FIVE THINGS FOR A FRIDAY
Friday, 21 January 2022

The Community Action Plan has been developed after six months of consultation engaging the community.  

The Community Action Plan (CAP) has focussed on five distinct areas – community life, outdoors and nature, getting about, our homes and organising ourselves (see below)

 

A NEW APPROACH  

As a marked difference to how the community has organised itself in the past (using the Trust as a mechanism) we feel these areas should be retained as ‘Community Action Groups’ involving a Trust Director/s, staff member/s, community group representative, stakeholder groups, skill-based individuals and community volunteers.  Many of these have been identified during the CAP Working Groups and Assemblies but if anyone has the skills and time they can contribute to these Action Groups.  Fill out the survey - details here 

 

PROVIDING RESOURCES  

Resources should be directed at the objectives of the CAP and the aim of each Community Action Group is to meet those objectives.  Each group will have an annual budget allocation from our funders (in the region of £10,000 in 2021-22 and approx. same or more a year beyond that).  Project Planning Tracker will be used with task tracking tools and updated project reports on the website once a week for members of the community, Action Groups, Stakeholders and Board Members.  

 

STAFF SUPORT  

The Community and the CAP identified staff support as a key requirement to support the work of the community and the volunteers.  The Trust has put into place staff who will work across the Action groups to support the CAP outcomes.  They are;  

Trust Manager TONY FOSTER – to oversee the organisation and move us forward in an objective and strategic way, engaging with relevant stakeholders and supporting staff and community volunteers.  

Community Liaison Officer STEVEN WATSON – to support community groups, business groups and individuals by advising them of best routes for advice and funding.  To pro-actively support groups and ensure we promote their impact.  

Administration Officer LAURA WALKER KNOWLES – to work with the Board in ensuring audit trail of all decision making, support grant applications, finance and HR, maintain IT network and update our annual timetable of activities to ensure good governance.  There are other Administration Officers in other organisations.  

Project Co-Ordinator CAROLINE TUCKER – to project manage and advise on timelines, ensuring follow up of suppliers and stakeholders to maintain project timetables.  To keep the Board and community informed of progress on all major projects.  

Buildings and Facilities Officer STEVE MARSHALL – to ensure our service to the community through our estate and ensure we meet our health and safety and legislative requirements.  To manage sub-contractors and staff to ensure a quality of service throughout our estate.  

Finance Officer CARLENE VINCENT – to ensure the financial stability and management of the organisation and report to all our stakeholders the financial position of the Trust.  To advise us on the financial stability and viability of other groups and projects who are requested to meet the objectives of the CAP.  To produce an annual budget and ensure we remain on target to meet those budgets on an annual basis and oversee our investment portfolio for sustainability beyond the lifetimes of the windfarm/hydro projects.  

Fundraising Manager (TBC) – there must be less reliance on grant funding from windfarm/hydro as the community expectations and legacy projects are developed.  The Fundraiser will help raise capacity for the Trust and other groups in a co-ordinated way, using the community needs identified in the CAP as the cornerstone for each application.  There is an expectation we hope to raise £4million in five years for the benefit of the community.  

 

We hope to take further staff on a project-by-project basis, pending funding.  Supporting volunteers, communications and administration support are other areas that we could do with staff support for.  Staff will not necessarily be managed by the Trust but could be, using the resources at our disposal.   

 

POSTS FUNDED BY THE BOARD  

The professional staff funded by community benefit funding that work within organisations such as Boleskine Commmunity Care and Stratherrick and Foyers Community Council will also support CAP activities outwith their normal duties. As with the Action Groups, organisation such as these will be able to draw on the shared staff services the Trust has put in place to help with their CAP related projects.  

 

COMMUNITY STRUCTURE  

The Trust will continue to have a Board with new Advisory Groups to support the Board and the CAP Groups.  This will aid community cohesion across projects.  These will be;  

Weekly Communications and Events Group – to co-ordinate marketing, communications, events and to co-ordinate feedback on all activities.  

Monthly Fundraising Group – to work with all relevant groups on raising funds to meet the objectives of the CAP, avoid duplication of funding applications and to monitor what has been applied for in a coherent and consistent way.  

