What’s Been Going On?

From progress on the Community Housing Project to details about the upcoming Childcare Needs Survey, plus a range of exciting events on the horizon — there’s plenty happening. Keep reading to find out more!

PROJECT UPDATES

Community Affordable Housing Update

Construction Progress

We are approaching the halfway mark of the 52-week building contract with Alan Munro Construction Ltd. Offsite mains drainage works are currently underway, which necessitates the continued presence of the traffic management system. We appreciate the community’s patience and anticipate this system will remain in place for a few more weeks. Further updates will be provided once more accurate timelines are available.

Onsite progress remains positive:

  • Four timber-framed house kits have now been erected.
  • The access road has been constructed.
  • The retaining wall, including gabion baskets, is nearing completion.

While progress has been steady, the project is slightly behind schedule due to delays in securing Scottish Water’s approval for the drainage design and a few days lost to recent heavy rainfall. We now expect the homes to be available for letting between the first and second week of April 2026, subject to winter weather conditions. A confirmed timeline will be shared towards the end of the year.

Housing Applications & Allocation Policy

SCD is required to operate as a Private Registered Landlord and adhere to an approved allocations policy, as stipulated by the Rural Housing Fund (RHF). All tenancies will be governed by a Private Rented Tenancy Agreement outlining legal obligations for both landlord and tenant.

An external, qualified Lettings Agent will be appointed approximately 4–6 months prior to completion. This agent will oversee lettings, rent collection, and general housing management. There is potential for local delivery of repairs and maintenance, depending on the agent selected.

Key objectives of the allocations policy include:

  • Transparent and consistent allocation in line with Scottish Government grant funding requirements.
  • Priority for applicants with strong ties to the Strathdearn area.
  • Efficient allocation to minimise rental loss, with income and employment verification required.
  • Fairness and consistency in meeting housing needs.
  • Appropriate household sizing to avoid under- or over-occupancy.
  • Applicants must not own or rent another property, as this must be their primary home.
  • A clear, permanent connection to the area (residential, family, or employment).

We anticipate the Lettings Agent will be appointed no later than December 2025, at which point we will release their details along with the Allocation Policy and guidance on how to apply.

To register an expression of interest (please note this is not a waiting list or application), you can:

  • Email the project team at projects@strathdearn.org
  • Or visit the Strathdearn Hall to leave your details in person

Street Naming: Viaduct View

Following enthusiastic community input, the new street name application has been submitted to The Highland Council: Viaduct View. The name pays homage to the historic bridge backdrop of the development. The proposal was discussed at the last Community Council and will be presented at the next Inverness City Committee meeting, hopefully for approval, thereby the name will be formally adopted.

Hazelbank Woods: Community Woodland Plan

Exciting developments are underway at Hazelbank Woods. Initial steps include:

  • Gathering quotes for replacement deer fencing.
  • Exploring improvements to organic paths that have become difficult to navigate, especially around the burn.

Louise, our Woodland Coordinator, recently met with the Community Woodland Association’s Woodland Officer to gain insights and best practices for community woodland ownership.

SCD welcomes community input on the woodland plan. If you’d like to share ideas or speak with Louise, please reach out to her directly at: louiseramsay@strathdearn.org

Invertebrates Identification with Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Rivers Trust

Thanks to Ollie from the Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Rivers Trust for visiting our community woodland and giving an invertebrate identification demonstration.

We’re very pleased to say that the Allt Neacrath Burn didn’t disappoint with its variety of bugs, and the find of the day, spotted by local boy Jack, was an Alder fly nymph—the first one Ollie has seen in the burn!

Childcare Needs Survey

The community groups in Strathdearn are preparing for the next Community Action Plan (CAP) and are looking ahead to understand the future needs of the area. To make informed decisions about potential local childcare provision, we need to gather insights from the community. This will help us explore how best to try to support families with their childcare needs in Strathdearn—both during term time and school holidays.

As part of this, we would also like to understand whether families would be willing to pay for childcare services, and what level of cost would be manageable.

If you’re interested in the future of childcare in Strathdearn, please take a few minutes to complete the survey. Your feedback will be vital in shaping future services.

