Month: September 2019

Date : w/e 29th Sept 2019 

Weather : Temp 12-16°C, predominantly dry 

Principal Contractor : Compass Building & Construction Services Ltd 

Site Manager : Archie Cameron MacKintosh 

Time Lost : 30.25 days lost to weather by PC’s calculation. Delay to contract to be 

determined by Client’s Representative. Site Personnel 

1 Site Manager 2Joiners 2 Mechanical (Crudens) 3 MH Electrical 3 Groundworkers 3 Alarm Fitters (Northern Security) 1 Labour 2Vinyl Flooring 

Wooden Floor layers 3 Painters 

Sub Contractors Appointed 

Shane MacLennan Groundworks EastWest Flooring Concrete Screed Scotframe Kit supply & design Swarco EV Charging Glulam Solutions Kit and glulam erection Standard Patent Glazing Roof Lights FP McCann Precast concrete supply Pat Munro Water & Fire Mains C MacPhee Bricklayer Gartec Lift supplier & installer. Andrew Cowie Concrete slab installer FP McCann Precast Concrete McLeod Roofing Slate Roofing MH Electrical Electrical Installation RI Cruden Mechanical Installation Highland Scaffolding Scaffolding Highland Decorating Taping & Decorating 

2 

Activities on site 

Now that the scaffold has been dropped on the West elevation numerous paint runs on the low level narrow cladding boards can be seen. These will have to be flattened and re coated. Discussed with Chud and Archie on site who are aware and steps will be taken to make good 

Final fix electrical works are ongoing. Lights, sockets etc are being fitted, tested and commissioned. Some lighting circuits are now live and illuminated. 

2nd fix plumbing is progressing in the changing areas. The toilet cisterns and drainage pipes behind the IPS panels are being installed and plumbed in. Sanitary ware is being connected. 

The erection of the IPS panels in toilets is almost complete the last cubicles in the male toilets being installed this week. 

WHB supports and vanity tops have now been installed. The joints in the vanity tops don’t line up with the joints in the whiteroc splashbacks. CBCS to see if the splashbacks can be cut and the central section replaced to allow the joints to line up. Client to advise if acceptable or to be changed. 

Final decoration internally is ongoing. 

Main hall and entrance hall plasterboard and decoration at highlevel has been snagged and a list of remedial works issued. 

Shower gulleys and disabled shower gully have been installed and concreted into place. Gulleys are level. The disabled shower tray has now been fixed into position. Vinyl flooring has been laid in the toilets, shower areas and changing rooms. 

Vinyl was being completed on the stairs and landings to 1st floor level this week. 

Kitchen vinyl has been laid and the kitchen installation is substantially complete. The mdf boxing above the extract canopy is being decorated. 

The floor in the plant /electrical room has been screeded ready for the vinyl to be laid. 

The Junkers flooring in the main has has been delayed awaiting the installation of the induction loop. This is due this week and the floor layers due back on Thursday 26th Sept. 

Carpet has been laid in the office. 

Floor tiling in the entrance hall is grouted and complete. The areas that were visible and exposed around the protection paper looked tidy. A proper inspection will take place oce protection paper has been lifted. 

The movable partition in the multi purpose room has been installed. Final decoration of the bulkhead around the head track is ongoing 

The kitchen extract fan mountings and duct connections are being changed to ensure isolation of the fan motor unit. 

Joiner finishes are ongoing with entrance hall skirtings, hall floor, 1st floor flooring etc ongoing. 

The pergola timber erection is almost complete with the remaining posts being lined, plumbed and bolted down. 

3 

The bases for the EV chargers have been installed. 

CCTV and security alarm installation was ongoing. 

ASHP’s remain to be delivered and installed. 

Snagging of internal works to commence Wednesday 2nd October. 

Slab level is higher than the door screen cill at the changing room door. Cut back the cill and fill the area with chips levelled down to cill level. 

BT Openreach were working out on the main road forming new road box for BT installation. 

Upcoming Activities 

Completion and commissioning of M&E installations Make good cladding finishes externally. Complete decoration. Complete the external works. Complete paving and access paths, pergola etc Install car chargers Snagging of finishes prior to handover. Install ASHP’s Commence snagging.

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• The full report includes photos, tables and diagrams which can’t easily be separated from their original PDF format. Click HERE to view the full report.
• An archive of these construction updates is available HERE.

