We are delighted to announce that Highland Council has approved planning permission for the new Tomatin Park & Ride facility.
The new facility, located beside the existing bus stop south-east of Pinewood, will provide 12 parking spaces, a cycle shelter, improved pedestrian access, and associated signage to support local residents and visitors using public transport.
This is a significant milestone for the community and an important step towards improving transport links in Strathdearn. The project has been developed by Strathdearn Community Council and will provide a safe and convenient place for people to leave their vehicles before continuing their journey by bus.
Planning permission was granted on 16 July 2026, and further updates will be shared as work progresses and construction arrangements are confirmed.
Thank you to everyone who has supported the project and helped bring it to this stage.
The idea behind it is simple – food brings us all together, and it’s a great way to get children interested in nature, where food comes from, and the outdoors.
We’ve planted an edible hedge with a mix of hazel, hawthorn, elder, wild cherry, blackthorn, crab apple and dog rose. As it grows, it will become a fantastic food source for wildlife while also providing benefits for us too.
To keep it protected from nibbling and give it a good start we had Davy, (JB Maclean & Son Fencing Contractors) fence it off, thanks Davy, great job!
Construction of the new Lynebeg and Tomatin underpasses has been progressing well as part of the A9 Dualling: Tomatin to Moy project. The next stage of this work involve the installation of large beams at both of these structures. This will be taking place between 13 to 24 July.
What you need to know
We will carry out these installations during daytime hours from 13 to 24 July.
From 13 to 17 July, road users may encounter intermittent temporary traffic signals (TTS) in two locations:
On the A9 at Tomatin North Junction, stopping the Northbound and Southbound Traffic to allow large construction vehicles to safely move beams from storage at Tomatin.
On the B9154 Moy Road (by the new railway bridge), stopping traffic in both directions to allow large construction vehicles to safely manoeuver into the site access at Lynebeg Underpass.
From 20 to 24 July, road users may encounter intermittent temporary traffic signals (TTS) near Tomatin on the New Tomatin Link Road, stopping traffic in both directions to allow large construction vehicles to bring beams across the road safely.
Signals will operate on an “all red” phase for up to three minutes at a time, with a maximum of 20 activations per day between 08:00 and 19:00.
We do not expect that these temporary traffic signals will result in significant disruption at either location, due to the timing of the works and their infrequent use.
Young people from the local area who are planning to study a STEM-related subject at university or college this year are being encouraged to apply for the Stronelairg and Dunmaglass Scholarship Programme.
The programme is open to students living within the following community council areas:
Strathdearn
Strathnairn
Stratherrick & Foyers
Fort Augustus & Glenmoriston
Laggan
Glengarry
Spean Bridge, Roy Bridge & Achnacarry
Two scholarships are available, each worth £5,500 per year, providing valuable financial support to students pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Applications are now open and will close on 13 September.
BEAR Scotland will be carrying out essential investigations on the A9 bridge over the railway at Slochd Beag, around 4 miles west of Carrbridge.
The work will take place on Wednesday 24 June and Friday 26 June, between 10pm and 6am. During these times, the road will be reduced to one lane with temporary traffic lights while the investigations are carried out. The traffic management will be removed during the daytime.
Drivers travelling on the A9 overnight should allow extra time for their journey. The dates may change if affected by weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
The Highland Council is seeking your views on a proposed Highland Rural Short Term Let Control Area. If introduced, anyone wishing to change a house into a short-term let within the designated area would need to apply for planning permission beforehand.
Whether you support the proposal, oppose it, or simply want to learn more, now is the time to have your say. The consultation is open to residents and other interested parties, and every response helps inform the Council’s decision-making process.
Find out more and complete the survey at www.highland.gov.uk/STLCAconsult. Please take a few minutes to share your views and consider sharing this post so others in our community are aware of the consultation.
