[The following letter has been received by Strathdearn Council and is published here at their request]
Good afternoon
I wonder if you can help, please?
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is launching a public engagement initiative called “Shaping Our Future Service: Your Say”. As part of this will be holding public engagement sessions in fire stations across Scotland. We are planning one such session at Inverness fire station on Thursday 16 May from 7-9pm.
I was contacting you to ask if anyone from your community council would be interested in attending. We’re keen to capture views and priorities of stakeholders – including from members of the public and local community groups – on our approach going forward and finding out what matters most to them.
For that reason, we’d be very keen to have someone from the Council along to the session on 16 May.
The session, led by uniformed officers, would include a short discussion with attendees on the future of SFRS and what members of the public think our priorities should be in the future. There would then follow a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the station, with crews demonstrating fire appliances and specialist fire equipment, and a chance to chat with crews about the role of a modern-day fire service. The session is 100% free to attend, of course, and light refreshments (tea, coffee biscuits) will be provided.
I’d be grateful if you could let me know asap, whether anyone from your community council would like to attend. Numbers per group are limited, and attendance must be confirmed in advance. So, an early response would be very much appreciated.
Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this opportunity.
Regards
Liz Fraser
Liz Fraser | Public Involvement and Consultation Officer | Strategic Planning Performance & Communications | Scottish Fire and Rescue Service |
We have received a number of comments and messages on Facebook over the last few weeks, and would like to provide an update to our members and the community on the topics raised.
As an organisation, we want to engage with, listen to and respond to all comments from the community. We welcome all thoughts in building our programme for the community, and sincerely appreciate any input.
It’s crucial that Strathdearn residents have a voice, and that we respond transparently in our mission to deliver benefits for the community. Sometimes this may be best achieved through Facebook updates, emails to members, or open meetings.
Communication
Strathdearn Community Developments (SCD) has a largely part-time staff who, within their roles, are able to respond quickly to day-to-day queries. These include questions about the Snug, classes for the community, and bookings at The Strathdearn. During seasonal holidays, response times may be affected, but we will always reply as soon as we can.
Questions on policy, strategy and operations are passed on to SCD’s board of voluntary directors. These questions may take a little longer to answer as they are often more complex in nature, but please be assured that all questions and opinions are considered and discussed, and responses will be provided as soon as possible.
You may be asked to email queries to info@strathdearn.org – this is so we can more easily direct your query to the appropriate person, who may not be on Facebook. If corresponding with an individual staff member or director, we ask that you always CC this address so that your query can be progressed in the case of annual leave, illness, or other circumstances.
Sometimes we are asked questions that fall outside of SCD’s remit. We acknowledge that these are still hugely important topics for the community, and can help signpost residents to the appropriate body – including Strathdearn Community Trust, Strathdearn Community Council, the Highland Council, or the Scottish Government.
SCD’s core aims include:
Sustainable development
Provision of recreational facilities and activities
Community development, including urban and rural regeneration
Advancing awareness of community environment, heritage and culture
Environmental protection.
All of our decisions are influenced and informed by these guiding aims and principles. A full breakdown of our mission is available at https://ourscd.org/about-us/.
Salary Policy
The CADISPA Report that resulted in the formation of SCD, commissioned by Strathdearn Community Council in 2011, recommended “setting up a local Development Trust that has the legal authority to employ people and to own assets in Trust on behalf of the community.”
As such, we are acutely aware of our responsibilities as directors, trustees and members of the community that salaries are appropriate.
All roles advertised are benchmarked against market rates, and are compatible with our Fair Work Policy – ensuring that all employees are paid in line with the national living wage. Where roles have specialist skills or additional organisational responsibilities, we ensure this is reflected in remuneration.
You may be aware that the shop and cafe at The Strathdearn are temporarily closed. It was our understanding that 3B Catering would remain trading until Saturday, April 27 – however we learnt on April 24 that the operator did not intend to open again.
SCD and White River Trading (WRT) will continue with the plan to have a temporary, scaled-down shop open from 12 noon on Monday, April 29, within the Clune room of The Strathdearn. We apologise for the break in this vital community service, which is outwith our control.
SCD and WRT have spent significant time understanding the role of the shop and cafe within the community, and how it can be operated. This included the preparation of a business plan that could be utilised as part of a rent-setting exercise or to guide in-house operations.
