong local economy linked to tourism, the public sector, local trades, retail and agriculture.

Community Organisations and Facilities

Amazingly there are over 40 different organisations in Killin. Local community facilities include the McLaren Hall, the new Church of Scotland community rooms, the library and the sports club. There are also current plans to build a new village hall at Ardeonaig.

Media, Communications and ICT

Killin has its own award winning website and local newspaper. Broadband can be accessed in the village centre but not in outlying areas. The Breadalbane Virtual Learning Centre provides internet learning cafés and courses for local people.

Health Care

Killin Health Centre provides GP services to Killin and the wider area, Monday to Friday 9 – 5 pm. The extended nurses’ clinic now provides a base for nurses, midwives and a range of outreach services. It is also available to paramedics for treating minor injuries. There is still no local dentist in the area. The nearest general hospital is currently Stirling Royal Infirmary. Kirk Care Sheltered Housing complex has 15 units and The Falls Dochart Retirement Home provides residential care for 10- 12 people.

Environment

The land around Killin is still a source of employment and its rivers, lochs and mountains are main reasons for people visiting the area.

Key features include:

• The farms and estates which manage the land and offer local employment
• Ben Lawers - with over 30,000 visits a year to the National Trust Visitor Centre. It is famous for its rare alpine plants and is a National Nature Reserve
• A number of other Munros and a range of walks
• The National Cycle Network which passes through Killin
• Fauna – which include Ospreys, Pine Martins and Red Squirrel
• 6 sites of Scientific Interest as well as 2 other sites of special note.

Heritage

Killin has a wealth of heritage and historical information to promote, dating from mythical Celtic past to recent times and the construction of the Hydroschemes. There is an opportunity to make its heritage more visible.

Key features include:

• Standing Stones and Stone Circles
• Fingal’s Stone
• St Fillan’s healing stones
• Killin Church
• The Clan history of the mills, Hydro Scheme and old railway
• Finlarig Castle Ruins
• Old Drove Roads
• Breadalbane Folklore Centre
• Moirlanich Longhouse, Glenlochy.