Our new menu is here, with the return of a few favourites
The mac is back, served with homemade garlic bread and the option to add a Scottish twist with either haggis or black pudding
By popular demand, sandwiches and toasties are also back on the menu and keep your eye out for our daily specials board for home-made curries, lighter options and much more!
Also a reminder that we will be serving Fish and Chips this Wednesday from 5-6.45pm to sit in or take away. Booking advised to secure your table.
The following letter has been received from Simon and Hilda West
Many will know that the Church of Scotland placed Dalarossie on the open market last year, inviting bids and statements of intent for the building. We were successful in that process and are now the custodians of the church.
Dalarossie is an ancient site of Christian worship. Conservative estimates place its origins in the 8th century, associated with the Celtic ministry of St Fergus, and it is named as a feature of the medieval Diocese of Moray when that structure emerged in the early 1200s. For more than twelve centuries, Christian worship has continued here, ministering to the community and weaving a rich cultural heritage. It is to preserve both that ministry and that heritage that we have taken responsibility for the building.
Our intention is to work towards four traditional Christian services each year, aligned with the seasonal calendar. The first of these, a service of nine lessons and carols for Christmas, was held on the 21st of December. The afternoon was dark and cold, but the church was full! The singing was hearty, wonderfully accompanied by Lucy Cameron-Mackintosh on the piano and Doris Fischler on the French horn. We were delighted to welcome the Rev. Fergus Robertson, formerly of Inshes East Church of Scotland, who preached on the significance of Bethlehem, speaking of God’s sovereignty, provision and care. Mince pies and drinks were served afterwards in the vestry, where the newly recommissioned fireplace worked well to add warmth and good cheer.
Plans are already underway for an Easter service on Sunday, April 5th, at 4pm. Further details will be published online nearer the time. For any other enquiries about the church, please email Simon at dalarossie@outlook.com.
We are humbled to have this opportunity to support Dalarossie and to see some 1,200 years of Christian worship continue at the site, bearing a message as vibrant and as vital today as it has ever been.
[This letter, received by SCC from the Scottish government’s Director of Infrastructure Projects, lays out the plan to complete dualling of the A9 from Perth to Inverness by 2035]
14 January 2026
A9 Dualling Programme
As you may be aware, on the 14 January the Cabinet Secretary for Transport set out to Parliament an update regarding our delivery plan for completing dualling works between Perth and Inverness by the end of 2035.
As announced, a capital-funded approach will be used for the completion of the A9 Dualling Programme, with all projects being procured by means of a Design and Build or similar contract.
To reflect that decision, we have updated our Delivery Plan. You can view the 2026 Delivery Plan on Transport Scotland’s website and the dedicated A9 Dualling website.
Regular engagement will continue as A9 Dualling progresses, including with local communities on individual projects.
With 11 miles currently under construction and a further section expected to be awarded later this year, work is quickly ramping up along the route which continues to support this Government’s firm commitment to dualling the A9 between Perth and Inverness by 2035.
Thank you for your continued interest in A9 Dualling.
Yours sincerely,
Lawrence Shackman Director of Infrastructure Projects www.transportscotland.gov.uk
Overnight temporary traffic signals and a short 300m lane closure will be initiated the A9 from tonight until Thursday 15 January (between the hours of 19:00 to 06:00). From 19:00 on 15 January till 06:00 on the 16 January, these temporary traffic signals will be on the B9154 Moy south junction.
These are required to allow BT to carry out works which are in close proximity to the carriageway.
Gemma Corbett
Community Liaison Officer | Balfour Beatty | UK Construction Services – Scotland
Road users are advised that overnight temporary traffic signals and a 300m lane closure will be in place on the A9 and B9154 from Tuesday 13 January to Friday 16 January 2026 to allow BT to carry out works close to the A9 carriageway.
On Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 January, overnight traffic signals will be in place on the A9 between Invereen Roundabout and the B9154 Moy South junction.
On Thursday 15 January, similar measures will be in place on the B9154 between Moy South junction and Moy village.
All works will take place between 7:00pm and 6:00am, with completion by 6:00am each morning. A temporary 30mph speed limit will apply, and drivers may be stopped briefly at traffic signals before continuing their journey. These measures are essential for the safety of both the workforce and road users.
