Who does what in Strathdearn?
Understanding the various roles that different community organisations play can sometimes be tricky – we are very grateful to community member Steve Cormack for creating this design to help explain how it all fits together.
We have also added the relevant contact email addresses should anyone in the community wish to get in touch with any of the organisations directly.
New Board Composition
We are delighted to welcome Alison Martin and Libby-Jo Dempster, who joined the SCD Board in May 2026. We look forward to working with them and benefiting from the experience and insight they bring.
SCD Board
- Graeme Ferguson (Chair)
- George Macleod (Vice Chair)
- Gordon Noble (MSC Representative)
- Kevin McKnight (SCC Representative)
- Alison Martin
- Libby-Jo Dempster
WRT Board
- Liz Campbell (Chair)
- Graeme Ferguson (SCD Representative)
Thank You
A very sincere thank you to Steve Knott, who has stepped down from the WRT Board. Steve has generously volunteered his time and expertise on both the SCD and WRT Boards since November 2022, including serving as Chair of both organisations. During his time in these roles, he has helped drive forward a number of successful initiatives. Steve brought forward the Community Fun Run, Community Bonfire and Fireworks Night and Hogmanay celebrations. He also led the board through the installation of our superfast EV-chargers and solar panels, the purchase of Hazelbank Community Woodland, bringing the shop and cafe back in-house and agreeing the financing package to take forward the community housing project.
Another huge thank you to Frank Roden, who has stepped down from the Board. Frank has been a dedicated member of the community and has served on and off the Board since 2013. Throughout his time with SCD, he has been a passionate advocate for his community, while always bringing humour to meetings. Frank was also a driving force behind the recently completed community housing project, helping to turn a long-held ambition into a reality.
General Manager Position
We have received a strong response to our recruitment for the General Manager position, and interviews are scheduled to take place in July. We hope to have our new General Manager in post by September and look forward to welcoming them to the team.
Scholarship Fund opportunity
Stronelairg & Dunmaglass Scholarship Fund – Now Open!
Are you studying a STEM subject at university? You could receive a £5,500 award towards your student loan through the Stronelairg & Dunmaglass Wind Farm Scholarship Fund.
This fund supports individuals from the local community who are pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering or mathematics-related courses.
The fund is open to students living in Strathdearn, Strathnairn, Stratherrick & Foyers, Fort Augustus & Glenmoriston, Laggan, Glengarry, and Spean Bridge, Roy Bridge & Achnacarry who are studying for a degree, or equivalent qualification, in the coming academic year. Priority will be given to applicants who live closest to either Stronelairg or Dunmaglass wind farms.
📝 Apply by 13 September 2026
🔗 For guidance and application from:
www.sserenewables.com/communities/scholarships-and-skills-funds
Or scan the QR code below:
Moy Ranger
We are pleased to announce that Highland Council Access Rangers team have confirmed Moy will have a ranger this season – Andy Coghill – who will be doing the rounds Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Andy has already met with some of the locals, and carried out number of inspections and maintenance tasks across the local area.
The firesite by the lochside has been cleared, and new signage has been installed to encourage responsible use of the area.
He has also requested that the lay-bys to the north are included as part of his regular inspection route. These areas will also be monitored over the coming weeks.
Unfortunately, Andy discovered evidence of a recent fire being lit right beside a birch tree at a popular fishing spot. This serves as a timely reminder of the importance of taking care in our natural spaces and only lighting fires where it is safe and permitted.
As we move into the busy summer season, regular monitoring will continue, and a monthly report will be provided to keep the community informed. If you notice anything of concern in the meantime, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Tree Planting at Community Homes
Wonderful to see the fruits of our labour coming along so nicely at the Community Homes! 🌱🌳
Thanks to support from the Highland Council Nature Restoration Fund, we have planted heritage apple trees, silver birch, Jacquemontii birch trees, and beech hedging around the site.
It’s fantastic to see them settling in well and beginning to flourish, with some already showing their first blossoms. We look forward to watching them grow and enhance the area for years to come.
A big thank you to everyone involved in helping bring this project to life – particularly Torbreck Orchard for suppling the apple trees and doing a wonderful job planting. 😊
Hazelbank Woodland🌿 What’s been going on?
