What’s Been Going On This Month? Can you believe that’s the first quarter of the year almost over?! We’re pleased to say that we’ve got some very exciting announcements to share, as well as an update on the community street party! Continue reading to find out more.
Affordable Housing Update
The additional flood risk report that was required for the affordable housing has been submitted to The Highland Council planning portal for assessment by the flood risk team.
We’re now waiting for their feedback before we begin moving forward.
Health and Wellbeing Projects
The Snug
The Strathdearn Snug in its current format “pauses” this Friday, March 31. The space, however, is still available, along with free tea, coffee, biscuits and newspapers on Tuesdays and Fridays for the community to get together for a chat. Please come along – this is your community space for you to enjoy!
High Life Highland Memberships
High Life Highland has advised that there will be a small increase in their membership fees from April 2023.
This works out as:
Individual membership – 50% contribution:
SCD funds: £11.18 per month (up from £10.26 per month)
Resident funds: £11.17 per month (up from £10.26 per month)
Family membership – 50% contribution:
SCD funds: £16.83 per month (up from £15.44 per month)
Resident funds: £16.82 per month (up from £15.43 per month)
Memberships are still great value for money and we’ll continue to contribute 50% of the new cost.
Youth Development
Our lead youth worker, Scott, has been working hard to engage with young people, parents and guardians to ensure young people get what they want from future youth activities. There are lots of opportunities for young people and children, though we do need the community to step up and support this.
If you’d like to get involved, join us at our youth workshop session from 3-5pm this Friday, March 31 with all of your ideas so we can begin planning for the summer months ahead. Find more information below. We hope to see you there!
Community Spring Street Party
We’re looking forward to our street party, open for all IV13 residents to attend! We’ve already got a great lineup booked, including the band The Shire, local traditional music, street food and lots of exciting children’s entertainment. Here’s hoping the weather is kind to us! Bring your own bottle and dancing shoes and join us for a fun evening! Save the date: Saturday, May 6, 4-9pm at The Strathdearn Hub
Findhorn Watershed Initiative
The £1 million watershed initiative for the River Findhorn is being led by the fisheries.
This is a long-term, integrated, landscape-scale vision for ecological restoration which runs from the Monadhliath mountains to the Moray Firth, which takes in the River Findhorn.
The project team will be presenting the Riverwoods film this Thursday, March 30 from 6-8pm. It will be an interesting session and provides an opportunity for the community to find out more and ask questions.
Additional Storage at The Strathdearn Hub
The planning application for additional storage and canopies at The Strathdearn Hub was approved by The Highland Council’s planning committee on March 22.
The SCD board will now carefully consider the next steps.
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.
Finance and Administration Officer ~ 17 hours per week, (£27,300 pro rata TBC).
The local community trading company has a vacancy for a one year post funded by the Scottish Government to assist in the development of the local facilities. This post will primarily be concerned with the financial administration of the village shop to ensure sound record keeping and reporting to the Board although on occasion may require assisting the development company. This post offers flexible working hours, training possibilities and the opportunity to bring positive change to Strathdearn. The post commences from April 2017.
Essential Book-keeping/finance experience Fully competent in Microsoft Office Strong communication skills Efficient time management Desirable Quickbooks experience Flexible working schedule Home working ability
To apply for this position, please send your CV to scdassist@hotmail.com by 28 March 2017.
Firstly, may I apologise for the time it has taken to respond to the petition you signed last August.
As you’ll understand, with the resignation of the previous board of Strathdearn Community Developments (SCD) and the bringing together of the new board, it has taken longer than expected to provide a response.
I absolutely recognise that the issues raised in the petition are both genuine and entirely legitimate, and can sympathise with the level of frustration in the community that led to the signing of the petition. I also want to be clear that I understand that this is related both to the pavements and to wider concerns with SCD.
I would also like to recognise that, following the delivery of the petition, there was a noticeable upturn in the pace of the work to finish the pavements and that, without the community’s involvement through the submission of the petition to The Highland Council, this may not have been the case. This demonstrates that in this, and in the wider activities of SCD, it remains crucial that the community remains actively engaged and involved.
The Paths Project
As you’ll appreciate, as a relatively recent addition to the community, I am not as steeped in the history of this project as many others, but I do understand that the Paths Project has been a long-standing item on the community agenda (approx. since 2007). It has changed hands and gone through many iterations through those 13 years and has been subject to a number of consultations, specifications and styles. It has never been an easy project and, while in some areas compromise has been required, in others it has not been possible.
