Save Gillies Hill is a community organisation and registered charity (#SC038687) in Central Scotland, attempting to protect the historic and environmentally beautiful Gillies Hill from destruction by quarrying, or intrusive development, thus preserving the habitat, heritage and history of the Hill for present and future generations. Reflecting public opinion as expressed in donations, letters, e-mails, calendar-sales, attendance at meetings, above all, at our annual protest March of the Gillies when, led by pipers under the excellent leadership of Stewart Marshall, and with Strathleven Artisans dressed superbly as Robert the Bruce and his army, we march through Cambusbarron, up and through the Gillies Hill, to the Borestone where we are addressed by prominent speakers, we specifically want to stop the re-activation of quarrying on the Hill - permanently. We also aim:
to bring the Hill into community ownership - permanently.
to restore the 'broken' part of the Hill - permanently.
to maintain the habitat of rare and threatened animals and plants such as red squirrels, badgers, peregrine falcons, roe deer, giant Sequoia or Wellingtonia trees (which will grow, if allowed, into the biggest living things on the planet), monkey puzzle trees, orchids, and other species that help create the areas of ancient woodland on the Hill - permanently.
to preserve those ancient monuments such as Wallstale Dun, and especially Gillies Hill Fort, officially designated "a site of national importance" (yet under existing planning conditions, destined for destruction) permanently.
to increase public awareness, especially as we head towards the 700th Anniversary, of the Hill's legendary role in the events of June 1314 - the descent onto the Field of Bannockburn by the ghillies or sma' folk, as well as the visit by the Bruce to the Chapel Well in Cambusbarron itself, but also on the Hill's northern slope the day before the battle - which can also be visited by people today: it was re-opened on St Andrew's Day 2013 - permanently.
to thus enhance the amenity of the Hill for the thousands of people - walkers, runners, cyclists, climbers, joggers, botanists, bird-watchers, dog-walkers, plant-spotters, photographers, painters, and all the rest, too many to name, who enjoy it every year.