[This fortnightly briefing from Highland Council brings together a wide range of updates, opportunities, and useful information for community groups, organisations, and residents. Strathdearn Community Website has converted it into a more readable format. The original document can be accessed from HERE]
Dear Colleagues and Partners,
Welcome to the fortnightly Community Briefing delivered in collaboration with the Highland Community Planning Partnership and Highland Council, containing information about funding, training, support, resources, and news for Highland wide and local communities.
If you have anything you want included in a future Briefing, please email:
To join the mailing list complete this short form:
https://forms.office.com/e/rSS3hXbGTa
FUNDING
Tesco Stronger Starts
Tesco Stronger Starts funds thousands of local community projects across Scotland and the UK.
Eligible Tesco stores in:
Thurso
Wick
Ullapool
Tain
Applications are welcome from groups and projects that support children and young people with a stronger start in life.
A wide range of projects fit the bill, including:
Improving school playgrounds
Biodiversity projects
Growing and food projects
Outdoor play and adventure
Community arts projects
Purchasing kit for healthy activities
Projects that include a food element (for example providing a healthy snack or lunch) are currently being prioritised.
The scheme provides grants of up to £1,500.
To find out more or apply, please visit the Tesco Stronger Starts page.
National Lottery – Glasgow 2026 Activities
The National Lottery is investing an extra £2.2 million to help communities across Scotland deliver Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games-inspired activities.
Through Awards for All Scotland, groups can apply for up to £10,000 to:
Boost participation in arts and sport
Strengthen communities
Support wellbeing
Celebrate diversity
Create a lasting local legacy
Community Regeneration Funding
Historically, Community Regeneration Funding (CRF) was primarily accessed through open calls for projects.
These often led to oversubscription, causing disappointment and frustration among applicants.
As CRF moves away from open calls, the first resource to help prioritise funding will be the BeConnected map.
Decision-makers will use this map to identify eligible projects in their area and consider which best align with the fund’s outcomes.
Those invited to progress will receive feedback and be asked to submit an Expression of Interest, outlining their project’s current development stage and key details.
Expressions of Interest will then be assessed and presented to decision-making groups, which will select projects to proceed to a full application.
Community Regeneration Funding brings together a range of external, community-led funding programmes.
While the overall approach is moving away from open calls, individual funds may operate under different governance arrangements and application processes.
Funding Opportunity – Highland Local Action Group
An opportunity for rural communities to apply for funding to support their projects is now open.
The Highland Local Action Group (LAG) is inviting organisations to apply for grants of up to £10,000.
Read more and find full details via the Highland Local Action Group information.
National Lottery Awards for All Scotland
The National Lottery funds projects that bring people together and help communities across Scotland thrive.
Social connections and community activities are at the heart of healthier, happier lives, which is why they support community-led projects.
Further information, including application guidance, is available on the Awards for All Scotland website.
National Lottery Community Fund (Scotland) – Strengthening Organisations
This funding is for organisations in Scotland that are currently funded.
It supports organisations wishing to:
Try out new ideas
Develop their organisation
Improve their current work
Deadline: Ongoing
Service Pupil Support Programme
The Service Pupil Support programme sits within the MOD’s dedicated Armed Forces Families Fund.
The MOD has partnered with the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to administer the AF3 Fund.
Under this programme, grants will support service children along their educational pathway.
Closing date: 30 September 2026
Warmer Homes Scotland
Need help to make your home warmer?
If you need help reducing heating bills and making your home cosier, you could receive support worth £10,000 or more from the Scottish Government.
Eligible improvements include heating and insulation measures designed to make homes warmer, more comfortable and cheaper to heat.
CARES Funding – 2026/27
CARES funding is now open for applications for the 2026/27 funding year.
CARES supports a wide range of community energy projects, including:
Community ownership of renewable technologies
Renewable systems in community buildings
Community benefit projects
Shared ownership opportunities
Applications are now open and will be processed and assessed in order received.
Hydro Community Fund
SSE Renewables has launched a £10 million community fund for communities hosting hydro assets.
