Month: August 2026 (Page 2 of 2)

[from: Gemma Corbett, Community Liaison Officer | Balfour Beatty | Scotland | Civil Engineering]

Construction of the new Dalmagarry bridge has been progressing well, and the next stage of the work involves the installation of beams on the new structures that will eventually carry the bridge deck.

We are planning bridge beam deliveries and installations at the Dalmagarry structure in September 2026. Exact dates are currently being finalised and will be shared before the works take place.

Due to the beams sizes, this will be done under the guidance of the Police.  

What you need to know

We anticipate that we will carry out these deliveries during day time hours.

Road users travelling on the A9 may encounter temporary traffic signals to allow these beams to travel to the Dalmagarry structure in three locations simultaneously.

• Tomatin North Junction (A9 northbound): northbound traffic will be temporarily stopped to allow large construction vehicles to transport beams safely to the Dalmagarry structure.
• Moy South Junction (B9154/A9): southbound traffic will be temporarily stopped to allow large construction vehicles to reverse safely into position at the Dalmagarry structure.
• Ruthven Road Junction with the A9: traffic will be temporarily controlled to allow large construction vehicles to transport beams safely between the junction and the Dalmagarry structure.

Signals in all locations will operate on an “all red” phase for up to fifteen minutes at a time, with a maximum of two activations per week. We anticipate that it will be in daytime hours between 08:00 – 20:00. Police and staff will be on site to help minimise disruption.

Once the delivery is complete, road users travelling southbound may encounter temporary traffic signals on the A9 at the B9154 Moy South junction for a maximum 3-minute period to allow the large construction vehicle to safely leave the structure to travel northbound.

Additionally, road users may experience overnight temporary traffic signals on the Dalmagarry realignment, stopping northbound and southbound traffic to allow for the first beam to be installed safely as it is in close proximity to the existing A9 carriageway. We anticipate that this will take place around midnight with an “all red” phase initiated for a maximum of 10-minutes on one occasion only. We will provide a further update with confirmed dates and timings before the works take place. 

Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the works, and emergency vehicles will continue to have access through the site at all times.

We will provide a further update with confirmed dates and timings before the works take place

For the most up‑to‑date information, visit: https://www.a9dualling.scot/a9-dualling/roadworks/

Any questions, contact: A9T2M@balfourbeatty.com

We’re pleased to have new dog waste bins at both entrances to Hazelbank Wood. 

A volunteer will kindly empty the bins, and we’re hopeful that having somewhere convenient to dispose of dog waste will help reduce the amount being left within the community woodland.

Hopefully this will make Hazelbank Wood a cleaner and more pleasant place for everyone in our community to enjoy. Thank you to everyone who helps us keep the woodland looking at its best.

Louise Ramsay

Community Woodland Coordinator

[update to SCC from Gemma Corbett, Community Liaison Officer, Balfour Beatty]

Road users are advised of upcoming traffic management layout changes on the A9 from 28 August 2026 just north of the current A9 Dualling: Tomatin to Moy roadworks, south of Daviot. The works are expected to last around four weeks, with a revised traffic management layout in place at this location for up to 25 days. The works include road resurfacing, improvements to accesses on/off the A9 and safety barrier replacements.

During this time, the existing Tomatin to Moy site traffic management will be extended around 2.5km north towards Inverness. A 40mph temporary speed limit will be in operation, with one lane of traffic maintained in each direction at all times, except during a small number of overnight works that will be managed under two-way temporary traffic signals affecting a short length of the northbound carriageway only.

Lane layouts may change slightly as works progress to facilitate the works, but delays are expected to be kept to a minimum.

For more information, please see the attached: A9 Dualling: Tomatin to Moy – Ucoming traffic management changes in Lynebeg and Tomatin

Queries should be directed to A9t2m@balfourbeatty.com.

A9 traffic restrictions at Tomatin – Monday 17 August

Drivers travelling through Tomatin on Monday should be aware of temporary traffic signals associated with the A9 Dualling works.

Large bridge beams are due to be transported from a storage area near Tomatin to the new Dalmagarry side road bridge. Temporary signals will be used at three locations during the operation, which is scheduled to take place between 8am and 8pm.

