What’s Been Going On?

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.

Winter Food, Drink & Craft Market – Saturday 6th December 2025

  • 11am–3pm at The Strathdearn
  • Free entry

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.

To visit the SCD website: ourscd.org

The Strathdearn Community Developments Team