Fund priorities include:
Protecting the natural environment
Sustainable community transport
Affordable housing initiatives
Home energy efficiency
Economic growth and social enterprise
Community assets such as halls, hubs and paths
Arts, culture, sport and recreation
Physical and mental wellbeing
Education, skills and employment opportunities
All project areas will be considered equally.
BeConnected Highland – Put Your Community Project on the Map
The Highland Council is piloting BeConnected, a digital platform supporting community organisations to access funding, in-kind support and collaboration opportunities.
Community groups can highlight priority projects on an interactive online map, making them visible to funders and potential partners.
Groups are encouraged to:
Explore the map
Familiarise themselves with their Area Place Plan
Add their projects
This helps funders understand grassroots activity and track developing proposals.
The Robertson Trust
The Robertson Trust provides funding to third-sector organisations helping people and communities in Scotland living with poverty and trauma.
Information on eligibility, funding priorities and resources is available through the Trust.
Robertson Trust – Supporting Resilience Fund
The Supporting Resilience Fund offers £2,000–£10,000 to Small Grant Holders to strengthen their organisations from within.
Funding supports:
Leadership and governance
Strategic planning
Financial planning
Systems and infrastructure
Organisational development
Sustainability planning
Staff and volunteer wellbeing
This funding is intended for organisational resilience rather than programme delivery.
Community Briefing – 05.06.26
Dear Colleagues and Partners,
Welcome to the fortnightly Community Briefing delivered in collaboration with the Highland Community Planning Partnership and Highland Council, containing information about funding, training, support, resources, and news for Highland wide and local communities.
If you have anything you want included in a future Briefing, please email:
To join the mailing list complete this short form:
https://forms.office.com/e/rSS3hXbGTa
FUNDING
Tesco Stronger Starts
Tesco Stronger Starts funds thousands of local community projects across Scotland and the UK.
Eligible Tesco stores in:
Thurso
Wick
Ullapool
Tain
Applications are welcome from groups and projects that support children and young people with a stronger start in life.
A wide range of projects fit the bill, including:
Improving school playgrounds
Biodiversity projects
Growing and food projects
Outdoor play and adventure
Community arts projects
Purchasing kit for healthy activities
Projects that include a food element (for example providing a healthy snack or lunch) are currently being prioritised.
The scheme provides grants of up to £1,500.
To find out more or apply, please visit the Tesco Stronger Starts page.
National Lottery – Glasgow 2026 Activities
The National Lottery is investing an extra £2.2 million to help communities across Scotland deliver Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games-inspired activities.
Through Awards for All Scotland, groups can apply for up to £10,000 to:
Boost participation in arts and sport
Strengthen communities
Support wellbeing
Celebrate diversity
Create a lasting local legacy
Community Regeneration Funding
Historically, Community Regeneration Funding (CRF) was primarily accessed through open calls for projects.
These often led to oversubscription, causing disappointment and frustration among applicants.
As CRF moves away from open calls, the first resource to help prioritise funding will be the BeConnected map.
Decision-makers will use this map to identify eligible projects in their area and consider which best align with the fund’s outcomes.
Those invited to progress will receive feedback and be asked to submit an Expression of Interest, outlining their project’s current development stage and key details.
Expressions of Interest will then be assessed and presented to decision-making groups, which will select projects to proceed to a full application.
Community Regeneration Funding brings together a range of external, community-led funding programmes.
While the overall approach is moving away from open calls, individual funds may operate under different governance arrangements and application processes.
Funding Opportunity – Highland Local Action Group
An opportunity for rural communities to apply for funding to support their projects is now open.
The Highland Local Action Group (LAG) is inviting organisations to apply for grants of up to £10,000.
Read more and find full details via the Highland Local Action Group information.
National Lottery Awards for All Scotland
The National Lottery funds projects that bring people together and help communities across Scotland thrive.
Social connections and community activities are at the heart of healthier, happier lives, which is why they support community-led projects.
Further information, including application guidance, is available on the Awards for All Scotland website.
National Lottery Community Fund (Scotland) – Strengthening Organisations
This funding is for organisations in Scotland that are currently funded.
