Tickets for the Summer Ceilidh’s are now on sale!
Join us for four evenings of Scottish Music and Dance.
The bar will be open and there will be raffle prizes to win.
Book in advance and get a ticket for all 4 nights for the price of 3.
Links below to book..
We have received a further update from the Council regarding the ongoing road works on Fife Street. We recognise that these works, particularly at a key entrance to the town, have been in place for some time and understand the impact this is having on residents, businesses and visitors.
We have raised the importance of resolving this matter as a priority, particularly ahead of the busy summer period when traffic levels are expected to increase significantly.
The Council has advised that the situation is currently being progressed by their Consultancy team. They are awaiting the outcome of a stability review, which follows the completion of an intrusive inspection at the site.
Once the findings have been received and assessed, a further update will be provided, including any indicative timescales for the completion of the works.
We will continue to engage with the Council and share updates as soon as more information becomes available.
Over the past year, our warm spaces lunches have become an important part of the community, offering both social connection and practical support. Attendance data shows that the majority of participants, 64%, come every month, with a further 32% attending occasionally, and just 5% joining for the first time. This demonstrates not only that the lunches are well-attended, but also that they are successfully retaining participants, building a consistent and welcoming environment.
One of the strongest impacts of the lunches has been on community connection. An overwhelming 91% of attendees reported that coming to the lunches helped them feel more connected to others, while only a small proportion, 5%, felt “No” difference, and another 5% felt “Somewhat.” This shows that the lunches are achieving their primary goal of fostering relationships and a sense of belonging. This is further supported by the responses regarding friendships and relationships: 75% of participants said they had made new friends or strengthened existing relationships by attending, with just 19% reporting no change and 6% indicating “Somewhat.” It is clear that these lunches are helping people build meaningful social ties, which is a key factor in reducing isolation and promoting wellbeing.
The lunches also make a tangible difference to participants’ day-to-day lives. Sixty-four percent said the warm space positively impacted their day or week, 23% said it made “A little” difference, and only 5% said “No.” This highlights the role of the lunches in improving overall wellbeing, providing a consistent source of support and comfort in people’s weekly routines. In addition to social benefits, the warm spaces are a valuable source of information and practical advice. Over half of attendees (55%) reported receiving helpful information, advice, or resources, with 32% sometimes receiving support and 14% saying “No.” This demonstrates that the lunches are not only social hubs but also places where people can access practical help and guidance when needed. This year we have been supported by NHS Health Point, Police Scotland, Fire Safety Scotland and REAP.
When asked to rate their overall experience, participants were overwhelmingly positive. Fifty-nine percent rated their experience as “Excellent,” 27% as “Very good,” and 14% as “Good,” with no one rating “Fair” or “Poor.” This high level of satisfaction reflects the meaningful impact the lunches are having on attendees’ lives, offering not just food, but friendship, support, and a sense of community.
Overall, the Warm Spaces lunches are proving to be a vital resource in the community, helping to reduce isolation, foster connections, and improve wellbeing. High levels of regular attendance, positive social outcomes, and practical support underline the success of this initiative, highlighting its value both to individual participants and to the wider community. Below, you can see what attendees felt were the best aspects of attending the lunches. We look forward to welcoming everyone again in the Autumn.
As we welcome the arrival of spring, we’re delighted to share an update on what’s been happening across our projects and what’s coming up in the weeks ahead.
Funded Bike Hire Returns
We’re pleased to confirm that we have once again secured funding from HiTrans, allowing us to offer funded bike hire to the community. This will include both short-term and longer-term hire options, helping make cycling more accessible for everyone. Please get in touch if you would like to book a bike!
Upcoming Events
We have a couple of exciting events coming up:
Clock Tower Project Update
We’re excited to share that we have received approved Expressions of Interest from both Historic Environment Scotland and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Work is now underway behind the scenes to prepare full applications, and we look forward to keeping you updated as this progresses.
Warm Spaces Lunches
Our final Warm Spaces Lunch took place at the end of March. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed hosting these over the winter months and appreciate everyone who attended and supported them. We’ll be sharing feedback in due course and hope to bring the lunches back in October.
Growing Project
Work continues to secure suitable land for our growing project. In the meantime, we’re making great progress, our tatties are chitting and seeds are already sown. Thanks to the generosity of one of our steering group members, we’ve been able to get started on a small plot while we continue to explore longer-term options.
Summer Ceilidhs
Following positive feedback on social media, we’re moving ahead with plans to bring summer ceilidhs back to Dufftown. We’re currently liaising with musicians, dancers, and pipers, and will share confirmed dates as soon as we can.
Get Involved
As always, we’d love to hear from you, whether you’d like to get involved, share ideas, or find out more about what we’re doing. We are also currently looking for a Treasurer. It’s an exciting time to join as a trustee, with a wide range of projects gaining real momentum.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
Best wishes,
Dufftown & District Community Association
We have made it to spring! It has been another busy and productive month progressing projects, getting out and about at events and making plans for the year ahead.
