Produced by the Highland Community Planning Partnership in collaboration with Highland Council, this regular briefing brings together a wide range of updates, opportunities, and useful information for community groups, organisations, and residents.
Each edition typically includes:
Funding opportunities and grants
Training, events, and volunteering opportunities
Updates on local and regional initiatives
Support services covering wellbeing, employment, and community development
News and resources relevant to communities across the Highlands
Designed as a practical and accessible resource, the briefing acts as a one-stop source of information—helping people stay informed, connected, and able to take advantage of opportunities within their local area. It’s particularly valuable for anyone involved in community projects, local organisations, or simply wanting to keep up with what’s happening and available nearby.
Want to be the first to take a sneak peek at the new community houses? Looking for more information on how to join the community gym discount scheme? Or keen to hear about the latest summer events? Read on!
Community Affordable Housing – Save the Date!
We’re excited to invite you to a special community viewing of the new affordable homes currently being completed in Strathdearn.
📅 Saturday 11th April
⏰ 11am – 12 noon
As we reach the final stages of delivering six energyefficient affordable homes, we’d love to give the community a first look before the finishing touches such as a ‘sparkle clean’ are added and tenants move in. We’re still aiming for handover at the end of April, with tenants hopefully settling in by early May. We’ll keep everyone updated as things progress.
🔧 Please note your health & safety is very important to us, therefore, we have implemented some safeguards:
This will be an escorted viewing as external works are still ongoing.
No dogs, please.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times, as the site remains an active construction area.
We’re really looking forward to welcoming you along and sharing this milestone for our community.
Hazelbank Woodland – What’s been going on?
Food from the Wood project
Our Food from the Wood project has been keeping us busy! We’ve kicked things off with our Fruit and Nut Zone, where primary school children and volunteers have been hard at work planting heritage apple trees and hazel. The children will now be carrying out some research and writing about the different varieties they’ve helped plant. Our nursery children have also been getting involved by sowing wildflower seeds. We’re hoping they’ll enjoy returning in the future to see the vibrant colours and the wildlife these areas will support.
Looking ahead, we hope the whole community will be able to enjoy future apple harvests together — from juicing days and chutney-making for the local horticultural show, to some friendly competition over who can bake the best apple pie!
Next week, we’ll be planting our edible hedging, which will help creating opportunities for the community to learn about sustainable foraging as well as supporting our woodland wildlife. We’re also excited to explore future workshops focused on cooking with wild foods, making cordials, and discovering the benefits of the natural produce right on our doorstep.
It’s also lovely to see our events coordinator using the community woodland to host this year’s Easter scavenger hunt — what a perfect space for it!
Sheep Fleece
Some of you may have noticed sheep’s wool tied around some of our recently planted tree saplings in Hazelbank Wood.
We’re currently testing a few different ideas to help deter deer from browsing on them, this is part of one of our trials. The method behind it is deer tend to dislike both the smell and taste of the fleece.
We have also been using sheep dags as a mulch around our newly planted heritage apple trees, this helps suppress weeds and retain moisture in the soil.
It’s a simple, natural, and environmentally friendly method, and we’re keen to see how effective it is over time. We’ll keep you updated on the results!
Please help us care for our community woodland 🌿
Recently, volunteers have again had to clear dog mess in the newly planted fruit and nut area, just before the nursery children arrived to sow seeds for a new wildflower meadow. Our woodland is being used more and more by children and local groups, who are actively involved in shaping Hazelbank’s future, so it’s hugely important that the area is kept clean and safe for everyone.
It’s frustrating to continue finding dog mess in a space that belongs to the whole community, not just dog owners.
Thank you to everyone who is already being respectful and helping us look after this special space – it really does make a difference.
Woodland Volunteers Welcome
We currently have a small number of volunteers signed up, but we are always keen to welcome more helping hands. Whether you would like to get involved, gain experience working in a woodland, or simply pass on ideas, we would love to hear from you.
