Aileen MacVicar

 

We’re really excited to share a bit of progress on our Growing Project. Behind the scenes, our brilliant steering group has been hard at work. It’s a team full of enthusiasm, experience and local knowledge, and they’re already shaping some great ideas for the months ahead.

Recently, we visited The Glebe in Aberlour to hear about their fantastic work. Their project is bursting with inspiration, and we’re already thinking about how we can learn from their successes and adapt some of their approaches for our own community.

At the moment, we’re looking at several potential sites for the project. As soon as we have firm details, we’ll share them with you. In the meantime, we’re getting stuck into something hands-on and fun: putting together vegetable growing kits! Each kit will include everything you need to get started, plus simple instructions. If there’s anything in particular you’d love to grow, just let us know and we’ll do our best to include it.

We’d absolutely love to hear from you. Whether you’re keen to get involved, have an idea to share, or simply want to cheer us on, your input helps shape this into a truly intergenerational project with opportunities for everyone. Think growing, cooking sessions, apple pressing and plenty more as we go.

Let’s grow something brilliant together. 🌱

 

A quick round-up of what we have been up to this month.

Our AGM went really well, and we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who joined us on the night. Your support, questions and ideas genuinely shape the future work of the DDCA and we are very grateful for your input.

Behind the scenes, we have continued advocating for Dufftown, including working to ensure the community receives the best possible benefits package from local windfarm developments.

At the Clock Tower, work is moving forward. We have started clearing out the building ahead of the capital works, and we have been gathering your views through our public consultation on the ground floor space. We look forward to sharing the results with you over the coming weeks.
If you have not yet shared your thoughts, you can still take part here: https://forms.gle/otFJKg33EDvkQxfV9

We also held our third and final Warm Spaces Lunch of the year last week. These sessions have been a great success, and you can read more about the feedback and impact from our survey here: https://dufftowncommunity.co.uk/warm-spaces-lunches-feedback-and-impact/
Most people hear about the lunches through word of mouth, so please pass it on to neighbours, friends and family who might enjoy coming along. We are especially keen to reach younger generations; high chairs are available.

Our next Warm Spaces Lunch will be on Wednesday 21st January 12.00-1.30. To celebrate Burns, we will be serving Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, and vegetarian haggis will also be available.

A few bikes are still out on long-term hire, and this will continue into the spring. If you would like to borrow one, just get in touch. It might be a fun New Year challenge; couch to 50k on a bike?

Wishing you all a wonderful festive season! 🎄

Last week we hosted our third Warm Spaces Lunch at the Legion, and once again it was a really lovely afternoon. As we reached our third event, we felt it was the right time to gather some feedback from those who come along. We wanted to be sure these lunches are genuinely making a difference and offering the support we hoped they would within the community.

The survey was short and simple, but the responses were incredibly encouraging. We’re delighted to share some of the positive feedback with you, and in due course we’ll also be passing it on to The Robertson Trust, our main funder for the Warm Spaces Lunches.

The survey gave us a helpful snapshot of the age groups attending the lunches. While it’s great to see strong engagement from older residents, it also highlighted an opportunity for us to encourage more younger people to come along. Winter can be a lonely time for anyone, and having a warm place to gather, share a meal, and meet new people is something that benefits every generation in the community.

News about the lunches has spread mainly through word of mouth, as highlighted in the chart below. We’ve learned that this remains one of the most effective ways to reach people, and we’ll be encouraging those who attend to extend the invitation to neighbours and friends of all ages. When asked, 95% of participants answered that they would be happy to recommend the lunches to others.  Our Community Development Officer will also be working to connect with younger members of the community, helping to widen participation and create more opportunities for people of different generations to come together

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84% percent of participants said they felt more connected to the local community since attending the lunches, while 16% were unsure. This is a really encouraging indication that the lunches are helping to strengthen social ties and give people a greater sense of belonging.

The financial impact is also clear. 85% of those surveyed felt the lunches helped them save money on food, and 55% said attending reduced the amount of heating they needed to use at home. These findings show that the Warm Spaces Lunches are not only offering friendship and community connection but are also providing very real, practical support during the colder months.

We also asked attendees how they felt after participating in the lunch, and the results were very encouraging. The majority reported feeling happier, more relaxed, or generally uplifted after attending. This demonstrates that the lunches are not only providing practical support through food and warmth but are also contributing positively to people’s mental wellbeing. It highlights the importance of these gatherings in helping to reduce feelings of isolation, providing a friendly and welcoming environment where people can connect, unwind, and enjoy a sense of community.

Below is a diagram illustrating what participants enjoy most about the lunches. Everyone who completed the survey expressed a desire for the lunches to continue, and described them as welcoming and enjoyable events that they look forward to attending.