This month we ran cooking classes with Moray Food Plus. I was lucky enough to attend a few of the sessions, spend time with Sarah who led the classes, and meet some of those who came along. It was brilliant to see people coming together in a relaxed space, learning new skills, sharing ideas and having a good chat while creating some amazing food along the way!
We also held our first Community Forum of the year. The main focus was the Community Action Plan and our plans to refresh it. We really want to make sure everyone in the community has the chance to get involved and share their ideas, so we will be looking at different ways to reach people and gather views over the coming months.
I attended an event at Number 30 in Huntly on the 12th of February which was a fantastic learning opportunity. It was great to hear about their project to turn an old building into a mixed-use space with a cinema and café. The event was also a brilliant chance to meet and network with other groups and charities across Moray who are working on restoring heritage buildings. It was really interesting hearing about their journeys so far, especially around project timelines, working with funders and the challenges and opportunities of working with older buildings. This was really helpful learning as we continue planning for the Clock Tower Project.
I have also continued developing my own learning for my role this month by attending the Development Officer Network, Social Impact Training and building my knowledge around AI for social enterprises.
Last week I headed up to Glenrinnes to support Claire, their Community Liaison Officer, at their coffee morning before heading back down to be at our own Warm Spaces lunch. It is always great to see these community spaces being well used, with lots of conversations, connections, delicious food and good company.
We were also really pleased to hear that our Expression of Interest to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Clock Tower Project has been successful. This is a really exciting step forward. We will now start gathering the information and evidence we need to move towards the full application and progress the capital works phase of the project.
We currently have three potential sites for the Growing Project and will continue working with the council and a private group to try and secure a suitable location so we can hopefully start making progress during this growing season. In the meantime, we will be at the Farmers Market on the 14th of March with more growing bags available, so the community can start growing at home and hopefully support the project once we have a permanent home for it.
Looking ahead, we have a few more events in the pipeline which we hope to share more details about soon once dates are confirmed. Our next clothing swap, car boot and re:loved sale will be on 18 April. Please get in touch for more information or to book a space for either the car boot or clothing sale.
As always, please do get in touch with any feedback, ideas or anything you would like to chat through.
aileen@dufftowncommunity.co.uk or 07928986261
DDCA Takes Over Stewardship of The Glenrinnes Way.
Dufftown and District Community Association (DDCA) is pleased to announce that it has taken over the maintenance and stewardship of the Glenrinnes Way following the winding up of Mortlach Area Leisure Trails (M.A.L.T).
The trustees of M.A.L.T have generously passed on the charity’s remaining assets to the DDCA, ensuring that the Glenrinnes Way, a vital and well-used local path, continues to benefit the community. The DDCA extends its sincere thanks to the M.A.L.T trustees for their dedication over the years. Their work began with the formation of Mortlach Area Leisure Trails in 2004- and culminated in the official opening of the Glenrinnes Way on Saturday 21st October 2006 by Bill Grant, one of the path’s oldest users, and Alec Gauld, one of the youngest.
The Glenrinnes Way, which forms part of a popular circular walk from Dufftown past the Golf Course, has provided a safe route for walkers and cyclists along the B9009, a stretch of road previously considered hazardous due to blind bends and heavy lorry traffic. Since its opening, the path has been a valued community resource, attracting over 250 walkers per week as well as numerous cyclists.
The DDCA will continue to maintain the Glenrinnes Way and support the wider network of local paths. These routes are important not only for the health and wellbeing of the community but also for supporting the local economy by encouraging tourism.
“This handover ensures the Glenrinnes Way remains a safe and enjoyable route for everyone, We are grateful to M.A.L.T for their vision and hard work in establishing the path, and we look forward to continuing their legacy.” Fraser McGill, DDCA Chairperson.
Back in 2021, after a huge amount of community effort and conversation, the Dufftown and District Community Action Plan was created to guide our priorities from 2021 to 2026. Built around five key themes: Environment and Heritage; Community, Youth and Recreation; Local Economy and Tourism; A Sustainable and Resilient Community; and Access to Services, the plan set out an ambitious vision for our town.
Since then, an incredible amount has been achieved. Highlights include the launch of the e-bike hire service, improvements to pathways, the growth of our Farmers’ Markets, enhanced Christmas lights, and upgrades to community buildings, Tininver Park, and the Bike Shed. At the same time, several exciting projects continue to gather real momentum, including the Whisky Heritage Museum, the MUGA, the Clock Tower Project, and the Growing Project.
Now, as we approach the end of this plan period, it is time to look ahead. Through a series of community forums, we will be revisiting each of the five themes and setting up sub-groups to help shape the next stage of Dufftown and District’s future. We warmly encourage everyone to get involved. We want to hear what matters to you, your family, and your neighbours.
There will be open evenings for brainstorming and conversation, chances to chat with us at the markets, and an online form for sharing ideas if you prefer to take part virtually.