Monthly Finance Meeting – to monitor budgets for each group, recommend any changes to the budgets and co-ordinate local community grant  

Weekly Business Meeting – weekly meeting of the Chair, Vice Chair, CEO and Finance Officer when required on all matters related to staffing and overall resources to meet the objectives of the CAP.  To benchmark impact, monitor impact and make recommendations to the Board to ensure a robust and responsive organisation  

Monthly Business Meeting - as above with SSE and other funders as appropriate.  

Business Breakfast – with local businesses to support each other B2B and how we can support them and their business to create employment locally  

Monthly Staff Meeting (Internal) – monthly meeting for all staff to deal with operational matters.  There will be individual annual appraisals to assess if set objectives for the year are being met, training requirements of staff to meet those objectives if required and agreeing objectives in line with the CAP objectives.  

Monthly Staff Meeting (External) – a weekly diary meeting to keep each group informed of activity and identify partnership working if appropriate.  Likely to be between SFCT, BCC and CC in first instance  

Monthly Community Forum – A hybrid meeting on the first Wednesday of the month to answer any questions from the community, community groups to come along and share what they are doing and to discuss a specific project if feedback is required.  

Annual Community Forum – an opportunity once a year to get all stakeholders together and present the progress of the CAP, following a traffic light mechanism.  To recommend parking a project if external factors have changed within the community.  To come up with solutions to CAP objectives and celebrate success.  

Annual AGM – Trust AGM to present the Trust Report and Financial Report of the Trust and answer any question of our members.  

Monthly Board Meetings – with ownership of projects being ‘devolved’ the Board will be more strategic and less operational, ensuring the governance of the Trust meets the needs of the community and our funders.  

 

CAP ACTION GROUPS  

Each Group will be made up of a key director/s, appropriate Trust staff, community groups, stakeholders, key individuals (skills based) and volunteers to meet as and when (we advise at least once a month).  These will be identified in consultation with Nick Wright and his team and a general call out to the community. These are not ‘meetings’ as such but are calls to action in whatever forum is appropriate for that group, individuals’ expertise and their subgroups.  They should be action driven, coming to solutions to how to makes things happen.  Timelines of activity will be developed from each by the Project Co-Ordinator with SMART objectives of Specific Goals (aligning to the CAP) that are Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timebound.  The Wildside Board Room will be provided to you free of charge to meet (extended into other rooms if required) or work from on a daily basis.  

 

CAP ACTION GROUPS  

CAP Action Groups are responsible to meet the outcomes identified in the Community Action Plan.    

 

Working Together  

Those involved in the Action Groups will work together with the Board of Directors to identify resources required and meet a clearly defined set of outcomes, within a budget allocated to them on an annual basis.  They will be responsible for ensuring a set of strategic goals, risk assessment, business planning, match funding, project planning and implementation of projects based on the outcomes of the Community Action Plan.  Action Groups can call on the central resources of the Trust, as agreed with the Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors will oversee good use of said resources and will advise on and avoid duplication across the community if identified.  

 

Accountability of the Action Groups  

Each Action group is accountable to the Board of Directors to ensure outcomes are met and undertaken within the governance structures of the community body (The Trust).  

Each Action Group will be made up of Directors, Staff, Group Representatives, Volunteers, Professionals with skills in the specific area (if funding allows) and External Community Stakeholders who can facilitate action.  

In the first instance we aim for these groups to be introduced by CEO and ‘chaired’ by Nick Wright and his team to ensure active participation by everyone on the action group and to ensure they cover the outcomes of the CAP.    

 

Sub Groups or Smaller Project Teams  

At times Action Groups can be made into sub groups or a smaller project team.  Sub groups do not necessarily need a Director or Staff Member but must report to the Action Group (via email or meeting) to agree any expenditure of the Group Budget.  

 

Role of the Board of Trust Directors  

The role of the Board is to ensure clear objectives are set out for the Action Group and each set of Directors on the Action Group (with staff support) are part of the group to ensure due diligence is being met.  However, they also have the responsibility to agree courses of action at Action Group level, based on a set of identified criteria, to allow projects to move forward.  

Action Groups are accountable to the Board of Directors who can, at times, reverse decisions if it is felt they are not meeting the objectives in the Community Action Plan or there are significant risks, challenges or change of circumstances that prevent projects moving forward.  