If you are interested, please get in touch with Louise Ramsay at louiseramsay@strathdearn.org – she will be very pleased to hear from you.
Hazelbank Woodland continues to grow as a place for nature, learning, community, and connection, and we are excited to share the next chapter with you all.
Youth, Health & Wellbeing News
Kidz Club (term-time only)
New term bookings open
Bookings are now also open for our next term block, resuming on Wednesday 22nd April at Strathdearn Primary School, running from 3:15pm to 6:00pm.
Please ensure the account is created under your child’s name, otherwise the activity will not appear. Once registered, you will then be able to log in and book as above.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Matthew: matthew.allan@highlifehighland
Bird & Bat box building session
A big thank you to all the children and John the countryside ranger who took part in last week’s bird and bat box building session – what a talented group, showing fantastic craftsmanship!
As well as constructing the boxes, the children had the chance to add their own personal touch by signing or decorating them. Keep an eye out for the boxes in the woodland for years to come – a lasting reminder of the children’s contribution to supporting local wildlife.
We are very grateful to the Highland Council Nature Restoration Fund for making this activity possible.
Baby & Toddler Group
Bring your little ones along for playtime while you enjoy a cuppa and a chat with other local parents and carers!
📅 Every term-time Thursday morning
🕚 9.30am – 11.30am
📍 The Strathdearn Hub
Bookbug sessions
Bookbug brings the magic of songs, rhymes, puppets, and stories, and is part of a fantastic Scottish Book Trust programme that encourages story sharing to support children’s language, social skills, and overall development.
📅 Upcoming sessions dates: TBC
P7s visit
The tots love when the P7s come to visit! Coby, Edie and Hugo do a wonderful job reading stories, playing games and of course, getting creative with the playdoh!
📅 Upcoming sessions: 30^th April / 28^th May / 25^th June
Childsmile Visit
Another regular visitor to Baby & Toddler group is the lovely Patricia from Childsmile who gives us great advice and tips on keeping wee teeth clean and healthy as well as how to register the family with NHS dentists (great for after an Easter chocfest!😂 🍫 )
Here is the link for dentists taking on new NHS patients:
All 11 – 19 year olds welcome! Come along and challenge your pals to a game of badminton, pool or table tennis, or just enjoy having a space to hang out and chill.
Tasty snacks available 😋
Please note the club now runs as one combined group.
📅 Every term-time Friday evening
🕚7pm – 9.30pm
📍The Strathdearn Hub
The Snug
Come along and catch up with neighbours and friends, at The Snug!
Join us for a cuppa, a bite to eat, and a friendly catch-up in a warm, relaxed space..
📅 Every Tuesday & Friday
🕚10am – 3.45pm
📍The Strathdearn Hub
If you — or someone you know — would like to join us but need help with transport, please get in touch at enquiries@strathdearn.org and we will do our best to assist.
Strathdearn Primary School at The Snug
We were delighted to welcome pupils from Strathdearn Primary School at the Snug on last Friday with their chosen books!
It’s a joy to see different generations of Strathdearn coming together through reading, with older members of our community sharing their time, encouragement and experience with the younger ones.
These sessions will help build the pupils’ confidence and nurture a lifelong enjoyment of reading — and the warmth and support of the community makes it all the more special.
The students will be joining us for the final Friday Snug of each month from 11.30am–12pm.
Next dates: April 24th / May 29th / June 26th
Pilates at The Strathdearn
Pilates with Marina and Morna continues to be a community favourite! ✨
Come along to strengthen your core, improve flexibility, and enjoy a full-body workout – suitable for all ages and abilities.
📅 Every Monday
🕚 11:15am – 12:15pm
📍 The Strathdearn Hub
Otago at The Strathdearn
Otago with Val is a gentle movement programme designed to help prevent trips and falls. It’s ideal for older adults and anyone returning to exercise. The class focuses on leg-strengthening and balance-retraining exercises that gradually progress in difficulty, and it also includes a walking plan that can be followed at home or in a group setting.
