December 2024

[Letter from Alan Brisbane, Contract Manager, Balfour Beatty]

As part of our ongoing commitment to engage with the local community, we are writing to advise you of temporary traffic management being implemented on the A9 trunk road between Tomatin and Moy to allow us to safely undertake further site establishment works.

To ensure the safety of road users and our workforce, overnight traffic signals and a temporary 30mph speed restriction will be implemented for 2 weeks commencing 6 January 2025. The traffic management is required to enable site clearance and site access works to be undertaken. Once in place, the site accesses will have minimal impact on the operation of the A9, with works vehicles using these accesses prohibited from making right turns.

The temporary traffic management will involve overnight traffic signals on the A9 with a temporary speed restriction of 30mph throughout the works area. To minimise traffic disruption, working hours will be between 1930hrs and 0600hrs each night between Sunday night and Friday morning. There will be no works on Friday or Saturday nights.

It is expected that traffic management will be implemented on the A9 commencing on the evening of Monday 06 January 2025 for approximately two weeks.

In addition to these temporary traffic measures, layby 160SB on the southbound A9, located approximately 200m north of Tomatin, will be closed from Monday 06 January 2025. This layby will be used to process and load timber from the felled trees to the north during the site clearance works and will be closed to road users for their safety and the safety of our workforce. The location of the layby to be closed is shown in the image below. This layby is expected to remain closed from January 2025 until the completion of the main works.

These works are weather dependent, and scheduled dates are subject to change.

We would advise that you plan your journey and drive with care on approach to the area between Tomatin and Moy whilst traffic management is in place. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

We recognise that these works may temporarily increase noise levels in the immediate surrounding area. To keep disturbance to a minimum, we will utilise best practice methods of working, for example, using low noise reversing alarms on machinery and briefing staff on the importance of keeping noise levels to a minimum.

All works undertaken are subject to consultation with and approval from the Local Authority and the Local Authority Environmental Services before being implemented. As part of this approvals process, we are required to provide justification to Local Authorities including details of the reasons for working at night, the timing of works and the measures we plan to take to minimise disturbance to our neighbours.

For further information regarding traffic management and live traffic up-dates, please refer to the Traffic Scotland website www.trafficscotland.org and for further project updates, the A9 Dualling website at www.a9dualling.scot

Winter Shutdown

The site will close over the Christmas holiday period between Friday 20 December and Monday 6 January. During this period, all traffic management measures will be removed and be reinstated upon return to work in January. If you need to speak to someone during the winter shutdown period, you can contact the project team 24/7 on 0800 998 7573.

If you have any enquiries regarding these works, you can contact the project’s Community Liaison Officer, Duncan Gardner. You can reach Duncan by email at A9T2M@balfourbeatty.com or by telephone on 0800 998 7573.

What’s Been Going On?

As the festivities approach, we are excited to share updates on our exciting community projects and events! For the latest news on the community-led affordable housing, Dalarossie Church, Hazelbank Woods and local events, read on!

Capital Projects

Community-Led Affordable Housing:

We received five submissions to formally quote via the tender process for the community housing project. The evaluations have been completed and a preferred bidder for the contract has been identified. All of the contractors who submitted a quote have been notified.

We would like to take this opportunity to extend our thanks to all who submitted a quote. It is a lengthy procedure due to the nature of the process to satisfy accessing public funding.

Hazelbank Woods:

Following last month’s update, we are very close to concluding the purchase of Hazelbank as it enters its final stages of the legal process. We are continually very grateful for the goodwill that all parties involved continue to show towards this important community project.

Dalarossie Church:

The Church of Scotland has advised us of a closing date at 12 noon on the 10th December 2024. SCD has submitted an offer, along with a strong supporting statement for community ownership. The outcome is now with the Church of Scotland for a decision.

Electric Vehicle Upgraded Charging Points

We are delighted to report that all EV chargers are up and running following some setbacks earlier on in the project.

Youth, Health & Wellbeing

Bookbug Joins Strathdearn Baby and Toddler Group:

We were thrilled to have Bookbug attend our Strathdearn Baby and Toddler Group this month! The session, run by the talented staff from Highlife Highland’s library service, captivated our little ones with engaging storytelling, songs, and puppets.

Bookbug is a fantastic scheme funded by the Scottish Book Trust and promotes sharing stories to help nurture children’s language, social skills, and overall development.

Additionally, we have set up a library account for the toddler group. At each Bookbug session, the staff will bring along a selection of books. Books that have been finished can be brought in and swapped for new ones! If there’s a specific book that isn’t available in the library, it can be reserved online and be sent from other libraries across the Highlands.

The Strathdearn Baby and Toddler Group meets every Thursday morning at The Strathdearn from 09:30 to 11:30 am – feel free to drop in at any time. The next Bookbug session is January 9th.

Strathdearn Community Kids Club:

Outcomes from the Strathdearn Community Kids Club Feedback Form

A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to provide feedback on the club! We received some fantastic ideas and suggestions from you all, and we are excited to implement many of them. Your input is invaluable in helping us shape the club into something even better for the kids.

Call for Lego donations

The club is in need of Lego for the children to play with. If you have any Lego sets or pieces lying around at home that you could donate, we would love to put them to good use!

Please drop off any donations at the Hub. Your generosity will bring fun and creativity to the kids! 😊🧩

⚽ Parents Invited to Join in Football Sessions! ⚽

We received some great feedback from parents who would love to join in the football sessions with the kids—and the kids are excited about it too! 😊

We have checked with the Highlife coaches, and they’re happy for this to go ahead (just no side tackles on the children, please!). We’ll be trialling this in the upcoming sessions starting 11th December.

Highlife will also organise all the necessary PVGs for free, so everyone can join safely.