 

Communication and monitoring   

The Board and Community will be fully informed of Action Group activities via the website on a weekly basis and monthly via the magazine/newsletters.  The Board will also monitor Teams discussions, Project Plans and financial planning and make recommendations as appropriate.  Annually, prior to the Trust AGM, Action Groups will meet and share achievements and report how each project is going in a open Community Forum.  A simple traffic light system will be used to advise progress.    

 

Evaluation and Measuring Impact  

Each project will monitor itself with a simple Traffic Light system – RED if no action, AMBER – if in progress or delayed, Green – If achieved.  This will be reported by each group at an Annual Community Forum (as listed above).  

BLACK can be used if a project is defunct based on outside factors not known at this time.  

Using an annual benchmarking exercise, with support from Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC), we will report back the impact on the CAP, of each Action Group and working together enjoy success or look to solutions to bring projects back on track.  

 

Conflict resolution  

It is recognised conflict can happen between groups and individuals from time to time.  The CEO will undertake an investigation, offer mediation and inform parties of agreed resolutions or recommendations once mediation has taken place.  Mediation may be internal (by the CEO) or by an external body.    

 

ACTION GROUP ACTIVITY  

Under each Action Group is a summary break down of the Community Action Plans to take forward.  More detail for each can be found in the final CAP document.  

 

COMMUNITY LIFE  

Retain Post Office and Shop  

Local Community Hubs – steer purpose*  

  • Wildside Centre  
  • Errogie Club House  
  • Stratherrick Community Hall  
  • Inverfarigaig – land & forest classroom  
  • Foyers Sports & Leisure Facilities  
  • Torness – field sports club  

(What Will Local Education Look Like)  

OUTDOORS AND NATURE  

Develop Playparks  

Develop Community Woodlands  

Employ all year Community Ranger Squad  

Create employment by Tourism Development  

GETTING ABOUT  

Community Transport Initiative  

Safe Walking and Cycling (To Schools)  

Better Roads Maintenance and Signage  

Paths and Places  

OUR HOMES  

Pre School / After School / Nursery Care  

Specialist Care  

Affordable Zero Carbon Community Homes  

**Broadband  

Planning and Public Services That Meet Our Needs  

ORGANISING OURSELVES  

Improve Community Communications  

Help People Into Work  

Support Volunteering and Volunteer Groups  

*LOCAL COMMUNITY HUBS  

Managing the development of the properties within the Trust’s portfolio that form the network of community hubs will remain the responsibility of the Trust Manager and Board of Directors. Each property will have an accountable director. This approach has been chosen because of the complexities of developing the brief, obtaining planning permission, fund raising, managing the build and then the ongoing management and maintenance. Each property will have a steering group that represents all views of the community and will be chaired by a Board Director.  

**BROADBAND  

Development of the broadband strategy will be the responsibility of the Trust Manager and Board of Directors. This will be the case until the provision of broadband services are provided by commercial operators and no longer require the financial support of the Trust. Development of the strategy will be driven by Our Homes Action Group.  

 

SUMMARY  

The above report offers a simple structure to progress the CAP and the needs of the community.  The aim is to engage everyone at all levels, any life stage and with any time commitment you may have on making things happen If you have a question your first port of call will be the Trust Manager (or designate as projects progress).  Contact Tony at tony-ceo@sfctrust.org.uk with any questions. 07734884320 

 

To ensure the Trust and this structure are robust we have asked for external research to ensure we are fit for purpose to help deliver this project.  Community Enterprise have been appraoched to undertake this work, which is proceeding now.

