Community Led Affordable Housing

The Community Housing Project continues to make steady progress. The timber-framed kits are now scheduled to be delivered in mid-July, which is slightly later than previously reported last month.

All foundations for the six properties have been completed, and the drainage and water main works are now nearing completion.

We are also pleased to share that we have been awarded grant funding of nearly £9,000 towards the cost of bringing electricity to the housing site.
A heartfelt thank you to the Scottish Hydro Electric Community Trust for their generous support.

Hazelbank Woods – Community Ownership Celebration – Saturday 21st June

We held our official Community Ownership Celebration on Saturday 21st June in the glorious sunshine — a truly momentous day for the community!

The event began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a fascinating talk from our Vice-Chair, Duncan Bryden, who shared maps dating back to circa 1590, illustrating how the woodland has evolved over the centuries to the present day.

This was followed by a woodland walk and a ‘Hunt the Hairy Haggis’ game. We’re delighted to share that Hazel the Haggis was found by Jack Meade (aged 6), who proudly won a trip to Farm Ness and a book.

A huge thank you to the Art Club, who lovingly and skilfully created Hazel — who we hope will feature in many more events and celebrations to come!

We are now beginning work on a light-touch Woodland Management Plan and look forward to involving the community to gather as many ideas and contributions as possible moving forward.

Moy Sub Committee

On the 19th June, the Moy Sub Committee met to discuss a range of local projects. It was a very productive meeting and well attended by Moy residents.

We are pleased to confirm that the Ranger Service has now recommenced in the Moy area and will continue to run until 26th October 2026.

Youth, Health & Wellbeing

Youth, Health & Wellbeing Funding

We are sincerely grateful to Strathdearn Community Charitable Trust (SCCT) for approving funding through the Youth, Health and Wellbeing Fund, enabling the continued delivery of these valuable activities for our community. The majority of funding is being contributed by SCD with SCCT’s support through the fund helping to ensure that all ongoing activities can continue to be delivered.

Teen Social Club and Toddler Group Finished for the Summer Holidays

The Teen Social Club and Baby & Toddler Group have now wrapped up for the summer holidays. Both groups will restart during the first week back of term (week beginning 18th August).

A huge thank you to all the families who have come along and supported these groups — your involvement helps provide essential social time for the young people in our community.

An extra big thank you to all the wonderful volunteers who give up their time each week. These groups simply wouldn’t exist without you!

Proof of Address Process for Health Club Memberships

Subsidised Gym & Health Club Memberships with High Life Highland and Bannatyne Health Club have been running since December 2022 and have proven to be a resounding success. We are delighted that 273 residents of Strathdearn are now signed up to the scheme.

As part of our financial audit requirements, we must demonstrate that the windfarm funding we receive directly benefits residents with an IV13 postcode. To support this, we are currently working with Bannatyne and High Life to introduce an annual proof of address process for members.

Once the new process is confirmed, we will be in touch with all members to outline the next steps.

Strathdearn Summer Camp 2025

Looking for local Summer Holiday Activities for Kids?

Highlife Highland is offering summer holiday activities for children in P1–P7 at The Strathdearn Hub! We have had 15 children from Strathdearn sign up so far.

🗓️ Dates: 21st – 25th July
🕘 Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
📍 Location: The Strathdearn

🌳 Special Event – 23rd July: We are thrilled to welcome the Highlife Countryside Rangers, who will be leading outdoor nature activities in Hazelbank Woods—an adventure not to be missed!

💰 Subsidised Pricing for Strathdearn Families:
SCD are delighted to support local families with a subsidy of 50%

  • £9.60/day for Highlife members (discounted from £19.20)
  • £19.20/day for non-members (discounted from £38.40)

🗓️ Book a single day or the full week!

📧 To book or find out more, contact:
matthew.allan@highlifehighland.com

High Life Highland School’s out! Full Summer Programme

☀️ School’s Out – Let the Fun Begin! ☀️

High Life Highland’s full summer holiday programme is now live — start planning and booking favourite activities today!

🔗 View and book activities: hlh.scot/43t3Jfm

🗓️ Bookings open Monday, 2nd June

  • ⏰ 12:00 PM – Early access for All Inclusive & Budget Members
  • ⏰ 3:00 PM – Access for Pay As You Go High Life card holders

Do not miss out — spots fill fast!

Kidz Club Update – New Location

The move to the school has been very positive — the children are thoroughly enjoying the larger green space and the variety of activities it allows! In addition to football on the pitch, they have also been having fun playing golf and even designing their own course with support from the High Life coaches.

Staying at the school has eliminated the need to escort the children to the Hub, which has been another welcome improvement. The school’s secure fencing has also made it easier for the children to move freely and safely between indoor and outdoor areas.

Snug paused for summer

We will be pausing The Snug throughout July and August due to a significant drop in attendance during these months.
 
We will look forward to welcoming everyone back in September!

Moo Music at Toddler Group

The Strathdearn Baby and Toddler Group welcomed Moo Music Highland for the first time ever this month! The children had a fantastic time dancing, singing, chasing bubbles, and bouncing balloons on the parachute.

