Monday, 27 June 2022

The Community Life meeting happened last week.  It was reported the Trust has identified funding that could be utilised for any group interested in purchasing the shop and post office.

We are to audit existing childcare provision (not very much!) and what people need – to identify the gaps.  Could involve Baby and Toddlers Group, Kirsty, Parents Councils, schools.  Transport needs to be an important part of any childcare initiative - enabling dropoff/pickup of kids.  Some work needs to be done on this, likely to be after the summer.  However there was a discussion at the meeting re Childcare which is covered below.

LOCAL COMMUNITY HUBS

 Wildside Centre:

We have identified land for expansion of the outdoor facilities at Wildside and, once test digs have been completed, will purchase from the Local Authority.  The local authority are preparing legal papers for purchase.

Inverfarigaig:

The Community Trust are working on a Community Asset Transfer over the next twelve months for the Forest School and Land.  We may make an application to Land Fund for this too.

Errogie Kirk:

The consultation and design of the build are coming to the final stages and planning will follow.  Wind and watertight work has been delayed due to a bat survey having to be undertaken meaning Phase 1 and 2 are likely to be run together.  We are preparing for a draw down on SSE money but are actively working with the team and Heritage Group on funding applications.

FOYERS SPORTS FACILITIES (RIVERSIDE FIELD AND BAY)

The Bay is in planning and we are responding to consultations.  Latest updates and more information on the Community Trust’s Foyers Bay webpage: https://www.stratherrickcommunity.org.uk/projects/foyers-bay/

Riverside Field – ‘planning-in-principle’ has been granted and we are approaching people for the steering group.  A planning application is in which will determine some of the conditions of planning in principle and then we can start having meaningful conversations with stakeholders about the next stage of the development.  Latest updates and more information on the Community Trust’s Riverside Field webpage: https://www.stratherrickcommunity.org.uk/projects/Riverside-Field-Foyers/

Boleskine Communiyt Care has completed their survey.  That is likely to fill some more gaps in the Community Life action area but we have yet to see the results.  The Gun Club put a recent grant application into the Trust and this will be promoted, bringing this facility on stream.

CHILDCARE DISCUSSION

2 kids (6 and 10) who attend Stratherrick Primary, This person works in Foyers, husband in Inverness.  No breakfast club or after school club.  There was a local childminder but unfortunately she’s no longer running.  So have to rely on friends or husband’s family (who are an hour away).  Trying to get childcare is like hen’s teeth. Moved her because of the excellent school.  Don’t want to have to move into town because of the childcare issue.

Another parent echoed this.  2 kids are 6 and about to start nursery.  Nearest family is 1.5 hours away and work full time.  Lucky that her company allows her to work from home, but that means that she is doing childcare and full-time work at the same time - which brings its own stresses.  There’s no real sense of support, especially if you’re new to the area - it will put off younger families from coming in.

What would have been most useful for parents/carers?

Childminders who would also do school pickups and wraparound school care, like a few do in Inverness.  There is a nursery in Farr which they used to use, but none of the Inverness childminders were prepared to go out to nursery at Farr to drop off children there after school.  They had to find another job which allowed her to work from home.

The other parent agreed.  Did use a local childminder (same on).  She was great but gave up during the pandemic.  Need facilities and childcare for nursery age right up to high school age - not just lack of childcare, but also lack of play parks (eg Gorthleck).

Would you both like to help solve the problem, eg help investigate solutions, or are you too busy?

The ChairPerson of Stratherrick Parent Council asked - could Wildside be utilised for a nursery type thing?  It’s a great facility.  Parents would be willing to pay.  I know the lack of nursery stops people coming into the area.

Possibility of using Wildside as suggested, need to investigate with Parent Councils, asked parents to email and act as a conduit to the Parent Council.

How quickly can childcare happen? Tony explained the process, and that they do want to act quickly.

This needs to be parent/carer driven so a meeting with stakeholders for action will be called.

Do BCC take referrals from GPs? [Nick didn’t know but passed on contact details]

2026

February (2 stories)

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January (12 stories)

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27 January 🌳 Development of Inverfarigaig Forest School 🌳

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26 January 📚 Mobile Library Visiting Tomorrow! 🚐✨

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22 January 🔥 Free Firewood Available – Whitebridge Area 🔥

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21 January Large grant application from BCC for Foyers Stores Acquisition - Update

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20 January Thank you!

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19 January Agenda for Public Meeting - Regarding the Foyers Stores Acquisition

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14 January Apply for our Project Coordinator role

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8 January Notice to the Community: Change of Date for Public Meeting on Foyers Stores

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7 January 🌟 New Year, New Opportunities! 🌟

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6 January 🎉 Calling all community organisers! 🎉

Do you run a class, group or one-off activity in one of the local buildings? We’d love to help spread the word! 💛 Our SFCT Community Calendar is looking a ...

6 January Mobile Library Visit Cancelled – Wednesday 7th January 2026

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