ASSOCIATION FOR THE PRESERVATION OF RURAL SCOTLAND (A.P.R.S.)
OFFICE-BEARERS
Honorary President . . Sir JOHN STIRLING MAXWELL, Bt., K.T.
President . . The Right Hon. The EARL OF GALLOWAY
Vice-President . . W. WALKER, A.R.E.
Chairman of Council . . W. FERRIS
Vice-Chairman of Council . . Commander H. C. COURTNEY CLARKE, D.S.O., R.N.
Honorary Secretary . . Sir FRANK C. MEARS, R.S.A., F.R.I.B.A.
Honorary Treasurer . . Sir MARK DALRYMPLE, Bt.
Organising Secretary . . J. T. MIDDLETON, W.S.
Office: 15 RUTLAND SQUARE, EDINBURGH, 1.
Telephone, FOUntainbridge 7631
ANNUAL REPORT, 1951
THE ONLOOKER SEES MOST OF THE GAME
By WM. FERRIS, Chairman of Council
The” onlooker” in this case is the Association for the Preservation of Rural Scotland, and the “game” is the individual interests which would despoil, often quite innocently, the natural beauty of our countryside. This “game” includes the purchasing of estates with the object of denuding them of their trees, without regard to their amenity value to the locality. It is reported that, despite the heroic efforts of the Forestry Commission in replanting, this country has the smallest acreage of trees in Europe.
The plan proposed by the Rt. Hon. Tom Johnston for the public to plant flowering trees and shrubs during the Festival of Britain year is welcomed by the Association, who are proud to be associated with the scheme. When fully developed, the shrubs will help to counteract the bad effect of misplaced and ugly advertisements in our countryside if the Local Authorities have not used their powers of limitation before then.
Some might think that with all the planning authority given to the counties, the work of the Association would be redundant. Yet, to give one small instance, we had to protest against a telephone kiosk being erected in an ill-chosen site from an amenity point of view, and to have it removed less than a hundred yards to a more convenient and suitable position.
Historic buildings are being listed throughout the country, but the needs of industry and taxation often come before architectural or historic value, and require day-to-day vigilance. It is well known that the needs of industry have polluted rivers and streams until now Parliament has decided to set up new measures to reduce or abolish the pollution of these natural waterways. Where, in the past, treatment of sewage has been neglected by Local Authorities, they will have a large and expensive task in hand to restore the rivers to their natural state. It seems unbelievable that a planning authority would design any present-day housing scheme without a modern plan for dealing with sewage, and yet this occurs. Since the war, many new schemes are piped into the convenient river, and add to its pollution. It is hoped that some day all Scottish rivers will feed the fish therein and not poison them. There is much to be done by the onlooker, and the more onlookers we have in Scotland, the better for the amenities. I hope that the report which follows will stimulate more ” onlookers” in all parts of the country.
CONTROL OF ADVERTISEMENTS
At the suggestion of the Rural Amenities Sub-Committee, a letter was sent to the clerks of all Scottish counties in July 1950, asking them to what extent steps had been taken to put into operation the powers conferred on them under the Advertisements Regulations, 1947, which would come into full operation in August 1951.
Under these Regulations, powers are given to Local Authorities to define ” areas of special control,” that is, areas which because of their beauty or historic interest require a special standard of control, and in which no advertisements except those displayed by a local or statutory authority, those of a temporary nature, or those relating to the premises on which they are erected, can be displayed.
In summarising the replies, it was found that (1) Inverness-shire, Perthshire, Dunbartonshire and Dumfriesshire had mapped out the whole county as areas of special control, with the exception of “built up ” areas. (2) Argyllshire, Roxburghshire and Berwickshire had taken no steps to define special areas, but were taking steps to challenge new advertisements and to control existing ones. (3) Moray, Nairn and East Lothian were taking no steps, the main reason for this being the very wide powers given under the Regulations, and the assurances given by the advertising firms that they would co-operate in ensuring that amenity would not be adversely affected. (4) Fife and Stirlingshire had made lists of advertisements along trunk-roads, with a view to controlling them after August 1951. (5) Kincardineshire had already challenged and removed certain time- expired advertisements. (6) Aberdeenshire, although such a large county,
made no mention of defining ” areas of special control,” but was making a classification of existing advertisements.
It will be seen from these replies how much members of the Association, living in different counties all over Scotland, can do in bringing to the notice of their County Councils any disfiguring advertisements at the entrance of villages and along main roads, so that they be challenged and removed. Further, where there are areas of special beauty in their own county, they should ask for them to be defined as ” areas of special control.”
Enquiry was made from the SCAPA Society for Prevention of Disfigurement in Town and Country in London as to their attitude towards Hotel Advertisements which spoil the approach to so many towns. In reply, the Committee was informed that advertisements at a considerable distance, such as “Hotel, 10 miles,” are not justifiable, and if disfiguring should be challenged. SCAPA also considers that all effort should be made to ensure that all rural areas be designated” areas of special control.”