While some details are commercially sensitive, and therefore the document cannot be shared in totality, we are committed to sharing our plans with the community and we aim to do this at a forthcoming EGM in May. More information on this will be released soon.
We believe that a profitable cafe and shop can exist, and that there are significant opportunities for the community in having all our operations under one roof – not least refreshing the community role that the facilities provide.
We understand that there are pros and cons to any course of action, and these have been thoroughly considered at every stage of the process. As with any venture, this will not be without its challenges – but the community’s support will ensure that the shop and cafe thrive and are able to provide for Strathdearn residents for years to come.
We are looking forward to sharing our plans with the community, and hope that the community shares our excitement.
Housing Project
The housing project continues to move forward and we are hopeful that we will achieve planning permission soon. The next stage will be to cost and tender the project, and finalise funding.
Construction costs have remained high since the previous package – consisting of cash, debt and grant funding – was arranged. The NPF4 planning policy, introduced by the Scottish Government in early 2023, has also impacted the project. This means that far less of our previously designated land is now allowed to be developed, with construction limited to only the higher ground on the site.
The current proposals will require a new funding package, and we are currently working on this. As soon as we have options and recommendations to present to the community, we will do so.
The key projects we intend to complete by the end of the 2025/26 financial year include the housing project; purchase of Hazelbank; installation of new, faster EV chargers; and sourcing of additional battery solutions to complement newly installed solar panels on the hall and hub. SCD will also facilitate and enable the community to make an informed decision on possible future use and purchase of Dalarossie Church.
Wind Farm Benefits
SCD is aware that, at times, there can be no appropriate forum in the community to discuss certain issues – and that this is particularly evident in the case of future wind farm benefits.
Strathdearn Community Council holds a statutory consultee role in planning, and wind farms are determined by various planning considerations including its input. Provision of community financial benefit is not a consideration in determining any planning applications: community benefit awards are discretionary, and separate to developer contributions.
To maintain this distinction, the Scottish Government has recommended that discussions on wind farm planning applications and community benefit proposals (including cash awards, shared ownership, and Local Electricity Discount Schemes) are held in separate forums.
Wind farm developers need a legal entity to receive or hold any benefits they may offer. That entity needs to be transparent and accountable through having a recognised structure like a limited company and/or charitable status. SCD fulfils this role in Strathdearn.
SCD is therefore not here to lead the debate, but to execute the wishes of the community following these discussions.
We are happy to play a role in either facilitating a community discussion, or to provide facilities should others wish to organise this.
We would be delighted to hear from any interested community bodies or individuals to discuss how a community forum could be provided, and to assist however we can.
Who’s got the greenest fingers? Whose fairy cakes are best? Who captured a perfect moment with their camera? Let’s find out! Put 7th September in your diary and start your preparations now.
Trophies and prizes will be presented in the following categories:
Flowers
Vegetables
Home-baking
Photography
Children’s section
Registration forms to apply – SCD Flower Show Registration – Google Forms. See the images below for all the important info, or you can download it in PDF format at the bottom of this post.
[This newsletter was received by Strathdearn Council. Download the full PDF after the introduction]
In this issue we provide information on Power of Attorney. In brief a Power of Attorney allows you to choose someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf should something happen to you that makes it impossible to make decisions for yourself.
You choose the person or people in charge of making decisions which affect you.
You make things easier for your relatives should anything happen to you.
Decisions are more likely to be made in your best interest.
No one is ever too young or too old to make a Power of Attorney. It is not just for older people, though we are more likely to be in circumstances which make a Power of Attorney invaluable for ourselves and our relatives.
[The following was sent to Strathdearn Community Council]
Development Plans Newsletter
We are pleased to announce the publication of our March 2024 Development Plans Newsletter, which gives an overview as to how land use planning documents are prepared by The Highland Council, and how and when you or your local community can get involved.
This newsletter provides updates on the current local development plans in the Highland area (Highland-wide, Inner Moray Firth, Caithness and Sutherland, and West Highlands and Islands), and gives the latest timings for the new, single Highland Local Development Plan, including the evidence gathering, monitoring, and consultation that will be carried out to inform the new Plan.
Our March 2024 Development Plans Newsletter provides information on the launch of our Highland Place Standard survey tool, which can be used by any individual or group and is one of the ways to input to the new Highland Local Development Plan and other workstreams.
The Highland Place Standard is a key way of gathering people’s lived experience from across and around Highland and we would welcome its completion by Community Councils, and also any encouragement that you can give to people in your community to take part in the survey too.