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Date : w/e 22nd Sept 2019 

Weather : Temp 12-21°C, predominantly dry 

Principal Contractor : Compass Building & Construction Services Ltd 

Site Manager : Archie Cameron MacKintosh 

Time Lost : 30.25 days lost to weather by PC’s calculation. Delay to contract to be 

determined by Client’s Representative. Site Personnel 

1 Site Manager 5 Joiners 2 Mechanical (Crudens) 3 MH Electrical 3 Groundworkers 3 Alarm Fitters (Northern Security) 1 Labour 2 Vinyl Flooring 4 Wooden Floor layers 5 Road surfacing 

Sub Contractors Appointed 

Shane MacLennan Groundworks EastWest Flooring Concrete Screed Scotframe Kit supply & design Swarco EV Charging Glulam Solutions Kit and glulam erection Standard Patent Glazing Roof Lights FP McCann Precast concrete supply Pat Munro Water & Fire Mains C MacPhee Bricklayer Gartec Lift supplier & installer. Andrew Cowie Concrete slab installer FP McCann Precast Concrete McLeod Roofing Slate Roofing MH Electrical Electrical Installation RI Cruden Mechanical Installation Highland Scaffolding Scaffolding Highland Decorating Taping & Decorating 

2 

Activities on site 

Now that the scaffold has been dropped on the West elevation numerous paint runs on the low level narrow cladding boards can be seen. These will have to be flattened and re coated. Discussed with Chud and Archie on site who are aware and steps will be taken to make good 

Final fix electrical works are ongoing. Lights, sockets etc are being fitted, tested and commissioned. Some lighting circuits are now live and illuminated. 

2nd fix plumbing is progressing in the changing areas. The toilet cisterns and drainage pipes behind the IPS panels are being installed and plumbed in. Sanitary ware is being connected. 

The erection of the IPS framework and panels in toilets is ongoing with w/c’s and shower cubicle panels and doors now being fitted. 

WHB supports and vanity tops have now been installed. The joints in the vanity tops don’t line up with the joints in the whiteroc splashbacks. CBCS to see if the splashbacks can be cut and the central section replaced to allow the joints to line up. Client to advise if acceptable or to be changed. 

Final decoration internally is ongoing 

Main hall and entrance hall plasterboard and decoration at highlevel has been snagged and a list of remedial works issued. 

Bat licence for the Millenium hall is awaited and will be in place for works proceeding. 

Shower gulleys and disabled shower gully have been installed and concreted into place. Gulleys are level. The disabled shower tray has now been fixed into position. Vinyl flooring has been laid in the toilets, shower areas and changing rooms. 

Vinyl and nosings were bing installed on the stairs to 1st floor level. 

Kitchen vinyl has been laid and the kitchen installation is substantially complete. 

Floor tiling in the entrance hall is ongoing. 

The movable partition in the multi purpose room was being installed. 

Check whether the kitchen extract fan mountings and connections need to be accoustically isolated from the structure. The fan cupboard is located in the lighting/sound control room and may cause issues. 

Joiner finishes are ongoing with entrance hall skirtings, hall floor, 1st floor flooring etc ongoing. 

The foundations for the pergola have now been cast. The pergola timbers are built and posts being bolted down. 

The bases for the EV chargers have been installed. 

Entrance and parking bay kerbing has been completed. The parking bays have been lock blocked and drainage space chips were being brushed into the joints. 

The carpark and entrance to the carpark have now been surfaced. 

3 

Upcoming Activities 

Completion and commissioning of M&E installations Make good cladding finishes externally. Complete decoration. Complete installation of IPS system partitions in toilets and changing rooms. Complete the external works. Complete paving and access paths, pergola etc Install car chargers Snagging of finishes prior to handover.

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• The full report includes photos, tables and diagrams which can’t easily be separated from their original PDF format. Click HERE to view the full report.
• An archive of these construction updates is available HERE.

