Friday, 09 June 2023

FRIDAY END OF TERM REPORT

SCHOOL TALK

This week I did a talk at Foyers Primary School and had a fabulous time being asked questions from the school children and letting them know what was happening with some of the projects they had suggested during the Community Action Plan and Place Plan work over the last two years.  Thank you for inviting me.

END OF TERM

It has felt like the end of term over the last two weeks.  The Board met for the last time before the summer break and signed off the budget for 2023-24.  Thanks to Laura for all her work in supporting the Board (and updating the Board policies this year).  The week before I attended the Community Council and they signed off the Place Plan to send to the local authority.  I hope we can share the final submission to you soon and thanks to Nick Wright for all his work on that.

PROJECTS

This morning I got details of the land purchase at Whitebridge (next to the Wildside Centre) which will allow expansion of the building and it also provides land that has been designated for housing if required.  Planning has also gone in for a new playpark (which the school children at Foyers got quite excited about, as it may happen before they are all 18!).  Don't forget to attend the Car Boot Sale this weekend at the Wildside Centre.  This is an experiment to see how it goes and if there is a demand for such an event.

The Inverfarigaig land purchase is almost complete and it was great to see how the residents are using the polycrub down there (there is also one at Wildside)

The builders are preparing to come off site at Errogie and although Phase One is only to make the building wind and watertight it is looking fabulous.  We have protected the bats who have made their home there. We have ensured the building will not fall down and is ready for phase 2 once that gets through planning and external funding is put in place.  Thanks to staff members Caroline and Matt for all your work on that project and making it happen!

Planning permission has been given for the Slipway development. The local residents will be meeting with the landscapers for the Riverside Sports and Facilities Development mid-week. 

I also got to use the new toilets at Foyers for the first time this week (that’s probably too much information!) and meet Peter who looks after them for us.

FINANCE

It’s been tough juggling several projects, accepting external funds, ensuring cash flow and revising budgets to prepare for future proofing the work of the Trust and I’d like to thank Marie who has sailed us through the rocky shores.  Marie leaves us at the end of the month but I hope to announce our new Finance Officer and Bookkeeper shortly.  Thanks Marie for all the work you have done for us.

NEW JOBS

I can announce that Jillian Barclay is to take on the role of Marketing and PR Officer.  This is funded externally by the Scottish Government Strengthening Communities Fund for three years.  Jillian has been with us for nearly a year thanks to another external fund, which ends in August.  She will work that contract out, supporting all the work required for the Highland Gathering.  Jillian will job share this role and another 10 hours have been advertised.  In the Pulse Survey last year our communication really improved and, as it is a CAP outcome, I hope you’ve seen even more of a difference this year with the support we have also given other community groups.

Also from the Strengthening Communities Fund we are looking for a CAP Project Officer to support volunteers with some of the CAP initiatives we have going on.  Thanks to Sharon and Sarah for getting external funds in for these two roles and the funds for the projects to happen.  This role will compliment the Community Liaison work that Steven Watson also does.  Steven’s support is vital to the work of the Trust and many local community groups and a big thank you for everything he does.

AND FROM ME…

Finally for our end of term report a big thank you to the Trust Board for the work they do and a BIG thank you to the Stratherrick and Foyers community for the contribution to the CAP, the Project Plans and the volunteering you do to make a real difference in the local area. 

Schools out – have a good summer x

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 ...