We are excited to share news on our exciting community projects and events! For the latest updates on the new SCD chair and staffing, the community housing project, free eBike trials and local events, read on!

SCD Director and Staff update

The SCD Board have appointed Graeme Ferguson as their Chair and are pleased that Duncan Bryden is remaining the position of Vice-Chair.  Details of the SCD Board, WRT Board and SCD staff members can be found at https://ourscd.org/meet-the-team/ 

Elaine Macleod has also agreed to remain in the position of Company Secretary and Maureen McDonald-Cooke as Project & Development Manager until the end of June 2025. 

It is hoped that the position of General Manager will have been filled at the point.  For further details of this key position please go to https://strathdearn.org/2025/03/12/scd-wrt-general-manager-recruitment/

Capital Projects

Community-Led Affordable Housing

The contractor Alan Munro has started the groundworks on the housing site and continues to prepare the site for the next stages.

We are delighted to announce that we will be holding an official ‘spade in the ground’ ceremony to mark the occasion. The children of Strathdearn Primary School will officially perform the honours on Wednesday 23rd April at 2pm.

We would love for the community to attend to support the children as we invest in a legacy project for future generations to come.

Thanks go to the school for their assistance.

We look forward to seeing as many of the community as possible on the day!

Hazelbank Woods

The legal work for the purchase of the 2.7 hectares from Tomatin Estate, which forms part of the overall Hazelbank woodland purchase, has revealed that the boundary of the Neacreath Burn is not where it was originally thought to be. Older style titles are more complex to work through, but the work is ongoing, and we hope to reach a conclusion soon.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have had to change the date of the celebration event to mark community ownership of Hazelbank woods.

We will announce a revised date shortly, along with an itinerary for the event.

We are also recruiting for a part time, fixed term Community Woodland Co-ordinator, please see the below details.

Community Woodland Coordinator – Redstart UK, Tomatin

There is still time to apply!

Closing date 14th April 2025

Youth, Health & Wellbeing

As the Youth, Health & Wellbeing project reaches the end of its current 3-year programme, we are delighted to report its success in supporting a wide range of activities—from the toddler group to more senior residents in our community, as well as enhancing the use of the community-owned Strathdearn Hall.

We are now moving into a new 3-year budget period and can confirm the continuation of the programme of activities going forward. Below is a breakdown of the costs involved in running the project across the various activities.

Free eBike hire for residents of IV13 for up to 2 weeks

Make the most of this fantastic spring weather and explore the area on one of the community’s eBikes – for free!

Thanks to our partnership with The Strathdearn, SCD is continuing to fund a 2-week free trial for all local residents. Just pop into the Hub and take an eBike out for a spin!

Already used up your free trial days? No problem – locals can still enjoy discounted rates at just £15 per day.

We now have handy route cards available, showcasing some of the best local day trips – perfect for a bit of adventure.

And for families, we’ve got Kids Ride Shotgun attachments (suitable for ages 2–5), so your little ones can come along for the ride too!

To book:

Strathdearn Baby and Toddler Group

Childsmile

We were delighted to have the lovely Tricia from Childsmile joining the group offering advice on keeping wee teeth healthy and strong!

Please see link below for dental practices who are taking on new NHS patients.

Registering with a dental practice | NHS Highland

Dental helpline number – 0800 141 2362

Bookbug

Bringing the magic of songs, rhymes, puppets, and stories, 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.

Upcoming Bookbug dates:

  • May 15th 10am – 10.30am

Our community Baby & Toddler Group is on Thursday mornings from 9.30am to 11.30am (term-time) at the Hub. Drop in with the little ones at any time to enjoy a free, fun-filled session featuring toys, books, playdough, crafts, and more!

Tea, coffee, and biscuits available.

Additionally, we have set up a library account for the group. Books that have been finished can be brought in and swapped for new ones. If there is a specific book that is not available in the library, it can be reserved online and be sent from other libraries across the Highlands.

