Events are being held in East Dunbartonshire libraries to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day – including tea VE Day on 8 May 1945 marked the official end of World War II in Europe – a pivotal date locally East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust has organised a series of events to mark the 80th anniversary: check out the themed display and handle wartime objects Saturday 3 May to Thursday 8 May (no need to book) Pop into the library and create bunting for the Victory Tea You can also make spitfire planes and test your knowledge with a child-friendly quiz Wednesday 7 May, 6-7pm – tickets are free, but must be booked. Linda McIntosh will deliver a fascinating talk which intertwines tragedy murder and the enduring essence of compassion – exploring a German plane crash near Lennoxtown on 7 May 1941 and a local family’s inspirational journey listen to nostalgic music played by George Burt and his Bookworms of Boogie You can also check out a display created as part of the VE Day commemorations which explores life in East Dunbartonshire during the Second World War – using photographs documents and personal stories to highlight the impact on local communities – from air raids and rationing to resilience Discover how the people of East Dunbartonshire faced the challenges of wartime Drop by and make bunting while enjoying a cuppa You can also search the British Newspaper Archive Monday 12 May, 6-7pm – tickets are free, but must be booked and browse ‘A Stitch in Time' display of wartime sewing and patterns The British Newspaper Archive will also be available to search People who remember the Clydebank Blitz will share their experiences and you can also browse the organisation’s latest exhibition 'Keep Calm and Carry On – The Home Front in Bearsden and Milngavie during World War II' For more information, visit the VE day webpage  For library opening hours All images courtesy of EDLC’s Archives & Local Studies David Exley, 43, preyed on the six and nine-year-olds at his home in Kirkintilloch. David Exley, 43, preyed on the six and nine-year-olds at his home in Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire, between July 2022 and January 2023. Construction worker Exley denied the allegations and claimed the six-year-old victim “rehearsed” his evidence to police officers. However, the first offender, Exley, was found guilty by Sheriff David Taylor of two charges of sexual assault. The sheriff said: “The similarities in time and place and the circumstances of the sexual assaults were such that each of the boys’ evidence corroborated each other. “Understand this, that all sentencing options are available to me. “This is a matter of the most serious nature.” One of the boys told the police officers in an interview that he recalled a “bald man leaving” his bedroom. The boy also stated that he heard Exley laughing. Both boys stated that they were touched by Exley. One boy claimed that this happened to him in a bathroom. Exley was put on the sex offenders register and granted bail pending sentencing next month. STV News is now on WhatsAppGet all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Follow STV News on WhatsAppScan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country '+scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text+' "+scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title+" "+scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text+" See earth and imagination mix to create magic at the latest exhibition in the Auld Kirk Museum The Kirkintilloch venue is hosting 'Pottering Around: A Decade of Participants’ and Tutor’s Work' between Saturday 8 March and Tuesday 15 April 2025 It's a free showcase of the super ceramics created during courses which have been running at the Barony Chambers Facilitator Meredith Crone has been providing inspiration firing up imaginations and working with promising potters locally for the last decade The official opening is on Saturday 8 March 2025 at 2.30pm Councillor Jim Gibbons – Chair of East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture (EDLC) Trust which operates the Auld Kirk and Barony Chambers – said a casual observer or just someone who’s curious about the magic of clay this exhibition aims to captivate and inspire "As well as exploring a wide range of pottery styles and techniques you can also find out a bit more about why people love the artform – which combines creativity resulting in unique and beautiful creations." ‘Pottering Around’ courses are held regularly as part of EDLC's ongoing Get Creative Programme which seeks to tap into East Dunbartonshire's rich history as a home for artists and manufacturers Classes foster a sense of community among the participants – creating a space for sharing knowledge and experiences For more information on the Creative Arts Programme, visit the EDLC website For more venue information, call 0141 777 3013 or visit the Auld Kirk Museum web page The Kirkintilloch Canal Festival was held to celebrate the town's historic connections with the waterways. The Kirkintilloch Canal Festival was created to celebrate the town’s historic connections with the waterways. However, the event, which attracts thousands to the marina in the East Dunbartonshire town, has been cancelled by the local authority due to monetary constraints. The chief executive of East Dunbartonshire Council has said “external funding” would be required to cover the full costs of £120,000. Ann Davie said: “As per the budget decision made at Council in March 2024, with an update