Funding for make-over of Kingussie's much-loved Glebe Ponds is welcomed
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One of the strath’s much-loved retreats is to be given a long-needed make-over.
Kingussie’s Glebe Ponds, nestling between the A9 and the B9152 – where it is beginning to transform itself into the High Street – have for years offered some respite from a busy world and a fruitful home for families of ducks.
Residents at Hanover House have historically benefited even from the mere sight of the mere.
Some time ago walking boards were constructed to allow access around the ponds.
But time and storms have taken their toll on the feature and the town has called for a clean up and an up grade for several years.
There was good news, at last, at the latest meeting of Kingussie and Vicinity Community Council held online.
Secretary Janet Kinnaird reported: “Following the last meeting we have been granted funding to begin a feasibility study for their regeneration.”
Nearly £10,000 has been awarded to the project, members heard.
Through the magic of the internet, Mrs Kinnaird, on a skiing holiday in France, was able to tell chairman Ruaridh Ormiston – who was working in India – and members at home in the Badenoch capital that the next steps had been discusssed at a recent meeting she and fellow member Margaret Bentley had enjoyed with area ward manager Liz Cowie and community support office Carole Butler.
“We are delighted that Ali McKnight, of Agroecosystems Ltd, will be working on the project,” the secretary confirmed.
The first meetings to take the study forward were due to start this month, members were informed.
“We have had a very kind offer from the Dragonfly Association,” said Mrs Kinnaird, “and they have had a look around.”
The association will be able to assist with the lopping of strategic trees around the water feature and had said they were keen to help out next year once the project got started.
Delighted community councillor Esther Botha congratulated the team on finding the £9,700 needed to instigate the feasibility study: “Well done on the funding!”
Mr Ormiston told the Strathy: “It’s very good news that we’re getting funding for both the study and advice on then going for grant applications.
“The big issue is making the ponds sustainable for wildfowl in some way, as the water is a bit stagnant just now.
“Some sort of aeration is going to be needed but time will tell just what the best way forward is. It’s all very positive stuff, anyway, which is great.”
The funding was approved earlier this year by members of Highland Council's Badenoch and Strathspey area committee as part of a variety of initiatives aimed at supporting community regeneration after the Covid-19 pandemic.
In all £64,500 was approved from the Place Based Investment Funds with other projects including:
• Aviemore Community Enterprise, Myrtlefield Redevelopment Feasibility Study - £14,500;
• Grantown Initiative in partnership with the Highland Council, Dulaig Playing Area and Pitch Project - £10,000;
• Kincraig & Vicinity Community Council, Kincraig Community Toilet and Parking Feasibility Study - £9,312; and
• Aviemore & Glenmore Community Trust, Dalfaber Land Community Park Feasibility Study - £10,000.