📅 Every Friday
🕚 10am – 10:45am
📍 The Strathdearn Hub
Pricing for High Life classes
✅ First class free for anyone who’d like to give it a try!
Included with a High Life membership:
Family: £19.35/month (discounted from £42.99)
Individual: £13.05/month (discounted from £28.99)
Or pay as you go:
£8.55 per class (standard rate)
£5.15 per class (over 60s)
ℹ️ For details on discounted membership: projects@strathdearn.org
📞 To book: 01479 813 140
💻 Or online: online.highlifehighland.com
High Life Highland Membership – Over 50% Discount for Families and Individuals
Bannatyne Health Club membership subsidy
IV13 residents can enjoy over 50% off for Bannatyne Health Club all-inclusive membership!
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.
Further discounts include:
• 10% discount in the spa (Spa Days, Products, and Treatments)
• 10% discount in the café
• 10% discount on retail products
• 50% off the first spa treatment
Price: £20 / month (discounted from £46.99 / month + no joining fee)
For more information on all that Bannatyne can offer, visit the website: Bannatyne Health Club Inverness (https://www.bannatyne.co.uk/health-club/inverness)
To sign up or for more information, email projects@strathdearn.org or call 07703 328333.
Please note: All membership addresses will need to be verified as IV13 postcodes (i.e. utility bill dated in last 3 months) to benefit from SCD subsidy.
Community eBikes
Explore the area on one of the community’s eBikes – for free!
Thanks to our partnership with The Strathdearn, SCD is continuing to fund a 2-week free trial for all local residents. Just pop into the Hub and take an eBike out for a spin!
Already used up your free trial days? No problem – locals can still enjoy discounted rates at just £15 per day.
We now have handy route cards available, showcasing some of the best local day trips – perfect for a bit of adventure.
And for families, we have got Kids Ride Shotgun attachments (suitable for ages 2–5), so your little ones can come along for the ride too!
or complete online form https://thestrathdearn.org/hire-an-e-bike/
or call 01808 511700
Medical Group News
Milton of Leys Pharmacy is now offering a Travel Health Service, including both NHS and private vaccinations, as well as malaria prevention and other travel-related healthcare support.
They are also providing the Flu Vaccination Service this year — available for both NHS and private patients.
Fully supported weight management services are also available at this time of year. The programme includes monthly face-to-face consultations, with personalised support throughout, and medication can be prescribed where clinically appropriate.
📞 Telephone: 01463 771001
For more information, please contact the pharmacy directly
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 or visit Community Transport | Badenoch And Strathspey Community Connxions | Aviemore (bscx.co.uk) (https://www.bscx.co.uk/)
Community Events
Easter Breakfast – Saturday 4th April 2026
🌼 Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Easter Breakfast at the Strathdearn this morning! We hope you all had a truly funtastic time. Alongside breakfast, families enjoyed: 🐾 A scavenger hunt in our new community woodland
🎨 A busy crafts table
🎬 A showing of Peter Rabbit
🎭 Face painting for the kids
🥓Morning filled rolls and cakes kindly provided by Tastes of Tomatin
🐰 And of course… a special visit from the Easter Bunny!
Community Fun Run – Saturday 23rd May 2026
Join us for the SCD Community Fun Run – 10K / 5K in aid of “MND Scotland” held in honour of the late Jimmy Duncan, a true community gem.
Route:
We’ll be following the same route as last year!
10K: Starts at The Strathdearn, up to Balvraid Estate, and back.
5K: Starts at The Strathdearn – run, jog, or walk at your own pace!
Registration:
From 10:30 AM at The Strathdearn, Tomatin
Start Time: 11:00 AM
All participants will receive a t-shirt (optional) and running number.
After the run, enjoy burgers and soft drinks back at The Strathdearn!