The survey can be accessed through our March 2024 Newsletter or via the following link: www.highland.gov.uk/yourplacehighland, where you can also view the privacy notice that includes information on how anonymised information from the survey may be shared.
We will be in touch about further opportunities to be involved in the new Highland LDP during the coming year. We are writing to you separately with our March 2024 update on Local Place Planning.
Participation Statement feedback form
We want to make sure that our approach to consultation will work for the people and organisations who are living, working, and investing in the Highland region.
In our March 2024 Development Plans Newsletter, the Participation Statement includes updates to reflect the findings from the Participation Statement Survey that we ran in 2023.
[Police Scotland issue this newsletter as a pdf which is best viewed after downloading to your device. Click the link below to download it]
Introduction:
We are pleased to present the latest edition of our community newsletter, designed to keep you up to date about the activities and initiatives of our local police officers. This newsletter serves as your window into the ongoing work of officers in your area, featuring insights from the City Centre Policing Team and the Community Beats team.
Our goal is to provide you with a closer look at the dedicated efforts of our police officers to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your communities. We understand the importance of keeping our community members informed and appreciate your continued support as we work together to make our streets even safer and more welcoming.
Thank you for being engaged and informed members of our community. Together we can continue to create a better and safer place for all.
Community Beats Team
Your community beat team and their areas of responsibility:
Inspector David Mcalpine: Team leader of City Centre Policing Team (CCPT) and Community Beats (CB)
PC Keith Whitelaw: Community officer for; Merkinch and South Kessock.
PC Katie Johnstone: Community officer for; Dalneigh, Torvean, Bught, Scorguie & Kinmylies
PC Laura Kerr: Community officer for; Smithton, Culloden, Balloch, Ardersier & Croy
PC Cailean Macleod: Community officer for; Hilton, Holm, Lochardil, Culduthel and Inshes
Road Safety
Over the course of this period speeding has remained a constant issue in several areas. As such beat officers have endeavoured to perform radar checks in an effort to not only charge offenders but also to deter this from occurring.
As we approach springtime it can often be the case that the winter elements affect or roads and as such we remain committed to checking vehicles for road safety worthiness. In general terms this will involve checking tyres, lights etc and providing road safety information to drivers.
Anti-social behaviour & Disorder
The community beat team are keen to be informed of areas in the city that are affected by anti-social behaviour. In tacking this type of behaviour, we look to enhance our policing presence where officers will look to employ various tactics to hopefully reduce the poor behaviour. This can include engagement with the involved persons where a positive approach is made with the desire being that resolutions are found. Failing that a more robust approach can be taken whereby officers will look to gather evidence with the intention of gaining sufficient evidence to provide a crime report to the Procurator fiscal. A good example of this being the previous work undertaken at Inshes retail park where several persons were reported.
Protecting Vulnerable People
Part of the role of a Community Beats officer to proactively engage with members of our community that are considered as vulnerable people, and this area of work is undertaken on a daily basis with visits to retirement home, sheltered housing and individuals within residential areas. This work can very often go unnoticed however as community beats officers we consider this a vital piece of work and whilst this can be time consuming it can also be very rewarding.
Other matters
Over the last month we have had to say goodbye to PC Jo Barclay who has moved onto pastures new. Jo was a huge asset to the team and will be a great loss. In addition to this PC Laura Kerr has been offered a new post in the training dept and currently awaits a date to start this position. To this end and in preparation for her new post, PC Kerr has been away from her area undertaking training to best prepare her for her new role. PC Kerr has been within the beats team for a number of years and again with her experience will be a significant loss to the team. Unfortunately, this has meant further abstraction and availability for beat officers to be visible within the community. However, to allay any fears we will be advertising from officers to come into the beats team and hopefully they will be in place in time for the next newsletter.
Finally, as a community beat team, we are all very conscious that matters of concerns within your areas may go unreported and you may feel that you do not see an officer. I would actively encourage any issues reported to the community council to be forwarded onto the team using the details at the end of this newsletter. Indeed, it would be appreciated that following the distribution of this newsletter information can be fed back into the team where we will look to try and work towards a resolution or increased visibility.
From the team:
PC Keith Whitelaw: Community officer for; Merkinch and South Kessock.
Over the month of March, I have been involved in various aspects of policing both within and out with the Merkinch and South Kessock community, I have tried to break this down into sections.