To minimise disruption, traffic signals will be manned at all times.
Dates may change depending on weather conditions. For the latest updates, visit the A9 Dualling website.
Start date13 Jan 2026End date15 Jan 2026Mode of transport
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT’S COUNCIL TAX REFORM PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT WORKSHOPS
OVERVIEW Deciding Matters is inviting you to register your interest in being one of around 150 people selected to take part in workshops across Scotland to discuss options for council tax reform with the Scottish Government.
From updates on the Community Housing Project to the latest offers from Tastes of Tomatin Shop & Café, along with a host of exciting upcoming festive events — there’s lots happening in Strathdearn. Read on to discover more!
Community Affordable Housing Update
We’re excited to share that the Community-Led Housing Project is now more than halfway through and on track for completion by mid to late April 2026 — possibly even sooner if the winter is kind to us!
The development includes six rental homes:
• Five energy-efficient 3-bedroom family houses.
• One comfortable 2-bedroom bungalow.
Marketing, Applications and Allocations of the homes will begin in December/January through our appointed letting agent Community Housing Trust (CHT). One of the key eligibility criteria is a local connection to the area, which is linked to our Allocations Policy and our grant funding.
We will provide further details soon on when and how to contact CHT regarding applications.
Strathdearn Community Developments (SCD) is committed to allocating community-owned housing in a manner that is fair, transparent, and responsive to local needs. Our goal is to foster sustainable, diverse, and thriving communities by prioritising individuals and families who are eligible and have a housing need, demonstrating a commitment to community involvement.
This policy is designed to:
• Ensure housing is allocated fairly, transparently, and without discrimination.
• Prioritise local individuals with housing needs, aligned with community goals and local housing strategies.
• Promote sustainable, inclusive, and supportive living environments.
• Comply with equalities legislation and best practice in housing management.
The community housing needs survey identified that housing for families was a priority.
However, a shared tenancy is achievable if applicants meet the criteria.
In the meantime, if you would like a copy of the Allocations Policy, please contact
projects@strathdearn.org or visit https://ourscd.org/
News from Tastes of Tomatin Shop & Café
🎄 Grants of Speyside Butcher – Christmas Produce 🎄
Get ready for a festive feast! 🦃✨
Available to pre-order from the shop:
Whole turkeys
Boneless turkey breast
Pigs in blankets
…and much more!
To order, pop into the shop or email
Senior Citizens Thursday lunch special
Senior citizens, join us for lunch on Thursdays for a hearty main and a pudding — two courses for only £8.85!
Local discount
We are delighted to offer all IV13 residents a 10% discount card for the shop – make sure to pick one up if you haven’t already!
The community’s continued support of the café and shop is greatly appreciated, especially during the quieter winter months. Every coffee bought, every order placed, and every visit helps us stay open and continue providing the services and social spaces that so many people rely on throughout the year.
Hazelbank Woods Update
New Woodland Sign
You may have already spotted our new Hazelbank Woodland sign in the wood or on our social media. These signs will help keep the community up to date with what’s happening in the woodland, from seasonal changes to upcoming activities.
Each month, we’ll also be featuring a “Tree Story” written by Claire Hewitt.
These beautifully crafted tales draw on folklore and the spirit of each month’s tree, helping us connect more deeply with the landscape around us. Stories will be available in both English and Gaelic.
We’ve also added an “About Me” section so you can learn more about the Tree of the Month, its history, symbolism, and its role in the woodland ecosystem.
Deer Fence
As part of our recent funding requirements, we needed to re-fence a section of the woodland, and we’re delighted to confirm that this work is now complete. To help protect wildlife, bird collision markers have been added to make the fence more visible to birds, reducing the risk of accidents and keeping our woodland safe for all.
Volunteers
We had a wee gathering in October for anyone who was interested in finding out more about what’s happening in Hazelbank Wood. Thank you to all that came and those who expressed interest in volunteering, it’s lovely to have a few people sign up and we can start to make a plan for how volunteers can help in Hazelbank Wood.
We have set up a volunteering WhatsApp group, if you wish to be added or would just like more information, please email louiseramsay@strathdearn.org
Hope to see some of you in the woods soon!