---



 

Date : w/e 15th Sept 2019 

Weather : Temp 12-15°C, predominantly dry 

Principal Contractor : Compass Building & Construction Services Ltd 

Site Manager : Archie Cameron MacKintosh 

Time Lost : 30.25 days lost to weather by PC’s calculation. Delay to contract to be 

determined by Client’s Representative. Site Personnel 

1 Site Manager 5 Joiners 1 Mechanical (Crudens) 3 MH Electrical 4 Groundworkers 2 Blacksmiths (stair handrail) 3 painters/tapers 3 Scott Kitchens 1 Labour 2 Gartec Lift installers 

Sub Contractors Appointed 

Shane MacLennan Groundworks EastWest Flooring Concrete Screed Scotframe Kit supply & design Swarco EV Charging Glulam Solutions Kit and glulam erection Standard Patent Glazing Roof Lights FP McCann Precast concrete supply Pat Munro Water & Fire Mains C MacPhee Bricklayer Gartec Lift supplier & installer. Andrew Cowie Concrete slab installer FP McCann Precast Concrete McLeod Roofing Slate Roofing MH Electrical Electrical Installation RI Cruden Mechanical Installation Highland Scaffolding Scaffolding Highland Decorating Taping & Decorating 

2 

Activities on site 

The final installation of diagonal bracing has now been completed. 

Now that the scaffold has been dropped on the West elevation numerous paint runs on the low level narrow cladding boards can be seen. These will have to be flattened and re coated. Discussed with Chud and Archie on site who are aware and steps will be taken to make good 

Final fix electrical works are ongoing. Panels are still being wired in and transformers fitted at downlights etc 

2nd fix plumbing is progressing in the changing areas. The toilet cisterns and drainage pipes behind the IPS panels are being installed and plumbed in. 

The erection of the IPS framework and panels in toilets is ongoing with w/c’s and shower cubicle panels and doors still to be fitted. 

WHB supports and vanity tops have now been installed. The joints in the vanity tops don’t line up with the joints in the whiteroc splashbacks. CBCS to see if the splashbacks can be cut and the central section replaced to allow the joints to line up. Client to advise if acceptable or to be changed. 

Temporary heating has been connected to the permanent installation to get the UFH working and up to temperature to drive moisture out of the slab for the floor finishes to be installed. Moisture levels in the concrete are being checked for determination of floor make up and whether a liquid dpm is required. 

Taping and filling in the 1st floor areas is complete and decoration is ongoing. 

Main hall and entrance hall plasterboard and decoration at highlevel has been snagged and a list of remedial works issued. 

The 1st coat of SSF coating has been applied to the boards. The finish does not look great however the 1st coat remains to be rubbed down and the 2nd coat applied so it may look better when complete. Painter snagging on cladding boards remains to be addressed 

Bat licence for the Millenium hall is awaited and will be in place for works proceeding. 

Shower gulleys and disabled shower gully have been installed and concreted into place. Gulleys are level. The disabled shower tray has now been fixed into position. 

Kitchen vinyl has been laid and the kitchen installation is underway. 

Check whether the kitchen extract fan mountings and connections need to be accoustically isolated from the structure. The fan cupboard is located in the lighting/sound control room and may cause issues. 

The passenger lift has been installed. 

Joiner finishes are ongoing with handrails being fitted in the stairwell and manifold pipe boxes being built. 

3 

The groundworkers are progressing with paths and topsoiling around the building. Rodding eyes and chambers are being levelled as works progress. 

Topsoil is progressing alongside the paths. 

The foundations for the pergola have now been cast. The pergola timbers and connection steelwork are now on site. 

The bases for the EV chargers have been installed. 

Entrance and parking bay kerbing has been completed. The parking bays have been lock blocked and drainage space chips were being brushed into the joints. 

Additional haunching has now been applied at the back of the kerbs to prevent kerbs being pushed out of line. 

Preparations for surfacing the car park roads are underway 

Upcoming Activities 

Completion and commissioning of M&E installations Make good cladding finishes externally. Progress decoration. Complete installation of IPS system partitions in toilets and changing rooms. Complete the external works and car parking circulation road. Commence dpm & flooring in toilet, kitchen and changing areas. Complete paving and access paths, pergola etc Install car chargers Commission passenger lift.

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• The full report includes photos, tables and diagrams which can’t easily be separated from their original PDF format. Click HERE to view the full report.
• An archive of these construction updates is available HERE.

---



 

During the last few Community Council Meetings the subject of the charge rate for the new hall facilities has attracted significant attention. The Strathdearn Community Development Company (SCD) are now in a position to publish the proposed charge out rates for the use of the various amenities. You will note from the following table that there has been no significant increase in cost, as feared by some members of the community. It should also be noted that these rates also include VAT

We would also like to take the opportunity to explain why it is necessary to make a charge and how these charges have been derived. There are three main elements to the charge:-

1. As is currently the case with all community halls and public buildings a charge is necessary to cover the basic costs relating to operating services (electricity, water, etc.), cleaning and maintenance, rates, etc ., as well as the ongoing need for asset replacement, repair and maintenance.