Entry Fee:
IV13 Residents: Adults £15 | Children £5
Non-IV13: Adults £20 | Children £10
(Includes t-shirt (optional) and post-run burger & drink)
Share far and wide – every donation truly makes a difference! Title: 💙
Please note:
Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult during the run.
Any questions? Email events@strathdearn.org (mailto:events@strathdearn.org
We look forward to welcoming you to our third community fun run for a fantastic cause!
Spring Food, Drink & Craft Market – Saturday 30th May 2026
A showcase of talented vendors, live music and kids’ entertainment.
The Strathdearn, Tomatin
🕚 11am – 3pm
📍 The Strathdearn Hub
Free entry
Summer Fun Day – Saturday 13th June 2026
🎉 Our Annual Summer Fun Day is BACK! 🎉
📅 Saturday 13th June 2026
⏰ Family entertainment from 4pm – 7pm
📍 The Strathdearn, Tomatin
Get ready for an afternoon filled with family fun!
✨ Bouncy castles
🤠 Rodeo bull
🚒 Fire engine visit
🎨 Face painting
🎪 Circus & balloon workshop
🐍 Reptile handling
💷 Families with more than four children: £10 total
🎮 PLUS! VR Reality Sessions – £5 per person
A brilliant extra addon for kids (and grownups!) who love immersive gaming.
Stalls and extras available:
🧁 Homebaking stall
🍬 Pick n Mix stall
🎁 Tombola
🍔 Hot food available
🍹 Licensed bar throughout the evening
🎶 From 7pm – 11:30pm
Enjoy free entry to come along, have a drink, and sing and dance the night away with the amazing “City Limits” band!
It’s shaping up to be an incredible community day — hope to see you all there! ☀️💛
FLOWER SHOW – Saturday 5th September 2026
Strathdearn Primary School are joining up with Strathdearn Community Developments for this year’s Flower Show! 🌸
📍 Strathdearn Primary School
We’re excited to invite you to our Flower Show Fundraiser in support of Strathdearn Primary School! Come along for a great community day full of colour, creativity, and tasty treats.
Entry Details (Local Residents Only)
🕚 Entries accepted: 9:30am – 10:30am
🕚 Judging begins: 11:00am
🕚 Open to the public: from 12:00pm
Food & Refreshments:
Soup & Sweet: £5 per person
Tea/Coffee: £2 per person
🏆 Trophy Presentation & Raffle: 1:30pm
Optional Sales Table:
All entrants will have the opportunity to put their items up for sale after judging. Every penny raised will go directly to supporting Strathdearn Primary School.
Schedules Now Available:
All schedules — including class categories, important information, and rules — are available to collect from the school, the shop/café, and the hall from today.
Bring your blooms, enjoy a bite to eat, and help us raise funds for a brilliant local cause. 🌼 💚
We can’t wait to see you there!
In the meantime, we’d love to hear your ideas for community events in 2026. What would you enjoy?
Seasonal celebrations?
Workshops or learning sessions?
Family fun days?
Something completely new?
SCD Events Team
events@strathdearn.org
Tastes of Tomatin Café & Shop Updates
Tastes of Tomatin Shop & Café – Continued Progress Amid Change
Tastes of Tomatin Shop & Café continues to see strong engagement from both the local community and visitors, with positive momentum carrying through into March.
Customer feedback remains a real highlight, with consistently strong in-person feedback, alongside a continued increase in very positive Google reviews. This ongoing support is greatly valued and reflects the team’s continued focus on delivering a welcoming environment and quality, home-cooked produce with warm service.
A number of recent events have also proven successful. The Paella & Tapas evening and Quiz Night held on Saturday 28th March was very well attended and well received, with guests enjoying a relaxed and sociable atmosphere. These events continue to play an important role in building community engagement and offering something different within the area.