in December 2024, the Kirkintilloch Canal Festival will not take place in 2025. “For the festival to take place in future, external funding to cover the full costs of £120,000 would need to be secured and done so in enough time to plan its delivery. Unfortunately, external funds weren’t available for 2025. “While the event will not go ahead this year, we will continue working to identify relevant external funding opportunities for future years.” Now, the Kirkintilloch BID (Business Improvement District), which represents around 150 local businesses, is leading a campaign to create a new event in the town to bring the community together. The group is now exploring what funds can be made available to make sure the town has a festival to look forward to this summer. An emergency community meeting is being planned for the coming weeks to discuss what can be done to ensure that an event does go ahead. A spokesperson for the Kirkintilloch BID said: “We want to galvanise the local community to ensure a similar event goes ahead this summer, such as a community festival. “The festival, in its current form, may have been cancelled. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t take this as an opportunity to build something new, something sustainable, and something that keeps the heart of the event alive. “This Canal Festival was a much-loved annual event which showed Kirkintilloch at its finest, while being a key driver for the local economy and attracting tourists to the area. “Many local businesses had already started planning for this event and were relying on the income that the event generated. “To cancel the festival now is a major blow to the community and business. We are determined to do everything we can to ensure there is still a date in the calendar for everyone in Kirkintilloch to look forward to. “We are in talks with the council to get a breakdown of the event plans to see what external funding we can get to start planning for a new Community Festival. Plans are also underway to organise an emergency community meeting to formulate a plan of action. “We are reaching out to anyone in the area who can help with funding or ideas to come forward.” Looking to serve up a surprise Christmas present for a pal or loved one Treat them to an audience with the actor behind Scottish telly's best-known barman at Kirkintilloch Town Hall next March Gavin Mitchell – aka Boabby from hit TV show ‘Still Game’ – will have patrons in high spirits with behind-the-scenes anecdotes The acclaimed actor and comedian became a household name playing Boabby the barman across nine series of ‘Still Game’ – spanning 62 episodes 21 years and a record-breaking run of live shows at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow he received the Best Actor award at the 2019 Scottish Comedy Awards 'Look Who It Isnae – An Audience with Gavin Mitchell' will take place in Kirkintilloch Town Hall – Union Street General admission tickets and a limited number of VIP 'meet & greets' are available now Gavin has also starred in TV shows such as ‘Happy Hollidays’ as well as films including ‘Outlaw King’ and ‘Being Human’ 'Look Who It Isnae' will take the audience on a journey through more than 30 years of theatre There will also be a chance to ask the Scottish showbiz star questions "It's going to be an unforgettable experience for the fans … and for me as well!" which operates Kirkintilloch Town Hall – said "We're looking forward to a memorable night as we welcome Gavin to our historic venue This follows hot on the heels of the sell-out show featuring fellow actor Paul Riley – who played Winston in ‘Still Game’ – at the town hall last month The show starts at 7.30pm on Saturday 15 March 2025 and there will be a licensed bar – doors open at 6.30pm for pre-event refreshments A standard ticket costs £22 (plus booking fee) and a VIP 'meet and greet' is £37 (plus booking fee) – which includes priority seating You can book tickets online For more information on upcoming events from EDLC, visit the EDLC website Police were called to Donaldson Street in Kirkintilloch after a disturbance broke out on Thursday, The incident broke out on Donaldson Street, near Muirhead Street, in Kirkintilloch around 5pm on Thursday. Five men aged 48, 58, 57, 54, and 34 have been arrested and charged in connection with the disturbance. Two of the men received treatment for facial injuries at the scene. The group were expected to appear at Glasgow Sherriff Court on Friday. Detective Sergeant Gary Boyle of CID said: “I am appealing for anyone who was in the area and witnessed the incident to come forward. “I would ask residents who live in the area to check doorbell footage and motorists to check dash-cam footage, you have may have captured something that can assist our investigation. “Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting 2609 of Thursday, February 27, 2025.” Take a walk down memory lane as history is brought to life through a series of thought- provoking events to celebrate Local History Month this March organised by East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust in partnership with East Dunbartonshire’s heritage and history groups will run from Saturday 1 March until Saturday 29 March Exhibitions and activities celebrating East Dunbartonshire's rich history – including walks exhibitions and discussions - have been organised at venues across the area Learn more about the fascinating lives of local people at the Women in the Community display at Lenzie library if you want to trace your own family history then