2. Contrary to public belief – the wind farm community benefit is not a gift, it is a grant. A gift comes with no conditions, a grant is provided under the proviso that certain conditions are complied with. Wind farm operators receive tax advantages from their community benefit contributions, so they and other funding bodies stipulate that:

• their funds should be invested in projects that demonstrate progress to financial viability;

• their funds are not intended to deliver benefit to individuals, unless defined under charitable purposes like education, health etc.

Consequently we are under obligation to levy a charge to individuals and user groups who wish to use the facilities. However where an event is organised for and is open to all members of the community (e.g. a dance, ceilidh, concert, etc.), then the charge may be waived provided all proceeds rest with the community (i.e. any profit made belongs to the community body)

3. In order for the SCD to reclaim the 20% VAT on building construction, HMRC advised the SCD that it was necessary to apply the market chargeable rate for all aspects of hire which includes VAT.

The detail behind these arrangements has been the subject of extensive and transparent discussion within the community over the past seven years. Over this time, there have been reports to every Community Council meeting, monthly public meetings of the development company, AGMs, special meetings, user group consultations, Newsletter articles, web site papers and Facebook postings.

In order to enable the viability of the new hub, fairness to everyone and compliance with financial conditions and charitable status, reasonable charges must be applied. IV13 residents will get a local rate – little different to charges for the current hall – for vastly improved facilities.

It is worth remembering that charging was always applied to the ‘old’ village hall (long in poor repair and condemned on Health and Safety grounds) and are still applied on the Millennium Hall, which is too small for many events. Compared to charges for public buildings levied by Highland Council and commercial venue charges, rates for local users of our high-quality new community facilities are modest.

Several years ago community consultation across the Strathdearn area by the Conservation and Development in Sparsley Populated Areas (CADISPA) charity highlighted that the two most important requirements by the community were a new community hall and affordable housing. The SCD has delivered the hall and are currently addressing the need for affordable housing.

The SCD recognise that there may still be members of the community who would like to discuss the rates or wish to know more about how these were arrived at, consequently a public meeting will be held later this month primarily to address the matter. A date for the meeting will be published on the website in the coming ten days and notice posted in the shop and Millennium hall.

[If you cannot easily view the table below, CLICK HERE for the PDF version]

Facility	Proposed Hire charges	Local / Strathdearn Resident	None Local Private	Corporate
Auditorium	Hourly Rate (incl. tables, chairs, etc)	£35	£45	£60
	Morning or Afternoon Rate (4 to 6 hours) (incl. tables, chairs, etc)	£120	£150	£200
	Evening Rate after 5pm (7 hours) (incl. tables, chairs, etc)	£180	£230	£300
	Full Day Rate (16 hours) (incl. tables, chairs, etc)	£400	£500	£600
	Evening Rate (2 hours) (for games no tables, chairs, etc)	£30	£50	£70
Kitchen for catering	Hourly Rate	£15	£25	£30
	Morning, Afternoon or Evening Rate (4 to 6 hours)	£50	£90	£120
	Full Day Rate (12 hours)	£100	£150	£180
Room 1 or 2	Hourly Rate	£10	£15	£20
	Morning, Afternoon or Evening Rate (4 to 6 hours)	£30	£50	£75
	Full Day Rate (12 hours)	£60	£100	£150
Room 1 & 2 together	Hourly Rate	£15	£20	£30
	Morning, Afternoon or Evening Rate (4 to 6 hours)	£50	£75	£100
	Full Day Rate (12 hours)	£80	£150	£200
Youth Room	Hourly Rate	£15	£20	£30
	Morning, Afternoon or Evening Rate (4 to 6 hours)	£50	£75	£100
	Full Day Rate (12 hours)	£80	£150	£200
Business Office Desk	Hourly Rate	£5	£7	£10
	Morning, Afternoon or Evening Rate (4 to 6 hours)	£10	£20	£30
	Full Day Rate (12 hours)	£20	£40	£60

There will soon be several vacancies in the Community Council. If not enough people come forward, Highland Council will take over administration of Strathdearn affairs and we will have very little say in the decisions that affect us. Read below to learn all about becoming a candidate.