A big thank you to Lesley from Moo Music for running such a fun session and making the journey out to Tomatin — we really appreciate it!

And thank you to the Tomatin Children’s Entertainment Committee for partially funding the activity.

Regular Monthly Activities

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

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.

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.

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

Make the most of this fantastic summer 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 have got Kids Ride Shotgun attachments (suitable for ages 2–5), so your little ones can come along for the ride too!

To book:

SCD COMMUNITY EVENTS UPDATE – June 2025 

events@strathdearn.org 

HAZELBANK WOODLAND CELEBRATION – Saturday 21st June 2025 

A big thank you to all the families who attended the celebration of the community purchase of the woodland.  

Well done to Jack and his family for winning a family pass to Farm Ness and Hamish the Hairy Haggis book for finding Hazel the Hairy Haggis!  

BOUNCE AT THE MUGA – Thursday 3rd July 2025 

Bounce into the Summer Holidays!  

Strathdearn kids aged from 1 – 12 years old  

The countdown is ON! When the school bell rings at 12pm on Thursday 3rd July, head straight to The Strathdearn for an afternoon of inflatable fun! 

Bring the kids to bounce to their hearts’ content on a fantastic variety of inflatables, and cool off with a tasty treat from McCone’s Ice Cream Van  

Event starts at 12pm sharp Just £3 per child – pay at the gate (cash or card welcome). 

Let’s kick off the summer holidays with a blast!  

SUMMER FUN DAY – Saturday 9th August 2025 

Join us on Saturday 9th August 2025, from 4:00 PM to 10:30 PM for an unforgettable day packed with fun for all ages! 

FREE ENTRY!! 

What’s happening at the event: 

4pm – 7pm 

  • DJ set by Executive Entertaiment (Disco Inverness) 
  • Inflatable bouncy castles  
  • Face painting  
  • Reptile encounters 
  • Laser Go VR sessions 
  • Calum’s Kitchen – delicious street food (4pm – 8pm) 
  • Treats on the Street – freshly made donuts, bubble waffles and ice cream (4pm – 8pm) 
  • Licenced Bar by Tastes of Tomatin (4pm – 10pm 

7pm – 10:30pm 

We are thrilled to welcome MacTa to the stage at 7pm. 🎤✨ 

This talented 6-piece band from Moray, in the Northeast of Scotland, brings a rare blend of experience and musical flair that’s sure to get everyone on their feet. From classic and contemporary pop and rock to Rock & Roll, Country, and even Scottish dance tunes, MacTa delivers a soundtrack that suits every occasion. 

Whether you’re here to dance, sing along, or just soak in the atmosphere, MacTa will make it a night to remember! 🎸💃🕺 

FLOWER SHOW – Saturday 6th September 2025: 

It’s time to get planting, growing, and unleashing your creativity for this year’s Strathdearn Flower Show! Whether you’re a budding gardener, a baking enthusiast, or a creative soul, there’s a category for everyone. 

🌼 Categories: 🌺 Flowers 🍰 Baking & Produce 🥕 Vegetables 📷 Photography 🌻 Children’s Section (Grow Your Own Sunflower & Create Your Own Garden Tray) 

⏰ Key Times: 📜 Entries Open: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 🚪 Open to Public: 2:30 PM 🏆 Trophy Presentation & Raffle: 3:00 PM 

Join us for a celebration of gardening, creativity, and community spirit. Whether you’re entering or simply admiring, it’s a day not to be missed! 

🌸 See you there! 🌸 

AN EVENING WITH RHYTHMNREEL – Friday 3rd October 2025  

🕢 Doors Open: 7:30 PM 🎤 Show Starts: 8:30 PM

Get ready for another unforgettable night as the incredible Rhythmnreel return to The Strathdearn! Known for their high-energy performances and infectious Celtic rock sound, this band never fails to get the crowd going! 💃🕺 

Expect a night full of foot-stomping tunes, powerful rhythms, and unmatched atmosphere. Whether you’re a long-time fan or seeing them for the first time, you’re in for a treat! 

📅 Don’t miss out – come early, bring your dancing shoes, and let’s make it a night to remember! 

🎟 Tickets for IV13 residents* 

Adults £15  

Children £7.50 – all children U18 must be accompanied by a parent 

*Early bird tickets will be on sale for IV13 residents on Monday 30/06/25 at 5pm – book early to avoid disappointment.  

🎟 Tickets for Non IV13 residents: 

Adults £20 

Children £10 all children u18 must be accompanied by a parent 

General sale will be available on 25/08/25.

🍽 Food & Drinks: 

  • Complimentary hot filled rolls included with your ticket.  
  • Licensed bar serving a selection of drinks 

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SAVE THE DATES:

Festive Wreath Workshop – Saturday 22nd November 11am – 1pm / 2pm – 4pm

Winter Market – Saturday 6th December 11am – 3pm

Kids Hogmanay Party – Wednesday 31st December 12pm – 2pm

Hogmanay Bash – Wednesday 31st December 7:30pm – 12:30am