Strathdearn is lucky to have more candidates for the upcoming community council election than there are places. In order to help voters make an informed choice, it has been suggested that all candidates submit a statement about themselves. It can be as long or short as you wish.
You can share your statement on Strathdearn Facebook Group page and I’ll copy it here so they can all be read side by side. Or you can send it direct to me at site.manager@strathdearn.org. You can include a photo if you wish. At this time, I can’t copy or download a video from Facebook, so if you submit your statement in video format, I’ll provide a link back to the Strathdearn Facebook Group page where it can be viewed by group members only.
Here’s an alphabetical list of the candidates, followed by any statements I receive:
Charles Hugh Cameron :- The Kennels, Moy, Tomatin, IV13 7YQ
Davie Cameron :- 2 Forestry Cottage, Moy, IV13 7YQ
Lee-Anne Cornwall :- Smithton Farmhouse, Tomatin, IV13 7YN
Rachel Dewhirst :- Melfort House, Tomatin, IV13 7AB
James Alexander Duncan :- Tigh-An-Furain, Hazelbank, Tomatin, Inverness-shire IV13 7YN
Mandy Ferguson :- 14 Distillery Cottages, Tomatin, IV13 7YT
Martin Hughes :- Pine Cottage, 7 Mill View, Tomatin, IV13 7XP
Carol James :- Iarr Tigh, Dalarossie, Tomatin, Inverness-shire IV13 7YA
Stephen James Smith :- 2 Mill View, Tomatin, IV13 7YD
Ballot papers will be issued by post to all registered electors in their community council area and must be returned in the pre-paid envelope provided by 12 noon on Wednesday, 4 December 2019.
STATEMENTS:
Martin Hughes
video statement : https://www.facebook.com/martin.n.hughes/videos/2867511279934087/
Mandy Ingram
If I am lucky enough to be elected for the community council I would like to see an improvement in the transport links to and from the village, this would hopefully bring more visitors to our beautiful area, thus helping others enjoy our new hall and shop.
On the subject of our new hall, I am looking forward to all the new ideas coming forward for the children and other members of the community, ie army cadets and craft workshops for all the family to attend.
I would also like to follow on with the need for speed cameras in the village or even enlarging the 30 mph signs. This village is full of small children and older people who like to enjoy a quiet strole and not having to worry about dodging speeding cars.
I would also be happy to see a little more assistance for our lovely careers and after school club who provide so much care for those who need it most.
Thank you all for reading my statement.
Mandy
Lee-Anne Cornwall
Hello all….
I’m Lee-Anne. I’ve lived in Tomatin for 18 years with my 2 daughters. My girls grew up and went through nursery/primary school in the village. I worked in various jobs throughout Tomatin until earlier this year when I moved on to pastures new. I previously held regular music sessions in the hall and was one of the P.U.B Nights team.
I’ve been the secretary of Strathdearn Community Council for 6 years and would like to continue to work hard and be a voice for our community and it’s views.
I definitely like to think of myself as community minded and would be honoured to represent you all.
Thank you. ?
Rachel Dewhirst
Hello everyone, I am Rachel Dewhirst, 26 from Lancashire. I recently moved to Tomatin this year to live with my partner. I have applied to be a councillor for the strathdearn community council as I think it’s important to have variety of ages across the board as this helps bring forward new and youthful ideas to the community. I believe it is vital to have a blend of people who originate from Strathdearn along with those new to the area as this allows creative and imaginative ideas to be brought forward without losing the heritage.
If elected some of the things I would be keen to focus on are:
-Housing growth decided by local people.
-Safe roads and paths – and fix potholes.
-Growth of recreational activities for the children.
-To listen and involve local people in local decisions.
-To push to have a subsidised transport service to and from Tomatin to Inverness for the elderly and those with no transport.
-To support a community run pub in the village.
I hope to meet more of you in the near future!
Stephen Smith
My name is Stephen Smith, My wife and I made Tomatin our home 2 and a half years deciding it was the perfect place to raise our young family.
Firstly I’d like to thank the outgoing Councillors for their hard work and dedication in serving our community for the last few years.
I’m very much an advocate of community engagement and community initiatives being decided and delivered by those who know best, the local residents.
As well as continuing the great work the council already carries out, I would like to see more activities and groups for our young folk, especially during the winter months.
Improved transport options to/from Aviemore and Inverness for those that don’t drive, whether that be public funded or a community led operation.
Community land ownership in order to preserve the wonderful natural environment we have for future generations and small scale housing developments that are more in keeping and sympathetic to the area.
Assist where possible with the provision of After School care which as we know is under threat.
Above all else, if I were to be elected, I would listen, liaise, and assist any member of the Strathdearn area in order that we can improve the enjoyment and sustainability of the fantastic community we all call home.
Carol James
My name is Carol James and I stay near Dalarossie Church. Since I moved here in the spring of 2001 I have joined in community life, helping run the old village hall, the flower show and some of the clubs that make this such a vibrant community. I started the Natural History Club to further interest in the landscape, wildlife and social history of this special area.
I participated in the CADISPA consultations and have subsequently become a member of the development company. I commentated on the draft proposals for the Tomatin substation and the Inner Moray Firth local plan, both with particular reference to environmental matters.
If elected my aims are, first to ensure that community members’ concerns continue to be dealt with promptly and secondly, that, as the community grows in the future, any development is done sy
mpathetically.