2024
April (22 stories)
19 April TEN THINGS FOR A FRIDAY
10 THINGS FOR A FRIDAY It's been a meaty week with vibrant discussion on several fronts!  More soon... As I missed a Five Things For A Friday last week t...
18 April Walk the Walk!
The Pathways group have been out in the miserable weather taking on new paths in our area for us all to enjoy!  This month they bring us the Tryndrum/Trinloist ...
18 April Woo Hoo! Playpark start date confirmed!
We’re excited to share with you that work on the installation of the new play area at The Wildside Centre is due to begin on Monday 29th April!  The contr...
17 April SSE Information Day
SSE are holding a public information day on the 25th April at Stratherrick Public Hall. This consultation is prior to a planning application for large scale works prop...
16 April THANK YOU!
A successful day distributing firewood to the community on Sunday, with 60 households benefitting, including 18 deliveries across the region. There were lots of happ...
16 April Music Session at Wildside this weekend!
Pop along and take part or simply enjoy a relaxed music session at the Wildside Centre from 2pm this Saturday, 20th April!  Pop it in the diary!
15 April The Spring Magazine is HERE!!
The Spring 2024 Magazine has landed!!!  Thank you to everyone for your contributions in making this publication possible!  The deadline for articles for the&nbs...
15 April Showcase those posters!!
Did you know the back page of the new Spring Magazine has a perfect Walk the Walk poster which could be used in your local business to advertise our local walks?  Or...
15 April 2024 Etape Loch Ness - Information
The 2024 Etape Loch Ness is taking place on Sunday 28 April this year with over 5600 cyclists coming from across Scotland, the UK and overseas. Every year the Etape raise...
15 April The Hospitals of Inverness by Stephen Leslie
South Loch Ness Heritage Group are hosting another fascinating talk this Thursday, the 18th of April at 7:30pm in Stratherrick Public Hall, Gorthleck. The Ho...
12 April 'The Wildside Centre' launches a new booking system!
We are thrilled to launch our new Booking System for ‘The Wildside Centre’. The system is LIVE and ready to use NOW!   It has been weeks in the ...
11 April You named the rooms!
Thank you for all the suggestions to help us name the two function rooms at The Wildside Centre. We are happy to announce that the carpeted room will now be known as &...
8 April Loch Ness - Litter Pick, 14th April
** Event Cancelled ** We are sorry to announce that due to a lack of volunteers signing up, this year’s Loch Ness Litter Pick scheduled for the 14th April has be...
8 April Invitation to Tender – Foyers Bay stage 1 landscaping works
We are looking for a local contractor to undertake the next phase of non-water/ onshore landscaping works at Foyers Bay.  If you would like to tender for these works...
5 April FIVE THINGS TO BEGIN APRIL
5 THINGS FOR A FRIDAY Friday afternoon – late with my regular column.  Went from emails to contacting people about Riverside Field to conversation with anot...
3 April JOB OPPORTUNITY!
Due to our Community Action Plan Officer accepting another role we now have a job opportunity available at the Trust.  The CAP Officer is a 2 year contract...
3 April JOB OPPORTUNITY! 3 Glens
Are you looking for a job in the local area?  3 Glens Community Care are looking for a Development Officer & Services Coordinator for Glengarry, F...
3 April The hedgerow is in!
Last month, work was completed in planting a hedgerow along the road at Hillhead in Inverfarigaig. This will provide a wildlife habitat for 250 metres along the road...
2 April Community Pamper Evening!
Come and enjoy an evening of pampering at the Wildside Centre on Saturday 20th April at 7:30pm with beautiful Medditerean inspired, Temple Spa products, join in with a st...
2 April TRANSPORT SURVEY! WE NEED YOU!
The Community Trust hope to introduce a new transport initiative.  We have funding for this. We are currently working with stakeholders from the Community Council, B...
2 April Have you Walked the Walk?
Spring is sprung!  Have you checked out our local walks?  Did you know the Pathways Group are working very hard to map as many local walks in our area.  Yo...
2 April Local Produce Day! - TOMORROW!
TOMORROW!! Jane from Lyne Mhor Croft will be at the Wildside Centre with local produce straight from the croft in Gorthleck from 11am - 12:30pm! (be early to get what ...
March (31 stories)
28 March 3 Things For Easter
THREE EASTER THINGS FOR A THURSDAY With Easter around the corner and people off on well earned breaks over the next four days (and beyond) this week its Three Things F...
27 March 3 stalls left!
We already have some fantastic local businesses joining us for our food and craft market at this year's Highland Gathering on the 20th of July at Corriegarth Est...
27 March It's over to YOU!
