BEAR Scotland, acting on behalf of Transport Scotland, is planning to carry out bridge deck refurbishment works on the north bound carriageway of A9 Findhorn Bridge near Tomatin. The works will involve concrete repairs, replacing the bridge deck waterproofing, kerb replacement, drainage improvements and resurfacing the road. These works are being carried out to repair defects in the road surfacing.
To ensure the safety of both road users and the workforce, this dual carriageway section of the A9 will be reduced to one lane in each direction over the bridge. Cross-over points either side of the bridge will divert northbound traffic into a 30mph contraflow traffic management system on the southbound carriageway for the full duration of the works, including outside the site working hours at night.
Contraflow traffic management installation will commence Friday 25 April 2025, with April 2025, with bridge deck refurbishment works commencing Monday 28″ April 2025, for duration of 8 weeks.
Well done Strathdearn! SCC received 184 replies to their wind farm survey – an absolutely fabulous response from a community our size. This will lend huge authority to the representations made on our behalf by SCC to the Scottish Government planning department.
The information has been analysed and compiled by WMG Consultancy Ltd into a detailed report which can be downloaded below. A breakdown of responses for each wind farm is given. However the report begins with a section on the cumulative impact of all six proposals and the authors provide the following summary of community feeling:
People’s approach to ranking the proposed wind farm sites reflects a complex mix of personal, environmental, and community concerns.
A dominant theme is proximity to homes and the village of Tomatin, with many ranking sites like Clune and Kyllachy poorly due to their closeness, which is expected to result in visual, noise, and light pollution. Several responses reflect personal impact, such as views being spoiled or property values being affected.
Wildlife and environmental concerns are also significant, particularly regarding protected species like golden eagles and the importance of preserving wild land. Sites such as Highland and Clune were heavily criticised for their location in sensitive habitats or scenic areas, which respondents felt would be irreversibly damaged.
Many people expressed a general opposition to further wind farm development, arguing that the area has already contributed significantly to renewable energy. Some questioned the effectiveness and fairness of wind farms, noting that the financial benefits often go to absent landowners, while locals endure the consequences.
There were a few who acknowledged the need for renewable energy but still wanted developments to be placed on existing or less visible infrastructure—such as at Lynemore or Carn na Saobhaidh—rather than introducing turbines into untouched landscapes.
A small number of responses showed support for wind energy, noting it can bring community benefits and be unobtrusive once built.
In summary, rankings were mainly shaped by perceived visual and noise impact, ecological sensitivity, proximity to residences, and fairness of benefit distribution, with strong sentiment that some proposals are deeply inappropriate for the local context.
Please note: members of the wind farm advisory group will be present at the Spring Fair on Sat 26th April to answer your questions.
[this is a letter sent to SCC by Emily Gerrard, Forest Manager, of RTS Forestry]
I just wanted to update you regarding haulage from Glenkirk this year. We are planning a small clearfell operation with circa 6500 tonnes to come out, this will be above last year’s volume. I expect the harvesting to begin in the next 2 weeks, with haulage starting 2 weeks after (some stage in early May.)
The haulage will be under the TTMP that was previously signed, and I believe in the whole it worked quite well.
Please let me know if you have any concerns or need further information.
Three of six proposals for wind farms in Strathdearn – Clune, Balnespick, and Highland – have applied for planning permission. Representations about these three applications may be submitted by email to the Scottish Government, Energy Consents Unit mailbox at :
representations@gov.scot
… or by post to :
the Scottish Government, Energy Consents Unit, 4th Floor, 5 Atlantic Quay, 150 Broomielaw, Glasgow, G2 8LU
… identifying the proposal and specifying the grounds for representation. Written or emailed representations should be dated, clearly stating the name (in block capitals), full return email and postal address of those making representations. Only representations sent by email to representations@gov.scot will receive acknowledgement.
All representations should be received by the deadlines stated below and should have the appropriate identification in the subject line:
Clune – 18th April – ref ECU00005038 Highland – 15th May – Subject line = ref ECU00005082 Balnespick – 23rd May – Subject line = ref ECU00004904
Meanwhile, data collected from a recent survey is being processed and will be used by SCC to make representations on our behalf about the cumulative effect of multiple wind farms in our area.
[posted at the request of SCC’s Windfarm Advisory Group]
In 3 days – 10th April – the wind farm survey will close. The response has been good but could be better.
Have you been intending to fill it in but not got round to it yet? Please do it now.
Have you done it but other members of your family haven’t? Please ask them to. (Tip: Different family members should use different devices: phone/tablet/laptop).
We are excited to share news on our exciting community projects and events! For the latest updates on the new SCD chair and staffing, the community housing project, free eBike trials and local events, read on!