 

The feedback from our warm spaces lunches has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the value these events bring to the community. They not only provide a warm meal and a safe space during the colder months, but also foster connections across all generations, support mental wellbeing, and help people save money on essentials.

As we move forward, we will continue to build on this success by encouraging wider participation, particularly among younger members of the community, and by exploring opportunities to enhance the experience for all attendees. We are grateful to everyone who has taken part and look forward to continuing to create a welcoming, supportive space for all.

 

October was another busy and exciting month for DDCA, with plenty happening across our projects and in the community.

Progress continues on the Clock Tower Project. We have been meeting with funders, updating the business plan, and working with the design team to prepare for the next phase. This weekend we will be clearing out the Clock Tower. If you would like to get involved we would love to have you join us- just let us know!

Bike Dufftown has had a fantastic month. Local residents are using the bikes more than ever, corporate hires are increasing, and tourists are discovering them as a brilliant way to explore the area. It has been wonderful to see so many people enjoying the bikes and the freedom they offer to get out and about in the community.

The Warm Spaces Lunches continue to be popular, providing a welcoming place to meet, share a meal, and enjoy some conversation. The next lunch will be on 26th November, 12-2pm at the Legion. We are hoping to add some festive entertainment ahead of Christmas and would love to hear any suggestions you may have.

I was also lucky enough to attend the Dorenell Community Benefit Fund Celebration. It was an inspiring day to meet other community groups, hear about the impact of the fund, and take a tour of the wind farm. Stepping inside one of the turbines was an unforgettable experience and a fascinating insight into renewable energy in action.

Looking ahead, our AGM will be held on Monday 10th November at the mezzanine in the Malt Barn at Glenfiddich. We will enjoy a short presentation about the arts programme before continuing with the AGM and sampling some delicious home bakes. For catering purposes, please let us know if you will be attending using this link below. This event is open to all DDCA Members,
AGM Attendance Form

Our Growing Project is continuing to gain momentum with a steering group now in place. This project aims to create new opportunities for local people to engage in meaningful activities, connect with nature, and develop skills that benefit both individuals and the wider community. Following our first meeting we have arranged a visit to the Glebe in Aberlour later this month to gather ideas and inspiration that will help shape the project and ensure it has a lasting, positive impact for everyone involved.

As always we would love to hear from you. Your comments, feedback, and ideas are always very welcome.

Exciting times ahead in Dufftown! Our AGM is coming up on Monday 10th November at Glenfiddoch, and we’d love to see you there. We have had a busy month. Read on to catch up on all the latest news and ways to get involved!

Bike Hire Updates
Our long-term bike hire has been a huge hit! We’ll have more availability in the new year, so keep an eye out if you’ve been waiting to grab a bike. Our funded day hires are still going strong thanks to support from HiTrans. Spaces are available, so get in touch to book your bike and get out exploring.

Community Forum Success
A big thank you to everyone who attended our recent Community Forum. Lots of fantastic ideas were shared, including plans for a large fundraising event bringing all Dufftown community groups together. Exciting things ahead!

Food Larder & Support
Our Food Larder continues to be popular, helping the community with food vouchers and the Baby Fund. It’s wonderful to see such strong support making a difference in the Community.

Cooking Classes with Sarah
Sarah from Moray Food Plus will be back over in the October holidays with cooking classes for kids on 14th October at the Community Centre. She will also be running a 6-week block of Cook, Share & Connect classes starting in November. More details to follow soon – keep an eye on our social media.

Growing Project Steering Group
We’ll be organising our first meeting to establish a steering group for the growing project over the next few weeks. Watch social media for updates and how to get involved.

Clock Tower Project
Progress continues on the Clock Tower as we move towards securing the Building Warrant and putting the capital work out to tender.

Warm Spaces Lunch

We’re also celebrating the success of our Warm Spaces Lunch, thanks to funding from The Robertson Trust. Over 40 lunches were served!  It was wonderful to see the Legion so busy and then I had the pleasure of hearing some great music and chatting at the over 60s club which is held on the first Wednesday of the Month at the small hall in the Mortlach Memorial Hall. The next lunch is on the 29^th October 12-2pm.

Save the Date – AGM
Our AGM is on Monday 10th November at Glenfiddoch. We hope all our members can join us! Andy Fairgreave will give a short talk on the Artists in Residence Programme and there will be an opportunity to view some of the work. Tea, coffee, and delicious homebakes will be served.

 

 

We recently asked the community whether a Community Growing Project would be a welcome addition to Dufftown, and the response was overwhelmingly positive! Out of the people who shared their thoughts, 90.9%  felt this project would be successful, showing strong support for growing together locally.

