The local authority area was battered by a blast of heavy snow and severe winter weather in late February when the now infamous storm swept its way across Scotland.
Many roads in and out of Stirling were blocked by snow and drifts, or traffic ground to a halt by the extreme conditions, while clusters of residents were stranded in their rural villages as the icy weather isolated outlying communities.
The unforeseen conditions heralded the first ever Red Warning from the Met Office for Scotland and saw a demand for an immediate and emergency response placed on Council staff and partners, requiring them to spring into action and go above and beyond to keep essential services running.
Over the past week the Council paid tribute to those who answered the call with a duo of special civic receptions held by the Provost, Christine Simpson the first of which took place at Balfron High School last Thursday with a second ceremony held at Old Viewforth on Monday, April 23.
Stirling Council leader, Councillor Scott Farmer, said: “The so called Beast from the East will last long in the memory for everyone in Stirling given the impact it had on the area.
“The ripple effect of such severe weather spread far and wide across both our rural and urban communities but thankfully we had a band of dedicated, selfless and caring staff and partners who did all they could to make sure people stayed safe.
“From the gritters and ploughs who battled the elements to keep roads clear, to care home staff who walked miles through heavy snow to look after our elderly and infirm; Or the search and rescue teams who helped outlying communities, to school workers and families who cleared playgrounds and streets.
“These people, along with many others in front and behind the scenes, did their best to keep Stirling Council and the local authority area running and we thank them for all their efforts.”
During the first two days of the storm the roads teams and partners worked to free the blocked roads and 4x4 vehicles were deployed to help staff get to their essential service shifts in care homes and home care services. The Tayforth Machinery ring – a group of farmers with heavy plant - was called into action to help clear the snow.
Many Council staff walked through the deep snow to get to their workplace, with one kennel keeper walking 11 miles in deep snow to the Bandeath Dog Shelter to care for the animals, and staff from the Contact Centre walking in to the centre of the city to ensure the phones were covered at all times. Bus Station staff kept the ticket centre open so that people could seek shelter, and Catering staff responded to a call for food for people who had been stranded overnight on the M80.
As the storm continued, Cemetery staff braved the conditions to ensure funerals could progress, Council Registrars got creative to ensure weddings could continue, and Community Councils helped coordinate local support.
Alongside this, the Council gritter drivers were out in the most challenging of conditions, while communities also rallied round to clear playgrounds and routes to schools to make sure life could go back to normal for as many as possible over the weekend.
All schools opened on Monday 5th March, and offices were back to normal although conditions in some rural areas remained a challenge and work continued to open up routes until the following day when contact was established again.
Councillor Evelyn Tweed who attended the Balfron event and covers the Trossachs & Teith ward said: “Few areas of Scotland bore the brunt of the recent bad weather like Stirling’s rural communities so it was such a relief that we had so many members of staff and loyal partners who were there to help.
“This was a worrying time for many people in my ward as being rural many can feel isolated but I saw a remarkable effort from all manner of departments, working together to keep people safe, warm and fed in what was some of the worst weather in recent memory.
“Their endurance and perseverance should rightly be recognised and we thank them all for putting on a smile in the face of adversity to get the job done.”
Councillor Danny Gibson, Depute Leader of Stirling Council, said: “These events were a great opportunity to say a special thank you to the staff and partners whose efforts kept our essential services running.
“The bad weather had a huge impact on the area and we are grateful so many people were there to put in the extra hours to keep things going.”
Picture by Whyler Photos shows staff, partners and councillors at Balfron High School.