SCD Director and Staff update
The SCD Board have appointed Graeme Ferguson as their Chair and are pleased that Duncan Bryden is remaining the position of Vice-Chair. Details of the SCD Board, WRTBoard and SCD staff members can be found at https://ourscd.org/meet-the-team/
Elaine Macleod has also agreed to remain in the position of Company Secretary and Maureen McDonald-Cooke as Project & Development Manager until the end of June 2025.
The contractor Alan Munro has started the groundworks on the housing site and continues to prepare the site for the next stages.
We are delighted to announce that we will be holding an official ‘spade in the ground’ceremony to mark the occasion. The children of Strathdearn Primary School will officially perform the honours on Wednesday 23rd April at 2pm.
We would love for the community to attend to support the children as we invest in a legacy project for future generations to come.
Thanks go to the school for their assistance.
We look forward to seeing as many of the community as possible on the day!
Hazelbank Woods
The legal work for the purchase of the 2.7 hectares from Tomatin Estate, which forms part of the overall Hazelbank woodland purchase, has revealed that the boundary of the Neacreath Burn is not where it was originally thought to be. Older style titles are more complex to work through, but the work is ongoing, and we hope to reach a conclusion soon.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have had to change the date of the celebration event to mark community ownership of Hazelbank woods.
We will announce a revised date shortly, along with an itinerary for the event.
We are also recruiting for a part time, fixed term Community Woodland Co-ordinator, please see the below details.
As the Youth, Health & Wellbeing project reaches the end of its current 3-year programme, we are delighted to report its success in supporting a wide range of activities—from the toddler group to more senior residents in our community, as well as enhancing the use of the community-owned Strathdearn Hall.
We are now moving into a new 3-year budget period and can confirm the continuation of the programme of activities going forward. Below is a breakdown of the costs involved in running the project across the various activities.
Free eBike hire for residents of IV13 for up to 2 weeks
Make the most of this fantastic spring weather and 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’ve got Kids Ride Shotgun attachments (suitable for ages 2–5), so your little ones can come along for the ride too!
Bringing the magic of songs, rhymes, puppets, and stories, Bookbug is a fantastic scheme funded by the Scottish Book Trust and promotes sharing stories to help nurture children’s language, social skills, and overall development.
Upcoming Bookbug dates:
May 15th 10am – 10.30am
Our community Baby & Toddler Group is on Thursday mornings from 9.30am to 11.30am (term-time) at the Hub. Drop in with the little ones at any time to enjoy a free, fun-filled session featuring toys, books, playdough, crafts, and more!
Tea, coffee, and biscuits available.
Additionally, we have set up a library account for the group. Books that have been finished can be brought in and swapped for new ones. If there is a specific book that is not available in the library, it can be reserved online and be sent from other libraries across the Highlands.
Strathdearn Community Kids Club news
New Lead Coach
Following a successful interview process, we are delighted to welcome Ava Walsh as our new Lead Tutor/Coach. In addition to her remarkable achievement as a national champion in Olympic-style weightlifting, Ava brings extensive experience in leading youth activities. She continues to support other clubs within the Inverness community and is excited to embark on this new journey with us. Ava looks forward to meeting you and your children,and will also be running some taster sessions at the primary school in the term.
Football sessions
Starting from next term our football sessions within the club will run from 4.30pm – 5.30pm rather than 6pm – 7pm.
We continue to offer the after-school club free to all Strathdearn primary school children! The club runs every Wednesday 3.30pm – 7pm (term-time). Children are free to join in as long as they (or parents) wish!
Children are collected from school then escorted to The Strathdearn for various activities including:
Please note that all volunteers are required to complete the PVG process, as of April 1st this is now a legal requirement for regulated roles involving activities with children.
April / May dates
Due to private bookings at The Strathdearn there are cancellations of the club in May – see below:
We now have 31 children signed up for the Teens Social Club and the volunteer list continues to grow!
These sessions are free and run Friday evenings 7.30pm – 10pm (term-time).
Available for all 11 – 19 years olds in Strathdearn.
Activities include:
Pool table
Badminton
Table Tennis
Bluetooth speaker
Netflix / YouTube
Snacks & Refreshments – enjoy hot and cold drinks, plus tasty snacks, all included!
A big thank you to our wonderful team of volunteers—without them, this would not be possible. The community is lucky to have such dedicated people!
The SCD Snug at The Strathdearn Hub
Pop into The Snug for a cuppa and a catch-up with friends and neighbours! Enjoy tea, coffee, biscuits, and a browse through the day’s newspapers in a relaxed and friendly space.
