It’s 2 weeks since the last update by the Community Council and Development Company within the Newsletter. Whilst there has been little change over this period, we are starting the Scottish Government 3 phase unlocking process. Consequently we will see a number of changes coming over the next 6 weeks as we progress through phases 1 and 2 towards the new normal (whatever that looks like). Meanwhile we are continuing to support the community through the successful initiatives of :-

  • Subsidising shop food sales – although problems have been encountered with suppliers, Paula hasCorona updates managed to maintain the stock at a reasonable level as well as addition new lines, veg boxes, etc.;
  • Community Larder – the community have benefitted through availability of food on a 24 / 7 basis to everyone at no charge;
  • The Resilience Fund has provided several people with financial support where they have suffered hardship caused through lack of work, reduced working hours, etc.
  • The provision of travel where the reduced level of bus service has impacted on the travel to or for essential requirements;
  • Provided delivery services to self-isolating or vulnerable people;
  • Maintaining a 24/7 phone helpline

These initiatives are funded through third sector resilience funding provided by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Highland Council. Some funds are still available and initiatives will continue to run for the foreseeable future. We would therefore urge anyone who is or has suffered as a consequence of the pandemic to apply for support. All applications are treated in strictest confidence. Similarly, if anyone has any new ideas or initiatives that will benefit the community through these unusual time – please contact an SCD Board Member or phone 07594 305775. Any suggestions are welcome.

Strathdearn community facilities remain unavailable for use due to the need to control the pandemic. However, as we enter the phased release of lockdown restrictions we need to develop a strategy to commence the re-commissioning of these essential community facilities. Charles Morgan (Chief Operating Officer) is coming off furlough to commence this work. From Monday 1st June 2020, he will be looking at the options available to make use of the hall, re-locate the shop and commission the restaurant facilities in accordance with Government guidelines and timescales.

Further information will be released as and when decisions are made. Although open for casual use, the MUGA (the covered sports dome) can now also be used to play organised tennis – provided a few simple rules are followed closely.

Below is a copy of the rules and regulations governing the use for tennis. .

Two other matters are currently in hand :-

1. Wrap round child care post August 2020.

The Scottish Government passed legislation and provided councils with funding to extend early learning and childcare from the current 600 hours per child per year to 1140 hours in August 2020. The Highland Council decided to deliver the services in house, through their Education Department.

Unfortunately, due to the current pandemic, The Highland Council has stated that they are unable to deliver this required level of service and it is unclear if the monies given to The Highland Council by Scottish Government will be made available as intended. They have however entered discussions with the Care and Learning Alliance (CALA) to see if they can continue to deliver the service within the Strathdearn area. CALA is a third sector body (i.e. a not for profit charity type organisation) and has successfully delivered childcare services in Strathdearn for some years now however, their services were due to be terminated in August when the Highland Council planned to take over.

The Childcare Group, the Strathdearn Community Charitable Trust, the Community Council and the Strathdearn Community Development Company are in discussion with Highland Council officers, our local Councillors and our MSP to try and resolve this matter to ensure community child care needs are met. Again we will keep you advised as soon as the matter has been resolved. We wish to thank Lianne Brunton for invaluable work on perusing this matter so diligently

2. Affordable housing in Tomatin

On a more positive note the Tenders from builders for the Affordable Housing project beside the railway bridge in Tomatin are to be submitted during the first week in June 2020. These Tenders will go through a formal evaluation process and checks before any decision is made. The community will be advised further as and when a decision is made. In the interim the SCD are in discussion with Tomatin Estates to formalise community ownership of the site.

Please also remember to enter our community competition.This can be done individually or as a family project, can include collages and 3D structures/sculptures, can have a theme, such as the image of a rainbow, Strathdearn’s landmarks and history, or just be about living through the restrictions.

  1. Children – Art, Story (video or written) Paper, pens and poster paint will be available in the shop from tomorrow if anyone needs some supplies.
  2. Adult – Art, Story (video, written – text or poem, photo)

Entries to the shop, posted on the Strathdearn Facebook page or by emailing scdassist@hotmail.com. A closing date and winners will be announced in due course and when restrictions lift we would love to hold an exhibition to showcase this local talent. 

Return to Playing Tennis

We are anticipating a return to tennis this Friday, 29th May 2020 but like other outdoor activities (e.g. golf) this will not be confirmed by the First Minister until Thursday, 28th May 2020.

Similar to other outdoor sports, there are strict guidelines to follow and the full list of these can be found at https://www.lta.org.uk/globalassets/news/2020/guidance-for-tennis-venues–players-in-scotland—covid-19.pdf

A summary of the essential conditions is as follows :

  • 2m social distancing at all times;
  • Play should be singles ( different households allowed);
  • Doubles only permitted if players on the same team are from the same household;
  • Only use your own equipment; 
  • Clearly mark your own tennis balls as you are only allowed to serve using balls belonging to you; 
  • Do not pick up tennis balls belonging to anyone else;
  • Use your racquet or foot to hit or kick other balls to the appropriate person;
  • The net will be set at the correct height by an allotted person prior to play – so do not adjust;
  • Players should not change ends unless you walk round
    a different end of the net from your opponent;
  • Avoid physical contact, i.e. no shaking of hands etc.;
  • Clean and wipe down all equipment and water bottles before and after play;
  • Bring a hand sanitizer;
  • Do not congregate after play – go home.

Court bookings essential

Call 07849533869 or email scdassist@hotmail.com to book a court time .