Warrants and drugs offences: I have collaborated with proactive teams to enforce warrants related to drugs offences. This is something that residents are becoming increasingly vocal about. We want to hear more from residents about this sort of activity to help us understand the full extent of the problem and address it.
Community Patrols and Engagement: I Patrol the community on foot, bicycle and in patrol cars, engaging with residents and business owners. This is something that residents have expressed they would like to see more of the bobby on the beat. I’m trying hard to being in the area as much as possible but am struggling with other duties taking me away – for which I have no control.
Response Policing support: I have been abstracted from my role as the community beat officer significantly due to other operational demands. This is making performing my duty to a good standard very difficult. This is down to various factors, such as staffing in other areas.
Neighbour Disputes: I have become involved in various neighbour disputes. These situations are extremely difficult and frustrating for all involved and need to be handled very delicately by Police. Often, we do not have the powers people think we do in these situations and rely on our ability to calm the situation and offer advice where possible.
Speed checks and Safety Initiatives: I have carried out speed checks, particularly near schools to promote safer driving habits and help keep our children safe. I managed to involve some school kids at Merkinch Primary School in speed checks, we warned a few drivers about their speed and asked them to slow down before wishing them a nice day.
Crime prevention and collaboration: I have been involved in multi-agency meetings discussing areas of concerns in the community. I have started to markup bikes on the bike register following a request from community members. This is something I will do again soon. This serves as a good deterrent to bike theft.
Engagement with Partners: I have engaged with partners this month over several matters, of note is the design of a new leaflet for the community helping to signpost the public towards services. This is aimed at encouraging reporting of issues being faced in the area. It hasn’t been completed yet but will be issued in the near future.
Educational outreach: I have periodically visited schools for several different reasons. The engagement has been largely positive. This is a good opportunity for meaningful engagement with young people in the community, encouraging them to be their best selves and helping make Police more approachable to younger generations. We have taken part in career fares, again to inspire others considering Policing as a future career.
PC Katie Johnstone: Community officer for; Dalneigh, Torvean, Bught, Scorguie & Kinmylies
During the month of March I have attended various schools providing talks on varying subjects depending on age. I was able to visit Inshes Nursery and give some safety advice and allow the children to try on Police uniform. They were excited to see the Police vehicle with lights and sirens on. I also attend Drakies Primary, where I talked to the P7s about drugs, they all engaged well and had lots of questions. We had a station visit from the Brownies, who had a tour of the Police station, and got to meet some of the Police dogs, explore the custody block, and put the lights on in a Police van.
I continue to patrol my beat however due to being required to assist response Policing in Inverness and surrounding areas, the opportunity to do this is limited.
PC Laura Kerr: Community officer for; Smithton, Culloden, Balloch, Ardersier & Croy
Unfortunately, I have not been in the Smithton, Culloden, Balloch, Ardersier and Croy areas this month due to being away on training courses for a new post.
Although I have been away, I have been keeping up to date with incidents within these areas and have been made aware that there have been reports raised regarding speeding on Culloden Road and through the village of Ardersier to Fort George. My colleagues in Community Beats are also aware of these issues and will carry out speed checks as and when duties allow.
I was also made aware of damage caused to bus shelters outside Culloden Academy both during and out with the school day. The youths responsible have been identified and the incident is currently being dealt with.
I will also be away from the beat for a large part of April, however my colleagues in the Community Beat department will continue to cover the area in my absence as and when they can.
Raigmore, Drakies, Milton of Ley, Crown & Millburn
There is currently no community beat officer for this area. This vacancy is due to be filled in the coming weeks. Community beat officers from other areas will continue to try and cover this area in the meantime.
PC Cailean Macleod: Community officer for; Hilton, Holm, Lochardil, Culduthel and Inshes
I continue to work closely with other departments in the Force and the local community to enable those person/s involved in the supply of drugs to be dealt with robustly. Any information from the community is treated as strictly confidential and this information enables the Police to ensure the blight of drug dealing can be continued to be tackled. Signposting those involved in drug misuse to enable them to tackle their addiction is also a focus for myself as reducing demand will ultimately be part of the solution.