sign up for a taster session on researching your family tree at William Patrick library in Kirkintilloch William Maley will deliver a fascinating lecture on the Scots and the Spanish Civil War in Bearsden while football fans can enjoy a tour of the new Kirkintilloch Community Sports Complex and learn about the history of Rob Roy FC guided walks are taking place across East Dunbartonshire including an informative circular walk round Kirkintilloch’s Waterside and a heritage walk at Dougalston Woods in Milngavie He added,“I would urge everyone to get involved and find an event which appeals to them whether that be exploring our industrial heritage stepping back into the social history of our towns walking in the footsteps of our predecessors in one of the guided walks.” The full Local History Month 2025 programme is now available on the EDLC website For more information on any of the events contact archives@eastdunbarton.gov.uk  or call 0141 777 3142 If you want to find your local heritage or history group visit the East Dunbartonshire Heritage and History Forum website You can also go on your own heritage and art walk exploring local stories on routes with QR codes. Downloadable maps can be found at www.trailsandtales.org Members of NASUWT-The Teachers’ Union believe there are no serious consequences for poor behaviour. Staff at Kirkintilloch High School say the move is in response to alleged incidents of regular verbal abuse, some violent incidents and pupils being allowed to roam corridors and shared spaces in the school when they should be in class. Members of NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union believe there are no serious consequences for poor behaviour and an overuse of ineffective restorative approaches to managing incidents of abuse. Staff also believe that neither the school or the local authority appear to have done anything significant to embed the key points of the National Action Plan on Relationships and Behaviour announced by the cabinet secretary last August. Dr Patrick Roach, NASUWT general secretary, said: “We have been seeking to engage in negotiations with the employer for some months now, but we have not seen any evidence to date that this issue is being treated with the urgency or seriousness it deserves. “We are calling on the employer to engage meaningfully with us as a matter of urgency to ensure that effective measures are put in place to address the behaviour problems that have been identified by our members.” The initial industrial action, which begins on February 5, will involve refusing to cover for absent colleagues and refusing to undertake any additional voluntary duties such as extracurricular clubs, trips, or study classes outside of their contracted working hours. Mike Corbett, NASUWT Scotland national official, added: “Members feel blamed and gaslit by management for the poor behaviour of pupils. They report being told at debriefing meetings that their lessons are ‘not fun or engaging enough’. “A culture where there are no consequences for poor behaviour is not setting up pupils well for adult life and fails the employers’ duty of care towards its staff. “The continued failure of the employer to take the concerns of our members seriously and act on them with any urgency means we have been left with no option than to begin a campaign of industrial action. “We will not let our members be left exposed to abuse and violence.” Ann Davie, chief executive of East Dunbartonshire Council, said: “We are aware of the planned action by NASUWT members at Kirkintilloch High School. “We have fully engaged with the school management regarding NASUWT staff concerns and we are currently in discussions with the union to try to resolve the issues they have brought forward.” Kirkintilloch East & North and Twechar ward following the resignation of Councillor Susan Murray Residents in this ward will go to the polls on Thursday 13 February 2025 to select a new Councillor Detailed plans are currently being developed including the timetable of key dates and deadlines such as publication of the Notice of Election the nomination period and deadlines for voters to apply for postal votes All of these will be published on the Council website Chief Executive of East Dunbartonshire Council and Returning Officer said “Following the resignation of Councillor Susan Murray on Saturday 30 November plans have now begun for an election in Ward 7 Kirkintilloch East & North and Twechar “We can now confirm the election will take place on Thursday 13 February Further information and key dates for candidates and the electorate will be confirmed over the coming weeks and published on our website and social media channels.” More than 150 senior pupils from seven East Dunbartonshire schools* recently had an insight into what they can expect at Secondary School if they are interested in Science The P7 students attended the Kirkintilloch STEM Festival in the Town Hall arranged by the Council’s Primary Science Development Officer working for Raising Aspirations in Science Education (RAiSE) programme and the Developing the Young Workforce - Lanarkshire & East Dunbartonshire (DYW LED) Team for pupils in the Kirkintilloch High catchment area RAiSE is a programme of Education Scotland and participating local authorities to empower primary teachers with the confidence and networks to develop and deliver motivating and exciting STEM opportunities Around 20 industry partners attended and provided the young people with a range of exciting hands-on activities and lots of important information