Thank you to everyone who has sent in suggestions to help us name the two function rooms at The Wildside Centre. We are keen to name these rooms before launching our new ...
27 March The new stained glass window continues to take shape
Over the last week, two more workshops have taken place to help us create a design for the new stained glass window for Errogie Church. On Monday Caroline and Jacqueli...
26 March Warm Wednesday - continues!
It is officially the last Warm Wednesday tomorrow!  However, we would like this to continue and keep our doors open on a Wednesday morning from 9am – 12pm...
26 March Kingussie top North Two this week!
Maybe the North Two table was a bit too easy to predict last week.  There are no surprises after last Saturday’s round of four matches.  Kingussie II m...
26 March Statkraft take control at ‘Red John’.
The Norwegian state energy company, Statkraft is now the owner of the proposed new hydro electric scheme based around Loch Ashie.  This is just outside the Stratherr...
26 March Well done to the Luvvies!
The Loch Ness Luvvies were treading the boards at Nairn last week with their own play, ‘Revenge Scam’ by Michael White.  The Luvvies were competing again...
26 March Annual Loch Ness Litter pick – volunteers needed!
The Loch Ness litter pick which unites communities from Dores to Foyers in a spring clean up is scheduled for Sunday 14th April 2024.  Volunteers meet up afterw...
26 March Name that Room!
Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit their 'name' suggestions so we can name the function rooms at The Wildside Centre, the closing date has passed. ...
22 March 5 FUTURE THINGS FOR A FRIDAY
5 Future Things For A Friday I retired to the Highlands in 2036.  I bought a house here, the elderly gentleman who owned it moving into one of the affordable rent...
20 March Caledonian Canal re-opens!
Scottish Canals has announced that the Caledonian Canal will re-open for sea-to-sea transits from Monday 25th March 2024.
19 March Have you filled in the wood survey?
For the second and final year we are able to make firewood available to the community.  If you require firewood please give us your details in this survey https...
19 March Warm Wednesday postponed!
Warm Wednesday is cancelled this week due to essential maintenance on the water supply.  We will be back up and running next week! 
18 March Shinty’s North Division Two is where every game matters!
Even with just two matches played last Saturday, the impact on the early rankings in North Two has been quite marked.  Boleskine lost to Lewis at home at Inverarnie ...
15 March FIVE THINGS FOR A FRIDAY
5 THINGS FOR A FRIDAY It’s been a busy week with several projects on the go. WOOD SURVEY Details about the survey are here if you wish some free unseasoned...
14 March Foyers Bay Radio
Did you know that we have a budding radio presenter in the area?   Gary Fentiman has been running his Radio Station from Foyers since 2020 or so. We have ad...
14 March Do you want wood? - SFCT Survey!
For the second and final year we are able to make firewood available to the community.  If you require firewood please give us your details in this survey https...
12 March 3 DAYS TO GO!
It's the final countdown!  This Friday (15th) is the final day to submit your articles for the Spring Magazine 2024! Do you have anything you woul...
12 March Shinty Report – Two weeks In
The opening two weeks and seven games in Shinty’s North Division 2 have not been short of excitement.   The league of eight teams will be keenly conteste...
12 March SPRING PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION!
The Spring Photography Competition is now LIVE!  This season we are focussing on 'New Beginnings' so interpret as you like! Please send your photos over to c...
9 March We need your help!
SFCT are shortly going to be launching a new online booking system and calendar for The Wildside Centre. Soon you will be able to book any of the spaces and utilities wit...
8 March FIVE THINGS FOR A FRIDAY
5 Things For A Friday Firstly Happy International Women's Day and Mother's day on Sunday.  i hope you also had a great World Book Day this week! 1. Gre...
8 March SAVE THE DATE!
The Highland Gathering will be back this year on Saturday the 20th of July between 12pm-4pm at Corriegarth Estate.  We are well into the planning of this event so lo...
6 March Amazing turnout for wood!
On Sunday there was a really good turnout for the rounds of wood that the trust offered to the community – everything was gone by 1.30pm! This wood came from sto...
5 March Sunday Social Success!
Thank you to all that came along to the Sunday Social at the Wildside Centre this weekend, it was great to see lots of members of the community who were interested in gro...
5 March Winter Photography Competition! WINNER!
Well!  What a fantastic response to this competition! With over 90 entries, we narrowed it down to 12 (it could have been more) and we left it up to you! The Winner ...
