Friday, 30 June 2023

FIVE THINGS FOR A FRIDAY

SUMMER HOLIDAYS!

This will be my last Five Things for a few weeks as I’m taking a holiday.  Normal service will be resumed after the Highland Gathering.  That takes place on the 22nd July and I’m really looking forward to being there.  You can read more in the newsletter which is online or will be coming through your door any day now The Highland Gathering Newsletter is here! | 29 June 2023 | Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust (stratherrickcommunity.org.uk)  I hope you enjoy the event if you plan to come along.

HELLO FIONA!

Fiona Mustarde is our new Finance Officer.  Fiona was Director of Finance at UHI, Financial Services Manager at UHI, Directorate Accountant at Highland Health Board and worked at the local authority before then.  She is also a Board Member at Albyn Housing.  Welcome to the team Fiona.

It’s the end of the financial year and Fiona, Susan Low and outgoing Finance Officer Marie Keenan will be working together on handover so thanks in advance for the work you are already doing.

The deadline for the jobs funded by Scottish Government Strengthening Communities Programme is Monday. Details here We need you! Job vacancies! | 23 June 2023 | Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust (stratherrickcommunity.org.uk)

SCHOOLS OUT

I was sad to hear it has been decided to ‘mothball’ Foyers Primary a year before originally planned.  As Education is part of the Community Action Plan we hope to work with stakeholders to enhance the education provision in the area.  That is not necessarily about keeping bricks and mortar open but to ensure the overall experience for all young people is a positive one and that this meets the lifestyles of all families locally.  I am pleased to say volunteer parents/carers are driving this and the Trust has and will continue to support them to achieve this.

BRING AND BUY SALE

Our second car boot sale will take place on Saturday 8th July, 10am to 1pm, at the Wildside Centre.  More details here OUR NEXT BRING & BUY SALE! | 27 June 2023 | Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust (stratherrickcommunity.org.uk)

COMMUNITY CHECK LIST

I’m pleased to say the Community Council agreed to support the PlayPark at Wildside which is in planning and write a letter to support the purchase of the Forest School in Inverfarigaig.  We are also so, so, close to completing the land purchase for residents down at Inverfarigaig and I’m happy to see they have been using the polycrub to the fullest!  A tree recently collapsed (or, we think, was hit by the lightning) and that will be getting a clear up alongside low hanging branches on the new land we own to allow people to walk easily around the grounds easier.

Errogie Church is finally in planning and we will work through that process.  During the build we looked after the bats in the belfry and as the licence holder I have been reliably informed by the bat consultant that the police won’t be round!  I know it is just Phase 1 but the Church is looking lovely.

Foyers Bay is getting a bit of a clean up – well done to Trust Director Malcolm for taking that head on while we get tenders in for the work on the slipway and meet the conditions of granted planning.  I was also happy to hear there was a positive meeting regarding landscaping down at the Riverside Field between the architect, landscape consultant and local residents.

Our fundraisers are eyeing up all these projects looking for funds to make them happen before we use the funds provided to us by windfarms and hydro.  The Community Action Plan and Place Place (which you can now read here Local Place Plan | Future Ideas (communityfuture.net) ) has led to a lot more grass roots activity and the Board have to juggle making legacy projects happen and supporting all local groups when we can.  Thanks to the Community Council for supporting and presenting the Place Plan to the Local Authority.  I understand this is likely to be adopted by the local authority and we will be the first community to do that. This community consultation, evidence and adoption of the plan will make fundraising for projects that much easier.  So thanks also to you if you had your say when the Place Plan work was taking place.

We have seen big changes over the last three years, including projects that had been languishing for some time starting to happen (love those new toilets!).  There will be many changes to come.  Nothings perfect and as a community we may make mistakes along the way but on the whole we have seen community cohesion and spirit which makes coming into work everyday a joy not a chore.  I’d like to thank the staff, Trust Board and volunteers/groups who are a positive part of that change and moving these community projects forward.  You have all earned your well deserved holidays!

TONY FOSTER

Trust Manager

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 ...