fingerprint forensics and more to demonstrate that these subjects play a huge role in our daily lives can be fun and provide job opportunities for the future Each partner delivered a short interactive workshop with explicit links to STEM that learners might not have thought about before Convener of East Dunbartonshire’s Education Committee This was an excellent way to build on the STEM learning already taking place in our schools." “It showed how these subjects apply to real-life situations and I’m sure will have sparked an interest in some students who have never considered the importance and opportunities offered by STEM before It’s an outstanding addition to the transition year for these P7s I’d like to thank all our partners who helped deliver it and hope that we see more of these invaluable events in the future.” “Our Primary 7 pupils had a phenomenal time at the Kirkintilloch STEM Festival The children were inspired from start to finish DYW LED’s Programme Executive Team Leader added “Developing the Young Workforce Lanarkshire & East Dunbartonshire in partnership with RAiSE were thrilled to offer this opportunity to Primary 7 pupils and it’s essential to prepare them for the world ahead “It was fantastic to see so many pupils excited to participate in the amazing hands-on workshops provided by employers Giving them the opportunity to explore the wonders of Science and Maths opens up a world of future career possibilities.” There are discussions about similar projects in other cluster areas and more events are being planned as part of British Science Week 2025 ** The participating schools were: Craighead Primary Emergency services were called to Kirkintilloch's Southbank Road following reports of a person in the Forth and Clyde Canal. Emergency services were called to Kirkintilloch’s Southbank Road following reports of a person in the Forth and Clyde Canal around 5.10pm on Sunday. A woman was taken to hospital following the incident. Her condition is currently unknown. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were called around 5.10pm on Sunday, January 12, 2025, to a report of a person in the water near to Southbank Road, Kirkintilloch. “Emergency services attended and a woman was taken to hospital.” A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 5.03pm on Sunday, January 12 to reports of a person in the water near Canal Bridge in Kirkintilloch. “Operations Control mobilised two fire appliances specialist resources to the scene. “One person was removed from the water and placed to a position of safety before they were handed into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service. “Crews then left the scene after ensuring the area was made safe.” Emergency services were called to Donaldson Street in Kirkintilloch at around 5pm after reports of an incident. Two men, aged 34 and 55, received treatment to facial injuries at the scene. The pair were arrested in connection with the disturbance. An investigation to establish the full circumstances is still ongoing. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “At 5pm on Thursday, February 27, 2025 officers attended Donaldson Street, Kirkintilloch after reports of a disturbance. “Two men, aged 34 and 55, were treated at the scene for facial injuries. “Both men were arrested in connection and enquires are ongoing.” Thousands of people will soon set a course for the 2024 Kirkintilloch Canal Festival to enjoy the popular celebration of all things nautical and nice Saturday (31 August) and Sunday (1 September) will offer a magical mix of family entertainment There's a flotilla of fun on the way for everyone: The main weekend – Saturday 31 August and Sunday 1 September – offers a packed programme of entertainment "The festival regularly attracts thousands of visitors to East Dunbartonshire – providing a range of family fun and boosting the local economy." there will be parking and road restrictions over the weekend Free park and ride services are available throughout the Sunday afternoon – to and from Lenzie Station for those arriving by train and to and from Broomhill Depot (Kilsyth Road Kirkintilloch) – making it easier for people to park on what will be a very busy day Pet owners should also be aware that there will be fireworks on Saturday night at around 9.15pm The annual festival is organised by the Council in conjunction with a range of partners It is being supported by EventScotland’s National Events Funding Programme and resources allocated by the Council from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund For more information, visit the canal festival webpage and visit the canal festival website.  From canoeing and classic cars to a flight simulator and a real aircraft – get ready for a Sunday Funday to remember at this year's Kirkintilloch Canal Festival East Dunbartonshire Council is working with a range of partners including Kirkintilloch Baptist Church and Police Scotland 5-10pm) will include a free live music concert DJ and spectacular fireworks at Southbank Marina Free activities such as canoeing and archery and live music and performances on stage – including East Dunbartonshire’s remarkable Rock Choir climbing wall and roller disco – so prepare to get your skates on a chance to relax with a cocktail and a bar Free fun includes a flight simulator and – for the first time ever – a real Cessna 150 aircraft There will also be cream teas in the Greenhouse Café (donation required) Check out the newly-transformed Regent Gardens while enjoying performances by Scottish tribal band Clann