It supports organisations wishing to:
Try out new ideas
Develop their organisation
Improve their current work
Deadline: Ongoing
Service Pupil Support Programme
The Service Pupil Support programme sits within the MOD’s dedicated Armed Forces Families Fund.
The MOD has partnered with the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to administer the AF3 Fund.
Under this programme, grants will support service children along their educational pathway.
Closing date: 30 September 2026
Warmer Homes Scotland
Need help to make your home warmer?
If you need help reducing heating bills and making your home cosier, you could receive support worth £10,000 or more from the Scottish Government.
Eligible improvements include heating and insulation measures designed to make homes warmer, more comfortable and cheaper to heat.
CARES Funding – 2026/27
CARES funding is now open for applications for the 2026/27 funding year.
CARES supports a wide range of community energy projects, including:
Community ownership of renewable technologies
Renewable systems in community buildings
Community benefit projects
Shared ownership opportunities
Applications are now open and will be processed and assessed in order received.
Hydro Community Fund
SSE Renewables has launched a £10 million community fund for communities hosting hydro assets.
Fund priorities include:
Protecting the natural environment
Sustainable community transport
Affordable housing initiatives
Home energy efficiency
Economic growth and social enterprise
Community assets such as halls, hubs and paths
Arts, culture, sport and recreation
Physical and mental wellbeing
Education, skills and employment opportunities
All project areas will be considered equally.
BeConnected Highland – Put Your Community Project on the Map
The Highland Council is piloting BeConnected, a digital platform supporting community organisations to access funding, in-kind support and collaboration opportunities.
Community groups can highlight priority projects on an interactive online map, making them visible to funders and potential partners.
Groups are encouraged to:
Explore the map
Familiarise themselves with their Area Place Plan
Add their projects
This helps funders understand grassroots activity and track developing proposals.
The Robertson Trust
The Robertson Trust provides funding to third-sector organisations helping people and communities in Scotland living with poverty and trauma.
Information on eligibility, funding priorities and resources is available through the Trust.
Robertson Trust – Supporting Resilience Fund
The Supporting Resilience Fund offers £2,000–£10,000 to Small Grant Holders to strengthen their organisations from within.
Funding supports:
Leadership and governance
Strategic planning
Financial planning
Systems and infrastructure
Organisational development
Sustainability planning
Staff and volunteer wellbeing
This funding is intended for organisational resilience rather than programme delivery.
SSEN Distribution – Community Funding
Almost £350,000 has been awarded to successful applicants in the 2025 round of SSEN Distribution’s Powering Communities to Net Zero Fund.
A total of 25 projects across the Highlands, Western Isles, Argyll, Perthshire, Angus, Aberdeen City, Shetland and Aberdeenshire are receiving grants.
Successful projects include:
Installation of heat pumps
Solar panels at community hubs
Purchase of pavement gritters
Flood-protection equipment
The fund has two aims:
To support groups reducing carbon emissions through technologies such as solar panels, battery storage, EV chargers and heat pumps.
To help communities become better prepared for severe weather and power outages.
The fund has a total value of £3 million and runs annually until Spring 2028.
HTSI Funding Bulletin
HTSI produces a monthly Funding Bulletin for members detailing current funding opportunities across Highland.
They also provide workshops for staff and volunteers in Highland’s third sector and distribute funds on behalf of public sector agencies.
Further information is available via HTSI Funding.
National Lottery Community Fund
The National Lottery Community Fund offers a number of funding programmes including:
Awards for All
Community Action
Scottish Land Fund
Climate Action Fund
Many programmes have a specific focus on Scotland.
S4GI Community Benefit Fund
S4GI partner Cellnex UK has grants of up to £2,000 available to support initiatives focused on:
Digital projects
Community wellbeing
Learning and development
Other community initiatives
Priority will be given to projects located near one of the 55 S4GI mobile mast sites.
Further information and eligibility criteria are available on the Cellnex website.
NEWS
Directories
The Highland Community Planning Partnership website now has a page dedicated to Directories.