Dufftown and District is full of passionate groups, charities, and individuals working hard to help our town reach its full potential. We hope you will share your ideas and join us as we refresh the Community Action Plan and continue building a strong future together.
As we step into a new year, Dufftown and District Community Association is looking ahead with optimism. We’re excited to continue developing our existing projects while also exploring new opportunities that support our community, strengthen connections, and respond to local needs. As always, your ideas and involvement are very welcome.
Following the recent spell of severe weather, we have taken steps to help improve community resilience. We have purchased snow shovels, shoe trax, sledges and a supply of long-life milk. These items will be available from the Food Larder at the Legion for anyone who may need them.
If you have suggestions for other practical ways we can support the community during challenging conditions, we would love to hear from you.
The HiTrans funding for our e-bike hire scheme has now been fully spent. The scheme proved extremely popular, with both short- and long-term hires well used by the community. Because of this success, DDCA will be looking to secure further funding so the e-bike hire can continue to be fully funded for the community into the year ahead.
Our first Community Forum of the year will take place on Wednesday 4 February. At this session, we will be revisiting the Dufftown and District Community Action Plan and discussing how we can ensure everyone has the opportunity to have their say. We will explore different ways people can get involved and take part in consultation, so we hope as many of you as possible can get involved in the conversation as we look to update the plan over the coming months.
Background work continues on the Clock Tower project as we progress towards securing funding for the capital works. We would like to once again thank everyone who took the time to get involved in the public consultation towards the end of last year. Your feedback has been invaluable and continues to shape the next steps of the project.
As we continue to work with Moray Council to find a home for our Growing Project, we thought it would be great to make some Growing Bags available in the Food Larder for the community to start their own growing. The bags are free of charge, organic, and contain everything you need to grow your own vegetables.
The Growing Bags will be available from Thursday 5 February, so come along and start your mini garden at home!
We are working with a variety of partners to bring a programme of events to Dufftown, designed to appeal to all age groups and interests. The first of our cooking classes will be held on 6 February. More details about this session will be sent out separately. We hope these events will provide opportunities for learning, socialising and having fun together.
Sporting Life in Dufftown
Dufftown is home to a fantastic range of sporting and physical activity groups, offering something for all ages, abilities and interests. Whether you are looking to get fit, try something new, meet new people or simply get out and about a bit more, there is no shortage of opportunities right here on your doorstep.
Being part of a local sports or activity group is about much more than exercise. It is a chance to connect with others, build confidence, improve physical and mental wellbeing and feel part of the community. Regular physical activity can help boost mood, reduce stress, improve sleep and increase overall energy levels, and doing it as part of a group makes it more enjoyable and easier to stick with.
From team sports to individual activities, indoor sessions to outdoor adventures, Dufftown’s sporting groups are welcoming, supportive and always keen to see new faces.
We have contacted as many sporting and physical activity groups in Dufftown as possible and are delighted to share the details below and they will be on our social. If you see something that sparks your interest, please get in touch with the group directly for the most up-to-date information.
Alternatively perhaps you may be interested in support Dufftown Football Club, either in an official capacity on their board or attending the matches and cheering the team on. The Committee holds monthly meetings and you can contact Harry for further information on hofficer2@gmail.com. The team plays from August – May – £6 for adults and £4 concessions and children. All the you require can be found at www.DufftownFc.co.uk
Whatever your age, fitness level or experience, there is a place for you within Dufftown’s sporting community. Taking that first step, whether it’s turning up to a training session, joining a class or standing on the side-lines cheering on a local team, can make a real difference to your health, confidence and sense of connection.
Why not make this the year you try something new, reconnect with a favourite sport, or support a local team? Dufftown’s sporting life is alive and kicking and everyone is welcome!
Before Christmas, we asked for your thoughts, memories, and big ideas for the Clock Tower. More than just stone and a clock face, this landmark is the symbolic heart of Dufftown.
Here is a summary of what you shared during the consultation, and we have also put together slides with all the responses we received which can be seen on our social media platforms or can be emailed to you on request. A big thank you to everyone who took part, your input helps shape the future of this beloved landmark!
What the Clock Tower Means to You
When asked to describe the tower in three words, your feedback was filled with pride.
The “Front Door” to Our History
You envision the tower as a vibrant, multi-use hub that welcomes the world while serving our residents.
Transforming the Space Around Us
It isn’t just about the building; it’s about the environment surrounding it. You want a town centre that is safer, greener, and more interactive.
Cherishing Our Favourite Memories
Our future plans are rooted in the deep emotional connection we all share with the tower.
The Road Ahead
The feedback is clear: the Clock Tower and surrounding area should be a hybrid space. A visitor attraction by day and a collaborative community space by night with flexibility to intertwine. By honouring our iconic heritage while embracing the potential of Dufftown we can ensure the Clock Tower remains our most powerful symbol of heritage for generations to come.