An Drumma Dunbartonshire Concert Band and the Juggling Gent Emergency services were called to Donaldson Street, near Muirhead Street, in Kirkintilloch at around 5pm on Thursday. Two men received treatment for facial injuries at the scene. Five men were charged in connection and three appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Friday. John Channon of North Lanarkshire faced charges of attempted murder, danger to life, impairment, permanent disfigurement and assault to severe injury. He was also charged with failing to stop a vehicle after being required to do so by police. The 57-year-old made no plea. He has been committed for further examination and remanded in custody. Derek Hendry and Paul Began also made no plea during an appearance in court. Hendry, a 48-year-old from Kirkintilloch, was charged with assault to injury, behaving in a threatening manner, and being in possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. Began, a 28-year-old from Kirkintilloch, was charged assault to injury and behaving in a threatening manner. Both Hendry and Began were committed for further examination and released on bail. Their next appearance has not yet been confirmed. all working to support the health and wellbeing of the people of East Dunbartonshire are coming together for the second Community Connections: Meet the Services event in Kirkintilloch later this month Representatives from East Dunbartonshire Council East Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership and from partner public and third sector organisations will be available to speak to local people answer their questions and offer any help and support they need Anyone living in the area who already uses health and social care services or who would like to find out more about the help available to them Organised by the East Dunbartonshire Health & Social Care Partnership (HSCP) the open day will be informal and friendly with lots of opportunities to chat Visitors can chat with service representatives and get support and signposting on anything from substance use support for people who are neurodivergent and their families and housing queries to volunteering opportunities fitness information and tips on consumer safety As well as Council and HSCP professionals from Housing Trauma Informed Practice Team and many more there will be an opportunity to learn about: Chair of the HSCP Integration Joint Board said “I’m delighted that this event is back for a second year giving local people an opportunity to meet those delivering vital services within their community get practical help and know that there is help right on their doorstep “My thanks to the East Dunbartonshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership and the ACEs and Trauma Collaborative who are organising the event and to everyone who is coming along to offer information and advice on the day.” caricatures and getting groovy on the move – check out the latest additions to the 2024 Kirkintilloch Canal Festival noon-5pm) will offer a treasure chest of family fun at various locations around the town – including Southbank Marina Regent Gardens and the Kirkintilloch Police Station grounds Create ED in Cowgate is inviting people to add to a special Canal Festival Postcard Wall. Entries must be in by 24 August, with prizes on offer. For more details, visit the canal festival website. there will be a free evening concert and fireworks display at Southbank Marina (5-10pm) on Saturday 31 August – starring HavanaBlonde External events include the Spirit of Alba Festival in Kirkintilloch Town Hall – a celebration of spirits and craft beverages from around the world – with tickets available in advance for two Saturday sessions (noon-3pm and 4-7pm) and boat trips on the Forth and Clyde Canal on the Saturday and Sunday (pay on the day) There will also be boat trips in the days leading up to the main Kirkintilloch Canal Festival weekend: For more information, visit the canal festival webpage  and visit the canal festival website  'Tis the season to start ‘thinking festive’ with events taking place decorations being dusted off and shopping lists being drawn up Yule be glad to know there's a flexible present available which delivers the gift of choice and supports local businesses into the bargain The East Dunbartonshire Gift Card is a key feature of the Scotland Loves Local campaign being led by Scotland’s Towns Partnership – supported by the Council and Kirkintilloch and Milngavie Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) Cards can be spent at any participating shop You can order a card online via the Town and City gift cards website Funds can then be added online by visiting the load the card website For more information, including FAQs, visit our gift card web page Convener of East Dunbartonshire Council's Place Neighbourhood and Corporate Assets Committee "The East Dunbartonshire Gift Card is a lovely present for a friend or loved one – allowing them to buy what they want Christmas lights are starting to twinkle above town and village centres across East Dunbartonshire Milngavie BID is hosting the Merry Milngavie Christmas event in the town centre on Saturday 23 November 2024, from 1-5pm – including a parade starring Santa and real reindeer, live music, Christmas tree switch-on and lots of family fun. Visit the Milngavie bid Facebook page for more details "Community businesses are at the heart of the East Dunbartonshire economy – providing jobs as well as vital services and goods Please think and spend local wherever possible – the gift card