Background to the Dunblane Centre

Following the tragic shooting at Dunblane Primary School in 1996, many people from around the world sent money along with their condolences. Whilst much of that money was distributed to families directly affected, some was designated, by the donors, to help the community as a whole. That money was originally collected and managed by the Primary School, the Dunblane Fund and the Stirling Observer Help Fund. Since then the remaining funds have been have been managed by Dunblane Community Trust, on behalf of the community and the Primary School Trust, which has educational and support aims for young people.

For several years a group of volunteers have been running a youth club in Dunblane, initially at the old TA building and more recently from Duckburn Industrial Estate. In 1997 the TA building was bought for the community with the help of Dunblane Community Trust, with a view to refurbishment. The Trust later asked the youth club volunteers to combine their project with a community sports hall – using the site of the TA Centre for a combined new building.

A sub-group from the youth club set up the Dunblane Youth Project Trust (DYPT), and began the long task of planning and building the Dunblane Centre, which opened in September 2004. A new charitable organisation - Dunblane Youth and Sports Centre Trust was set up by the Trustees of DYPT to manage the building contract.

Funding for the Centre has come largely from the Dunblane Community Trust, with a large grant from SportScotland Lottery Fund and additional donations from other individuals and organisations, including the Dunblane Golf Club and the No Guns Fund. This paid for the building, and the equipment inside, but does not meet the running costs. The Centre is dependent on the fees and membership paid by users of the Centre and careful management of the facilities.

Who is in charge?

The Dunblane Centre was built by Dunblane Youth and Sports Centre Trust - a recognised Scottish Charity SC 027397. There is currently a board of Trustees/Directors (the DYSCT is a company limited by guarantee) who meet regularly, along with a number of co-opted individuals.

Overall responsibility for the Centre rests with the Trustees/Directors of Dunblane Youth and Sports Centre Trust.  Day to day running of the Centre is by the Centre Manager who reports to the Trustees