🕙 Open every Tuesday and Friday, 10am – 4pm 📍 The Strathdearn Hub
If you – or someone you know – would like to come along but need help with transport, please get in touch at enquiries@strathdearn.org and we’ll do our best to assist.
Pilates at The Strathdearn
Pilates with Marina continues to be a hit! Come along to build core strength, improve flexibility, and enhance overall body conditioning – suitable for all ages and abilities.
📅 Every Monday 🕚 11.15am – 12.15pm 📍 The Strathdearn Hub
SCD Gym & Health Club Subsidy
We are excited to report that the scheme continues to grow, with 287 community members now signed up to Highlife Highland and Bannatyne Health Club. This initiative helps make fitness more accessible, offering discounted memberships to improve the overall health and wellness of our community.
High Life Highland Memberships
Strathdearn Community Developments continues our collaboration with Highlife Highland and be part of the charity’s Wellbeing membership scheme, highlife.
As a Wellbeing member, High Life Highland provides a 10% discount off the standard membership price as they support and contribute to Strathdearn residents’ health and wellness.
Further to this, Strathdearn Community Developments have committed to fund 50% of the cost of the membership for all residents residing in the postcode area of IV13.
This reduces the price of a family membership to £19.35 per month and £13.05 for an individual membership per month. The highlife membership offers you and your family access to range of health and fitness opportunities in 25 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 area Inductions
Term time swimming lessons for adults and children
Extensive range of group fitness classes for all abilities and interests
Running track
Climbing walls
Saunas, spa pools and steam rooms
Dynamic wellbeing activities and classes in partnershipwith NHS Highland
Children’s activities
Single court activities – badminton, squash, table tennis etc
Discounts on personal training, private swimming lessons and small group fitness
Early entry to our popular School’s Out Activity programme
7-day advance booking for all our activities and classes
Membership Prices:
Family Membership: £19.35 /month (discounted from £42.99)
Individual Membership: £13.05 /month (discounted from £28.99)
To sign up or for more information, please email projects@strathdearn.org or call 07703 328333.
Please Note: All membership addresses must be verified as IV13 postcodes (e.g., using a driving licence or recent mail with your name and address) to benefit from the SCD subsidy.
New Block-Booking Activities:
Highlife Classes at The Strathdearn Hub
Pilates with Marina continues to be a hit! Come along to build core strength, improve flexibility, and enhance overall body conditioning – suitable for all ages and abilities.
📅 Every Monday 🕚 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM 📍 The Strathdearn Hub
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: https://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., with driving licence, recent mail with name and address) to benefit from SCD subsidy.
Badenoch & Strathspey Community ConneXions:
SCD team continues to collaborate 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)
Community Events
Hazelbank Woods Celebration
Unfortunately, we are postponing the guided walks with Call of the Wild Scotland until we get all the arrangements in place. A new date for the woodland event will be circulated very soon.
~ Tomatin Whisky are going to come along to do whisky tasting at The Strathdearn (6pm – 7pm).
~ Licenced bar and hot food available by Tastes of Tomatin
~ Pub quiz starts 7pm
If you would like to be involved in the pub quiz, please contact events@strathdearn.org
EASTER BREAKFAST – Saturday 12th April 2025 (10am – 1pm)
IV13 families, you are cordially invited to our Easter Breakfast at The Strathdearn:-
~Morning filled rolls, tea/coffee and fresh juice
~Arts & Crafts corner
~Easter movie on the big screen
~Face painting
~Easter egg hunt with bunny
This event is free of charge for all IV13 residents – if you would like to secure your place please email events@strathdearn.org along with any dietary/allergy requirements by Friday 4th April 2025.
Spring food, Drink & Craft market – Saturday 26th April 2025 (11am – 3pm)
Free entry
Thai & Asian inspired street food by Thai at Beauly
Treats on the Street are back again with their freshly made doughnuts and bubble waffles.
A full list of exhibitors will be available on social media prior to the event.
www.facebook.com/events/407737109031699
Community Fun Run – Saturday 17th May 2025 (11am – 2pm)
We are absolutely delighted to be organising another fun run this year and supporting Gamekeepers Welfare Trust.
We are very excited to see our brand-new personalised t-shirts arriving next month for all our participants who have signed up so far. If you would still like to sign up to either run/walk please register asap for the team to get your t-shirt order finalised it will be much appreciated.
Please scan the QR code on poster to complete your registration
Registration fee:
Adult £10
Child £5
(Your fee includes your burger and cold drink at the finishing line)
If you are going to be looking for sponsors from your loved ones, friends etc please join our Justgiving team link where you can share in any social media platform as well as what’s app.