We had John Orr, Highland Council Ranger in working with the after-school club in the wood. The group did a sterling job transforming a stack of bland pallets, which is hiding an IBC for watering our newly planted trees, into a fantastic bug hotel. They gathered fallen twigs, lichen, pine cones, moss and other natural materials from around the woodland, creating imaginative “rooms” including a Moss Garden and Pine Cone Mania! It was fantastic to see just how creative everyone was, and the children really seemed to enjoy getting hands-on while learning about the importance of providing habitats for insects and other wildlife. We found all sorts of bugs from worms to baby frogs but the highlight was when one of the children found a four spotted chaser dragonfly!
Following the Arboricultural Survey on tree health last month, we will need to carry out some tree work within the woodland. We are currently in the process of obtaining quotes and will let everyone know when the work is due to take place once everything has been finalised and a date has been arranged.
The wildflowers are absolutely thriving with this lovely mix of sunshine and showers, putting on a fantastic display throughout the woodland. Not only do they look lovely by the paths, but they also provide a valuable source of nectar and pollen for our pollinators.
A little reminder that our Tree of the Month and About Me stories are displayed at both entrances to the woodland for everyone to enjoy – these are available in English and Gaelic. Please feel free to take one out, have a read, and return it for the next visitor. These beautiful stories were written by Claire Hewitt and were inspired by the flora and fauna of Highland Perthshire. Each story was created during the month associated with that particular tree in folklore, making them a lovely way to connect with nature and the changing seasons.
We have also been looking into how we can clear fell the non-native spruce plantation while retaining the magnificent surrounding “Wolf” trees that stand proudly within the woodland. At the same time, we are exploring options for thinning the Scots pine in a way that has the least possible impact on the local community and the woodland itself.
We know there will be questions about these plans, so we’ll be arranging an open evening soon where everyone can come along, hear more about the proposals, ask questions and discuss the work in more detail. We will share the date as soon as it is confirmed.
As always, volunteers are always welcome! Whether you can spare a couple of hours or would like to get involved more regularly, we would love to have you join us. If you would like to find out more, please email Louise at louiseramsay@strathdearn.org.
Youth, Health & Wellbeing News
Highlife Summer Camp 2026
Our Summer Camp days are filling up quickly, and it is shaping up to be another fantastic summer at Strathdearn! ☀️🎉
We are delighted to welcome disc golf expert Lloyd Wells to the club on 5th August, where he will be running an exciting session at the Hub and in the Community Woods.
We are also looking forward to welcoming John Orr back. John will be helping the children build and decorate more bird and bat boxes before installing them in the woods, creating lasting benefits for local wildlife and the community.
If you’d like your child to join us, be sure to book soon as places are filling fast!
Monday 3rd August – Friday 7th August
9am – 3pm daily
Class: P1 – P7
To book email: matthew.allan@highlifehighland.com
Kidz Club (term-time only)
New High Life Lead Coach
We are delighted to announce the appointment of our new High Life Lead Coach, Daniel, who will begin his new role after the summer holidays.
Daniel has been involved with the club for several years and is already a familiar face to many of our young people and families. His enthusiasm, experience and commitment to the club make him an excellent fit for the role, and we are looking forward to seeing him build on the fantastic work already underway.
Kidz Club Explores Hazelbank Woodland
As mentioned in our Hazelbank Woodland update, the Kidz Club enjoyed a fantastic afternoon with John Orr, Highland Council Ranger, build a bug hotel and learning about woodland habitats, local wildlife and the importance of supporting biodiversity. The session gave everyone the opportunity to explore the woodland, discover more about the natural environment and understand how we can all help to care for it.
Baby & Toddler Group
Last Session of Term! ☀️
We had a wonderful final session before the summer holidays, and what a lovely way to finish! With the sun shining, everyone enjoyed heading outside for a picnic and some time together.
A huge thank you to all of our volunteer parents who help keep the group running. Your time, dedication and enthusiasm are greatly appreciated, and we couldn’t do it without you. We hope everyone has a fantastic summer and look forward to seeing you all again next term!
General information
Bring your little ones along for playtime while you enjoy a cuppa and a chat with other local parents and carers!
📅 Every term-time Thursday morning
🕚 9.30am – 11.30am
📍 The Strathdearn Hub
Each term we have Bookbug sessions, Child Smile visits and the Primary 7 children come to visit to read to the tots.
Teen Social Group (term-time only)
All 11 – 19 year olds welcome! Come along and challenge your pals to a game of badminton, pool or table tennis, or just enjoy having a space to hang out and chill.
