Moving to Dunblane/Doune/BofA area

[Eabhal]

Hi all, we are moving back to Scotland and are narrowed down to Dunblane or Doune, and possibly foothills Menstrie area. We are not from this part of Scotland, and with kids who have previously moved I am desperate to get the location right so they don't have to move again. Does anyone have any advice on areas to avoid? Dunblane appeals as I've heard a lot about good schools and a mix of incomers to the area, and good links to Edinburgh and Glasgow for DH work, but of course prices are higher. Doune looks lovely also but does anyone have any idea if Doune is welcoming to incomers or is more a local village, I have learned from DH home village not everywhere welcomes even Scottish incomers. Is Doune primary then commute to Dunblane HS a possible when the time comes? Are there many kids activities in Doune or do these require commuting? How is each for trails for kids' biking and playgrounds? Hope I've not asked too many questions, and thanks in advance for any help or advice anyone can offer.

Doune is a lovely place. I’m in Dunblane (and not Scottish) but I know several people who live in Doune and are very happy. I couldn’t see you having any issues with being an ‘outsider’. The playground is lovely and we often head over there for a play. There is also a really good bike trail from Doune to Dunblane along the old railway line which both my kids have learnt to ride on. There’s a decent selection of kids activities going on as far as I know, and absolutely loads in Dunblane so you’ll be well catered for. The buttercup cafe is lovely, the Woodside Hotel is about to open who already run an excellent restaurant in Dunblane and there are quite a few lovely independent shops.

I know a couple of families at Doune primary and both are very happy there. McLaren High in Callander is the catchment high school, so if you wanted to go to Dunblane you’d need to put in a placing request (i.e. apply to the council. for a place which will only be considered once all the kids in the catchment have been given a place and they know how many spare places are available). My kids aren’t at that stage yet so I don’t know how easy they are to get at the moment or how many kids come from Doune.

Thank you so much Librarybooksandacoconut, that's all so helpful. I love that both are linked by a trail. We had a lovely meal at the Riverside when we visited to see which areas we liked. Unfortunately we had lots of options then so we only spent a short amount of time in each place. We noticed lots of shops in Dunblane looked closed down, is that typical or just since lockdown? Would you still choose Dunblane over Doune personally?

Doune has always had a very high percentage of “incomers” and is a very welcoming village.

Depends what activities your kids are interested in? Swimming lessons are easier in Callander than the peak in Stirling but there are groups and things on in Doune depending on the age?

It’s very rare for kids to do P7 in Doune and then go to dunblane, everyone goes to mclaren it’s the better school 😉

Thank you Mrs Amaretto, its nice to hear Doune is a welcoming village. No specific interests for kids activities, just hoping there are opportunities to help kids socially integrate via local groups and activities. Good to hear Mclaren is highly thought of too, I realise switching to a different HS is a bad idea as it would separate kids from friends!

I live in Dunblane it's pretty great tbh! The train connections are what give it the edge my teenagers can independently go to Stirling for cinema, the Peak, shopping, McDonald's 🙄 etc etc etc. Hobby wise they can do everything pretty much under own steam. As examples from tennis to BBs to fencing, floorball, hand bell ringing cricket as well as mainstream football netball scouts/ guides etc. etc

As adults too we can be socialising in central Glasgow or Edinburgh- living room to city centre 45 mins Glasgow an hour and 10 Edinburgh walking out the front door to train station and away.

The community is big enough for folk kids and adults find their own tribe but also to rub along together. There absolutely are issues as everywhere am not kidding myself btw but for what you are describing you are after I think Dunblane fits the bill as your family grows up not just the early primary years.

The local patents at school are vastly outnumbered by those who move in for family life from central belt but also from all over the UK and further afield the local uni in Stirling is a big factor in that if that helps too...