With over 70 boutiques, restaurants and cafés, Livingston Designer Outlet isn’t merely Scotland’s largest Designer Outlet. We have a wide range of stores, offering something to suit every taste.livingston-designer-outlet.co.uk
I would be most gratefully if you can share this opportunity to students that live in one of the community 7 areas Stratherrick and Foyers, Strathdearn, Strathnairn, Laggan, Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston, Spean Bridge, Roy Bridge and Achnacarry, Glengarry) who will be undertaking a STEM degree course in the 2024/25 academic year.
Two scholarships of £5,000 will be awarded to support students who are studying one or a combination of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees in the coming academic year. The funds are paid towards the scholar’s student loan, reducing the amount needing to be repaid when graduating.
Content below for social media and web posts (QR code and leaflet attached):
Stronelairg & Dunmaglass Wind Farms Scholarship Fund is Open
The Stronelairg & Dunmaglass Scholarship Fund support individuals studying a STEM course at university.
If you live in the north end of Tomatin you may have seen a white van with Circet on the side. This company is sub-contracting to Openreach and is surveying the area with a view to extending fibre broadband coverage. Within the next year, Openreach intend to install a network of fibre cables for most of the areas of Tomatin that missed out on previous upgrades. Initially the cables will go to cabinets then on to your house via existing copper phone lines. This alone will massively improve broadband speeds but Openreach will almost certainly follow up immediately with fibre to your property which will complete the upgrade.
The scheme is funded by the Scottish government’s R100 programme. By the end of this work, 99% of properties in Strathdearn should be able to order fibre broadband, Only a very few isolated properties will miss out. However the name of the programme – R100 – represents the Scottish government’s commitment to create access to “superfast broadband” for 100% of the population, So if you are one of the unlucky ones, you should be offered help with alternative methods to improve your broadband, eg via mobile phone or satellite.
[received by SCC from Sam McMillan, Director, McMillan Consultancy Ltd, regarding proposed windfarm at Clune]
Dear Strathdearn Community Council,
I hope that this email finds you well. We are writing to provide a short update on activity relating to the Clune Wind Farm proposal and to invite Community Councillors to the first round of public consultation events, planned for 4th and 5th June 2024. We would also welcome the opportunity to attend a future Strathdearn Community Council meeting if of interest to Community Councillors.
RES will be holding public exhibition events for the Clune Wind Farm as follows:
Carrbridge Village Hall, Main Road, Carrbridge, PH23 3AA Tuesday 4 June 2024, 2pm – 8pm The Strathdearn Hub, Tomatin, IV13 7YN Wednesday 5 June 2024, 2pm – 8pm
The events are drop-in at any time. For those unable to attend the exhibitions in-person, the exhibition boards and feedback form will be available from Tuesday 4 June on the project website at: www.clune-windfarm.co.uk RES will place adverts for the events in the Strathspey Herald and Inverness Courier this week and also send out invitations to households and businesses near the proposed site. We’ve attached a copy of the poster if the Community Council would like to consider sharing it on any social media channels to highlight the exhibition events.
Project Summary The proposal, located approximately 5.5km south of Tomatin, is currently for 27 turbines up to 200m to tip in height and with a capacity of approximately 194MW. RES is accepting comments from this consultation round until 5 July and then expects to hold a second round of exhibitions, currently scheduled for later this year – likely autumn 2024.
The proposal includes a proposed community benefit package of £5,000 per MW of installed capacity (index linked), which would generate just under £1,000,000 per annum for the lifetime of the project and RES would welcome the chance to explore shared ownership opportunities of the development. RES wants to work with the local supply chain to deliver the wind farm if consented and will organise Meet the Developer events as the project progresses – if you know of any local businesses interested in getting involved, please highlight the contact details via the project website or pass on this email.
Please do get back in touch with any queries and we hope to see you at one of the exhibition events.
We are pleased to share the news of our exciting community projects! For latest on the completed community solar panels & battery storage project, announcements regarding the shop & café, and information about upcoming community events and more, read on!
Community Affordable Housing
Following planning status, we are now in the process of preparing the Building Warrant application and a tender pack. We will advise when this is ready to be progressed.
Electric Vehicle Upgraded Charges
We are all good to go once we have the sign off on the terms of the lease from our funders. This has been much longer than we anticipated. However, we have been advised that they are working through it. Once we have the correct permissions, we will advise a date when the work to install the new superfast chargers will start.
Hazelbank Woods
Work continues engaging with the landowners involved to progress the purchase and conveyancing work. We hopefully can provide a full update shortly.
Dalarossie
The opportunity to purchase Dalarossie is still progressing. A draft feasibility study and business plan has been prepared. We are currently working with the landowner to establish a workable access and parking lease which will form part of the information required for SCD to bring it back to the community for a final decision on whether to proceed with the purchase or not.