Tasty snacks available 😋
Please note the club now runs as one combined group.
📅 Every term-time Friday evening
🕚7pm – 9.30pm
📍The Strathdearn Hub
The Snug paused for the 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!
Zumba at The Strathdearn
This fun, energetic session is family-friendly, with children aged 8+ welcome to join in.
📅 Every Wednesday
🕚 7pm – 8pm
📍 The Strathdearn Hub
Pilates at The Strathdearn
Pilates with Marina and Morna continues to be a community favourite! ✨
Come along to strengthen your core, improve flexibility, and enjoy a full-body workout – suitable for all ages and abilities.
📅 Every Monday
🕚 11:15am – 12:15pm
📍 The Strathdearn Hub
Otago at The Strathdearn
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
Pricing for High Life classes
✅ First class free for anyone who’d like to give it a try!
Included with a High Life membership:
- Family: £19.35/month (discounted from £42.99)
- Individual: £13.05/month (discounted from £28.99)
Or pay as you go:
- £8.55 per class (standard rate)
- £5.15 per class (over 60s)
ℹ️ For details on discounted membership: projects@strathdearn.org
📞 To book: 01479 813 140
💻 Or online: online.highlifehighland.com
High Life Highland Membership – Over 50% Discount for Families and Individuals
As a wellbeing member, High Life Highland will provide a 10% discount off the standard membership price as they would like to support and contribute to the Strathdearn Community’s health and wellness. Further to this, Strathdearn Community Developments have committed to fund 50% of your High Life membership, to support their residents residing in the postcode area of IV13.
This reduces the price of a family membership to £20.25 per month and £13.50 for an individual membership per month.
The highlife membership offers you and your family access to range of health and fitness opportunities in 28 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 inductions
• Swimming lessons for adults and children (term time)
• Extensive range of group fitness classes for all abilities and interests
• Running track
• Climbing walls
• Saunas, steam rooms and spa pools*
• Dynamic wellbeing activities and classes in partnership with NHS Highland
• Children’s activities
• Single court activities – badminton, pickleball, squash, table tennis etc.
• Discounts on personal training, private swimming lessons and small group fitness.
• Early entry to the popular School’s Out Activity Programme
*Please note there is an additional charge for the use of the Health Suite at Inverness Leisure.
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.
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: 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.
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) (https://www.bscx.co.uk/)
Community Events
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Bounce in the MUGA – Thursday 2nd July 2026:
School’s out for summer!
All Strathdearn children are invited to the MUGA on Thursday 2nd July from 12pm to bounce to their hearts’ content as soon as the school bell rings for the summer holidays.
Free entry
Come celebrate the start of the holidays with us
Hoedown At The Hub – Saturday 15th August 2026:
🤠🎉 YEE-HAW! HOEDOWN AT THE STRATHDEARN 🎉🤠
Get ready to dust off your boots and join us for a fantastic day of country fun!
📅 Saturday 15th August 2026
⏰ From 4PM
📍 The Strathdearn, Tomatin
✨ What’s on:
🎤 Dolly & Shania Tribute Acts
🐂 Rodeo Bull
💃 Line Dancing
🌭 Hot Food (included in your ticket!)
🍻 Licensed Bar
🎟️ Tickets:
£15 Adults | £5 Children
(*includes hot food*)
This is set to be a brilliant family-friendly event you won’t want to miss 🤩
👉 Interested in coming along? Secure your place by completing the form below:
https://forms.gle/oxV7C45pxDMHqJ2w5
Tag your friends, share the post, and let’s make it a hoedown to remember! 🤠🔥
Flower Show – Saturday 5th September 2026
Strathdearn Primary School are joining up with Strathdearn Community Developments for this year’s Flower Show!
Venue: Strathdearn Primary School
We’re excited to invite you to our Flower Show Fundraiser in support of Strathdearn Primary School! Come along for a great community day full of colour, creativity, and tasty treats.
Entry Details (Local Residents Only)
Entries accepted: 9:30am – 10:30am
Judging begins: 11:00am
Open to the public: from 12:00pm
Food & Refreshments:
~ Soup & Sweet: £5 per person
~ Tea/Coffee: £2 per person
Trophy Presentation & Raffle: 1:30pm
Optional Sales Table:
All entrants will have the opportunity to put their items up for sale after judging. Every penny raised will go directly to supporting Strathdearn Primary School.
