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£500,000 windfall to help Tomatin community hub bid





An artist's impression of the new Strathdearn Community Hub in Tomatin.
An artist's impression of the new Strathdearn Community Hub in Tomatin.

Strathdearn Community Developments hopes to begin construction on the new hub as early as this summer following its successful bid for cash from the government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund. Further funding for the hub is expected to come from funds linked to local wind farms.

The cash will help develop a 21st century hub that will include the community-run village shop and café, as well as new community space and a covered sports pitch. It is expected to be open by as early as next year.

A delighted Richard Cooling, the chairman of Strathdearn Community Developments, said: “With a thriving primary school and young families moving into the area, healthy visitor numbers at Tomatin Distillery and improvements to the A9 – the hub project will really make Strathdearn one to watch!”

The new building is expected to include renewable energy features, digital technology and charging points for electric vehicles and cycles.

It will also be used to showcase local food and drink, arts and crafts and traditional music events.

The culture and heritage of the upper River Findhorn will also be promoted.

The £500,000 windfall was secured by Highland Council on behalf of the community-run company.

Council leader, Councillor Margaret Davidson, praised “everyone involved for their hard work and efforts to secure this money.”

She added: “I look forward to seeing work on this exciting project get underway as it’s going to play an important role in breathing new life into the community.”

The community company hopes the hub will be the “key stone” in a range of projects it is delivering in the area. These include including ultra-fast fibre broadband to 50 households in Moy, a carer scheme to support elderly and ill people in their own homes and an improved path network.

Further broadband and affordable housing projects are also in the pipeline.


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