Moy residents – Salt bags available
There is now a pallet of salt bags available at MacDonald Plants Yard in Moy. Please help yourselves if needed, but take no more than two bags per household.
If anyone requires more, please contact the Moy Subcommittee by emailing margaretsaunders@strathdearn.org.
Should you encounter any issues, please contact Iain MacDonald on 07880 914715.
Youth, Health & Wellbeing News
Kids’ Club Announcements
Attendance
Our Kids’ Club has been running for nearly two years, but unfortunately we have seen a decline in attendance. When the club first launched, around thirty children were signed up; this has now reduced to seven. To keep the provision sustainable, we really need families to support the sessions by attending whenever possible.
Staffing Update
Ava Walsh, our lead session tutor/coach at the Strathdearn Kids’ Club, will be moving on in the next couple of weeks. She has recently been offered a strength and conditioning apprenticeship with Sport Scotland and the Sports Institute, working towards UKSCA accreditation. Strength and conditioning is Ava’s passion and career direction, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank her sincerely for all her efforts over the past year. We are also grateful to the children for making her feel so welcome—she will be very much missed.
Ava will continue working with us until 10th December. In the short term, due to staffing cover, we are reviewing the club’s finishing time for the remaining three sessions of this term: 3rd, 10th, and 17th December.
We are proposing a finishing time of 5:30pm for these dates, as the majority of children are usually collected by then. However, if you require a 6:00pm collection, please reply to this email to let me know, and we will look into arranging additional staffing to support a 6:00pm finish for the remainder of the term.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We look forward to seeing your child again soon!
Strathdearn Primary School at The Snug!
We’re delighted to welcome pupils from Strathdearn Primary School, who will be visiting to read at the last Snug of each month between 11:30am – 12pm. This will help to build their confidence and enjoyment of reading — and the community support makes it even more special.
Next date: 19th December
Annual Proof of Address for Gym Membership Subsidy 🏊⚽🏀
Thank you to everyone who has submitted proof of residency for Bannatyne Health Club and High Life memberships.
The deadline to provide this information (3rd November 2025) has now passed. If proof of address has not been received, the SCD subsidy will be removed.
As part of our windfarm funding requirements, we must show that subsidies support residents within the IV13 postcode.
If you have not yet provided proof of address, please supply a recent document (dated within the last 3 months), such as:
– Utility bill
– Bank statement
– Driving licence
You can submit your document by emailing a clear photo or scan to , or by bringing it to the Hub office in person.
📌 Please note: Your document will only be viewed for verification and will not be stored.
Regular Activities
Soup at The Snug!
We’re delighted to provide soup and rolls at The Snug at The Strathdearn Hub throughout these cold winter months.
Alongside this, you’ll find our usual offerings of tea, coffee, biscuits, fresh fruit, and the day’s newspapers.
Come along for a cuppa, a bite to eat, and a friendly catch-up with friends and neighbours in a relaxed space.
🕙 Open 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’ll do our best to assist.
Please note, the Snug will finish on the 23rd December and will begin again on the 6th January.
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
Please note, the Pilates will finish on the 15th December and will begin again on the 5th January.
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
Please note, the Otago will finish on the 12th of December and start again on the 9th of January.
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
Strathdearn Community Developments continues our collaboration with Highlife Highland and be part of the charity’s Wellbeing membership scheme, highlife.
As a Wellbeing member, High Life Highland provides a 10% discount off the standard membership price as they support and contribute to Strathdearn residents’ health and wellness.
Further to this, Strathdearn Community Developments have committed to fund 50% of the cost of the membership for all residents residing in the postcode area of IV13.
This reduces the price of a family membership to £19.35 per month and £13.05 for an individual membership per month. The highlife membership offers you and your family access to range of health and fitness opportunities in 25 leisure centres throughout the Highlands. The membership includes the following access/use:
Swimming pools
Leisure waters
Fitness suites
Strength and conditioning areas
Fitness room/Strength and Conditioning area Inductions
Term time swimming lessons for adults and children
Extensive range of group fitness classes for all abilities and interests
Running track
Climbing walls
Saunas, spa pools and steam rooms
Dynamic wellbeing activities and classes in partnership with NHS Highland
Children’s activities
Single court activities – badminton, squash, table tennis etc
Discounts on personal training, private swimming lessons and small group fitness
Early entry to our popular School’s Out Activity programme
7-day advance booking for all our activities and classes
Membership Prices:
Family Membership: £19.35 /month (discounted from £42.99)
Individual Membership: £13.05 /month (discounted from £28.99)
To sign up or for more information, please email projects@strathdearn.org or call 07703 328333.
