Creative Dunblane welcomes Jackie Kay for the official
Re-Opening of Dunblane’s Burgh Chambers

Creative Dunblane marked a major milestone in May 2026 with the grand re-opening of the Burgh Chambers, welcoming acclaimed poet and former Scots Makar Jackie Kay to officially cut the ribbon.

Jackie treated the audience – which included guests from Stirling Council, local businesses and volunteers – to several short poetry readings, before touring the newly renovated space, including the Jackie Kay Room in honour of her outstanding contribution to literature and the arts.

Following the official ceremony, Jackie took part in a special poetry event in the evening – Creative Dunblane’s first major event since the transformation of the former Stirling Council offices into a vibrant hub for community creativity, now home to the Dunblane Makers Space and Community Co:Working Hub.

The sold-out evening event brought together voices from across the local community, featuring poetry readings from Jackie Kay herself, alongside local poet Chris Powici and talented young writers Lexie Dobson and Miliana Ratu from local high schools.

This landmark occasion represents a new chapter for the Burgh Chambers, reimagined as a welcoming space for artistic expression, collaboration and community engagement.

Jackie said: “It was a huge joy to meet all the volunteers and makers behind the newly refurbished Burgh Chambers. It is uplifting to know what community spirit can achieve! And a special honour for me to have a room named after me!”

See more pictures of the Grand Reopening here

CREATIVE DUNBLANE

Creative Dunblane is a community initiative organised and run by local people who give their time voluntarily. We are a charity (SCIO) supported by local artists, makers and advisers.

We are based at Dunblane’s Burgh Chambers, The Cross, Dunblane FK15 0AG. We aim to provide an area for cultural and creative activities.

Key initiatives include the establishment of Dunblane Makerspace and a Community Co:working Hub. In our newly refurbished rooms, we are looking to host a range of community, artistic & cultural activities.

COMMUNITY CO-WORKING

Our Community Co:working Hub is designed for individuals seeking a bright and welcoming workspace in the Town Centre, easily accessible by walking or cycling from home.

We highly value the networking and sense of community that a shared workspace fosters.

The Hub offers hotdesking workspaces, artists’ spaces, meeting rooms and a common area, accommodating up to 20 co-workers.

To find out more about the Co:working Hub and to book a Free Trial, head to our Co:working page

DUNBLANE MAKERSPACE

The Makerspace was set up to give the local community access to and training on 3D printers, a laser cutter and a CNC machine.

The project is run by 40+ Makers who hold regular open days and drop-in sessions. They also work directly with local high school students.

Makers have undertaken commissions for many local groups including signage for the Laigh Hills orchards, medallions for the Dunblane road race and animal signs for the Ecofest.