 

 

 

COMMUNITY COUNCIL’S FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (much more information about the above)

Date : w/e 8th Sept 2019 

Weather : Temp 15°C, variable with rain 

Principal Contractor : Compass Building & Construction Services Ltd 

Site Manager : Archie Cameron MacKintosh 

Time Lost : 30.25 days lost to weather by PC’s calculation. Delay to contract to be 

determined by Client’s Representative. Site Personnel 

1 Site Manager 6 Joiners 3 Mechanical (Crudens) 3 MH Electrical 4 Groundworkers 1 Plant 3 painters/tapers 2 Scott Kitchens 2 Scottish Water/Pat Munro 4 SSE 3 Fencing 

Sub Contractors Appointed 

Shane MacLennan Groundworks EastWest Flooring Concrete Screed Scotframe Kit supply & design Swarco EV Charging Glulam Solutions Kit and glulam erection Standard Patent Glazing Roof Lights FP McCann Precast concrete supply Pat Munro Water & Fire Mains C MacPhee Bricklayer Gartec Lift supplier & installer. Andrew Cowie Concrete slab installer FP McCann Precast Concrete McLeod Roofing Slate Roofing MH Electrical Electrical Installation RI Cruden Mechanical Installation Highland Scaffolding Scaffolding Highland Decorating Taping & Decorating 

2 

Activities on site 

The final installation of diagonal bracing has now been completed. 

Now that the scaffold has been dropped on the West elevation numerous paint runs on the low level narrow cladding boards can be seen. These will have to be flattened and re coated. Discussed with Chud and Archie on site who are aware and steps will be taken to make good 

Final fix electrical works are ongoing. Panels are still being wired in and transformers fitted at downlights etc 

2nd fix plumbing is progressing in the changing areas. The toilet cisterns and drainage pipes behind the IPS panels are being installed and plumbed in. 

The erection of the IPS framework and panels in toilets is ongoing with w/c’s and shower cubicle panels and doors still to be fitted. 

WHB supports and vanity tops have now been installed. The joints in the vanity tops don’t line up with the joints in the whiteroc splashbacks. CBCS to see if the splashbacks can be cut and the central section replaced to allow the joints to line up. See photo below. 

Exhaust and Fresh Air inlet Plenum boxes have been installed into the west elevation gable. Control systems are ongoing. Pipework and valves to the hot water accumulators is almost complete. 

Temporary heating has been connected to the permanent installation to get the UFH working and up to temperature to drive moisture out of the slab for the floor finishes to be installed. Moisture levels in the concrete are being checked for determination of floor make up and whether a liquid dpm is required. 

Taping and filling in the 1st floor areas is complete and decoration is ongoing. 

Main hall plasterboard is complete and has been rubbed down and decoration of the highlevel areas in the hall are substantially complete. The timber linings to the hall walls is complete and perimeter edge beads have been installed. 

Decoration of the high level areas in the hall is almost complete. The high level sections of the hall/circulation space remain to be completed. Check areas in corners behind columns are complete prior to snagging. See photo below 

The 1st coat of SSF coating has been applied to the boards. The finish does not look great however the 1st coat remains to be rubbed down and the 2nd coat applied so it may look better when complete. Painters to ensure an even coat is applied and avoid runs. See photo below. 

Kitchen and storage units in rooms were being fitted. Edges of cut outs for sinks have been sealed in line with best practice to prevent water damage. 

The water and fire mains installations from the point of connection to the building is now live. 

SSE have delivered and installed the transformer, cables have been pulled up to the transformer and the connections have been made off. SSE metering were on site Thursdya 

3 

5th to install the meter and make power live. Ensure cabinets are locked off and H&S processes are in place for live power. 

Copies of lightning test and resistance certificates have still to be issued by the specialist contractor. 

CoW to be afforded opportunity for inspection & high level snagging before scaffolds/scissor lifts are removed and flooring laid. 

Bat licence for the Millenium hall is awaited and will be in place for works proceeding. 

The hanging rail for the acoustic partition in the GF multi use room has been closed off with mdf and the shroud has been painted. 

Shower gulleys and disabled shower gully have been installed and concreted into place. Gulleys are level. The disabled shower tray remains to be fixed into position. 

The groundworkers are progressing with paths and topsoiling around the building. Rodding eyes and chambers are being levelled as works progress. The timber retaining rail and chips are being installed round the building landscape areas. 

