Author: Strathdearn (Page 1 of 93)

The Community Council has received an email from Highland Councillor Ken Gowans regarding the future of Highland Council’s in-house Bus Service 300.

Councillor Gowans has advised that there is an intention to cease the 14:06 service from Tomatin and the 14:43 service from Inverness on Fridays. The proposed change is being considered because of very low usage of these services and would also assist with driver breaks.

Usage recorded since 10 July 2026 is as follows:

10/07/26 – 0 passengers
17/07/26 – 0 passengers
24/07/26 – 0 passengers
31/07/26 – 0 passengers
07/08/26 – 0 passengers
14/08/26 – 0 passengers
21/08/26 – 2 cash-paying passengers
28/08/26 – 0 passengers

Councillor Gowans stated that the usage is exceptionally low and that, given the cost of operating the service and current budget restraints, Highland Council needs to consider more effective uses for the bus.

However, no final decision has been made. Councillor Gowans has asked the Community Council for its feedback before a decision is taken, saying that the input of the Community Council is invaluable. He has requested that the matter be discussed informally and that feedback be provided as soon as possible, as he needs to respond to the relevant manager this week.

Councillor Gowans also stated that, personally, he is reluctantly supportive of the proposed change, as he considers that limited resources need to be used where they are effective.

In response, Susan Rosemary, chair of Strathdearn Community Council reluctantly acknowledges that the service is not being used and can therefore be withdrawn. However, she will monitor comments on this and if necessary feedback to the Council. 

[From Louise Ramsay, Community Woodland Coordinator]

We’ve popped up the new bat and bird boxes around Hazelbank Wood!

The after-school club did a fantastic job making and decorating the boxes, and we hope the kids enjoy spotting which one they made when they’re out enjoying the wood.

Fingers crossed the boxes get plenty of use from our local wildlife over the years to come🦇

Do you know a Highland Council employee, team or project that deserves recognition for making a difference in our communities?

The Highland Council is inviting nominations from members of the public, community groups and partners for its 2026 Staff Recognition Awards. (Highland Council)

There are four award categories:

• Working in partnership – recognising outstanding collaboration to achieve better outcomes for people and communities.

• Tackling inequalities and strengthening communities – recognising work that reduces inequalities, addresses local challenges or strengthens communities.

• Going the extra mile – recognising exceptional commitment, outstanding service or extraordinary effort.

• Unlocking potential – recognising those who help others grow, develop, overcome barriers and achieve positive change. (Highland Council)

Nominations must be submitted by 5pm on Friday 2 October 2026.

The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 3 December 2026.

If you know someone who deserves recognition, you can make a nomination here:

Submit a nomination for the Staff Recognition Awards 2026

Following the application for Highland Wind Farm, Supplementary Environmental Information (SEI) has now been submitted.

The project team is holding public drop-in sessions to give local people the opportunity to find out more about the additional development work covered by the SEI and to ask questions of the project team.

Wednesday 7 October 2026
The Strathdearn, Tomatin
2.00pm–5.00pm

All of the application documents, including the SEI, can be found at:
www.highlandwindfarm.co.uk

This is a chance for local residents to find out more and speak directly with the project team.

The Highland Council are launching a public consultation on draft guidance aimed at reducing light pollution across Highland thereby supporting environmental protection, public wellbeing and the tourism economy potential of internationally recognised dark skies.  

The document contains draft planning guidance aimed at limiting the use of outdoor artificial lighting only to that necessary for its intended purpose by encouraging a choice of lighting type, design and location that minimises harmful effects. A future policy that will be included in the Council’s new statutory local development plan is also outlined.

This consultation aims to engage with a range of individuals and groups within Highland to understand your views and desired amendments to the draft document. Submitted responses will be reviewed and considered by a Council committee before the guidance is approved and applied to relevant planning applications.

Take Part Here

Please submit your comments anytime until the deadline of 30th October 2026.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to email us at: hldp@highland.gov.uk

Representatives from Fred Olsen Renewables attended our recent Community Council meeting to talk us through the latest changes to their proposals for Balnespick Wind Farm. Their redesign, along with changes to their Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), shows that the representations made by the community to the Energy Consents Unit (ECU) have had an influence, which is encouraging to see.

You can view the presentation slides here for more detail. The presentation includes a useful ‘slider’ feature which makes it easy to compare the view before and after erection of the turbines.

The Strathdearn Wind Farm Interim Advisory Group (SWIAG) will continue to work with the developers to scrutinise their proposed mitigation measures and ensure that appropriate measures are put in place. SWIAG will also keep the community informed as the proposals develop.

There are a number of wind farm developments currently at the scoping or planning stage in our area, so it is particularly encouraging to see a positive feedback loop with Balnespick, where community representations have resulted in changes to the proposals.

You can find out more about SWIAG’s work by attending Community Council meetings and/or visiting the community website.

‘ The Strathdearn Community is looking to award a contract for local snow clearing over the winter months. This is for the car park & paths around the Strathdearn Hub, pavements throughout the village and also for households requiring access for carers.  A specification is available detailing the work required and some equipment is available if needed.  

Please get in touch with Susan Falconer at Strathdearncc@gmail.com if you are interested in undertaking this work. 

[from Louise Ramsay, Community Woodland Coordinator]

As the seasons change and autumn arrives, our woodlands become a fantastic place to spot all kinds of fungi. Did you know fungi are a really important part of our woodland? They help break down fallen leaves and dead wood, putting nutrients back into the soil and helping keep the whole woodland ecosystem healthy.

We’ve popped some fun fungi identification and spotter sheets from @plantfife on both the entrance signs for you to take along on your walk around Hazelbank Wood. As the woodland changes through the season, have fun spotting different shapes, colours and sizes, and learning more about these fascinating fungi.

Let us know if you spot anything exciting! We’d love to hear about your discoveries. 

[from Gemma Corbett, Community Liaison Officer, Balfour Beatty]

Beams will be installed on the Dalmagarry structure overnight on 12 September and thus temporary traffic signals will stop both northbound and southbound traffic at the Dalmagarry realignment 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. 

Read the original post here:
Dates confirmed for A9 beam deliveries

[from Louise Ramsay, Community Woodland Coordinator]

Tree works will be taking place from 21st September and are expected to take a few days.

We recently had a Tree Safety Inspection carried out within Hazelbank Community Woodland, which identified that some tree works are required.

The works will take place as you enter the woodland from the Old Mill Road side, as you approach the first bridge and tree swings area.

The areas where work is taking place will be cordoned off with tape, with information signs placed around the work area to help keep everyone safe.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused while these works are being carried out and thank you for your understanding.