I have carried out regular foot patrols throughout areas suffering from anti-social behaviour and other forms of criminality. Foot patrols enable me to reassure and speak with members of the community as well as providing a visible uniformed deterrent to those involved in anti-social antics and criminal behaviour. Residents, businesses and the community appreciate and value seeing a uniformed Police officer walking the beat. Its old fashion however it works; people speak to the Police, people are reassured that the Police are actually patrolling an area rather than driving through it and it builds rapport which leads to all manner of information regarding crimes being passed on to the Police.
Speeding vehicles is a road safety issue which is regularly raised as a concern by the community, so have carried out checks across various beats including Culduthel Road, Balnakyle Road, Stratherrick Road, Clava Road and Old Edinburgh Road in response to community concerns and targeting speeding outside schools. Educating drivers along with deterrence by being visible in the community is as important as issuing speeding tickets.
I have been abstracted away from my beat officer duties on several occasions to provide backfill on response shifts in Inverness, Aviemore and Dingwall and in other departments due to ongoing staffing issues. I have no control over the level of abstractions which is unfortunately impacting on the time I am spending out in my beats working with the community.
I have carried out regular liaison with housing officers, council officials, organisations and internally with other departments in Force. My linking in with other partners and departments in enables me to help them and help me which in turn makes for genuinely more joined up delivery of services to help the community. Knowing the right person in the right organisation means I can resolve problems very quickly.
I have carried out multiple checks of shops and pubs throughout my beats to ensure they are complying with the laws around selling of alcohol and to ensure the premises are being well run to avoid unruly or disorderly behaviour. Furthermore, by regularly speaking with shop staff and bar staff this reassures them that the Police are there to support them to deter and deal with any crimes which occur – shoplifting, abusive behaviour towards staff and other disorder crimes.
City Centre (CCPT)
The City Centre Police Team continue to be committed to addressing incidents of dishonesty and disorder within the City Centre. We continue to work alongside our colleagues from Burnett Road Police Station and our partner agencies within the City Centre.
The team are continuing their work engaging with youths who are causing disorder, which is having a positive effect and will continue. There continues to be issues, but we will continue our work with them, assisted by our colleagues from CCTV and Action for Children. We will also continue our engagement with businesses affected by the youth disorder and continue our patrols of affected area’s.
The nation-wide issue of Theft by Shoplifting continues to affect our City Centre on a daily basis. The team continue their commitment to apprehend persons carrying this out and over the last month have had several instances of the recovery of property and the apprehension of suspects. To have further success with this matter the team continues to utilise the assistance of our retail partner agencies and our CCTV operators.
Officers working within the City Centre during the evenings have also dealt with several incidents of violence within Licensed premises. This is an ongoing issue which is obviously fuelled by alcohol but with the assistance of CCTV and our colleague’s carrying out door steward duties we have had several positive results regarding this.
The City Centre team has also continued our positive engagement with the supporters of Palestine, who continue to hold vigils on a Saturday afternoon outside the Town House. The group are very supportive of a Police presence and continue to air their support in a peaceful and respectful manner.
Contact us
Police Scotland can be contacted via a variety of ways. In an emergency and/or when a crime is ongoing, please dial 999 otherwise please use the 101 phone number to report any other crimes or matters.
For non-urgent routines matters or to highlight issues or make contact with specific officers then the following email addresses can be used:
Inverness rural beats – Beauly / Cannich / Drumnadrochit / Fort Augustus / Foyers:
Please be aware that this e-mail address is not monitored 24/7 and is a contact email. Specific crimes should not be reported by these email addresses. Crimes should be reported via the telephone systems 999 or 101.
Any matters raised at community council meetings or specific community concerns should be emailed in and include the following details to enable your enquiry to deal with efficiently:
Contact name
Contact phone number
Details of the issue – times/places/people/history of the issue
[The following advice was sent to our Community Council by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN)]
Disruption to essential services like electricity can sometimes happen and it affects our everyday lives. For some, a power cut can be worrying or difficult. Acknowledging the pivotal role that Community and Parish Councils play in achieving better outcomes for communities and widening the safety net of care around them, we are asking for your help in reaching people who may need extra support during power cuts.
We are Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), we operate the electricity network in your area. We keep the lights on, TVs running, and homes and businesses heated for 3.9 million customers, with 99% reliability throughout the year. Your residents may not be aware that extra advice and support is available for when there is an interruption to the power supply. By informing your residents of the Priority Services Register this will enable them free access to:
Our dedicated Priority Services line is available 24 hours a day. We’ll contact you, or your nominated contact if we need to switch off your power to carry out essential maintenance.