To address the points raised in the petition:
Point 1: “Lack of consultation about the major revisions to the plans for the works being carried out along the road heading south from the community hub to Juniper Drive including the installation of infrastructure for street lighting.”
There was clearly a discrepancy between the communication SCD understood had taken place and the community’s understanding of the project.
SCD discussed the project at board meetings (at that point open to the public), community council meetings, and via the community newsletter, website and Facebook groups. In addition, the planning matters were advertised in the Inverness Courier and published on The Highland Council (THC) website. Almost no responses were received from the community to any of these communications.
This was felt by SCD to have been a strong communicative effort when combined with the consultations led by THC in respect of speed limit extensions and the narrowing of the bridge and bridge viaduct.
However, I can see that there was not a clear understanding of the pavements in the community at the point the works commenced, and that elements of the design and delivery were not well understood. Personally, I know that I struggle with architectural drawings and that when I tried to visualise what was on the diagrams it was not what was delivered. However, that is not to say that the works did not follow the approved plans – only that I didn’t understand them, and I am sure I was not the only one. This should not have been the case.
On reflection, the lack of community engagement with the communications issued, and the lack of comments received in respect of the project (positive or negative), should have been a red flag that methods of communication were not working.
In the time I’ve lived in Strathdearn, it’s been clear to me that the community, while not always speaking with a single mind, is a community that is keen to speak its mind on matters that affect it. The absence of responses should not have been held to be an absence of opinions. Additional efforts should have been made.
SCD will work hard going forward to ensure that a meaningful dialogue takes place with the community to deliver projects that are well understood and where the community has had (and has hopefully taken) the opportunity to discuss, reflect and make suggestions. What I’d ask of the community is that you help us get it right – please engage early with project plans or consider volunteering for the board, and please assist us in bringing the benefits of the wind farm funds to our community.
I’d also like to touch upon the question of street lighting. At the AGM in February 2022 (at which I was not present), it was raised by a number of members as to why street lighting had not been factored into the project for the safety reasons (mainly for children making their way to school, or home on a winter’s evening).
Following what I’m told was a lengthy debate, it was agreed that the infrastructure would be incorporated into the construction phase as it was sensible to futureproof the path, with a view to a formal consultation taking place at an unspecified future date to determine the community’s view. It was, and is not, an intention that street lighting would be installed without further consultation.
Point 2: “Length of time the work has taken and disruption caused.”
It is clear that this project overran and that the length of the works was a huge cause of frustration, both for the community and for SCD. Given the nature of the contracts to deliver the pavements, the day-to-day project management was undertaken by The Highland Council.
SCD did feed back concerns raised by the community and SCD itself, and was notified that delays were due to birds nesting, tree management and road closure notices that compounded the problems.
As noted above, however, we do also note the galvanising impact of the petition on the pace of works.
In terms of learning from the experience, SCD will at times (due to resource constraints or funding mechanisms) not retain full control of project delivery. In these instances, the choice will be made to operate with and through partners and, in such situations, SCD does not have the same ability to control delivery. SCD will continue to think carefully regarding future projects to ensure sufficient leverage is maintained to meet timescales and delivery milestones.
Please accept the apologies of SCD regarding the additional disruption of last summer; it was keenly felt by all.
Point 3:“Specification of work and materials.”
The specification and materials outlined in the plans and drawings were agreed with THC on the premise these would meet their criteria to an adoptable standard, as THC would have the ongoing burden for maintenance. As is the case with any project, cost and specification enhancement must be balanced, and for this project the target specification was adoptability.
The brief provided was intended to balance the criteria for ‘an adoptable standard’ with providing a less urban–style path, in keeping with our rural surroundings. I can fully understand that not everyone will consider this point met.
I hope the above responses answer the points raised in the petition, and also outline the thinking of SCD regarding how such challenges can be avoided in future.
Our September drop-in session, which unfortunately was postponed, has been rescheduled for Saturday 19th November atThe Strathdearn between 2pm and 4pm. Everyone is invited to come along for a cup of tea/coffee, some cake and an informal chat about anything and everything! It will also be good to hear your views on the findings of the (Moy) community plan released on 28th May (Moy meeting place, parking, winter preparedness, ranger).
Two new chainsaw carved benches have now been installed, one at Dalmagary with a fishing theme and one at Lynebeg with a moorland theme.
Ranger: Our Moy ranger, Donald Tolmie, finished at the end of October. His nature walk in September with members of the local community was successful and much enjoyed by those who attended. In October he placed “No Fire” signs at several locations around Loch. He also cut some of the overgrown foliage and bracken around the benches and the coffin well.
