What’s been going on?
We are pleased to share the news of our exciting community projects! For latest on the renewables project at the Hub, shop & café, updates on the SCD subsidy for High Life Highland and Bannatyne health club memberships, and information about upcoming community events and more, read on!
Community Led Affordable Housing
The main objection by the Flood Risk Team has been removed which is a significant step forward to achieving full planning consent. Our Civil Engineer is working hard to satisfy a Transport Planning condition of the proposal. Once that has been resolved then planning is likely to be approved which allows us to take this to the next stage.
Dalarossie Church
We are continuing to have discussions with the landowner to try and achieve a mutual agreement with regards to access and parking rights to the church. This will form part of the feasibility and business plan being formulated for the community to consider in due course.
Renewables Project for The Strathdearn Hub and Shop/Café (solar panels & battery storage for the hub/shop/café)
For those that pass the community buildings you will have seen ongoing work on the installation of the solar panels and battery storage. The work is completed at the shop/cafe and nearly completed at The Strathdearn Hub.
We are delighted to say that we are already generating solar electricity!
It is a great achievement for the community as it will not only reduce the operating costs of the buildings, but also provides a saving of 9.1 tonnes of carbon! 🌍
Hazelbank Woods
Ongoing work re the legal transfer is continuing and we hope to provide further news as soon as we can.
Electric Vehicle Upgraded Replacement Chargers
There were some delays in securing capacity consents from SSEN as advised by SWARCO. This has now been resolved and we are hoping for swift progress on the installation.
Announcement re the Shop and Cafe:
On Sunday, April 28, 2024, 3B Catering Ltd will cease operations of the cafe and shop at The Strathdearn in Tomatin. White River Trading (WRT) recognises the importance of the shop and cafe to the Strathdearn community, and remains committed to providing these services going forward. While every effort will be made to provide continuity for the community, during the transition from 3B Catering to WRT there may be some minor disruption including temporary closure of the shop and cafe. However, efforts will be made to run a reduced shop service within The Strathdearn during this time.
SCD and WRT appreciate your patience while the new operation is put in place to continue providing this vital service to the Strathdearn community.
To see the full joint statement with 3B Catering, please see : https://strathdearn.org/2024/03/14/joint-statement-from-white-river-trading-and-3b-catering-regarding-strathdearn-shop-and-cafe/
For employment opportunities, please see the below.
Full job descriptions and instructions how to apply applications can be sourced from The Strathdearn foyer, from natalie.perks@redstartuk.com or via Indeed.com
High Life Highland Membership over 50% discount for families and individuals
SCD continues to subsidise High Life Highland memberships for residents with IV13 postcodes, giving the opportunity to stay healthy and well. In partnership with High Life Highland, you have access to 25 leisure facilities sites available in the Highlands. With swimming pools, fitness suites and many classes available there are so many benefits to joining High Life Highland.
High Life Classes at the Strathdearn Hub
High Life Highland classes are available at The Strathdearn Hub every Wednesday evening:
18:30 – 19.15 Zumba
19:20 – 20.00 Stretch and Flex
Come on get your dancing shoes on for Zumba and stretch it out at the end! High Life Highland have also offered a FREE class so you can ‘try before you buy’. 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. For more information please contact: info@strathdearn.org
Bannatyne Health Club membership
IV13 residents can enjoy over 50% off for a full access Bannatyne Health Club membership subsidised by SCD. Bannatyne offers a premium fitness suite, many exercise classes, as well as a pool and spa facilities.
For more information on all that Bannatyne can offer visit the website: Gyms in Inverness | Inverness Bannatyne Health Club
To sign up or for more information email: info@strathdearn.org
Strathdearn Community Kids Club
That’s a wrap for the first term of the Strathdearn Kids Club! We are delighted to provide the community’s children after school activities and to be using the facilities the Strathdearn Hub has to offer. We had a total of ten boys and seven girls participating in the club with a further three boys and one girl joining in for the community football.
Sign-ups for the new term began on the 25th of March at 7am and we will be liaising closely with the Millburn active schools coordinator to manage these bookings.
Thanks to the increased staffing with lead coach Rachel and assistant coach Neil on board, and with the warmer weather and use of the MUGA we can increase numbers for the coming term.