We offer a password service where you can agree a password to use when dealing with SSEN staff. That way we can look after your personal safety and home security.
When we are aware of an unplanned power cut affecting your home, you will receive proactive updates 24 hours a day.
We will contact you regularly to confirm the details we hold for you are correct and if we do not hear back from you on these occasions, we will only keep your data for 5 years.
What is the PSR and who is eligible? The Priority Services Register is a free UK-wide service which provides extra advice and support, including when there’s an interruption to your electricity, gas or water supply. You are eligible for free PSR services if you:
Use medical equipment reliant on electricity or water.
Are blind or partially sighted.
Are deaf or hard of hearing.
Are of pensionable age.
Have a disability.
Live with children under five.
Have a chronic illness.
Have anxiety, depression or any mental health condition.
Loss or impairment of smell.
Need documents translated into another format or language.
Temporarily need extra support.
Everyone has different needs. Contact your distributor to discuss your requirements.
What resources are available to promote the PSR? By promoting the Priority Services Register with your residents you will be helping our welfare teams provide extra support to where it is needed most during a power cut. The toolkit has been designed to help you have conversations about what the PSR offers, how it can make a difference to your residents and provide peace of mind during power cuts. You will find the following resources within the toolkit:
Information you can copy and paste into your newsletters, emails, information sections on your websites and discussion points for team meetings or coffee mornings.
Posters
Social media assets
Links to helpful advice
We appreciate some of your residents may not be in our license area, however by signposting them to our registration pages (for Scotland and England) customers can enter their postcode which will direct them to the right utility to register.
Whether through email, newsletter, coffee morning or via social media channels, we hope that this pack supports you to have conversations about the benefits of the Priority Services Register. Thank you for helping us to provide extra support to the communities you serve.
We are pleased to share the news of our exciting community projects! For latest on the renewables project at the Hub, shop & café, updates on the SCD subsidy for High Life Highland and Bannatyne health club memberships, and information about upcoming community events and more, read on!
Community Led Affordable Housing
The main objection by the Flood Risk Team has been removed which is a significant step forward to achieving full planning consent. Our Civil Engineer is working hard to satisfy a Transport Planning condition of the proposal. Once that has been resolved then planning is likely to be approved which allows us to take this to the next stage.
Dalarossie Church
We are continuing to have discussions with the landowner to try and achieve a mutual agreement with regards to access and parking rights to the church. This will form part of the feasibility and business plan being formulated for the community to consider in due course.
Renewables Project for The Strathdearn Hub and Shop/Café (solar panels & battery storage for the hub/shop/café)
For those that pass the community buildings you will have seen ongoing work on the installation of the solar panels and battery storage. The work is completed at the shop/cafe and nearly completed at The Strathdearn Hub.
We are delighted to say that we are already generating solar electricity!
It is a great achievement for the community as it will not only reduce the operating costs of the buildings, but also provides a saving of 9.1 tonnes of carbon! 🌍
Hazelbank Woods
Ongoing work re the legal transfer is continuing and we hope to provide further news as soon as we can.
Electric Vehicle Upgraded Replacement Chargers
There were some delays in securing capacity consents from SSEN as advised by SWARCO. This has now been resolved and we are hoping for swift progress on the installation.
Announcement re the Shop and Cafe:
On Sunday, April 28, 2024, 3B Catering Ltd will cease operations of the cafe and shop at The Strathdearn in Tomatin. White River Trading (WRT) recognises the importance of the shop and cafe to the Strathdearn community, and remains committed to providing these services going forward. While every effort will be made to provide continuity for the community, during the transition from 3B Catering to WRT there may be some minor disruption including temporary closure of the shop and cafe. However, efforts will be made to run a reduced shop service within The Strathdearn during this time.
SCD and WRT appreciate your patience while the new operation is put in place to continue providing this vital service to the Strathdearn community.
For employment opportunities, please see the below.
Full job descriptions and instructions how to apply applications can be sourced from The Strathdearn foyer, from natalie.perks@redstartuk.com or via Indeed.com
High Life Highland Membership over 50% discount for families and individuals
SCD continues to subsidise High Life Highland memberships for residents with IV13 postcodes, giving the opportunity to stay healthy and well. In partnership with High Life Highland, you have access to 25 leisure facilities sites available in the Highlands. With swimming pools, fitness suites and many classes available there are so many benefits to joining High Life Highland.