Topsoil is progressing alongside the paths. 

The foundations for the pergola have now been cast. The pergola timbers and connection steelwork are now on site. 

The bases for the EV chargers have been installed. 

Entrance and parking bay kerbin
g has been completed. The parking bays have been lock blocked and drainage space chips were being brushed into the joints. 

Additional haunching has now been applied at the back of the kerbs to prevent kerbs being pushed out of line. 

The extract canopy has been fitted in the kitchen and an mdf shroud fitted round the top. The mdf is not moisture resistant. CBCS to check with PD if the mdf should be MR. 

Upcoming Activities 

Completion of M&E installations Make good cladding finishes externally. Make power live Progress decoration. Complete and snag high level works. Complete installation of IPS system in toilets and changing rooms. Progress the external works and car parking circulation road. Commence dpm & flooring in toilet, kitchen and changing areas. Complete paving and access paths, pergola etc Install car chargers Fit whiterock panels in kitchen and at showers and wash hand basins. Install kitchen equipment. Install passenger lift. 

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• The full report includes photos, tables and diagrams which can’t easily be separated from their original PDF format. Click HERE to view the full report.
• An archive of these construction updates is available HERE.

---



STRATHDEARN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

MEETING on TUESDAY 10 September 2019

At 7:30pm IN THE STRATHDEARN HALL, TOMATIN

PLEASE NOTE:  THE ITEM ON THE EXTRACTION OF TIMBER FROM GLENKIRK HAS BEEN POSTPONED AGAIN.  SANDY PRINGLE HAS NOT YET RECEIVED THE SURVEY OF THE ROAD FROM HIGHLAND COUNCIL.  HOPEFULLY THIS WILL HAVE BEEN RECEIVED IN TIME FOR THE NEXT MEETING ON 8th OCTOBER.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE MOST WELCOME TO ATTEND ALL MEETINGS OF THE COMMUNITY COUNCIL

AGENDA

1. Apologies for Absence.
2. Declarations of Interest.
3. Minutes of the Meetings of 11th June 2019 and 6th August 2019. 
4. Matters Arising.
5. Law and Order.
6. Glenkyllachy Windfarm Connection – SSEN Staff will be in attendance to discuss the Glenkyllachy Windfarm connection to the grid.
7. Road Safety.
8. Financial Report. 
9. Applications to the Strathdearn Community Charitable Trust.
10. Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan  – Feedback from the ‘Planning for Real’ Event.
11. Planning Matters.
12. Windfarms. 12.1 Planning and Construction. 12.2 Community Benefit.
13. Update from Strathdearn Community Developments.
14.  Correspondence.
15.  Any Other Competent Business.
16.  Date of Next Meeting (8th October 2019).
17. Date of Next Meeting (8th October 2019)

Date : w/e 1st Sept 2019 

Weather : Temp 15°C, variable with rain 

Principal Contractor : Compass Building & Construction Services Ltd 

Site Manager : Robbie Tewnion / Archie Cameron MacKintosh 

Time Lost : 30.25 days lost to weather by PC’s calculation. Delay to contract to be 

determined by Client’s Representative. Site Personnel 

2 Site Manager 6 Joiners 3 Mechanical (Crudens) 2 MH Electrical 5 Groundworkers 1 Plant 1 Labourer 4 painters/tapers 2 Scott Kitchens 2 Scottish Water/Pat Munro 

Sub Contractors Appointed 

Shane MacLennan Groundworks EastWest Flooring Concrete Screed Scotframe Kit supply & design Swarco EV Charging Glulam Solutions Kit and glulam erection Standard Patent Glazing Roof Lights FP McCann Precast concrete supply Pat Munro Water & Fire Mains C MacPhee Bricklayer Gartec Lift supplier & installer. Andrew Cowie Concrete slab installer FP McCann Precast Concrete McLeod Roofing Slate Roofing MH Electrical Electrical Installation RI Cruden Mechanical Installation Highland Scaffolding Scaffolding Highland Decorating Taping & Decorating 

2 

Activities on site 

Now that the scaffold has been dropped on the West elevation numerous paint runs on the low level narrow cladding boards can be seen. These will have to be flattened and re coated. Discussed with Chud and Archie on site who are aware and steps will be taken to make good 

2nd and final fix electrical works are ongoing. Panels are still being wired in and transformers fitted at downlights etc 

2nd fix plumbing is progressing in the changing areas. The toilet cisterns and drainage pipes behind the IPS panels are being installed and plumbed in. 