is a great way to do just that." The Kirkintilloch Christmas Market and Funfair takes place on Saturday and Sunday, 30 November and 1 December 2024 in Barleybank Car Park, Kirkintilloch – 11am-5pm. There will be a variety of stalls – including a number showcasing local businesses – live music and entertainment, fun rides, food and drink, and a chance to meet Santa. Visit the Kirkintilloch Bid Facebook page for more details services and hospitality venues whenever you can The gift card supports community businesses and is the perfect Christmas gift.” If you’re a business and you want to accept the East Dunbartonshire Gift Card, it couldn’t be easier – and it’s FREE! Visit the town and city gift card website for information There are no registration costs and payments are processed as part of the Mastercard network It’s also the perfect present if you’re planning to reward your staff this Christmas – give the gift of local The Scotland Loves Local Gift Cards are being delivered through Miconex's Town & City Gift Card program Police, fire and ambulance crews were all in attendance at the scene as they pulled the man from the water. Emergency services were called to the Forth and Clyde canal near Hillhead Road in Kirkintilloch around 9.45am on Monday following reports of a person in difficulty in the water. Police, fire, and ambulance crews were all sent to assist the man who was eventually pulled from the water. Scottish Fire and Rescue sent specialist resources as part of the rescue operation. The man was taken by ambulance to Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Police Scotland confirmed they received a report of a man having fallen into the canal around 9.45am. A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson added: “We were alerted at 9.46am on Monday, October 14 to reports of a person in water at Hillhead Road, near Hillhead Bridge, Kirkintilloch. “Operations Control mobilised two fire appliances and specialist resources to the area. “Firefighters assisted a person in difficulty and placed them into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service. “Crews left the scene after ensuring the area was made safe.” A Scottish Ambulance Spokesperson said: “We received a call at 9.49am to attend an incident on Hillhead Road, Kirkintilloch. We dispatched one ambulance to the scene and one patient was transported to Glasgow Royal Infirmary.” best known as Winston in BBC and Netflix comedy Still Game ‘The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot’ to Kirkintilloch Paul became a household name as part of the much-loved iconic Scottish comedy and on Saturday 23 November the people of East Dunbartonshire can see his show at Kirkintilloch Town Hall With a career spanning over 35 years of acting the double BAFTA award-winner will be discussing his journey through life so far including varied themes such as: an ecumenical debate with a bishop about ET; partying with Motörhead and being held at gun point by armed police he will tell you how he once locked the Krankies in a cupboard.. This show promises to be a unique and hilarious evening with one of comedy's favourites This show is suitable for those aged 18+ only Tickets are on sale now from www.redshoeentertainment.co.uk  There are limited VIP tickets for a pre-show meet and greet with photo and merchandise signing opportunity Please note that we must limit merchandise items to a maximum of four per person A flat near Glasgow has hit the market for a bargain price of just £25,000 The property on Muirhead Street in Kirkintilloch has been described as a "fantastic opportunity" Other properties in the block sold for more than double the one-bedroom flat's guide price The property is also part double-glazed and it has gas central heating It comes with access to a rear garden via the bedroom and there is on-street parking at the front of the building Due to water damage, Seller Future Property Auctions said the doer-upper needs "comprehensive refurbishment". The central heating is also untested and unchecked. But after renovation FPA said it could be an "ideal" flat to lease out. It is also close to local amenities and the main streets of Townhead and Cowgate Kirkintilloch is also an ideal commuter town for those who work in Glasgow as it is a 15-minute drive from the city centre and 10 minutes by train The flat will be available for offers during an online auction on January 23 Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click here Ahoy shipmates - boat trips are being held to whet the appetite ahead of this year's Kirkintilloch Canal Festival main weekend - with fabulous tales whisky tasting and bubbles & breakfast on the menu You can enjoy a cruise on the Forth and Clyde as part of themed events (advance booking required for all): magic and marvellous fun in the company of storyteller Allison Galbraith The perfect chance to take time out and take in the sights along the Forth and Clyde Canal – enjoying breakfast and a glass of your choice Savour the sights from the boat while you savour of the delights of a traditional fish tea from Ghiloni’s Cafe Tickets cost £17 for adults and £7 for children (up to age 10) Spirit of Alba is back on board to take you on a whisky-tasting voyage – combining a leisurely cruise and some of the finest examples of Scotland's national tipple payment can only be made via Kirkintilloch Community Hub and must be made in advance The boats will depart from Southbank Marina – heading towards Bishopbriggs – and then return The trips are being organised by East Dunbartonshire