High Life Classes at the Strathdearn Hub
High Life Highland classes are available at The Strathdearn Hub every Wednesday evening:
18:30 – 19.15 Zumba
19:20 – 20.00 Stretch and Flex
Come on get your dancing shoes on for Zumba and stretch it out at the end! 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 High Life Highland membership. For more information please contact: info@strathdearn.org
Bannatyne Health Club membership
IV13 residents can enjoy over 50% off for a full access Bannatyne Health Club membership subsidised by SCD. Bannatyne offers a premium fitness suite, many exercise classes, as well as a pool and spa facilities.
That’s a wrap for the first term of the Strathdearn Kids Club! We are delighted to provide the community’s children after school activities and to be using the facilities the Strathdearn Hub has to offer. We had a total of ten boys and seven girls participating in the club with a further three boys and one girl joining in for the community football.
Sign-ups for the new term began on the 25th of March at 7am and we will be liaising closely with the Millburn active schools coordinator to manage these bookings.
Thanks to the increased staffing with lead coach Rachel and assistant coach Neil on board, and with the warmer weather and use of the MUGA we can increase numbers for the coming term.
April – June Strathdearn Kids Club capacity: 24 (increased from 17 last term)
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 (17th April – 26th June)
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 – Children may be collected at any time (please contact matthew.allan@highlifehighland.com) – Packed lunches can be dropped off at The Strathdearn Hub 8am – 9am (please label and keep nut free)
SCD would like to take the opportunity to thank our dedicated community member Lewis Biggham who started the community football on a Wednesday, and sparked off SCD organising the Strathdearn Community Kids club. Thank you Lewis, and congratulations on turning 18 last month!
Easter School Holiday Activities
SCD are working together with High Life Highland during the Easter holiday break to offer families 50% subsidy for the kids Multi Sports Camp at Raigmore Community Centre. Children can meet up with others and have fun doing a variety of activities, sports and games; while also providing parents with a bit of respite during the holidays.
Details:
When: April 2nd, 3rd, 5th 9am – 1pm
Where: Raigmore Community Centre
Cost: High Life members £5.31 / day (discounted from £10.62) Non-members £6.25 / day (discounted from £12.50)
How to book: email info@strathdearn.org
Community E-Bikes – FREE E BIKE HIRE FOR RESIDENTS OF IV13 FOR UP TO 2 WEEKS
As we enter Strathdearn’s beautiful spring months, take advantage and get out into nature on one of the community’s eBikes for free!
With increasing costs of running a car the eBikes are also great for a more economical way to get to work locally.
As last year’s calendar, “soup season” finishes on Friday 12th April. We will continue to provide free tea, coffee and biscuits and a warm space for a natter 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.
Thank you to everyone who came along it was a fantastic evening.
RhythmNReel also left us a lovely review: –
Hi Tracy, just a short note to thank you all very much for having us a long last night and your kind hospitality with the filled rolls, much appreciated.
A great crowd and we really enjoyed playing for you all. Cracking hall too.
Kind regards
EASTER BREAKFAST WITH BUNNY 30/03/24:
Thank you to all the families that came along to our first Easter breakfast with bunny.
SPRING FOOD, DRINK & CRAFT MARKET 27/04/24:
11am – 3pm
The Strathdearn, Tomatin
Free entry
STRATHDEARN COMMUNITY FUN RUN 10K / 5K – ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?
Fundraising for “Maggies Highland”
Saturday 11th May 2024 – 10am
FREE ENTRY
All ages and fitness levels are welcome!
A great family friendly event which can be run, jogged or walked.
You can even take the dog along
The events team have now identified a 10k/5k route, and further details will be posted on social media this week.
If you would like to work at this event, please contact dianebuckle@strathdearn.org
STRATHDEARN FLOWER SHOW
Saturday 7th September 2024
Entries from local IV13 residents only
All entries are free
The SCD events team have been busy in the background identifying the following categories: –
Flowers
Vegetables
Homebaking
Photography
Art
More details to be advertised on social media and the community website very soon.
We would also like to invite the children from the Primary School to be involved in a sunflower challenge. Tracy Campbell, SCD Events Coordinator will be visiting the school on the 26th April 2024 to give a few pointers regarding growing and watering. Sunflower seeds will be supplied to all children.
Keep an eye out on social media for other events that will be announced throughout the year.
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
