About Us
Community E-Bikes
Funders: Energy Saving Trust, Cycling Scotland
The community eBike project promotes health and wellbeing in Strathdearn by encouraging active travel and leisure time using eBikes. It also aims to tackle the current cost of running a car by offering a cheaper, alternative mode of travel for residents who work locally.
Strathdearn Community Developments were successful in receiving eBike grant funding from Energy Saving Trust which, alongside in-house funds, allowed SCD to buy six new community eBikes and an eTrike. Cycling Scotland also provided funding for storage and cycling equipment.
To launch the community eBikes SCD invited Cycling Scotland’s Bikeability Instructor of the year winner 2020 Iain Bamber and bike mechanic expert Micheal Welch to The Strathdearn Hub who brought along various models of eBikes and provided free guided tutorials.
The community eBikes are available to all locals (over-14years old) for 2-week free trials as well as having preferential rates beyond this.
Thanks to funding from Cycling Scotland, SCD has also organised for a Strathdearn resident to complete the Velotech Bronze and Silver bike maintenance course at Glenmore Lodge in Aviemore.
Teaming up with Visit Inverness Loch Ness, in February 2024 SCD has booked for residents Cycling Scotland’s Cycle Ride Leader course for local cycling enthusiasts to learn how to safely lead group rides.
Community benefits:
- increased wellbeing in the community / healthier lifestyle
- increased active travel
- promotion of social groups
- help to overcome issues with Strathdearn’s scattered rural population
- reduced travel costs
- reduced carbon emissions
High Life Highland membership subsidy
As part of our Health and Wellbeing project and in partnership with High Life Highland, SCD subsidises over 50% of highlife membership costs for those with an IV13 post code. Memberships are available as individual or family memberships, and offer access to dozens of leisure facilities as well as many other benefits and discounts.
The Strathdearn Hub also hosts highlife exercise classes in the auditorium every week.
Bannatyne Health club subsidy
IV13 residents can enjoy 50% off for Bannatyne Health Club membership subsidised by SCD. Bannatyne offers a premium fitness suite, many exciting exercise classes, as well as a pool and spa facilities.
Community benefits:
- physical and mental health benefits of exercise
- social benefits
- promoting health and wellbeing as a preventative measure to accessing health services
School holiday activities for children
Continuing our partnership with High Life Highland, SCD regularly subsidise Strathdearn families 50% the cost of High Life school holiday multi sports camps during the school holidays.
In summer 2024 the activities were held at The Strathdearn in Tomatin in the auditorium and outdoor MUGA.
Community benefits:
- physical and mental benefits of exercise for children
- supporting parents with supervised activities during holidays
- social benefits & interaction for young people
- supporting families in a rural area with transport provided for some activities
Digital Inclusion course at The Strathdearn Hub
SCD were delighted to partner up with award-winning charity Red Chair Highland Ltd to offer residents a 4-week digital support course at The Strathdearn Hub in August / September 2023.
During the sessions, members of the community learned about various topics of cyber resilience such as online safety, scam awareness and secure passwords. Participants were also given individual support with their own devices brought from home, shown useful accessibility features and taught digital skills in areas that they required.
The feedback from attendees was very positive and the consensus was that there was need for more digital support in Strathdearn in the future. SCD would like to offer sincere thanks to Kirsty and Richard from Red Chair Highland for making the journey out to Tomatin and delivering the sessions in such a clear and patient manner.
Community benefits:
- social inclusion – improved connection with family and friends
- improved online safety
- improved digital confidence
- direct impact on quality of life – connectivity with family & friends
Strathdearn Community Kids Club with High Life Highland
The Strathdearn Community Kids Club, run by High Life Highland and funded by SCD, provides a wide range of fun and quality activities to suit all interests for the local children.
Entertainment includes a mixture of playground games, parachute games, sports such as football, badminton, table tennis and basketball as well as some much needed down time after school with arts, crafts, and the occasional movie.
The Strathdearn Community Kids Club is held at The Strathdearn Hub, taking advantage of the facilities the venue has to offer – using the auditorium and the external Multi Use Games Area (MUGA).
Community benefits:
- physical and mental benefits of exercise for children
- social benefits & interaction for young people
- support for working parents with supervised activities after school