Traffic may be stopped for up to 10 minutes at a time, with up to three separate beam movements planned during the day. The restrictions will only be put in place while the large construction vehicles are moving and positioning the beams.

The A9 will be stopped in both directions at the Tomatin North junction. At the Ruthven Road junction, southbound A9 traffic will also be stopped while the vehicles turn, with separate controls for traffic joining the A9 from Ruthven Road.

Drivers should be prepared for short queues and allow a little extra time if travelling through the area. Traffic management staff will be on site, and pedestrian and emergency access will be maintained.

The work is weather-dependent and arrangements may change at short notice.

The second episode of the Balnespick Wind Farm podcast is now available, providing an update on the project and an opportunity to hear the latest information.

Scan the QR code below to listen on Spotify, or visit this link:
https://open.spotify.com/show/033d1lfWUqhETqMQ4acT1r

The project team is also inviting local residents to submit voice notes for consideration in the third and final episode — see the attached poster for details.

At this week’s Community Council meeting, held on Tuesday 12th August, attendees received an update from Councillor Duncan MacPherson following the appointment of Inverness’s new Chief Inspector, Craig Still.

While the Community Council awaits further information to share, a new community policing email contact has been introduced:

InvernessCommunityPolice@scotland.police.uk

You can also find the contact details on the Police Scotland website: https://www.scotland.police.uk/your-community-team/highland-and-islands/inverness/

Duncan highlighted the value of community intelligence and encouraged residents to report suspicious activity, concerns about drug misuse, unusual vehicles, environmental crime, or any other matters of concern — even where there is no immediate evidence of criminal activity.

The full discussion will be included in the Community Council website minutes once they have been finalised.

Why not come along to a future meeting? We often have extra guests in attendance. Recently we had we had a Station Commander from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Station Commander to address our concerns in the wake of the Cairngorm wildfire, and representatives of Balfour Beaty often attend to give us face-to-face updates on the A9 Dualling.

Strathdearn Community Council

Tuesday 11^th August 2026 @ 7.00pm in The Strathdearn

This meeting will also be available on MS Teams
Meeting ID: 331 509 796 977 776
Passcode: Vs9q7pi9
Link to join meeting

(NB: Meeting will be recorded to ensure the minutes are true and accurate)

1. Apologies
2. Declarations of interest
3. Visit from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Station Commander
4. Balnespick Wind Farm presentation
5. Minutes of the last meeting (View them here)
6. Financial report
7. Law and Order
8. Road Safety

9. Applications to the SCCT

1. Donation to Nethybridge Community Council
2. Update on fund allocation

10. Planning Matters

1. Local Place Plan Update
2. Windfarms and Community Benefit – SWIAG Update

11. Update from SCD

11. Correspondence

13. AOCB

• Interim Elections

Date of next meeting Tuesday 8^th September 2026

Thanks to funding from the Strathdearn Community Charitable Trust, residents of Strathdearn can enjoy the 2026 Moy Country Fair on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 August at a special discounted price.

Adult tickets (ages 16+) have been reduced from £20 to just £12 per person.

How to Buy Your Tickets

Online

• Visit www.moyfieldsportsfair.co.uk
• Use discount code IV13 Res
• Please note: online bookings are subject to a £1 booking fee per ticket.

From The Strathdearn Hall

• Available Monday to Friday, 10:00am–1:00pm, up to and including Thursday 6 August
• Tickets may be purchased by cash or card (a £0.50 card charge applies)
• Proof of Strathdearn residency is required
• If you are unable to visit during these times, please call 01808 511700 and arrangements will be made where possible.

At the Gate

• Residents may also purchase tickets on the day using discount code IV13 Res.

The Moy Country Fair features:

• A full Main Ring programme
• Country sports and competitions
• The Food Theatre and Food Hall
• Trade stands, crafts and rural exhibitors
• Children’s activities and family favourites
• Gundog events
• Terrier racing

A great day out for all the family!

Strathdearn Community Developments  (SCD) Appoints Helen Gerlings as New General Manager

SCD is delighted to announce the appointment of Helen Gerlings as its new General Manager following a rigorous and extensive recruitment process.