Please Note: All membership addresses must be verified as IV13 postcodes (e.g., using a driving licence or recent mail with your name and address) to benefit from the SCD subsidy.
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.
Teen Social Club (term-time)
The Teen Social Club is back at The Strathdearn Hub, with an age-based split to better suit the needs of the group:
11–14 year olds: 6pm – 8pm
15–19 year olds: 8pm – 10pm
Expect all the usual fun with football / basketball in the MUGA, table tennis, badminton, pool, snacks, drinks and more!
Please note, the club will finish on the 12th December and will begin again on the 9th January.
Toddler Group (term-time)
Baby & Toddler Group (term-time)
Join us every Thursday morning, 9.30am – 11.30am at The Strathdearn Hub. Bring your little ones along for playtime while you enjoy a cuppa and a chat with other local parents and carers!
Keep an eye out for updates on when the next Bookbug and Childsmile visits will be.
Please note the group will finish for Christmas on the 18th December and start up again on the 8th January.
Kids’ Club (term-time)
The club remains free for local families (P1 – P7) and runs every Wednesday, 3.15pm – 6pm, at Strathdearn Primary School.
Coaches from High Life will be returning with their mix of sports, games, and crafts.
We are delighted to welcome John Orr, the Countryside Ranger, who will be visiting each term to deliver fun, engaging sessions that help the children learn about our local nature.
This term, he will be running a Winter Wildlife & Seasonal Craft Afternoon, where the children will make bird-feeding treats and create their own autumn and winter artwork.
To book or for more information, email: 📧
Please note, the last session of the term will be the 17th of December, then will begin again on the 14th January.
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!
To book:
email: enquiries@strathdearn.org
or complete online form https://thestrathdearn.org/hire-an-e-bike/
or call 01808 511700
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
Strathdearn Community Events – Thank you
Family Bonfire Night – Friday 7th November 2025
THANK YOU for an unforgettable Bonfire Night in Strathdearn!
What an incredible turnout — around 500 people came together to light up our village, and we couldn’t be more grateful!
A massive shoutout to everyone who made this event possible:
Ali Cameron Mackintosh for generously lending us his field for the bonfire.
Strathdearn Nursery for crafting our brilliant Guy Fawkes.
Balfour Beatty for the lighting tower, sand, traffic cones and marshalling.
Dynamic Fireworks for yet another spectacular display.
Steve Knott, Thomas Macqueen, and Jak Bryant for lighting the bonfire and setting off the fireworks.
MacCones & Pizza Trailer for the tasty treats, Tastes of Tomatin for burgers, nachos, and hot chocolates.
The Strathdearn bar for keeping spirits high.
Executive Entertainment for the tunes during the fireworks and the disco at the hall.
Avril’s Travels for getting everyone home safely.
And to all the staff and volunteers who gave their time and energy — we couldn’t have done it without you!
If you snapped any great photos from the night, we’d love to see them! Please send them to events@strathdearn.org (mailto:events@strathdearn.org)
Festive Wreath Workshop – Saturday 22nd November 2025
A huge thank you to Wild Blossom Floristry for coming back to The Strathdearn with another magical festive wreath workshop!
It was wonderful to see familiar faces return and to welcome new guests — and we loved watching so many beautiful wreaths leave the hall.
Special thanks also go to Badass Bakes for the incredible traybakes on arrival and Hampers & Champers for treating our guests to a festive feast.
We’re already excited for next year!
If you’d like to join us, please email events@strathdearn.org to register your interest.
Strathdearn Community Events – December 2025 Line Up:
We’re gearing up for an unforgettable season at The Strathdearn with a jam-packed timetable of events for the month of December.
A showcase of talented vendors, live music, kids’ entertainment & street food.
Tastes of Tomatin Café Festive Quiz Night – Saturday 13th December 2025
What’s happening?