Strathdearn Community Kids Club news

New Lead Coach

Following a successful interview process, we are delighted to welcome Ava Walsh as our new Lead Tutor/Coach. In addition to her remarkable achievement as a national champion in Olympic-style weightlifting, Ava brings extensive experience in leading youth activities. She continues to support other clubs within the Inverness community and is excited to embark on this new journey with us. Ava looks forward to meeting you and your children,and will also be running some taster sessions at the primary school in the term.

Football sessions

Starting from next term our football sessions within the club will run from 4.30pm – 5.30pm rather than 6pm – 7pm.

We continue to offer the after-school club free to all Strathdearn primary school children! The club runs every Wednesday 3.30pm – 7pm (term-time). Children are free to join in as long as they (or parents) wish!

Children are collected from school then escorted to The Strathdearn for various activities including:

  • Games
  • Sports
  • Crafts
  • Lego
  • Homework sessions

If not already enlisted – sign up and join in the fun by emailing: matthew.allan@highlifehigland.com

Teens Social Club

PVGs

Please note that all volunteers are required to complete the PVG process, as of April 1st this is now a legal requirement for regulated roles involving activities with children.

April / May dates

Due to private bookings at The Strathdearn there are cancellations of the club in May – see below:

We now have 31 children signed up for the Teens Social Club and the volunteer list continues to grow!

These sessions are free and run Friday evenings 7.30pm – 10pm (term-time).

Available for all 11 – 19 years olds in Strathdearn.

Activities include:

  • Pool table
  • Badminton
  • Table Tennis
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Netflix / YouTube
  • Snacks & Refreshments – enjoy hot and cold drinks, plus tasty snacks, all included!

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

The SCD Snug at The Strathdearn Hub

Pop into The Snug for a cuppa and a catch-up with friends and neighbours! Enjoy tea, coffee, biscuits, and a browse through the day’s newspapers in a relaxed and friendly space.

🕙 Open every Tuesday and Friday, 10am – 4pm
📍 The Strathdearn Hub

If you – or someone you know – would like to come along but need help with transport, please get in touch at enquiries@strathdearn.org and we’ll do our best to assist.

Pilates at The Strathdearn

Pilates with Marina continues to be a hit! Come along to build core strength, improve flexibility, and enhance overall body conditioning – suitable for all ages and abilities.

📅 Every Monday
🕚 11.15am – 12.15pm
📍 The Strathdearn Hub

SCD Gym & Health Club Subsidy

We are excited to report that the scheme continues to grow, with 287 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 Memberships

Strathdearn Community Developments continues our collaboration with Highlife Highland and be part of the charity’s Wellbeing membership scheme, highlife.

As a Wellbeing member, High Life Highland provides a 10% discount off the standard membership price as they support and contribute to Strathdearn residents’ health and wellness.

Further to this, Strathdearn Community Developments have committed to fund 50% of the cost of the membership for all residents residing in the postcode area of IV13.

This reduces the price of a family membership to £19.35 per month and £13.05 for an individual membership per month. The highlife membership offers you and your family access to range of health and fitness opportunities in 25 leisure centres throughout the Highlands. The membership includes the following access/use:

  • Swimming pools
  • Leisure waters
  • Fitness suites
  • Strength and conditioning areas
  • Fitness room/Strength and Conditioning area Inductions
  • Term time swimming lessons for adults and children
  • Extensive range of group fitness classes for all abilities and interests
  • Running track
  • Climbing walls
  • Saunas, spa pools and steam rooms
  • Dynamic wellbeing activities and classes in partnershipwith NHS Highland
  • Children’s activities
  • Single court activities – badminton, squash, table tennis etc
  • Discounts on personal training, private swimming lessons and small group fitness
  • Early entry to our popular School’s Out Activity programme
  • 7-day advance booking for all our activities and classes

Membership Prices:

  • Family Membership: £19.35 /month (discounted from £42.99)
  • Individual Membership: £13.05 /month (discounted from £28.99)

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.

New Block-Booking Activities:

Highlife Classes at The Strathdearn Hub

Pilates with Marina continues to be a hit! Come along to build core strength, improve flexibility, and enhance overall body conditioning – suitable for all ages and abilities.