It includes links to:
ALISS
Highland Directory of Services
Highland Mental Wellbeing
Highlands & Islands Climate Collective
The Highlands and Islands Climate Hub has launched the Highlands and Islands Climate Collective.
This initiative provides a space for young people aged 16–30 in Highland, Orkney and Shetland who are passionate about climate action.
The Collective highlights opportunities for young people to:
Take action on the climate emergency
Connect with community groups and organisations
Build skills leading to sustainable careers
Highland Power of Attorney Month 2026
NHS Highland and The Highland Council have launched Highland Power of Attorney Month, a public awareness campaign running throughout June 2026 encouraging every adult across Highland to consider putting a Power of Attorney (PoA) in place.
The campaign follows research published by the Standard Life Centre for the Future of Retirement showing:
Fewer than 1 in 10 adults across Great Britain have an up-to-date Power of Attorney.
45% have never considered putting one in place.
The briefing also promotes YouTube videos featuring David Fraser, Chair of The Highland Council Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee, discussing:
What Power of Attorney is really about
Common misunderstandings surrounding Power of Attorney
Short Term Let Control Areas – Have Your Say
A public consultation has opened on proposals to introduce Short Term Let Control Areas (STLCAs) in Highland.
The aim is to strike a better balance between tourism growth and local housing need.
Proposals cover:
Inverness City STLCA
Including:
Inverness West
Inverness Central
Inverness Ness-side
Inverness Millburn
Parts of Inverness South including Westhill, Milton of Leys and Slackbuie
Highland Rural STLCA
Including:
Lochaber
Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh
Sutherland
Skye and Raasay
Aird and Loch Ness
Parts of Inverness South including Tomatin and Daviot
Residents, communities, businesses and the tourism sector are invited to take part in the consultation.
Public drop-in events are also being held across Highland.
NHS Stakeholder Briefing
The latest NHS Stakeholder Briefing includes information on publication of the NHS Highland Director of Public Health Report 2025.
The report focuses on:
Early investment as a moral imperative
Cost-effective action for system leaders
It also marks the tenth anniversary of the Highland Children’s Unit.
The full briefing is available in the attached document.
Armed Forces Covenant
Highland Council and NHS Highland continue to support Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families through delivery of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty.
Further information is available through the Highland Council.
Highland Equalities & LGBTQ+ Young People’s Networks
Young people living in the Highlands are invited to help shape the new Highland Equalities Network and LGBTQ+ Network.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
Share their voice
Work alongside other young people and adults
Influence positive change across Highland
There is no deadline to register interest.
Meetings with interested young people are expected to begin after the summer break, around August/September.
Eleven Highland communities have come together to support one another in responding to changes in health and social care delivery.
They are consulting on proposals to establish a Highland Community Health and Social Care Network.
The proposed network would provide:
Dialogue
Information sharing
Mutual support
Stakeholders and third sector organisations are invited to complete consultation questionnaires.
Responses are requested by Friday 19 June.
Highland Senior Citizens Network
The Highland Senior Citizens Network website features news and information on:
Benefits of social connection
Creative sessions
Games
Rewilding
Veterans’ advocacy
Youth mentoring
Intergenerational events
Community lunch clubs
Dementia support
Fire safety visits
Vitamin D guidance
Flu vaccination
Energy-saving advice
Highland Repair Directory
The Highlands and Islands Climate Hub has welcomed the Highland Repair Directory to its list of projects supporting communities.
The online resource makes it easier for people to:
Share items
Repair possessions
Reduce landfill waste
Avoid unnecessary replacement purchases
Free Period Products
Free period products are available across Highland to everyone who needs them.
Products can be accessed through:
Community locations
Home delivery
Schools
Further information on availability and access is available through Highland Council.
TRAINING / EVENTS
Community Car Wash
Support the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service Fortrose Community Fire Station Community Car Wash.
Date: Saturday 6 June Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Hot drinks, cakes and a raffle will also be available.
NHS Social Prescribing Group
Are you interested in finding out more about social prescribing?