Council – in conjunction with the Forth & Clyde Canal Society – as part of this year's Kirkintilloch Canal Festival which culminates in a wonderful weekend of fun for all the family on Saturday 31 August (5-10pm) and Sunday 1 September (noon-5pm) The Council is working with a range of partners to compile a packed programme – which will include a free live concert “The annual celebration is a popular fixture in the local calendar – bringing together people from all over East Dunbartonshire and beyond For the latest updates, follow the Council on social media and visit the Council's Canal Festival webpage and the Kirkintilloch Canal Festival website  Residents are being a chance to find out about proposals to build around 51 affordable homes in Kirkintilloch at a drop-in event being held in August in partnership with Coltart Earley Architects McTaggart Construction and the Council’s development partners hub West Scotland is proposing to develop an area of land known locally as Cleddans Playing Fields or Tottie Park to the east of Whitehill Avenue in Hillhead and west of Loch Lea Mossgiel Gardens and Alloway Grove in Harestanes but was allocated in the Local Development Plan for residential development in 2017 The proposal is to build 51 affordable homes for social rent on the site which would include cottage flats and terraced homes ranging from 1,2,3 and 4 bedroom properties The development will be made possible through the allocation of grant funding from the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme organised by the Council’s Housing Investment Team will give residents an opportunity to view the initial proposals Date: Tuesday 20 August 2024 Time: 3-7pm Venue: Hillhead Community Centre If you can’t make the drop in event then the information displayed at the exhibition will also be available on the consultation pages of the Council’s website from Monday 12 August Anyone who wishes to make comments on the proposal can do so via an online survey which will run from Monday 12 August until Friday 23 August “There will be experts on hand to answer questions and provide further details on the plans and drawings that are being proposed to help us successfully deliver much needed affordable homes in this area I hope people can attend and let us know their views.”  A second drop in event will take place on Wednesday 25 September from 3-7pm at Hillhead Community Centre where feedback will be provided on the views gathered during this first event which will be submitted in support of the planning application Please note that comments made at this stage are not formal representations to the planning authority Once a planning application is submitted a further opportunity to make representations to the planning authority on any development proposals will be made available A highlight of East Dunbartonshire's cultural calendar takes place this month in the heart of Kirkintilloch The 52nd Annual Art Exhibition is being held at the Auld Kirk Museum from Saturday 17 August until 19 September 2024 This year's show - which is supported by the Auld Kirk and East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture (EDLC) Trust - will feature around 100 works from artists from Kirkintilloch The official opening and prize-giving ceremony takes place at the Kirkintilloch museum on Saturday 17 August from 2.30pm and all are welcome The event was founded by artist Dick Stevenson in 1970 to showcase local amateur and professional artists and was initially held in his small gallery in Townhead That inspired then-Provost Bill Leslie to suggest a competitive exhibition in Kirkintilloch Town Hall in 1971 It has grown from there to a popular annual celebration at the Auld Kirk Museum Honours will include the Anne Stevenson Memorial Prize for the best watercolour named after Mr Stevenson’s late first wife The winner will receive a silver salver and a commissioned Ceramic piece by Merideth Crone The 52nd Annual Art Exhibition takes place from Saturday 17 August until 19 September 2024 at the Auld Kirk Museum For more information, call 0141 777 3013 or visit the EDLC website(link is external) Children in Kirkintilloch have been spinning springing and swinging to their hearts’ delight thanks to a brand-new play park installed by East Dunbartonshire Council The new facility has recently opened at the town’s Luggie Park and is the latest in a series of park upgrades that have taken place this year The colourful new play area – which replaces the original playpark installed in 2006 – cost £110,000 to construct and was funded by the Scottish Government’s Renewing Scotland’s Play Park Funding and EDC Capital Funding Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets committee “The Council is delighted with this fantastic new play park and the local community seems to be enjoying it too as it continues to be busy throughout the day “This investment shows the commitment the Council has to upgrading as many play areas as possible for the benefit of our young people The play area has a wide variety of new equipment laid on an all-weather surface and includes various swings There is also plenty to keep younger kids busy including a spinning cup a couple of “springies” and a climbing unit there are two new units which are the first of their kind to be installed in Scotland - a rocket roller spinner guaranteed to make you dizzy and a wave stepper for young people to test their balancing skills There are also various sensory panels and a sensory totem pole as well as a couple of new benches to complete the works