5 March Open Boot Produce Day! March!
It's March and it means Jane will be back at the Wildside Centre tomorrow selling their local produce!  From 11am - 12:30pm Jane will be here with burgers, sausa...
5 March The Biodiversity Group are busy!
The Biodiversity Group enjoyed pretty perfect weather for the first work party of the year at a Forestry and Land Scotland site (close to Ault na Noire road) on Sunday 25...
5 March Potato Day!
After the success of the Sunday Social at the Wildside Polycrub, some of you might be interested in attending Potato Day at Green Drive Hall, Inverness, this Saturda...
1 March FIVE THINGS FOR THREE YEARS
FIVE THINGS FOR THREE YEARS It’s been three years since I became Trust Manager, so a moment of reflection. We are the first Trust in the Highlands to submit o...
February (37 stories)
27 February Are you a self-catering or accommodation provider in our community? 
Are you a self-catering or accommodation provider in our community?  If so, the Pathways Group would love to hear from you! To support the promotion of the very p...
27 February Spring Magazine Countdown!!
Spring is almost here!  So that means it's time for you to send us your content for the Spring Magazine.  We want to hear about individual achievements,&nbs...
27 February Sunday Social THIS Sunday!
This Sunday there will be a fun get together at the Wildside Polycrub between 12-4 pm.  We are lucky to have Toni from the Highland Good Food Partnership c...
27 February Rounds of wood available at the Wildside Centre!
Unseasoned rounds of wood are now ready to be picked up from The Wildside Centre for those that might like them.  Collection will be available this Sunday from 12-4p...
23 February FIVE THINGS FOR A FRIDAY
FIVE THINGS FOR A FRIDAY I’ve been away most of this week, so a very short Five Things For Friday this week. LOOKING AFTER STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS We are unde...
21 February School Term Dates Available!
If you have children at school and are planning to attend an Adele concert in Munich this autumn or going to Reading Festival you’d better check your dates now. ...
21 February Wood available soon!
Our Trust director Malcolm Stewart has successfully obtained a quantity of wood from the felling that took place along the B852 at the end of last year. Our&nbs...
21 February Website Feedback!
We have another survey we would love you to take part in!  We know they are boring but we rely on the feedback you provide to make the changes required!  This t...
20 February Caman McCash has this weeks shinty update!
The new season has yet to start so the 2024 shinty leagues are the topic for this article.  It can take a wee minute to get your head around. In the men’s g...
20 February Optician service available! BOOK NOW!
Community Optician Service! Boleskine Community Care have arranged another visit to the Hub from Hall Opticians on Wednesday 6th March from 10am. If you are ...
20 February Loch Nan Laan and Knockie 'Boat House'
The Pathways group have brought us a fantastic looking walk this month!  This one kick starts from a small car park near Knockie Estate.  Spring is almost upon ...
20 February Fantastic turnout at Eagle talk!
The biodiversity group organised a wonderfully informative evening by inviting Stuart Benn, retired from the RSPB and widely acknowledged as a Golden Eagle expert. A free...
16 February A GOODBYE FIVE THINGS
FIVE THINGS FOR A FRIDAY SAD NEWS I’m sad to announce that Steven Watson, our Community Liaison Officer, will be retiring in March.  He is our longest se...
14 February Health and Social Care Plan – Your chance to comment
A new strategic plan for adult health and social care has been produced by Highland Health Board and Highland Council.  The plan is now open for comments.  T...
14 February Stratherrick Clay Target Shoot
Weather permitting the Stratherrick Clay Target Club will be holding a shoot at Abersky, Torness on Saturday 17th February at 11am.  All welcome!
14 February Book the Community Van
Did you know we can take bookings for the community van?  We are busy in the background working on the online booking system but in the meantime if yo...
14 February Sunday Social at the Polycrub!
Interested in getting involved in the Whitebridge Polycrub?  Keen to get our community growing, build new relationships and meet new people? There is an exciting ...
13 February 2024 Forres win for Alex Sutherland
Alex Sutherland, Ault na Goire competed and won in the Scottish Athletics Cross Country Championships held at Grant Park, Forres last Sunday, 11th February.  Alex...
13 February SPRING MAGAZINE! - We need you!
Spring is (hopefully) just around the corner and it is time for us to start collating content for the Spring Magazine!  We are looking for local news, even...
13 February Potholes – give Highland Council a call!
Here’s a screenshot of the Highland Council’s web page about reporting potholes.  You can phone Highland Council - day or night -  on the numbers gi...