📅 Every Monday
🕚 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
📍 The Strathdearn Hub

Bannatyne Health Club membership subsidy

IV13 residents can enjoy over 50% off for Bannatyne Health Club all-inclusive membership!

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 continues to collaborate 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

Hazelbank Woods Celebration

Unfortunately, we are postponing the guided walks with Call of the Wild Scotland until we get all the arrangements in place. A new date for the woodland event will be circulated very soon.

~ Tomatin Whisky are going to come along to do whisky tasting at The Strathdearn (6pm – 7pm).

~ Licenced bar and hot food available by Tastes of Tomatin

~ Pub quiz starts 7pm

If you would like to be involved in the pub quiz, please contact events@strathdearn.org

EASTER BREAKFAST – Saturday 12th April 2025 (10am – 1pm)

IV13 families, you are cordially invited to our Easter Breakfast at The Strathdearn:-

~Morning filled rolls, tea/coffee and fresh juice

~Arts & Crafts corner

~Easter movie on the big screen

~Face painting

~Easter egg hunt with bunny

This event is free of charge for all IV13 residents – if you would like to secure your place please email events@strathdearn.org along with any dietary/allergy requirements by Friday 4th April 2025.

Spring food, Drink & Craft market – Saturday 26th April 2025 (11am – 3pm)

Free entry

Thai & Asian inspired street food by Thai at Beauly

Treats on the Street are back again with their freshly made doughnuts and bubble waffles.

A full list of exhibitors will be available on social media prior to the event.

www.facebook.com/events/407737109031699

Community Fun Run – Saturday 17th May 2025 (11am – 2pm)

We are absolutely delighted to be organising another fun run this year and supporting Gamekeepers Welfare Trust.

We are very excited to see our brand-new personalised t-shirts arriving next month for all our participants who have signed up so far. If you would still like to sign up to either run/walk please register asap for the team to get your t-shirt order finalised it will be much appreciated.

Please scan the QR code on poster to complete your registration

Registration fee:

Adult £10

Child £5

(Your fee includes your burger and cold drink at the finishing line)

If you are going to be looking for sponsors from your loved ones, friends etc please join our Justgiving team link where you can share in any social media platform as well as what’s app.

SCD Team fundraising for Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust is fundraising for Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust

We are looking forward to welcoming you to our second community fun run here at The Strathdearn and we hope the sun is going to be shining.

Any further information please do not hesitate to email us at events@strathdearn.org

SPRING FLOWER WORKSHOP with WILD BLOSSOM FLORISTRY – Saturday 31st May 2025

We only have two spaces left for our flower workshop. 
£35 per person includes hot/cold refreshments
If you are interested in booking a space, please email events@strathdearn.org

COMEDY NIGHT WITH RUDE & GOOD COMEDY – Saturday 28th June 2025


We are absolutely delighted to be hosting our very first comedy night at The Strathdearn with the fantastic Rude & Good Comedy.
 
Licensed bar and hot food provided by Tastes of Tomatin
 
Tickets are now available for all IV13 residents.
 
Interested in booking a ticket please email events@strathdearn.org we will be in touch with the eventbrite link.

BOUNCE AT THE MUGA – Thursday 3rd July 2025


When you hear the school bell ring at 12pm please come along to The Strathdearn.
Unlimited use of inflatables for just £3 per child
McCones ice cream van will also be coming along with amazing ice cream treats.

FLOWER SHOW – Saturday 6th September 2025

The Strathdearn, Tomatin
Time to get planting, growing and being creative!
Only IV13 residents can apply.
 

  • Flowers
  • Baking & Produce
  • Vegetables
  • Photography

 
We are excited for our 2nd Flower Show at The Strathdearn on Saturday 6th September 2025.
 
We look forward to seeing all your entries for this event that has been ever so popular over the years in Tomatin.
 
Schedules will be available from Monday 31st March 2025 at the hall foyer and shop/cafe.
 

More events to be announced – watch this space.

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.

To visit the SCD website click on following link: Supporting the Community | Strathdearn Community Developments (ourscd.org)