SCD Team fundraising for Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust is fundraising for Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust
We are looking forward to welcoming you to our second community fun run here at The Strathdearn and we hope the sun is going to be shining.
SPRING FLOWER WORKSHOP with WILD BLOSSOM FLORISTRY – Saturday 31st May 2025
We only have two spaces left for our flower workshop. £35 per person includes hot/cold refreshments If you are interested in booking a space, please email events@strathdearn.org
COMEDY NIGHT WITH RUDE & GOOD COMEDY – Saturday 28th June 2025
We are absolutely delighted to be hosting our very first comedy night at The Strathdearn with the fantastic Rude & Good Comedy.
Licensed bar and hot food provided by Tastes of Tomatin
Tickets are now available for all IV13 residents.
Interested in booking a ticket please email events@strathdearn.org we will be in touch with the eventbrite link.
BOUNCE AT THE MUGA – Thursday 3rd July 2025
When you hear the school bell ring at 12pm please come along to The Strathdearn. Unlimited use of inflatables for just £3 per child McCones ice cream van will also be coming along with amazing ice cream treats.
FLOWER SHOW – Saturday 6th September 2025
The Strathdearn, Tomatin Time to get planting, growing and being creative! Only IV13 residents can apply.
Flowers
Baking & Produce
Vegetables
Photography
We are excited for our 2nd Flower Show at The Strathdearn on Saturday 6th September 2025.
We look forward to seeing all your entries for this event that has been ever so popular over the years in Tomatin.
Schedules will be available from Monday 31st March 2025 at the hall foyer and shop/cafe.
More events to be announced – watch this space.
If you have any queries about anything mentioned in this update, please get in touch by emailing info@strathdearn.org or by phoning 07703 328333.
It is vital that you complete the survey. This may be your only opportunity to have your say before key planning decisions are made which will directly shape the future of our community.
The Community Council is gathering residents’ views on six proposed wind farms in Strathdearn—Balnespick, Clune, Lynemore, Highland, Kyllachy, and Carn na Saobhaidh—which are at various stages of planning. Local opinions are needed to help shape responses to both the Highland Council and the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (ECU). The planning process has now reached a key stage where developers must submit Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), which are complex documents requiring careful review.
Two applications (Balnespick and Clune) are already open for consultation and require responses in the coming weeks. The Community Council has created a survey to collect residents’ views, ensuring that feedback is aligned with national planning policies to carry weight in the decision-making process. The online survey is linked below and paper copies will be made available at The Strathdearn. Submissions will remain private and anonymous. Further consultation will take place at the Spring Fair on April 26, 2025.
Full information on all wind farm proposals can be found on this website’s Wind Farms Information Page (click on links to individual developers’ own websites). A summary prepared by our own Wind Farm advisory group can be downloaded in PDF format HERE.
The Council aims to submit tailored responses for each development, highlight the cumulative impact of multiple wind farms on the community, and address additional infrastructure applications, such as pylons. Residents’ participation is essential to ensure that local perspectives are properly represented in the planning process.
Look out for more details in a letter which will be sent to all Strathdearn households in the next few days.
As most of you are aware, there are 6 proposals in the pipeline for new or extended windfarms in Strathdearn. Two of these, Balnespick and Clune Windfarm, have now been submitted to the Energy Consents Unit for planning permission.
Our Community Council appointed a windfarm advisory group to look at these proposals, canvas our opinions on them, and coordinate our response. They are creating an online survey (paper copies also) which will be available very soon where you can make your feelings known on all the proposals.
Deadline for public comment on the Balnespick Windfarm Proposal is 29th March 2025 and Clune is 18th April although comments submitted after this date may be considered. In view of this short time-frame, please prepare for the survey by reading the info on the Balnespick development and the other proposals in the area on our Wind Farms Information Page.
The following links provide access to the Public Notices posted by the individual developers of the proposed Balnespick and Clune Wind farms: Balnespick Wind Farm Clune Wind Farm Any members of the community or public at large who wish to express their PERSONAL views on each proposal should contact the Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit by the dates shown on these notices.
Whilst Strathdearn Community Council has negotiated a one month extension to their Balnespick response, this extension does not apply to all. So please make the time to let your views be known. The survey will be available soon to gather community views
Visit Document Library if you are looking for any of the following: Newsletters; Minutes of meetings; Application forms; Accounts, projects and other info on SCD and SCCT.
We are excited to screen our 2-minute film showcasing our local attractions and The Strathdearn Complex. Journey from the wild high glens and their wonderful nature, along the River Findhorn, to the Tomatin Distillery on to Loch Moy and the excitement of the Moy Games.
Walk-through and aerial footage of The Strathdearn Hub