Click here to complete survey: https://forms.office.com/e/xPNaW5pGLD

SSEN Transmission’s Volunteering Team

🌿 Community Spirit in Action! This September, keep an eye out for the amazing volunteers from SSEN Transmission who’ll be joining us for a day of hands-on help. They’re rolling up their sleeves to support our community by sprucing up areas along the path network — making it cleaner, safer, and even more enjoyable for everyone.

Let’s give them a warm welcome and show our appreciation for their efforts. If you’re out and about, feel free to say hello or even lend a hand!

Youth, Health & Wellbeing

The Snug Returns!

We welcome back the Snug on the 2nd September at The Strathdearn Hub!

Pop in 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 – 3.45pm

📍 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.

Please note – fresh soup and rolls will arrive at The Snug October – March

Proof of Address Process for Health Club Memberships

The gym subsidy scheme remains one of our most popular health and wellbeing initiatives.

To meet our windfarm funding audit requirements, we must show that subsidies are benefiting residents within the IV13 postcode.

To ensure long-term sustainability, we will be introducing an annual address verification process. Members will be asked to confirm their address by submitting a recent utility bill (dated within the last 3 months), either by:

  • Replying to an email with a clear photo or scan of the document, or
  • Dropping into the Hub with the document in person.

If valid proof of address is not received by the deadline, the SCD subsidy will be removed from the membership.

New Otago Exercise Class!

Our new High Life Otago exercise class was a big hit on its very first day! We were delighted to welcome 13 residents who came along to try it out, and the feedback was excellent.

A huge thank you to community member Pam, who was a driving force in bringing this class to Tomatin, and of course to our wonderful instructor, Val. SCD is thrilled to be subsidising this class to provide a wider choice of activities to the community.

Otago is a gentle movement programme designed to help prevent trips and falls. It’s ideal for older adults and anyone returning to exercise. The class focuses on leg-strengthening and balance-retraining exercises that gradually progress in difficulty, and it also includes a walking plan that can be followed at home or in a group setting.

📅 Fridays, 10.00am – 10.45am

📍 The Strathdearn Hub

Pricing

This class is included within the High Life membership:

  • Family membership: £19.35 per month (discounted from £42.99)
  • Individual membership: £13.05 per month (discounted from £28.99)

Or pay as you go: £5.15 per class

For information about discounted membership: projects@strathdearn.org

To book: call 01479 813 140 or visit online.highlifehighland.com

Toddler Group Update

The Baby and Toddler Group is back up and running after the summer holidays, and we’re delighted to see so many familiar and new faces! We also have a couple of exciting announcements to share:

Primary 7 Visits

We’re thrilled to confirm that Strathdearn Primary School’s P7s will be joining us on the last Thursday of every month. On 28th August, Coby, Edie, Hugo, and Timothy came along and did a brilliant job entertaining the tots by reading books, playing with toys, and getting creative with playdough.

📅 Next visit: 25th September

Bookbug Sessions

We’re also very excited to welcome Bookbug to our sessions on a regular basis. Bookbug brings the magic of songs, rhymes, puppets, and stories, and is part of a fantastic Scottish Book Trust programme that encourages story sharing to support children’s language, social skills, and overall development.

📅 Upcoming sessions:

  • 18th September with Lorraine (10.30am – 11am)
  • 2nd October with Alison (10.30am – 11am)

Countryside Ranger Visit to Kids Club

We’re very excited to confirm that John Orr, our Countryside Ranger, will now be visiting Kids Club once per term! Teaming up with Louise, our Community Woodland Coordinator, he’ll be running 90-minute sessions that teach the children about our precious woodland and involve them in hands-on activities to help boost biodiversity.

📅 Next visit: 1st October, 3.30pm – 5pm

Regular Activities

Pilates at The Strathdearn (High Life)

Pilates with Marina and Morna 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

Otago at The Strathdearn (High Life)

Otago with Val is a gentle movement programme designed to help prevent trips and falls. It’s ideal for older adults and anyone returning to exercise. The class focuses on leg-strengthening and balance-retraining exercises that gradually progress in difficulty, and it also includes a walking plan that can be followed at home or in a group setting.