Bring your blooms, enjoy a bite to eat, and help us raise funds for a brilliant local cause.
We can’t wait to see you there!
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SCD Events Team
SCD Events Team
Tastes of Tomatin Café & Shop Updates
June remained a very positive month for Tastes of Tomatin Café & Shop, with trading continuing significantly ahead of the same period last year.
While activity eased slightly from the exceptional levels experienced in May, both the café and shop continued to perform strongly throughout the month. Support from local customers and workmen remained important, while visitor, tourist and distillery-related trade increased further.
This growing visitor market continues to make a valuable contribution to the overall performance of the business.
Menu Highlights
Our fresh homemade sausage rolls remain one of the café’s most popular products.
Made fresh every day using quality sausage meat from Grants of Speyside Butchers, they continue to be extremely popular with local customers, workmen and visitors alike.
Fresh baking also remains an important part of the café offering. Scones are produced regularly by Ryan and Kyle, with Lindsay and Shannon supporting the range by making homemade favourites such as brownies and other traybakes.
The team continues to work hard to maintain a varied selection of homemade food alongside the demands of daily service.
New Bon Accord Drinks
A new range of Bon Accord soft drinks has been introduced, including:
🥤 Rhubarb Soda
🥤 Cream Soda
🥤 Lemonade
Bon Accord is a well-known Scottish “old school” brand, with its drinks naturally sweetened and made using quality ingredients. The range provides another distinctive Scottish option for customers visiting the café and shop.
Monday Operations
Reduced Monday operations have continued successfully throughout June.
Although the main kitchen remains closed, the café continues to offer:
✔️ Sandwiches
✔️ Fresh sausage rolls
✔️ Soup
✔️ Cakes and traybakes
✔️ Hot drinks
Trading has remained very strong despite the reduced menu, demonstrating that the format continues to meet customer demand.
The arrangement also provides the team with valuable time for preparation, cleaning and operational catch-up while still allowing customers to enjoy a good range of food and drinks.
Staffing and Community Meals
Chris Junor has continued to support the kitchen during June and has taken responsibility for preparing fresh meals for the pensioners’ lunch.
These meals have been very well received and represent a positive addition to the café’s community offering.
Catering and Community Support
The café has continued to provide a number of smaller catering orders throughout June, both independently and in conjunction with the Hall.
These arrangements remain a valuable additional income stream and help strengthen links with local groups, organisations and events.
Tastes of Tomatin also remained open as normal during the Bounce in the MUGA event, helping to cater for visitors attending on the day. The event brought a welcome uplift in trade and provided another opportunity to support activity within the local community.
Customer Feedback and Social Media
Customer satisfaction remains extremely high, with consistently positive feedback received both in person and online.
Customers continue to respond particularly well to the quality of the food, friendly service and welcoming atmosphere.
Social media activity has also continued throughout June, helping maintain the café and shop’s online visibility. Further details on engagement and performance will be covered separately by Helen.
Looking Ahead
Plans are currently being developed for a possible Indian-themed evening in July, potentially alongside a quiz.
Further details will be shared once arrangements are confirmed.
Coffee Loyalty Card
Don’t forget to pick one up next time you’re in.
Collect 6 stamps and receive a free coffee.
Local Loyalty Card
Residents can enjoy 10% off with a valid community loyalty card — don’t forget to use it.
Tastes of Tomatin – Opening Hours
Shop: 8.30am – 5pm
Café: Monday – Sunday, 9.30am – 4pm
🕞 Last food orders at 3.30pm
☕ Coffee and cakes available until 4pm
📞 To get in touch, call 01808 517230 and a member of the team will be happy to help.
Join the Board!
We are looking for new volunteers to join the Strathdearn Community Development / White River Trading boards. If you care about what is happening locally and want to help shape future projects, we would love to hear from you!
The commitment is now very manageable — just a 2hour meeting every two months, along with keeping on top of emails between meetings. No special experience needed, just enthusiasm and a willingness to share your ideas.
We are particularly keen to welcome younger adults and more women onto the board so we can make sure a wide mix of voices and perspectives are represented when making decisions for our community.
If you are interested, or even just a bit curious, you can apply or ask for more information by emailing info@strathdearn.org (mailto:info@strathdearn.org) . It would be fantastic to have some new faces around the table!
The Strathdearn Community Developments Team