We can’t wait to see the fun and team spirit grow! 👏💪

For further information or queries, please email: matthew.allan@highlifehighland.com

Teens Social Club:

We are delighted to announce that we have a start date for the Teens Social Club! The first session will be held at the Hub on Friday, January 10th.

A big thank you to our wonderful volunteers—without them, this would not be possible. The community is lucky to have such dedicated people!

The SCD Snug hosted at The Strathdearn Hub:

Warm up this month at The SCD Snug, hosted at The Strathdearn Hub! Drop by for a free bowl of soup with a fresh roll – a perfect way to cosy up as the days get colder and darker. It’s also a great opportunity to catch up with fellow locals!

In addition to soup, we offer tea, coffee, biscuits, and fresh fruit, along with the day’s newspapers for a relaxing break.

The Snug is open every Tuesday and Friday from 10am to 4pm.

If you, or someone you know, would like to attend but struggle with transport, please email enquiries@strathdearn.org and we will do our best to assist.

Swimming Lessons in Grantown

Great news for families interested in enrolling their children in Learn to Swim! Enjoy a safe and friendly environment, skilled instructors, and a new purpose-built pool, opened in 2017!

1st come, 1st served – Pre-book your enrolment slot online for HLH members starting Monday, December 9th.

Join us on December 16th for an assessment.

Not a member? No problem! Visit https://www.highlifehighland.com/join-high-life-highland/ to join and select The Craig MacLean Leisure.

No joining fees for December 🙂 and all Strathdearn residents receive a 50% discount on HLH membership, in partnership with SCD!

SCD Gym & Health Club Subsidy:

As we move into wintery weather, maintaining both physical and mental well-being becomes increasingly important. For this reason, SCD’s subsidy scheme for gym and health club memberships remains a vital resource for our residents.

We are excited to report that the scheme continues to grow, with 275 community members now signed up to Highlife Highland and Bannatyne Health Club. This initiative helps make fitness more accessible, offering discounted memberships to improve the overall health and wellness of our community.

High Life Highland Membership – Over 50% Discount for Families and Individuals:

SCD is currently subsidising over 50% of the cost for 47 family memberships and 21 individual memberships to Highlife Highland within the Strathdearn community.

The membership has proven to be excellent value for those attending the popular Pilates class held at The Strathdearn on Mondays from 11am – 12pm.

A Highlife membership provides you and your family with access to a wide range of health and fitness opportunities at leisure centres throughout the Highlands. In addition to swimming pools and gyms, your membership includes access to court activities, swimming lessons, and a variety of group exercise classes for all abilities and interests.

As a member, you also enjoy great local benefits, including access to libraries and other community facilities.

Membership Prices:

• Family Membership: £18/month (discounted from £39.99)

• Individual Membership: £12/month (discounted from £24.85)

To sign up or for more information, please email projects@strathdearn.org or call 07703 328333.

Please Note: All membership addresses must be verified as IV13 postcodes (e.g., using a driving licence or recent mail with your name and address) to benefit from the SCD subsidy.

Bannatyne Health Club membership subsidy:

IV13 residents can enjoy over 50% off for Bannatyne Health Club all-inclusive membership! SCD is now subsiding 64 individual Strathdearn subscriptions.

An all-inclusive membership with Bannatyne provides the opportunity for you to take advantage of their extensive health club facilities including swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi. There are several personalised services, including access to expert personal trainers and complimentary fitness evaluations when you join.

Further discounts include:

• 10% discount in the spa (Spa Days, Products, and Treatments)

• 10% discount in the café

• 10% discount on retail products

• 50% off the first spa treatment

Price: £20 / month (discounted from £46.99 / month + no joining fee)

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 projects@strathdearn.org or call 07703 328333.

Please note: All membership addresses will need to be verified as IV13 postcodes (i.e., with driving licence, recent mail with name and address) to benefit from SCD subsidy.

Badenoch & Strathspey Community ConneXions:

SCD team have collaborated with Badenoch & Strathspey Community ConneXions (BSCX) to help support this important service which extends to the people of Strathdearn. Local volunteers are required for BSCX to be able to accept referrals within our area.

If you think you could spare an hour or two to help your community who may need just a chat or a call to say hello, please contact the BSCX office on 01479 810004 or visit Community Transport | Badenoch And Strathspey Community Connxions | Aviemore (bscx.co.uk)

Community Events

SCD Bonfire Night:

Thank you so much to everyone who came along to our community bonfire night it was a successful night. Big thank you to Tastes of Tomatin for running their first licenced bar and providing everyone with burgers and hot dogs.

SCD Christmas Wreath Making Workshop:

Our Christmas wreath making workshop were very well attended and everyone made lovely wreaths. Thank you to Wild Blossom Floristry who came along and Hampers & Champers for providing the guests with refreshments afterwards.

Watch this space for our next workshop!

Kids Hogmanay Party – Tuesday 31st December:

The Strathdearn, Tomatin

1pm – 3pm

Free entry

Party food, disco, games & face painting

To register your child/ren please email events@strathdearn.org

Strathdearn Hogmanay Party – Tuesday 31st December

We are now sold out – if you would like to be added onto the waiting list please email events@strathdearn.org

Burns Night Ceilidh:

Saturday 25th January 2025

Tickets are now available for IV13 residents to buy from the shop/cafe, hall office or by emailing events@strathdearn.org for the Eventbrite link.

Ticket prices £15 adult & £5 children – ticket includes live music and hot food buffet.

2025/26 COMMUNITY EVENTS:

If you have any suggestions for any type of community event for next year, feel free to drop us an email to events@strathdearn.org and we will try our best to accommodate.

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.

Visit the SCD website going to: https://ourscd.org/