📅 Every Friday

🕚 10am – 10.45am

📍 The Strathdearn Hub

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

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 partnership with 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 (i.e. utility bill date in last 3 months) 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: Bannatyne Health Club Inverness (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. utility bill dated in last 3 months) to benefit from SCD subsidy.

Teen Social Club (term-time)

The Teen Social Club is back at The Strathdearn Hall, with a new age-based split to better suit the needs of the group:

  • 11–14 year olds: 6pm – 8pm
  • 15–19 year olds: 8pm – 10pm

Expect all the usual fun with football / basketball in the MUGA, table tennis, badminton, pool, snacks, drinks and more!

Please note: Due to prior Hub bookings, the club will not run on:

  • 12th September
  • 3rd October

Toddler Group (term-time)

Join us every Thursday morning, 9.30am – 11.30am at The Strathdearn Hub. Bring your little ones along for playtime while you enjoy a cuppa and a chat with other local parents and carers!

Kidz Club (term-time)

Kidz Club is back this term, thanks to continued community support! Coaches Ava, Neil, and Iona from High Life will be returning with their mix of sports, games, and crafts.

We’re also thrilled to confirm that John Orr will become a regular guest each term, sharing his passion for nature and delivering outdoor sessions in Hazelbank Woods.

The club remains free for local families (P1 – P7) and runs every Wednesday, 3.15pm – 6pm, at Strathdearn Primary School.

To book or for more information, email: matthew.allan@highlifehighland.com

Community eBikes

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:

  • email: enquiries@strathdearn.org
  • or complete online form https://thestrathdearn.org/hire-an-e-bike/
  • or call 01808 511700

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

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

Our raffle is packed full of amazing prizes kindly donated by local businesses – we will be selling raffle tickets on the day of the flower show at £1 a strip.

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

🕢 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 are available for sale now*

Early bird discount code to purchase tickets via Eventbrite: “STRATHDEARN_EVENTS2025” or tickets available at the hall office (card only).

🎟 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

TOMATIN BONFIRE NIGHT – Friday 7th November 2025

Our legendary Bonfire & Fireworks Display is BACK in Tomatin and you’re all invited for an unforgettable evening of fun and festivities!

  • Free Entry
  • Marshmallow toasting
  • Sparklers for the kids (and big kids too!)

Location: Tomatin (details will be confirmed asap)

Bonfire will be lit (5:30pm) & Fireworks (5:45pm)

But that’s not all…

After the fireworks, join us from 6PM at The Strathdearn for the after-party!

  • Executive Entertainment (Disco Inverness) returns with your favourite tunes & karaoke
  • Homemade pizzas and ice-cream/treats Macone’s ICES
  • Pop-up bar by The Strathdearn with a variety of drinks

Please Note: Entry to the Strathdearn after 6PM is ticketed (FREE) and on a first come, first serve basis – so get in early!

*IV13 residents if you want to get in quick – please email us events@strathdearn.org to secure your space or by clicking this link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1603120228759?aff=oddtdtcreator

Bring your family, wrap up warm, and let’s make it a night to remember!

🕒 Session Times:

FESTIVE WREATH WORKSHOP – Saturday 22nd November 2025:

Morning: 11am – 1pm

Afternoon: 2pm – 4pm

How to Book:

Email events@strathdearn.org to secure your space

Ticket Fee: £40

Includes:

  • Access to all materials and tools
  • Tea, coffee, or mulled wine
  • A delicious traybake on arrival

HOGMANAY BASH 2025 – Wednesday 31st December 2025:

Tickets will be on sale to IV13 residents from Friday 5^th September 2025.

Available to purchase from The Strathdearn office (10am – 4pm) or by emailing events@strathdearn.org (mailto:events@strathdearn.org)

Ticket fees for IV13:

Adults £20

Children £10

Ticket includes hot filled rolls and a drink for the bells.

SAVE THE DATES:

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

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

events@strathdearn.org

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)

The Strathdearn Community Developments Team