Volunteering and Participation
Nearly half of respondents expressed interest in volunteering. People are open to helping in a variety of ways—from hands-on gardening to supporting roles like fundraising, awareness-raising, or leading tours. Most can realistically give 1–2 hours per week, with some flexibility depending on their schedules.

What to Grow
Community members shared a long list of ideas, with a focus on seasonal fruits and vegetables and staple crops like potatoes, carrots, onions, and leafy greens. Herbs, berries, and flowers were also popular suggestions.

Making it Accessible and Welcoming
Key factors for making the garden inclusive include:

• Easy access for all abilities, including raised beds and wide, flat paths
• No pressure or rigid commitments
• Clear guidelines for taking produce through voluntary donations
• Good communication via social media and signage
• Location that’s easy to reach and park at

Sharing Skills and Learning
Many volunteers have some gardening experience, while others are keen to learn. A mix of hands-on and support roles would help everyone contribute according to their skills and interests. Some are even interested in joining a steering group to guide the project.

Community Benefits Beyond the Harvest
People highlighted that the project could offer far more than fresh produce. Benefits include:

• Opportunities to learn new skills
• Social connections and new friendships
• A peaceful space to relax and engage with nature
• A sense of community pride and togetherness

Other Thoughts

• Some noted previous attempts had stalled, but the community is excited to revisit the idea.
• Challenges such as wildlife (e.g., deer) need consideration, but supporters are keen to contribute in any way they can—even by purchasing produce if they can’t volunteer.

Overall, the survey shows strong enthusiasm for a Community Growing Project in Dufftown. With careful planning, accessibility, and a welcoming approach, this project could nourish both people and community spirit.

 

The Dufftown and District Community Forum is run quarterly with the aim to facilitate information sharing and collaboration in our community.

Our latest forum was held on the 17^th September 2025 at 7pm

The Community Groups presents were;

• The Royal British Legion
• Dufftown Trust
• Dufftown 2000
• Dufftown in Bloom
• Dufftown Community Centre
• Mortlach Memorial Hall
• Speyside Youth
• Dufftown Highland Games
• Dufftown and District Community Association
• Dufftown Cubs and Scouts
• Moray Council
• Dufftown Football sent apologies

 

The forum had two key points on the agenda, a follow up discussion from a tsiMoray Funding Workshop attended by some of the group over the Summer months titled- ‘Income Streams for the 3^rd Sector’ and a review of the Dufftown Community Development Plan.

Opportunities for creating Funding Streams

At the workshop, attendees shared updates on the progress they’ve made and the exciting ideas that have come out of their work, with support from tsiMoray. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and already steps are being taken to explore different ways to raise funds, including JustGiving, PayDay Giving, and selling merchandise.

One idea that really sparked the group’s imagination was the possibility of joining forces to organise a large-scale fundraising event for all the local groups. There are lots of creative options to consider, and we’ll be sharing updates with the community as the plans take shape

 

Community Action Plan

We focused on the Actions of the Community Action Plan 2021-2026, the group discussed what actions had been achieved and what were the next key priorities that would be most beneficial to the community and visitors. I have noted some of the key actions to follow up on below.

• Whilst a lot has been done there is more that we could do to make the Dufftown Path Network better for all.
• Develop Cycling and MTB trails around Dufftown and District.
• Improved signage in the town for routes and attractions.
• Support the Football Club with improvements to changing facilities.
• Continue to engage young people in Cycling and the Outdoors.
• Revisit woodland survey
• Publicise the groups working in the community and key contact details
• Encourage and Support volunteering across all groups.

While there are still items to complete on the Community Action Plan, it’s worth taking a moment to celebrate the dedication and passion shown by each group. Their contributions are helping to make Dufftown a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone, and we’re excited to see the next steps unfold as these plans continue to take shape.

Conclusion

The forums are a great chance for groups across Dufftown and District to come together, share ideas, and support one another. We talked about how best to celebrate the work of our amazing volunteers and how to raise more awareness in the community. Other discussions included the possibility of more cooking classes, opportunities to meet new people, growing projects, and many other ideas we’ll share as they develop.

Thank you for all who attended the Forum and shared their experiences with us and then contributed to the discussions around future events.

As always, if there is any feedback on the Community Forums or further suggestions of themes or speakers that would be of interest to groups in the community then please get in touch- aileen@dufftowncommunity.co.uk.

Next community forum – online Wednesday 3^rd December at 7pm – invite to follow.

Hello Dufftown & District,

I hope this newsletter finds you well and you are enjoying the last of the Summer warmth. I wanted to give you a round up of the last month from DDCA HQ and a look ahead at what is coming soon.

