Wednesday, 29 March 2023

Over 20 folk braved a dark dreich evening to share successes of what the community has achieved over the last couple of years. Far from being self-congratulatory, it was heart-warming to see how many groups have achieved so much despite the challenges of Covid lockdowns.

There were lots of heart-warming tales of successes shared by the many local community groups represented by the 25 folk presnt. From the prize-winning success of the Loch Ness Luvvies at a recent drama competition to the successful reopening of Gorthleck Village Hall, and much more besides - there has been a huge amount happening!  Three years after Covid lockdowns changed how we all interact, it feels like we’re finally leaving lockdowns behind.  People are meeting up again, getting out and enjoying each other’s company.  And with more and more things being organised, that can only be a good thing.

We also had an interesting discussion about how to get the most out of the Local Place Plan once it has been completed and published later in the Spring.  One of the key things that emerged was various ways of making the final version of the plan as supportive as possible for community groups to access funding, not least by demonstrating in the plan just how deeply rooted it is in community aspirations - as evidence to funders.

Finally, a big thank you to Molly, an Inverness Royal Academy student from Torness, who had been round every household in Torness to get their reactions to the draft Local Place Plan.  What a wonderful way of testing the draft Plan, meaning that the final version can be updated to be the best it can be for Torness.  Thank you, Molly!

Psst… if you haven’t already, take a look online at the draft Local Place Plan and let us know if anything’s missing!  See it online at www.communityfuture.net or in Foyers Stores, The Hub, Camerons Tearoom and the Wildside Centre.  Deadline: Monday 17th April

Nick Wright

2026

February (2 stories)

3 February 📚 Mobile Library Visiting Tomorrow! 🚐✨

The Mobile Library is rolling into the area tomorrow, Wednesday 4th February, so pop along and say hello to Mark! Stop & time: • The Wildside Centre &ndash...

3 February RSABI Fundraising Event

Don't miss out on an incredible evening of music and laughter with the talented Farmers Choir performing in Aviemore late February in aid of RSABI and SAYFC.  ...

January (12 stories)

28 January Six Nations: Scotland 🆚 England LIVE at The Wildside

💘 This Valentine’s Day, find someone who loves you as much as you love rugby 🏉   We’re streaming Six Nations: Scotland 🆚 England LIVE at The Wil...

27 January 🌳 Development of Inverfarigaig Forest School 🌳

A community member has been in touch about the possibility of setting up a Forest School within our community. With the support of the Community Trust, a short survey has...

26 January 📚 Mobile Library Visiting Tomorrow! 🚐✨

The Mobile Library will be in the area tomorrow, Wednesday 27th January, so pop along and say hello to Mark!   📍 Stopping points & times: • Errogi...

22 January 🔥 Free Firewood Available – Whitebridge Area 🔥

A member of our local community, has been in touch with Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust (SFCT) to let us know that he has a significant amount of larch firewood...

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

A Board meeting is taking place this evening in order for Directors of SFCT to consider the application and agree their recommendation. As the Chair of SFCT explained at ...

20 January Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who came along to the public meeting at the Wildside last night. We had a fantastic turnout, with 110 people attending in person and 26 joining u...

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

Please find the agenda for tonight’s public meeting at the Wildside Centre regarding the proposed community acquisition of Foyers Stores.   1. Welcome &n...

14 January Apply for our Project Coordinator role

👋 Friendly reminder!   There’s still time to apply for our Project Coordinator role at Stratherrick and Foyers Community Trust ...

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

Stratherrick and Foyers Community Trust (SFCT) would like to update the community regarding the previously announced public meeting relating to the proposed purchase of F...

7 January 🌟 New Year, New Opportunities! 🌟

Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust is here to support your projects with our grants! 💡✨ 📅 Next application deadline: 21st March 2026 Learn more about ...

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

👋 Hello and welcome to 2026 from SFCT! 🎉 We bring news from the Mobile Library as our first update of the year. 📚 Mobile Library Visit Cancelled – Wednesday ...