Renewables Project
We have completed the solar panels and battery storage installation on the Hub Shop & Café which is generating much needed self-power. We are already seeing the benefits financially, as well as environmentally.
Tracking the solar gain from 23/3/2024 to 17/5/24 q combined generation of both buildings provided an approximate generation of 11,030 kWh which equates to an approximate saving of £4,960 in 8 weeks.
Update on Shop/Cafe
To ensure continuity of service, WRT opened a pop-up shop in The Strathdearn shortly after 3 Bridges closed. It has since transferred back into the shop. We will continue to expand and adapt our range of goods over the coming weeks.
The new Operations Manager, Jen Farquhar, is starting on the 3rd June 2024 with the rest of the team joining throughout June. Our cook starts at the end of June, and we hope the café will reopen early July, albeit with a limited menu at the start.
The shop will be open from 9am to 4pm first week of June. Once Jen is in post, and everyone is up and running, we will look to provide a longer and more flexible service offer. Please bear with us, we will keep you updated on any changes.
The WRT board are considering names for the shop and café. To ensure customers out with the community know who, where and what we are. We must ensure the name is distinctive and memorable. We will announce the name once it has been agreed.
It’s important for our local customers to know that we are a new business and that we are working hard to make it the best it can be. We appreciate everyone’s patience and ongoing support over the next few months. While we welcome suggestions and ideas, we cannot guarantee that every idea will be implemented. The café and shop must be profitable so that we can invest in the needs of the local community and the area as part of the Strathdearn Community’s mission.
There is a lot of work and effort which goes on behind the scenes. Thanks go to the WRT team who have and are working tirelessly to get the shop and café fully operational as soon as possible.
Youth, Health & Wellbeing
SCD Gym & Health Club Subsidy
SCD continues to subsidise both High Life Highland andBannatyne health club memberships for residents with IV13 postcodes, giving the opportunity to stay healthy and well.
We are delighted that we are able to support community health & wellbeing by subsidising 108 memberships in Strathdearn.
That is in the region of 231 residents benefitting from this scheme (assuming highlife family membership is 2 adults and 2 children).
High Life Highland Membership over 50% discount for families and individuals
A highlife membership offers you and your family access to a range of health and fitness opportunities in leisure centres throughout the Highlands. In addition to swimming pools and gyms, your membership allows access to court activities, swimming lessons and a huge range of group exercise classes for people of all abilities and interests. Your membership also secures access to a great range of local benefits as well as accessing libraries and other facilities.
Looking for activities for the kids this summer?
Included in the highlife membership there are so many activities to choose from!
Go swimming, trampolining, play badminton, athletics or spend the morning at the soft play circuit with a bouncy castle! For information / to book visit: https://booking.highlifehighland.com/ (have your highlife membership cards at the ready!)
If you are interested in a highlife membership or would like further information, please contact info@strathdearn.org
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
High Life Highland classes available at The Strathdearn Hub
Every Wednesday:
18:30 – 19.15 Zumba
Dance your worries away with instructor led dance programmes! These classes will have upbeat music with dance moves to match.
19:20 – 20.00 Stretch and Flex
Stretching and mobility-based session to help improve functional capacity, better recovery and injury prevention.
High Life Highland have also offered a FREE class so you can ‘try before you buy’. The more residents that join the scheme the more activities we will be able to bring to The Strathdearn! It’s an incredible offer as there is so much included in the highlife membership.
Bannatyne Health Club membership
IV13 residents can enjoy over 50% off for Bannatyne Health Club all-inclusive membership! SCD are now subsiding 48 individual Strathdearn subscriptions
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.
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: info@strathdearn.org
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
Strathdearn Community Kids Club
SCD have provided a new badminton net for the kids to play with which has proved to be a great hit! If anyone has spare badminton racquets at home that could be used / donated for the club, please get in touch: info@strathdearn.org or pop into the office. Do you have a skill that you would like to pass onto the next generation of our community e.g. gardening, chess, knitting, painting, playing an instrument? If so, please email info@strathdearn.org to arrange a chat. The young folk would be grateful for your help.
Details:
Every Wednesday (Term time)
3.15pm walking transport provided from school to The Strathdearn Hub 3.30pm – 6pm games, sports, crafts & more! 6pm – 7pm community football
Please note:
Places are limited due to Highland Council health and safety ratios
Packed lunches can be dropped off at The Strathdearn Hub 8am – 9am (please label and keep nut free)
Indoor and outdoor shoes compulsory
Community E-Bikes – FREE E BIKE HIRE FOR RESIDENTS OF IV13 FOR UP TO 2 WEEKS
Through our colleagues at The Strathdearn, we continue to fund this offer, why don’t you ‘get on you bike’ (now the warmer weather is setting in) Don’t miss out on exploring the many local trails around the village (pick up a Strathdearn Access map at the Hub for routes – we’ve heard up the Clune road is particularly beautiful!).