April – June Strathdearn Kids Club capacity: 24 (increased from 17 last term)
Do you have a skill that you would like to pass onto the next generation of our community e.g. gardening, chess, knitting, painting, playing an instrument? If so, please email info@strathdearn.org to arrange a chat. The young folk would be grateful for your help.
Details:
Every Wednesday (17th April – 26th June)
3.15pm walking transport provided from school to The Strathdearn Hub
3.30pm – 6pm games, sports, crafts & more!
6pm – 7pm community football
Please note:
– Places are limited due to Highland Council health and safety ratios
– Children may be collected at any time (please contact matthew.allan@highlifehighland.com)
– Packed lunches can be dropped off at The Strathdearn Hub 8am – 9am (please label and keep nut free)
SCD would like to take the opportunity to thank our dedicated community member Lewis Biggham who started the community football on a Wednesday, and sparked off SCD organising the Strathdearn Community Kids club. Thank you Lewis, and congratulations on turning 18 last month!
Easter School Holiday Activities
SCD are working together with High Life Highland during the Easter holiday break to offer families 50% subsidy for the kids Multi Sports Camp at Raigmore Community Centre. Children can meet up with others and have fun doing a variety of activities, sports and games; while also providing parents with a bit of respite during the holidays.
Details:
When: April 2nd, 3rd, 5th 9am – 1pm
Where: Raigmore Community Centre
Cost: High Life members £5.31 / day (discounted from £10.62) Non-members £6.25 / day (discounted from £12.50)
How to book: email info@strathdearn.org
Community E-Bikes – FREE E BIKE HIRE FOR RESIDENTS OF IV13 FOR UP TO 2 WEEKS
As we enter Strathdearn’s beautiful spring months, take advantage and get out into nature on one of the community’s eBikes for free!
With increasing costs of running a car the eBikes are also great for a more economical way to get to work locally.
To book:
email: enquiries@strathdearn.org
Complete online form: Explore Tomatin with Our E-Bike Hire | The Strathdearn
Or call 01808 511700
The SCD Snug hosted at The Strathdearn Hub
As last year’s calendar, “soup season” finishes on Friday 12th April. We will continue to provide free tea, coffee and biscuits and a warm space for a natter with the locals.
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 COMMUNITY EVENTS COMING UP!
AN EVENING WITH RHYTHMNREEL:
Thank you to everyone who came along it was a fantastic evening.
RhythmNReel also left us a lovely review: –
Hi Tracy, just a short note to thank you all very much for having us a long last night and your kind hospitality with the filled rolls, much appreciated.
A great crowd and we really enjoyed playing for you all. Cracking hall too.
Kind regards
EASTER BREAKFAST WITH BUNNY 30/03/24:
Thank you to all the families that came along to our first Easter breakfast with bunny.
SPRING FOOD, DRINK & CRAFT MARKET 27/04/24:
11am – 3pm
The Strathdearn, Tomatin
Free entry
STRATHDEARN COMMUNITY FUN RUN 10K / 5K – ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?
Fundraising for “Maggies Highland”
Saturday 11th May 2024 – 10am
FREE ENTRY
All ages and fitness levels are welcome!
- A great family friendly event which can be run, jogged or walked.
- You can even take the dog along
The events team have now identified a 10k/5k route, and further details will be posted on social media this week.
How to apply:
Please complete the details on the below link
Registration forms will also be available in the foyer area of The Strathdearn.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Participants will receive a t-shirt from Maggies Highland and a medal.
- Along the route water stops and first aid will be provided.
- The 10k can be run or walked – we have also organised a 5k for any families that wish to participate.
- After your run/jog/walk has been completed, you are invited back to The Strathdearn for burgers, hot dogs and soft drinks.
Further information – please drop us an email at events@strathdearn.org
If you would like to work at this event, please contact dianebuckle@strathdearn.org
STRATHDEARN FLOWER SHOW
Saturday 7th September 2024
Entries from local IV13 residents only
All entries are free
The SCD events team have been busy in the background identifying the following categories: –
- Flowers
- Vegetables
- Homebaking
- Photography
- Art
More details to be advertised on social media and the community website very soon.
We would also like to invite the children from the Primary School to be involved in a sunflower challenge. Tracy Campbell, SCD Events Coordinator will be visiting the school on the 26th April 2024 to give a few pointers regarding growing and watering. Sunflower seeds will be supplied to all children.
Keep an eye out on social media for other events that will be announced throughout the year.