Adam has departed for pastures new, which means Ryan (with Kyle’s welcome input) has reviewed cafe operations while a new chef is sought. Key amongst this is the introduction of a new menu (introduced on Tuesday 31 Mar – copy attached) and a proactive reshaping of Tastes of Tomatin’s overall offering. The new menu centres around simple, honest, home-cooked food that can be delivered consistently and efficiently, particularly with the busy summer period approaching. This includes freshly made sausage rolls prepared each morning, quiches, baked potatoes, and a selection of homemade bakes. And watch this space for a new selection of cakes!
The business continues to perform well, with both footfall and turnover trending positively. The café also continues to provide catering support to the hub next door, which remains a valuable and steady aspect of the operation.
Looking ahead, plans are underway to support upcoming seasonal activity, including the Easter Breakfast event, which will mark the first major event of the year. Preparations are already in progress, and the team is looking forward to welcoming the community once again.
The evening offering is also evolving, with the former Wednesday Supper Club now transitioning to a Friday format. While evenings have been successful, the intention is to refine this further, likely moving to a monthly “payday Friday” event to maximise both attendance and profitability. Also, in order to increase flexibility and options for customers, the traditional ‘Senior Citizen’s Thursday Lunch’ offer is going to made available from Monday to Thursday each week (a main course, plus a coffee and tray bake for £9.95).
Although recent weeks have required a strong operational focus, resulting in social media taking a temporary step back, the team remains positive and committed. With continued customer support and measures now in place to reduce and cope with pressure, Tastes of Tomatin looks ahead with optimism as it approaches the busy summer months.
If you have any queries about anything mentioned in this update, please get in touch by emailing info@strathdearn.org (mailto:info@strathdearn.org) or by phoning 07703 328333.
To visit the SCD website click on following link: Supporting the Community | Strathdearn Community Developments (ourscd.org) (https://ourscd.org/)
Join the Board!
We are looking for new volunteers to join the Strathdearn Community Development / White River Trading boards. If you care about what is happening locally and want to help shape future projects, we would love to hear from you!
The commitment is now very manageable — just a 2hour meeting every two months, along with keeping on top of emails between meetings. No special experience needed, just enthusiasm and a willingness to share your ideas.
We are particularly keen to welcome younger adults and more women onto the board so we can make sure a wide mix of voices and perspectives are represented when making decisions for our community.
If you are interested, or even just a bit curious, you can apply or ask for more information by emailing info@strathdearn.org (mailto:info@strathdearn.org) . It would be fantastic to have some new faces around the table!
[Following safety concerns raised at recent Strathdearn Community Council meetings, please see the following correspondence initiated by our Highland Councillor Ken Gowans. The documents referred to can be downloaded at the end of this page]
From Ken Gowans to Alistair MacLeod (Roads Operations (INBS)
Hi Ali,
Very real concerns have been raised regarding safety of temporary A9/Tomatin junction. I understand you have produced a report on this, and I would like a copy this, please.
Also, are there any reasons there cannot be a speed reduction to 30mph, illumination and advance signs on the peach to junction.
Many thanks in advance.
Kind regards,
Ken
Councillor Ken Gowans Inverness South Vice Convener, The Highland Council Chair Economy & Infrastructure
To Ken Gowans from Dominic Andrew Calgie (Transport Scotland)
Councillor Gowans,
Thank you for your recent email following your attendance at the Community Council meeting held at the Strathdearn Community Hub on 10 March 2026. As requested, please find attached a copy of the Road Safety Audit Report for the Tomatin South realignment and associated temporary junction.
Please note that Transport Scotland acknowledge the concerns raised by the community regarding the new temporary junction at Tomatin. We would like to reassure you and the wider community that these concerns are currently being reviewed by Transport Scotland and our Contractor, Balfour Beatty. Where possible, appropriate improvement measures will be implemented.
All the best,
Dominic
Dominic Andrew Calgie Administration Manager Project Delivery Infrastructure Projects Transport Scotland
Produced by the Highland Community Planning Partnership in collaboration with Highland Council, this regular briefing brings together a wide range of updates, opportunities, and useful information for community groups, organisations, and residents.