The Highland Social Prescribing Group has been developing a social prescribing framework for Highland and invites interested individuals and organisations to attend events across Highland.
Remaining events:
Inverness – 8 June
Fort William – 18 June
Registration is via the Eventbrite links provided in the original briefing.
Carers Week 2026
Join Connecting Carers in celebrating Carers Week 2026, taking place from 8–14 June.
Throughout the week, events will take place across Highland, creating opportunities for unpaid carers to:
Connect with others
Access support
Share experiences
Focus on their wellbeing
This year’s theme is:
“Building Carer Friendly Communities”
Activities include:
Community walks
Local café drop-ins
Guided meditation
Pamper sessions
Further information and booking are available through the Connecting Carers website.
The Nation’s 5K
A free 5 km community run will be hosted in Inverness.
Date: 27 June 2026
The event forms part of The Nation’s 5K initiative encouraging communities to get active together.
What’s On – South Inverness (June 2026)
A range of activities are available throughout June including:
Carers Support Groups
Feel Good Fitness with High Life Highland
Community wellbeing activities
Please see the accompanying document for the full programme.
Work and Wellbeing Event
A Work and Wellbeing event will take place at:
Caol Community Centre
The event offers:
Job opportunities
Information
Advice
Community support
Mental health support
Assistance with cost-of-living issues
Everyone is welcome.
Alcohol Brief Interventions Training
This course is intended for anyone who may benefit from discussing alcohol use with service users to support informed choices.
Participants should first complete the required eLearning module.
Online training dates include:
11 June
26 August
The aim is to support embedding and ongoing delivery of Alcohol Brief Interventions (ABIs).
Training is available through Turas Learn.
EMPLOYABILITY & VOLUNTEERING
Connecting Carers
Connecting Carers is a Highland-based charity providing support to unpaid carers.
This includes people caring for:
Loved ones
Friends
Neighbours
because of:
Illness
Disability
Mental health conditions
Age-related needs
Further information is provided in the attached flyer and poster.
Childminding Academy
Work.Life.Highland has partnered with the Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) for a third year to provide Childminding Academy training.
SCMA funding supports 15 places in Highland.
SCMA provides:
One year of public liability insurance
Information sessions supporting Care Inspectorate applications
Regular drop-in sessions
Start-up business funding of £750 (after registration)
Online childminding business courses
Tailored group and individual support
Promotion through the SCMA “Find a Childminder” search engine
Food Health and Hygiene certification
Work.Life.Highland can also support with:
Dedicated key worker mentoring
Funding assistance for:
PVG membership
Disclosure Scotland
Care Inspectorate registration fees
GP Health Declaration fees
ICO/GDPR registration
Paediatric First Aid
Launch Pad funding while supported by a childminding key worker
You can also read a printed copy of the Proposed Plan at The Strathdearn hall and submit comments using the paper Comments and Feedback forms in the comments box in the hall foyer.
We look forward to hearing from you!
The consultation for the Proposed Strathdearn Local Place Plancloses on Friday 12 June 2026 at 4pm (for paper forms) and 23:59 (for online and emailed feedback).
Don’t delay, have your say today and help shape the new, five-year community-led plan for Strathdearn.
You can also read a printed copy of the Proposed Plan at The Strathdearn hall and submit comments using the paper Comments and Feedback forms in the comments box in the hall foyer.
During discussion at last night’s SCC meeting, it became clear that not everyone had seen the results of SCC’s survey about After School Child Care Provision.
We’re delighted to be able to let you know about our annual Call for Projects 2026, “Local Energy, Local Impact” which is aimed at supporting projects near our wind farm sites that create positive environmental or social change, or both.
Do you or a group in your community have an idea for an initiative that can demonstrate our values in action? Tell us about it for the chance to receive up to £10,000 to deliver community-led projects that address sustainability issues that matter to your community.
To learn more about the Call for Projects and to access the application form please follow this link and apply by 11 September 2026: Call for Projects 2026 – UK | Nadara
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
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