Since the last report, Renfrewshire submitted their plan for an area of special control along the banks of the Clyde from the boundary of the Burgh of Port Glasgow and eastwards for about 4 miles to a point at Slateford Lodge near Bishopton.
A resident in Paisley was consulted as to other areas of special beauty in Renfrewshire which might also be scheduled, but after some consultation it was agreed to ask the County Council to give special attention to challenging individually the large advertisements erected along the main Kilmarnock Road, and to express the satisfaction of the Association that a beginning had been made in defining one “area of special control.”
Among other areas upon which the Association has made approach to the Local Authorities are the Glasgow-Stirling Road and the Soutra Hill Road.
PRESERVATION OF WOODLANDS
Loch Etive Woods
The County Council of Argyll made an Order under the powers given by the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act, 1947, which was confirmed by the Secretary of State for Scotland, which preserves a belt of woodlands on the shores of Loch Etive at Blackcrofts, North Connel.
In terms of the Order, compensation was paid to the timber contractors.
One of the Association’s members, who desires to remain anonymous, made a substantial contribution towards the County Council’s expenditure.
Knockfarrel Woods, Strathpeffer
The Council having learned that there was a possibility of these woodlands being felled, approached the Ross-shire County Council, and after some correspondence the owner of the ground is considering entering into a dedication agreement under which the woods, which are mature, will be felled, but it is hoped replanting will be carried out.
Kelly Estate Woods
The Association noted with pleasure that the Renfrewshire County Council had applied for a Preservation Order in respect of the Kelly Woods.
Festival of Britain
The Council was asked to nominate a representative to the Advisory Panel set up by the Festival of Britain Scottish Committee to advise Local Authorities on the planting of flowering trees and shrubs in roads and open spaces for the Festival of Britain. Mrs. Mackenzie Anderson was appointed. A gratifying response has come from a number of Local Authorities, and this, together with the extension of Tree Planting Week (as inaugurated by the Tree Lovers’ Society and Field Studies Council) beyond Glasgow to various Scottish counties, has given a great impetus to tree planting during the year.
Edinburgh Trees
The attention of the Association was drawn by a member to a report in the press that the City Parks Authority proposed to fell more of the few remaining trees in Edinburgh. After consultation with the Glasgow Tree Lovers’ Society, it was decided to invite the Cockburn Association to take up the matter. That Association, however, was unable to do so, but wished success to the formation of an Edinburgh or East of Scotland Branch of the Tree Lovers’ Society.
SALMON AND FRESHWATER FISHERIES (PROTECTION) (SCOTLAND) BILL
The Council has taken considerable interest in the Maconochie Poaching Report and this Bill which followed the Report, and made recommendations as necessary. Generally, the Council considers the Bill very satisfactory and equitable. It is hoped that it may have passed through its remaining stages by the time the Annual Meeting takes place.
River Pollution
The River Pollution Prevention Sub-Committee’s Report was published by the Department of Health for Scotland in January 1950, and it has received careful attention by the Council. Some suggestions and remarks were forwarded to the Department. The Association was subsequently invited to send a deputation to meet the Joint Under Secretary of State (Mr. T. Fraser) along with other bodies to discuss a skeleton outline of proposed new legislation. The Rt. Hon. the Earl of Haddington, Commander Courtney Clarke and the Organising Secretary formed the deputation, and subsequently reported that their proposals had been most sympathetically received by the Under Secretary.
The new Bill, Rivers (Prevention of Pollution) Scotland (No. 2) Bill, has now received its first reading in Parliament, and at first sight appears to be based on sound lines.
The Council has continued to press Local Authorities to remedy the pollution in their In the Tweed watershed of the three or four Burghs who have no satisfactory sewage disposal scheme, Jedburgh is infinitely the worst offender, and the Council has earnestly urged them to take action without waiting until they are obliged to do so by new legislation.
Pure Rivers Society
This Society is affiliated to the Association, and Commander Courtney Clarke, who acts in a liaison capacity between the two bodies, was warmly invited to attend the Annual General Meeting in London last November and to give a short address on River Pollution in Scotland. Commander Courtney Clarke was very much impressed with the large and keen attendance, about one hundred, most of whom represented individual Angling Clubs, and he reported to the Council on the excellent work the Society was undertaking.
BUILDINGS OF ARCHITECTURAL MERIT AND HISTORIC INTEREST
This Committee has maintained close touch with the authorities appointed for the protection of historical buildings and buildings of outstanding architectural merit. A special conference was held in order to ascertain what conditions were attached to the general survey of buildings in Scotland now being prepared under the Town and Country Planning Legislation, and also to know of means agreeable to the authorities whereby the Association might assist in the effort to make this survey complete.
One of those appointed by the Department of Health to visit and make lists of buildings throughout Scotland attended this conference. He outlined the methods adopted in this work, and replied to questions related to the activities of the Association submitted by members of our own Committee dealing with buildings of this category. Throughout this conference there was friendly co-operation and a desire to collaborate between the parties concerned.