Each edition typically includes:
Funding opportunities and grants
Training, events, and volunteering opportunities
Updates on local and regional initiatives
Support services covering wellbeing, employment, and community development
News and resources relevant to communities across the Highlands
Designed as a practical and accessible resource, the briefing acts as a one-stop source of information—helping people stay informed, connected, and able to take advantage of opportunities within their local area. It’s particularly valuable for anyone involved in community projects, local organisations, or simply wanting to keep up with what’s happening and available nearby.
Strathdearn Community Council. Tuesday 14th April @ 7.00pm in The Strathdearn
This meeting will also be available on MS Teams Meeting ID: 340 376 239 716 89 Passcode: ux3h3wy7 Join the meeting (NB: Meeting will be recorded to ensure the minutes are true and accurate)
Road users are advised of upcoming changes to the road layout and traffic management on the A9 at Dalmagarry.
Overnight works – temporary signals and convoy system
For approximately three nights from Friday 17 April at 19:00 until Wednesday 22 April at 06:00, with no works taking place on the Saturday or Sunday evenings. Temporary traffic signals and a convoy system will be in place 250m south of the Ruthven road access junction.
Works will take place between 19:00 and 06:00
During these times, vehicles will be held at temporary traffic lights and guided through the works area by a convoy vehicle
The temporary traffic lights will be manned at all times
Delays are expected to be minimal
Temporary A9 realignment and new Ruthven road access
From Wednesday 22 April 2026, both lanes of the A9 will be temporarily realigned at Dalmagarry to support construction of a new bridge on the dual carriageway. As part of these works, the access junction from the A9 to Ruthven road will be repositioned.
A9 realignment layout
The temporary route will begin 250m south of the existing Ruthven road junction.
Traffic will move onto a temporary road west of the existing A9, before re-joining the main carriageway 250m south of the B9154 Moy South junction.
The new access to Ruthven road will be located approximately 100m south of the existing junction.
Using the new access
From Wednesday 22 April:
Road users can exit the A9 at the new Ruthven road access junction.
They will then travel 100m north on the existing A9 before turning onto Ruthven road as normal.
Clear signage will be in place throughout. This realignment and temporary access will be in place until early 2027.
Please approach the area with care and allow extra time for your journey.
Access will be maintained at all times for emergency services, Ruthven road residents, pedestrians and cyclists.
All works are weather‑dependent and subject to change. Please check the Traffic Scotland website for any updates..
The above image outlines the realignment and the route for Ruthven road access.
Strathdearn Teens – Many thanks for the comments submitted at the Teen Social on Friday 27 March. Strathdearn Community Council is delighted to receive your input as part of its preparation of Strathdearn’s new community-led plan!
For other local teens, who couldn’t make Friday’s session, you can still submit comments on what you like, don’t like, want to see staying the same, and want to see changed in Strathdearn, by emailing us at: localplaceplan@strathdearn.org by Friday 3 April 2026.
With regard to current fuel prices and the possibility of worse to come, our Community Council would like to remind folks that Strathdearn Charitable Trust maintains a Helping Hand Fund to provide assistance to those in the IV13 postcode who are struggling with their bills.
To apply, visit the SCCT page where you can choose to fill in the form online or download the form for printing.
Applications are treated in the strictest confidence.
Have your group members expressed needs and wishes, which you would like to share with Strathdearn Community Council, as part of its preparation of a new, five-year plan for Strathdearn? If the answer is ‘Yes’, then we would love to hear from you! You can email us your group’s thoughts on its current and future needs and wishes by Friday 3 April 2026.
Alternatively, if you’d like to share your thoughts in person, Helen Bailey would be delighted to attend your group on a pre-arranged date over the next two weeks, either during the session or before/after via a stand located outside your session.
Please email Helen Bailey at localplaceplan@strathdearn.org to share your group’s thoughts or to arrange a date for Helen Bailey to attend your group/set up a stand at the entrance to your group. With many thanks in advance from Strathdearn Community Council.
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