The recruitment campaign attracted a strong field of high-quality candidates from across the sector. Following a comprehensive and transparent selection process, including shortlisting, interviews and detailed assessment, Helen was unanimously identified as the outstanding candidate to lead the organisation into its next chapter.

A resident of Tomatin, Helen currently serves as SCD’s Project Manager and brings with her a wealth of knowledge of the organisation, its partners and the communities it serves. During her time with SCD, she has played a key role in delivering projects that have supported local economic development, strengthened community resilience and advanced the organisation’s strategic objectives.

The Board of Directors is delighted to welcome Helen into her new role and is confident that her leadership, experience and commitment to the area will build on SCD’s strong foundations.

Chair of the Board, Graeme Ferguson, said:

“We are delighted to appoint Helen as SCD’s new General Manager. The recruitment process was thorough and highly competitive, attracting an excellent calibre of applicants. Helen impressed the interview panel with her strategic vision, proven leadership and deep understanding of both the organisation and our communities. As a Tomatin resident and an integral member of the SCD team, she has already demonstrated her passion for supporting local people and delivering meaningful change. We are excited to see SCD continue to grow and thrive under her leadership.”

Helen Gerlings said:

“I am honoured to have been appointed as General Manager of SCD. Having worked with the organisation over recent years, I have seen first-hand the difference that community-led development can make. I look forward to working with our Board, staff, partners and local communities to build on SCD’s achievements and help deliver opportunities that benefit people across the area.”

The Board would like to thank everyone who applied for the position. The exceptionally high standard of applications reflects the strength and reputation of SCD, and we are grateful to all candidates for their interest and engagement throughout the recruitment process.

Helen will take up the position of General Manager on August 10th , and the Board looks forward to supporting her as she leads SCD through the next exciting phase of its development.

[email received by Strathdearn Community Council]

Hello,

I hope this message finds you well. My name is James, and I volunteer with the 2050 Climate Group, a youth-led charity dedicated to educating, engaging, and empowering young people to lead the transition to a just and sustainable society.

We are excited to announce the launch of our 3rd Climate Action Leadership Programme (CALP)! This initiative reflects our volunteers’ dedication and hard work, and we are thrilled to share it with you.

I am reaching out to all the community councils in Scotland that I can with the hope to increase our connections all over Scotland and especially outwith the central belt. Below gives all the details about us and the programme. It would be great if you can share it with the young people within your organisation and in your community.

About the Programme

The Climate Action Leadership Programme (CALP) is a free and flexible opportunity designed to equip young people aged 18-35 with the leadership skills and climate change knowledge needed to take meaningful action. CALP builds on a decade of experience to offer our most comprehensive, inclusive, and accessible learning experience yet. The programme includes:

• Free for All: Everything for our learning programme is free and we also offer support through our participation fund to reduce financial barriers.
• Flexible Learning: A mix of in-person and online content.
• Field Trips: Hands-on experiences to see climate action in motion.
• Skill Building: Workshops and activities to develop practical leadership skills.
• Community Connection: Opportunities to connect with a supportive network of like-minded peers.

Why This Matters

The programme is open to young people aged 18-35 in Scotland who are eager to enhance their leadership skills in climate action. It is designed to be accessible to everyone, of all backgrounds and experience levels. Unlike many personal development opportunities that target those with university-level qualifications or more disposable income, CALP is free to attend, with financial support available to remove any cost barriers.

How You Can Help

We would greatly appreciate your support in promoting this opportunity to the young people within your networks, and any promotion of the programme online would be greatly appreciated. Our goal is to reach a diverse audience, especially young people who have yet to become active in the climate movement. By sharing this programme, you can help empower the next generation of climate leaders.

For more details and the application form, please visit our website: www.2050.scot/calp

We also have promotional materials available on our social media platforms:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: Wednesday, 12th of August 2026

If you need any further information or would like to discuss this opportunity in more detail, please feel free to contact me. Additionally, answers to frequently asked questions can be found on our website.

Thank you for your support in helping us inspire and engage young people across Scotland.

All the best,

James Connelly (he/him)

Climate Action Leadership Programme (CALP) Volunteer 

www.2050.scot