Donald’s final summary report for October is as follows:
Sum of Number of Vehicles parked – 31
Sum of Number of Motorhomes parked – 0
Sum of Number of Tents – 0
Sum of Number of new Fire marks – 0 Sum of Number of Fires put out – 0 Sum of Number of Litter on site – 0 (equivalent of 1/4 bin bag) Sum of Number of Toileting at site – 0 Sum of Number of People seen – 36 Sum of Number of People spoken to – 18 Sum of Number of Parking notices issued – 0
Roadside path: we are waiting for the roadside path to be maintained – vegetation cut back, culverts cleaned out and general maintenance. Hopefully this will take place before winter sets in.
There may be an opportunity for a second defibrillator in Moy. If you have any ideas about where this could be situated please let the MSC know (an electricity supply is necessary).
Strathdearn newsletter. Marian is looking for volunteers to help her deliver the Strathdearn newsletter in Moy. Please contact Marian directly if you can help out.
MSC election 2022/23
The MSCis now coming to the end of its 5th year in November and under the Terms of Reference a selection process for Sub-committee members is repeated on an annual basis. Four committee member positions are available each year. Anyone in the area can put themselves forward to be elected on to the committee for the forthcoming year. Applicants must: *live in the Moy area *be members of SCD *have a proposer and a seconder who are likewise both members of SCD and a resident within Moy area but who are not family relatives *must not sit on more than two of: Moy SC, SCD Board, Community Council or Charitable Trust
The MSC was established by Strathdearn Community Developments (SCD) with the purpose of identifying projects for funding through the Strathdearn share of the Moy Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund. So, if you are interested in helping our community all you need to do is complete and submit the relevant form. Anyone wishing to apply can contact any current committee member directly. Alternatively please e-mail edwardc-m@strathdearn.org to request a form or to ask any questions.
Current MSC members are Marian Hendry (marianhendry@strathdearn.org), John Clarke, Linda Armit, Charlie Cameron and David MacQueen.
(After 5 years as Chair, Marian is standing down from the MSC and not seeking selection).
Work to upgrade the Balvraid Road (U2829) will be carried out during the summer of 2022. This is to aid timber extraction from Glenkirk Forest and is funded by the Scottish government’s Strategic Timber Transport Scheme (STTS). Weekly schedules will be published here.
Stuart Bell, who supplies these schedules, is on holiday for 2 weeks and supplied 2 weeks’ worth before he left. This schedule below is dependent on there having been no unexpected delays in last week’s work programme. Stuart explains: “May vary with the weather and progress, but minimal delays expected. Civils squads doing the widening hope to complete by the 21st October. The surfacing squad is expected towards the end of the month (which is when the significant disruption is most likely), for about 4 weeks. Hopefully the weather will be favourable and allow the surfacing to complete without delays.”
U2829 Balvraid Road STTS
Week Commencing
17/10/2022
See ‘Balvraid STTS-Work Sectors’ for Sector locations
Culverts
Widening
Surface Passing Places
Patching
Overlays
Ditching
Notes
Friday 14 Oct 2022
No Works – Long weekend
Saturday 15 Oct 2022
Sunday 16 Oct 2022
Monday 17 Oct 2022
No Works – Long weekend
Tuesday 18 Oct 2022
3/4/5
Wednesday 19 Oct 2022
3/4/5
Thursday 20 Oct 2022
3/4/5
Friday 21 Oct 2022
3/4/5
Civils works may be complete
Saturday 22 Oct 2022
Notes on Delays
Culverts
Minor Delays – steel plates used to allow vehicles to cross
Widening
Minor Delays – Improving passing opportunities, excavator on road
Surface Passing Places
Moderate Delays – Paver and Lorries surfacing widened areas
SCD and WRT are pleased to announce the Strathdearn Snug will be open from Monday 17th October for Strathdearn Residents and will be available in the Ruthven Room upstairs from 10am until 4pm each Monday , Tuesday and Friday each week until further notice. Under 16’s should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Each day there will be Tea, Coffee & biscuits along with Soup of the Day and a selection of Sandwiches provided free of charge. Newspapers will be available as well as TV programmes available .
The purpose of the initiative as explained at the last Community Council Meeting is to take account of the current economic climate and allow residents to get out of their houses and meet others in a convivial environment.
Why not come along to enjoy the warm cosy environment, meet people as well as taking advantage of our Strathdearn Community hospitality under our health and well-being programme. We would be delighted if you have suggestions for things to do such as card games, board games etc. It’s your space so enjoy and we will support you all in this new exciting venture..
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
Finance and Administration Officer ~ 17 hours per week, (£27,300 pro rata TBC).