13 February Have you tried cooking with pheasant?
Loch Ness Rural Communities have organised an evening at the Wildside Centre where you can have a go at cooking pheasant if you haven't already!  It will be held...
13 February Fancy some FREE porridge?
For many Stratherrick and Foyers residents the Inverness ASDA store on the Distributor Road is a regular stop.  It is also on the Whitebridge bus route, so is more c...
13 February The new play area at Wildside takes another step closer!
Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on the updated plans for the new play area at the Wildside Centre.  We are very pleased to share with you that the new eq...
12 February We can highlight your job vacancies!
Whether a local business is looking to recruit staff now, or maybe in a couple of months’ time getting the word out to local people, not just in Stratherrick and Fo...
9 February BE POSITIVE THIS FRIDAY
GOLDEN EAGLES IN THE HIGHLANDS Great to see a talk on the Golden Eagles Past Present and Future in the Wildside on Thursday 15th February at 7pm with Stuart Benn. ...
8 February Shinty News – Sutherland Cup Draw 2024
The draw has been made for shinty’s Sutherland Cup.  This competition attracts the largest number of clubs of any of shinty cup competitions, with the early ro...
7 February Great Glen Energy Co-Operative Fund!
Read about it all HERE!
7 February Have you heard of the Family Fund? 
Have you heard of the Family Fund?  This is a national organisation which offers grants to families on low income who are raising a child with serious disabilities o...
6 February We know you can help!
Interested in creating a positive impact in your community? Boleskine Community Care is looking for volunteers for various roles. These positions offer flexibility, allow...
6 February Energy Support & Advice Presentation
A presentation by the citizens advice bureau for anybody in the Community looking for help with reducing and/or getting help with your energy bills. Please come alon...
6 February Communications 2024!
We are making a few improvements in the way we communicate information to the community in 2024. The SFCT Board and communications team have made the decision to adjust o...
6 February University of the Highlands and Islands Student Development Fund 2024
The Student Development Fund is now open for applications of up to £1,000.  The fund has recently been backed by a further donation from renewable energy firm ...
6 February February Newsletter 2024 is here!
The first newsletter of 2024 has landed!  You can read about the new Communication updates for 2024, our Chair's first bulletin, pulse survey results and da...
5 February Local Produce Day, Warm Wed & Mobile Library
Lyne Mhor Croft will be back at The Wildside Centre from 11am-12:30pm this Wednesday (7th)  selling some fabulous produce straight from the croft!   ...
2 February GOSSIP FOR A FRIDAY
GOSSIP FOR A FRIDAY The Communications Team have been tweaking things at the start of the year to help improve Communications between the Trust (and other groups) and ...
1 February The children of Stratherrick & Foyers show off their artistic talents
On Monday 22nd January, Caroline from SFCT, along with local Artist Jacqueline Briggs, went in to Stratherrick Primary school to run the first in a series of worksho...
1 February Sunflower Home Care are recruiting in our area!
Sunflower Home Care are recruiting carers in the Stratherrick & Foyers area.  If you are interested, please see all the information in the poster below. ...
January (29 stories)
31 January Do you meet the criteria for this £106 Winter Payment from Highland Council?
Highland Council’s Inverness Area Winter Payment for 2023 is £106.  If you meet the criteria, the payment is made direct into your bank account.  Th...
31 January Look out for the Monkey if you’re on the A9 near Kincraig!
Stratherrick and Foyers residents travelling on the A9 are asked to look out for the Japanese Macaque monkey that has freed itself from the Highland Wildlife Park at Kinc...
31 January Updated playpark plans available to view
Further to our previous playpark consultation in October, we fed your thoughts back to Caledonia Play, our chosen supplier, and we now have a finalised plan.  They w...
30 January Scottish Canals are currently advertising seasonal jobs at Fort Augustus.
Scottish Canals are currently advertising seasonal jobs at Fort Augustus. The closing date for these is the 4th of February 2024. For more details click here.   ...
30 January Walk the Walk!
The Pathways Group is kick staring the year with another fabulous local walk!  If you're are feeling motivated then head out and give the Inverfarigaig...
30 January Open Boot Local Produce Day is BACK for 2024!
Next Wednesday (7th Feb), Jane from Lyne Mhor Croft will be back at The Wildside Centre from 11am-12:30pm selling some fabulous produce straight from the croft!  We ...