The erection of the IPS framework and panels in toilets is ongoing with w/c’s and shower cubicle panels and doors still to be fitted. 

Exhaust and Fresh Air inlet Plenum boxes have been installed into the west elevation gable. Control systems are ongoing. Pipework and valves to the hot water accumulators is almost complete. 

Temporary heating has been connected to the permanent installation to get the UFH working and up to temperature to drive moisture out of the slab for the floor finishes to be installed. 

Taping and filling in the 1st floor areas is complete and decoration is ongoing. 

Main hall plasterboard is complete and has been rubbed down and decoration of the highlevel areas in the hall are substantially complete. The timber linings to the hall walls is progressing well. The board installation is very tidy. 

Decoration of the high level areas in the circulation space and hall is still ongoing. 

Recent heavy rain has identified 2 leaks from the opening sashes of the recently installed roof lights. 1 in the hall and one in the corridor. The manufacturer has now made good the leaking seals. 

The water and fire mains installations from the point of connection to the building is now live. 

SSE have delivered and installed the transformer, cables have been pulled up to the transformer ready for connections to be made off. SSE have commenced with connections to the grid at the transformer outwith the site. Power will be made live w/c 2nd September 

The trenches for the lightning protection tapes have been backfilled. Copies of test and resistance certificates have still to be issued by the specialist contractor. 

Timbers for rooflight support in the hall have been painted to match the roof lights. 

CoW to be afforded opportunity for inspaction & high level snagging before scaffolds/scissor lifts are removed and flooring laid. 

Bat licence for the Millenium hall is awaited and will be in place for works proceeding. 

Foul disconnection chambers have been installed to the front elevation and the the main draw chamber for installation of the power cables into the plant room. 

3 

The hanging rail for the acoustic partition in the GF multi use room has been installed and the 1st floor beam fire protection completed. 

Shower gulleys and disabled shower gully have been installed and concreted into place. Gulleys are level. The disabled shower tray remains to be fixed into position. 

The groundworkers are progressing with paths and topsoiling around the building. Rodding eyes and chambers are being levelled as works progress. The timber retaining rail and chips are being installed round the building landscape areas. 

The bases for the EV chargers have been installed. 

Some of the doors have dents and defects in the veneer. Damage was on the doors when un packed we are told. PC to discuss with Scotframe and make good where required. Ensure fitted doors are protected to prevent further damage. 

Entrance and parking bay kerbing has been completed. The parking bays have been lock blocked and drainage space chips were being brushed into the joints. 

A hygrometer has been attached to the floor in the changing areas to check moisture levels prior to vinyl laying. Levels are still too high for laying without a dpm. 

The extract canopy has been fitted in the kitchen. 

Upcoming Activities 

Completion of M&E final fix. Make good cladding finishes externally. Complete connections and SSE power mains Progress decoration Complete installation of IPS system in toilets and changing rooms. Progress the external works and car parking circulation road. Commence dpm & floor scr
eeds in toilet and changing areas. Commence paving and access paths, pergola etc Install car chargers Fit whiterock panels in kitchen and at showers and wash hand basins. Install kitchen equipment. Install passenger lift. Commence install of pergola founds and frame

---

• The full report includes photos, tables and diagrams which can’t easily be separated from their original PDF format. Click HERE to view the full report.
• An archive of these construction updates is available HERE.

---



Duncan Bryden, Director at Strathdearn Community Developments has kindly ‘volunteered’ to run a ‘Planning for Real’ exercise for Strathdearn.

The 2011 Strathdearn Community Plan and the 2014 Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan are up for renewal. You are invited to look at plans and maps of the area and consider how Strathdearn might respond to changes we will face over the next 10 years. The coming decade will bring changes to our roads, cars, housing,
power supplies, jobs, schooling, social care, technology and support for farming to name a few. Climate change may bring us more rain, more storms and more heat! Oh and our departure date from the EU is, so we are told, scheduled for Halloween.

Your views will inform Strathdearn’s refreshed Community Plan which, in turn, will feed into the new Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan. There is debate in the community quite rightly so and often on the Strathdearn Facebook page, about projects in their varying stages. This event offers the chance to hear the background on how and why projects have got to where they are, what are the gaps, what we can influence (and what we can’t) and what could be!