SCD Update 16th September 2022
Affordable Housing Project:
- We are progressing with the housing project where we can, and since it has been some time since we started it, we are taking the opportunity to review all of the elements to ensure they still can be delivered in the current climate. Following this, we will report back to the community to make sure we are still on course to deliver what we were asked to do by the community.
The field north side of the viaduct has had culvert and drainage clearance completed to facilitate an accurate flood risk assessment for the housing project, with full permission of the landowner. The cost of the works was donated by Wills Bros from their community benefit scheme and required no planning consent as it is deemed permissible routine maintenance works.
Paths Project:
- The defects are being worked through with the contractor and The Highland Council. At the time of writing this update, SCD has had no formal response from THC on the review.
Community Resilience Plan:
- We are delighted that the community has been awarded £17k from SSE from our Grant Funding application for a generator. The competition was stiff as there were applications totalling £1.5 million for a £1million pot of money. We will look to buy a generator as part of the resilience plan for the community. The Generator will be a silent run unit in its own acoustic canopy and this will replace the current hired in unit.
Community Benches:
- 6 of the 8 benches are now in situ, and they look great. See the photo below of Liz and Doug Campbell and their two grandchildren Coby and Noah. There are 6 benches in total for Tomatin plus 1 in Lynebeg & 1 in Ruthven. We have received permission from the landowners to place these. Once the works are completed on the upgrade of the Balvraid Road the other 2 will be fitted.
Potential Hub Extension to House Standby Generator:
- This planning application submission includes the installation of the standby generator and fuel storage which is essential for the long-term resilience of the facility for the community. This will also allow for much needed extra storage space. There is no further update at this point regarding the planning application.
Volunteer Programme:
- The “Tidy up Tomatin” volunteers have been very busy, working with SCD sponsorship in planting beautiful barrels of flowers which have been placed throughout the village. The next phase is in discussion with the group.
Thanks to the volunteers (you know who you are!) Also, to Tomatin Distillery for donating the barrels, and the 2 employees from the Distillery who greatly assisted. Finally, thanks to a member of the community who organised a donation of plants from the Botanical Gardens as part of their community donations.
Youth Development Programme:
- Following the very successful pilot scheme of the Youth Development programme under the Health & Wellbeing for All fund. The variety of activities were welcomed and the trial cost of £1 per child provided us with an idea of the demand. We are really excited it was a success and are working our way to expand on that. See some photos below.
The next step will be to assess the staffing requirements needed to support children of all ages with a varied range of activities, as well as to provide pre-school and after-school care to support families.
- The cost of the pilot was approximate £3k
Skate Park:
- Contact has been made with 2 members of the community who are keen skate boarders and have knowledge/contacts which we can access to get ideas on how we could complete the skate park. Due consideration will be given to the close proximity of the resident’s homes prior to any final decision being made.
Community Right to Buy Project:
- There is no further update on this project at present.
Gym Project:
This proposal is still under discussion and we are encouraging members of the community to come forward to become involved in the discussions and planning for this potential facility and how it can be run and utilised. The project will only proceed if there is sufficient support and that the costs can be justified.
Contact Us:
- As always we welcome your communications, the best way to contact us is through info@strathdearn.org