With increasing costs of running a car they have also been great for a more economical way to get to work locally.
or complete online form https://thestrathdearn.org/hire-an-e-bike/
or call 01808 511700
Summer Holiday Activities at The Strathdearn
We are delighted to confirm there will be summer holiday activities at The Strathdearn this year! See poster for details.
SCD will also subsidise 50% of the cost for IV13 families.
The SCD Snug hosted at The Strathdearn Hub
We will continue to provide free tea, coffee and biscuits and the day’s newspapers. Pop in to relax and chat with the locals!
Tuesdays and Fridays: 10am – 4pm
If you, or someone you know would like to come along to The Snug but struggle with transport please email enquiries@strathdearn.org and we will do our best to assist.
Badenoch & Strathspey Community ConneXions
SCD team have collaborated 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.
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.
SCD COMMUNITY EVENTS UPDATE
STRATHDEARN COMMUNITY FUN RUN
£2279 was raised for Maggie’s Highlands – thank you to everyone who donated to this amazing local charity.
All the runners did well, and we would like to make a special shout out to the fastest runners: –
Jason MacDonald
Andrea Fitter
Riley Davidson
Isla Bigham
Ethan McDonell
Kieran Edward
Thanks so much to all the volunteers who gave up their time on the day.
We are hoping this is going to be an annual event for the community. Watch this space….
FOOTBALL EUROS PUB NIGHT (Scotland vs Germany) – Friday 14th June 2024:
The Strathdearn, Tomatin – Free entry
We are on the hunt for any Scotland themed props we can borrow to decorate the hall for the event. Please email events@strathdearn.org
Doors and bar open at 4pm
Family entertainment 4pm – 7pm including inflatables and face painting
Licenced bar and burger van
END OF SUMMER PARTY – Saturday 31st August 2024:
The Strathdearn, Tomatin 2pm – 10:30pm
FREE ENTRY for IV13 residents
Family entertainment (2pm – 5pm)
Inflatables, facepainting, circus skills workshop, reptile handling, Mieles Ice Cream and street food.
Live music entertainment (6pm – 10:30pm)
We are so excited to bring back The Shire for our live music act, licenced bar by Bars2U and street food.
There will also be a bus available for pick up and returning from/to the following points: –
Lynnebeg, Moy, Ruthven, Tomatin Distillery, Balvraid, Clune, Soilsean and Dalarossie
If you are interested in using the transport, please get in touch with events@strathdearn.org
STRATHDEARN FLOWER SHOW – Saturday 7th September 2024
Entries from local IV13 residents only
All entries are free
MORE EVENTS COMING – SAVE THE DATES!
Saturday 2nd November – Bonfire Night
Saturday 23rd November – Winter Food, Drink & Craft Market
Keep an eye out on our socials for further information.
If you have any queries about any of the events, please email: events@strathdearn.org
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.
I am writing on behalf of our client, Wind Estate.
Wind Estate is pursuing an opportunity to increase renewable energy supply across Scotland by proposing a new wind farm development at the Kyllachy Estate near Tomatin and approximately 30km from Inverness City Centre.
Kyllachy Wind Farm will indicatively consist of up to eleven turbines with a tip height of up to 200m and a generating capacity of up to 80MW this will also include a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) up to 20MW capacity.
Because its overall capacity is over 50MW, this is classed as a Section 36 planning application and will be administered by the Energy Consents Unit (ECU) of the Scottish Government, with The Highland Council as a statutory consultee.
No statutory consultation is required for a development such as this; however, as a responsible developer, the team are holding two events to consult with the local community. These events will take place:
Thursday, 6 June, 3 pm – 7 pm in The Strathdearn Hub, Tomatin, Inverness, IV13 7YN.
Representatives will be on hand to answer questions about the proposals, and there will be exhibition boards to view and the opportunity to leave feedback. Materials will also be uploaded to the project website on the day of the first event at www.kyllachywindfarm.com
As well as contributing to Scotland’s climate change target of net zero emissions by 2045, the wind farm, if consented to, would deliver a significant community benefits package over its lifetime, dependent on the ultimate capacity of the project.
On 14th June, Scotland are playing hosts Germany in the opening match of EURO 2024 and SCD invite you to watch it live on the big screen at The Strathdearn. Doors open at 4pm.
To celebrate our all-but-certain victory, there will be a licensed bar and burger van. Bring the family, there will be children’s entertainment too.
To get us in the mood, SCD would like to tart(an) up the hall with Scotland themed decor items, eg scarfs, flags, bunting etc. Have you got anything you can lend for the occasion? Contact events@strathdearn.org.
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
Shopping day out to Livingston Designer Outlet