30 January There’s help to get a start in the Construction Industry.
Two of our local Highland Councillors have welcomed a construction skills course for unemployed people under 29 years of age.   Cllr David Fraser, HC Co...
26 January FIVE THINGS FOR A FRIDAY
FIVE THINGS FOR A FRIDAY Normal service is resumed this week as my Thursday update disappeared into world wide web heaven!  We are working on the website and the ...
26 January 'Golden Eagles In The Highlands. Past, Present and Future'
The Biodiversity Group have organised an evening with Stuart Benn, where he will present a talk about 'Golden Eagles within the Highlands, Past Present & Future&r...
24 January Local Shinty Update!
The Camanachd Association has announced the draws for the Strathdearn Cup and the single Team Cup competition for 2024. Boleskine’s cup ties commence on 27 April...
23 January Riverside Plans – Available to view
Following last week’s cancellations due to weather, we are happy to confirm that the plans are available to view as of now. The revised landscape consultations h...
23 January Loch Kemp Pump Storage Scheme
Brian Shaw of Ness District Salmon Fishery Board will be holding a talk at The Wildside Centre on Thursday 25th January at 7pm titled 'Saving Loch Ness' in relati...
23 January Warm Wednesday returns tomorrow!
Do you fancy a change of scene, would you like to chat and work with other members of the community?  Then pop along on Warm Wednesday at The Wildside Centre!&n...
17 January New customers secure a permanent stop for the Mobile Library!
As demand has reached sufficient numbers the mobile library is starting a new stop in Gorthleck from the end of this month. Mark will be stopping at Stratherrick Pub...
17 January The Screen Machine Returns
The Screen Machine, is making a comeback to the area this week.  It will be stationed at it’s usual spot at the main carpark in Fort Augustus from tomorrow ...
17 January *Warm Wednesday Postponed!*
Unfortunately due to weather conditions, we are unable to open The Wildside Centre for Warm Wednesday this week.  Hopefully we will be up and running next week! ...
16 January Warm Wednesday’s are back at Wildside!
Like previous years during Wintertime, we are delighted to bring back Warm Wednesday at Wildside, running from 17th Jan – 27th March - (Weather Dependent), between ...
16 January *New Class Alert*
DanceFit is a brand new fitness class kicking off on Monday evenings at Stratherrick Public Hall at 7pm!   Do you want to: * improve the condition of y...
16 January **Postponed ** Riverside Liaison Group Meeting
Due to the current and forecast weather conditions, tomorrow's Riverside meeting has been postponed until Wednesday 24th January. We do still hope to go ahead with...
15 January Riverside Landscaping plans available for review
The Landscaping plans for Riverside Field have been available for viewing online since December.  We now have hard copies of these plans, and these will be available...
12 January HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIDAY
Happy New Year Friday Happy New Year 2024.  I hope you all had a relaxing festive season.  The team have been packing away all the Christmas decorations as w...
12 January **FREE STRAW**
**FREE FOR COLLECTION** We have some spare straw leftover from Winter Wonderland, should anyone like to make use out of. They are small rectangular bales. &nbs...
11 January **Important Info**
Sharing this, in case anyone hadn't heard about the forecourt being temporarily out of service until March.   You can keep upto date on the Great Glen Face...
11 January Sunday Social 14th - Event Cancelled
**Event Cancelled**   The Sunday social event, scheduled for the 14th Jan at the Polycrub - (Wildside Centre) has been cancelled. We are disappoin...
10 January Stratherrick Indoor Carpet Bowls
Fancy trying something new in 2024? Take a look at this short video of the group, perhaps you'd like to take part too. They will be at Gorthleck Hall, next Tuesday...
10 January Weave A Willow Bird
Weave a willow bird on the 17.02.2024 at Inspiration Scotland in Gorthleck Weave a beautiful willow bird (or two) in this workshop. It is a project that is suitable fo...
8 January Foyers Bay Steering Group meeting
The next Foyers Bay Steering Group meeting is to be held tomorrow, Tuesday 9th January, at 7pm at The Hub in Lower Foyers.  If you are interested in being involved i...
8 January What's On 2024
Now that we're getting back to work for 2024. we thought it is time to update the calendar with any upcoming events.    Do you have an event which you...
1 January Happy New Year 2024
The Stratherrick and Foyers Community Trust New Year Resolutions include a playpark at Wildside, after school support at Stratherrick, funding for phase 2 of Errogie Chur...
News Archive
Site Map ©2015-2024 Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust Site by Plexus
^