FINANCE
There is appended a Statement of the Accounts for the year ending 31st December 1950 which shows that the income exceeded the expenditure by £45, 7s. 6d. Although this is satisfactory, the Council is anxious to be able to deal with every matter affecting the amenity of Rural Scotland and does not desire that the Association’s activities should be restricted by its annual income. Every member is requested to endeavour to increase the membership of the Association.
The Council once more desires to record its appreciation of the use of the rooms of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland.
MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
JAMES R. ADAM, M.B., Ch.B., Public Health Department, County Rooms, St. Boswells.
J. W. ALEXANDER, M.V.O., Langshaw, Moffat.
Mrs. MACKENZIE ANDERSON, 69 Southpark Avenue, Glasgow, W.2.
Mrs. BABINGTON, Woodville, Newtyle, Angus.
J. BARTHOLOMEW, Manor House, Inveresk.
H. MORTIMER BATTEN, Harlington, Skipton, Yorks.
E. S. BELL, Cranstonhill, Stirling.
Dr. JOHN BERRY, F.R.S.E., 15 Cluny Avenue, Edinburgh, 10. Capt. A. E. BORTHWICK, 8 Merchiston Crescent, Edinburgh, 10. Mrs. D. BROWNE, 5 Greenmount Avenue, Burntisland.
Dr. MELVILLE CLARK, 34 Bruntsfield Gardens, Edinburgh, 10.
Mrs. COWAN, Eastfield, Bowden, Melrose.
A. C. CROMAR, Scottish Youth Hostels Association, 7. Bruntsfield Crescent, Edinburgh, 10. Lady ANTONIA DALRYMPLE, Newhailes, Musselburgh, Midlothian.
A. C. DODDS, R.S.W., 4 Albert Terrace, Edinburgh, 10.
C. H. DODDS, 1 Albyn Place, Edinburgh, 2.
Miss E. J. GEDDES, 29 Drumbrae North, Barnton, Midlothian.
W. M. GLASS, 38 Drummond Place, Edinburgh, 3.
A. E. GORDON, A.R.I.B.A., 36 Heriot Row, Edinburgh, 3.
H. A. RENDAL GOVAN, 44 Queen Street, Edinburgh, 2.
ANGUS GRAHAM, M.A., F.S.A., 3 South Bridge, Edinburgh, 1.
A. GRAHAM, 1 Nelson Street, Edinburgh, 3.
L. GRAHAME-THOMSON, R.S.A., F.R.I.B.A., 6 Ainslie Place, Edinburgh, 3.
The Rt. Hon. THE EARL OF HADDINGTON, M.C., Mellerstain, Gordon, Berwickshire. Mrs. HEDDERWICK, 44 Coates Gardens, Edinburgh, 12.
Major GORDON HOME, Lessudden House, St. Boswells.
J. HUNTER, 9 Pollock Road, Bearsden.
W. H. JOHNSTON, 11 Randolph Place, Edinburgh, 3.
T. MACKINTOSH, W.S., 63 Queen Street, Edinburgh, 2.
J. SMELLIE MARTIN, Cheviot Place, Hope Street, Motherwell.
W. GLEN MUIR, 3 Palmerston Place, Edinburgh, 12.
B. N. H. ORPHOOT, Well House, Easter Belmont Road, Edinburgh, 12.
Major R. A. OSWALD, Cavens, by Dumfries.
Lord POLWARTH, 3 Albyn Place, Edinburgh, 2.
Sir DOUGLAS RAMSAY, Bt., 30 Ann Street, Edinburgh, 6.
Mrs. A. E. ROBERTSON, 17 Cluny Gardens, Edinburgh, 10.
The Rev. A. E. ROBERTSON, 17 Cluny Gardens, Edinburgh, 10.
Lt.-Col. I. ROSE, 89 Craiglockhart Road, Edinburgh, 11.
The SECRETARY, Royal Scottish Automobile Club, 8 Blythswood Square, Glasgow, C.2. ALAN STEWART-CLARK, 18 Lauder Road, Edinburgh, 9.
Sir SAMUEL S. STRANG STEEL, Bt., Philiphaugh, Selkirk.
COLIN THOMS, The Society of Scottish Artists, 25 York Place, Edinburgh, 1.
E. C. THOMSON, C.A., 69 George Street, Edinburgh, 2.
WM. WILSON, 11A Belford Mews, Edinburgh, 4.
ASSOCIATION FOR THE PRESERVATION OF RURAL SCOTLAND BALANCE SHEET as at 31st December 1950
[see pdf file]
ANNUAL MEETING, 1951
Your presence will be welcome at the Annual Meeting of the Association to be held within The Library, Royal Scottish Academy, Princes Street, Edinburgh, on Wednesday, 20th June 1951, at 3 p.m.
The Annual Report of the Association, including a Statement of Finances is printed overleaf.
BUSINESS
1. Minute of Annual General Meeting held on 26th September 1950.
2. Annual Report and Accounts.
3. Election of Office-Bearers.
4. Election of Members of Council.
5. Any other competent business.
FRANK C. MEARS, Hon. Secretary.
Edinburgh: Printed by T. and A. CONSTABLE LTD.