What’s been going on?
From a rather snowy Tomatin we are pleased to share the news of our exciting community projects! For updates on community housing, the new Strathdearn Community Kids Club, information about upcoming community events and more, read on!
Community Led Affordable Housing
Following the resubmission to planning on 13/9/23, we have had a response and have supplied the requested further suitable information. We are now awaiting the Flood Risk Teams (FRT) response.
‘The Applicant has supplied a new layout as shown in Site Plan version N. The layout appears to take cognisance of the constraints placed on the site, due to flood risk as demonstrated in the March 2023 FRA. Given this, it is likely that the FRM Team will be able to support the development, following the submission of further, suitable information’.
Dalarossie Church
Work continues to progress with the viability of potentially purchasing the beautiful Dalarossie Church and becoming a community asset. We are currently assessing the legal access and parking rights to the church which will form part of the feasibility study. Discussions are taking place with the landowners who own the legal access rights, and we will keep the community updated in due course on the next stage.
Renewables Project for The Strathdearn Hub and Shop/Cafe
The Building Warrant has been submitted, we await the outcome, then we can provide the community with a start date on the installation.
Hazelbank Woods
The final application went before the committee at the Scottish Land Fund. Whilst things are looking positive, we do have one more hoop to jump through until we have the final decision which will be announced on the 14th December 2023.
Electric Vehicle Upgraded Replacement Chargers:
Lease arrangements are being negotiated along with the pursuit of the relevant consents which will shortly result in Swarco beginning the necessary groundworks at The Strathdearn to upgrade and take over the operations of the electric car chargers. It was hoped this would start in early December, but this will likely not commence until the start of 2024.
SCD Director Recruitment:
We are now in the process of recruiting new volunteer directors to sit on the WRT and SCD boards.
We’d love boards that represent all aspects of our community so whether you’re a young parent, a student, a keeper etc we’d love to have you on one of the boards to join our current volunteer directors.
As a director you will have the chance to make a real difference and give back to the community. You will help with decisions that will benefit people’s health and wellbeing and the infrastructure of Strathdearn. If you are interested in applying, you must live in IV13, be a full member of Strathdearn Community Developments and complete an application form and short personal statement. For your application form, get in touch by emailing elainemacleod@strathdearn.org .
It is important to recognise that the volunteer unpaid boards are run by members of the community, for the community. Many thanks to the current boards for their hard work and commitment over the last year.
Health & Wellbeing
High Life Highland Membership
SCD pay for over half price of High Life Highland membership to residents of IV13 – save the pennies and get some exercise this winter!
The below classes are currently available at The Strathdearn Hub but require more people to participate, otherwise, unfortunately they will not be able to continue. Please support the classes. High Life Highland have offered a FREE class so you can ‘try before you buy’. You can also attend on a Pay as You Go basis.
Come on get your dancing shoes on for Zumba and stretch it out at the end!
The more residents that join the scheme the more activities we will be able to bring to The Strathdearn! It’s an incredible offer as there is so much included in the High Life Highland membership!
18:00-18:30 Core HIIT
18:45-19:30 Zumba
19:30-20:00 Stretch and Flex
To sign up or for more information email: info@strathdearn.org
Bannatyne Health Club membership
IV13 residents can enjoy 50% off for Bannatynes Health Club membership subsidised by SCD. Bannatynes offers a premium fitness suite, many exciting exercise classes, as well as a pool and spa facilities.
For more information on all that Bannatyne can offer visit the website: https://www.bannatyne.co.uk/health-club/inverness
To sign up or for more information email: info@strathdearn.org
New! Strathdearn Community Kids Club
We are delighted to announce a new additional partnership with High Life Highland for the young people who live within IV13.
The Strathdearn Community Kids Club will start Wednesdays from 24th January at The Strathdearn Hub, with the session running straight through to the existing community football finishing at 7pm.
Lead Coach Rachel who currently works with High Life Highland and has been responsible for the school holiday multi-sports camps P1 – P7s will be offering various supervised activities, multi sports, games, as well as some relaxing down time for kids who may be tired after school.
We are currently working with High Life Highland to reach a walking transportation agreement to have children accompanied from the school when it finishes at 3.15pm to the Hub for the activities.
We are still awaiting confirmation from High Life Highland regarding a position of assistant coach.
The SCD Snug hosted at The Strathdearn Hub
With winter weather now well underway, it’s soup season at The Snug at The Strathdearn Hub!
Come along and cosy up with a bowl of fresh soup, rolls, tea or coffee and biscuits – all funded by the SCD Health and Wellbeing fund.
Tuesdays and Fridays: 10am – 4pm
If you, or someone you know would like to come along to The Snug but struggle with transport please email enquiries@strathdearn.org and we will do our best to assist.
SCD ARE DELIGHTED TO FUND COMMUNITY EVENTS, HERE IS YOUR UPDATE!
The Boozy Snug:
Tuesday 26th December 2023 12pm – 4pm
The Strathdearn, Tomatin
Why don’t you come along to our boozy snug for Christmas cake, mulled wine and a Christmas movie. Feel free to take your own fave tipple.
All free for IV13 residents
Kids New Years Eve Party:
Sunday 31st December 2023 2pm – 4pm
The Strathdearn, Tomatin
Ceilidh, face painting, balloons and buffet
Free entry – parents to accompany all children
Strathdearn Hogmanay Bash:
Thank you to everyone who has purchased a ticket for our first Hogmanay Bash – we are completely sold out. We have a waiting list if anyone wants to join it.
Get ready to dance the night away with our incredible band “Full Circle”. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Scottish music or prefer modern beats, we have something for everyone. Expect a lively atmosphere and an unforgettable night!
Your ticket includes:
Live music, food provided by Hampers & Champer, a drink for the bells and transport to and from the venue.
If you require transport to and from the venue and if you have any allergies/dietary requirements, please can you let us know by emailing us at events@strathdearn.org
Staff Changes
SCD group has been advised by our subsidiary company White River Trading (WRT) who manage The Strathdearn Hub of some changes within their staffing roles.
We are pleased to welcome Diane Buckle as the new Operations Manager, as of 1st December 2023.
Elaine MacLeod who has been the interim Operations Manager & Company Secretary will revert back to her primary role of Company Secretary.
May we take this opportunity to thank Elaine for all her hard work and wish Diane every success in her new role!
If you have any queries about anything mentioned in this update, please get in touch by emailing info@strathdearn.org or by phoning 07703 328333.
The SCD Team