A fun, Christmas-themed quiz
Delicious nibbles (menu coming soon)
A fully stocked bar
Prizes for the winners – and an extra prize for the best Christmas jumper!
Teams of 2, 3, or 4
Doors open: 5:30 PM | Quiz starts: 7:00 PM
Tickets: £3 per person – book in the shop or give us a call 01808 517230.
It’s time to brush up on your Christmas trivia and bring your festive spirit!
Festive Fun for Strathdearn Children – Friday 19th December 2025
Trapeze Entertainment presents The Enchanted Snowflake at Strathdearn Nursery
9:30am
Snow White
All P1–P7 children are going along to Eden Court for the Snow-White pantomime.
1:30pm
Kids Hogmanay Party
31st December | 12pm – 2pm 12pm – 2pm
Executive Entertainment, face painting, party games, & food galore!
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Scan the QR code to secure tickets –
Hogmanay Bash
31st December | Doors open 7:30pm
Live music by Bell Rock Ceilidh Band, hot food and a complimentary drink at the bells.
IV13 residents!!
Scan the QR code to secure tickets:
Enter the code HOGMANAYSTRATH2025
Ticket prices:
IV13: £20 adults / £10 children
Non-IV13: £30 adults / £15 children
As we wrap up an amazing year of community activities, we want to thank everyone who participated and made 2025 so special!
Our Events Team has been working hard behind the scenes to prepare an exciting programme for 2026.
Keep an eye on our social channels for more announcements coming soon!
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
Have a Say in Shaping Our Community!
Strathdearn Community Developments (SCD) and the White River Trading (WRT) are always looking for enthusiastic community members to join our Boards of Directors. If you’re passionate about helping guide local projects and services, we’d love to hear from you.
Directors typically attend four board meetings per year, along with receiving a monthly directors’ update to stay informed about ongoing work.
If you’re interested or would like to learn more, please contact or our Company Secretary at info@strathdearn.org
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.
As December unfolds, we’re delighted to share our Story of the Month by the talented Claire Hewitt.
Each tale is woven during the month it’s linked to in folklore, celebrating the deep connection between trees and time. This month’s story is available in both English and Gaelic, bringing tradition and language together beautifully.
Be sure to read the ‘About Me’ section too, where you can learn more about the Tree of the Month and its traditional uses.
You’ll find the story on our new community sign as you enter the woodland from the Hub side.
Wrap up warm, take a walk, and enjoy a moment of storytelling in nature
The Strathdearn Community affordable homes project continues to make excellent progress as we approach the end of 2025. If the weather remains favourable, we anticipate completing construction by spring 2026, with tenants expected to move in from mid to late April. Please note that this remains an indicative timeline.
Our appointed letting agent, the Community Housing Trust (CHT), will begin marketing the homes in the New Year. They will provide full details on the application and allocation process and how to apply.
The development includes five 3‑bedroom houses and one 2‑bedroom bungalow, all located in the heart of Tomatin and available for rent. CHT will publish all rental information and will act as the sole point of contact. The Allocations Policy can also be accessed via the link provided at the end of this post.
This marks an exciting milestone for SCD and the wider community as another key project from the Community Action Plan moves closer to completion.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the following for their continued support’:
[The following update received from Balfour Beatty on Thursday 11th December]
This is a gentle reminder that both lanes of the A9 will be realigned at Tomatin from tomorrow (Friday 12 December).
This will remain in place until late 2026.
Tomatin residents can continue to use the existing junction to access the A9. The new access junction will be implemented from early January.
From 12 December 2025, both lanes of the A9 will be temporarily realigned at Tomatin to facilitate the construction of a new underpass at Tomatin, with the realignment expected to remain in place until Autumn 2026.
The existing access junction to Tomatin will also be closed from early January, with a new temporary junction for Tomatin residents and visitors becoming operational from this date located approximately 400 metres south of the existing junction. The new junction will be clearly signposted.
The maps below illustrates the realignment and location of the new junction:
Date and time:
The overnight traffic signals will be in place for approximately two nights from 10 December between the hours of 1900 and 0600 each evening. There will be no work carried out on Sunday nights.
The realignment will be operational from 12 December and new temporary access junction will be operational from early January 2026 and will remain in place until late 2026.
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