Thanks to the generous support from HITRANS we have been able to offer free Ebike hire to the local community which, has also included a led ride. This has been very popular and has been great to see so many of you enjoying the bikes. We have now expanded this service to include long term hire for the quieter months. As the demand was so high we have confirmed 3 blocks of  3 week loans to 12 riders. All participants are hoping to use the bikes for commute and pleasure, hopefully creating some lifestyle changes through active travel. The bike lockers have been ordered for the park to offer more flexibility to pick up and drop off the bikes so, it will soon be very easy to explore Dufftown by bike. We will look to do another block of long term hires around Feb/March time and then daily hire will still be available until the end of March. If you haven’t been in touch to book a bike there is still plenty of time!

We continue to make plans to utilise our award from the Robertson Trust which will allow us to expand our impact in the community. With this funding we hope to launch a series of new community initiatives. The priorities being the Community Food Growing Scheme, Warm Spaces and Back to work Skills and Support Program. We would be eager to hear any ideas you have to shape these projects. Your input is always gratefully received and if you can spare any time to volunteer with us please get in touch to find out more.

Over the coming months we will continue working on the Clock Tower renovation. We are currently working with our Architect, Angela and her project team to submit the Building Warrant as well as introducing the project to potential funders.

The DDCA is still recruiting Trustees and a Treasurer for The Board, we are a friendly relaxed group who meet on the last Monday of the month at the Shand Centre- the next meeting is the 29^th September and we are just in the process of confirming the date for our AGM. We will share this with you shortly.

Green fingered helpers and experts for the Food Growing Scheme and additional volunteers for other projects and events are essential to support our plans so, please get in touch with us on the email below if you are able to spare a little time. Spread to the word and invite neighbours, friends and family to get involved or become members. We need the passion and support of the community to strengthen our impact in the Dufftown and District Area.

Please share any ideas you have- we would love to hear from you!

aileen@dufftowncommunity.co.uk

Looking forward to another busy month ahead!

 

We hope that you are enjoying the Summer months and have been able to make the most of the warm sunny days! We are continuing at good pace with our up and coming projects and developing well established services to ensure we are able to offer continued growth and positive change to the community.

 

The last few months have offered me great variety in my role as I have continued to work on the Clock Tower project, learning about funding streams, the work that needs to be carried out and time scales involved in this, offset by being lucky enough to attend some great events in the Local Community and getting the opportunity to meet and chat to some of you.  I attended both events by Moray Food Plus who offered cooking lessons to young people and then a family picnic with games, crafts and food. Both were well attended and it was great to see families making some really cool crafts and some delicious food. If you would like the best 3 ingredient chocolate brownie recipe- pop me an email!! The Bike Dr with Tyred n Cranky was also a great success and we hope to have them in Dufftown again soon.

 

We have received funding from HITRANS to allow us to offer free bike hire to the local community- hope as many of you as possible will get the opportunity to try the E-bikes- they are great fun and super for getting back on a bike and taking part in gentle exercise. HITRANS are also funding two bike lockers so that the Bikes can be easily dropped off and picked up allowing us to offer more flexibility in our service.

We have also been successful in our application to the Roberston Trust who will be supporting one of our pillars, which we base our activities on, to improve prosperity in Dufftown. These funds will be issued to us over three years and we hope to be able to establish a Community Food Growing scheme, Warm Spaces for the Elderly/ Soup and Sweet, Baby Fund- this will support vulnerable families with essentials for young children, Clothing Swaps, Food Vouchers, Cooking Classes and Back to work/Skills and Support for job seekers. Happy to hear your suggestions on this project so please get in touch with your thoughts!

 

I am looking forward to attending my first Dufftown Highland Games on Saturday, do pop past and say hello! Two of our trustees will also be on the stand. We will have our 50/50 raffle (last winner bought two tickets for a £1 each and won £50! so worth a go and we are hoping for a bigger pot). I have spent quite a while this week wrapping up a lot of presents for the Lucky Dip which we have organised for the kids- some great prizes in there!

 

As always, please get in touch if there is anything you would like to share ideas on, find out more or perhaps even get involved! We are still looking for a Treasurer for our Board and if we are to find space for a Community Growing Scheme then we will require green fingered experts in this area! Contact details are below- hope you all have a great weekend.

hello@dufftowncommunity.co.uk

07928986261

 

 

 

Yesterday I visited Glenfiddich Distillery to receive a donation of £500 from the staff at William Grant & Sons. We are very grateful that they have chosen to support Dufftown and District Community Association at this time. The generous donation will be used to launch an additional service as part of our Community Food Larder Project which, falls under one of our six pillars to Improve Prosperity in the Dufftown and District Area. This additional support will be for families with young children who require access to baby essentials such as nappies, wipes and formula. We will be working with the Local  Health Visitor to distribute the goods however, families will also be able to come to us directly.

As always, please get in touch with us on the email below if you have any queries.

hello@dufftowncommunity.co.uk