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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.

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.

• Heritage & History: You see it as a “historic landmark” and a “constant” symbol of our heritage.
• Community Heart: It is the “heart of Dufftown” and a place where “you always meet someone”.
• Iconic Potential: While you love its “iconic” and “beautiful” architecture, there is a strong sense of its future “potential”.

 The “Front Door” to Our History

You envision the tower as a vibrant, multi-use hub that welcomes the world while serving our residents.

• A Premier Gateway: Proposals include a dedicated museum and information centre to showcase our social and industrial past.
• Whisky & Tourism: The community has suggested the tower as a tourism “HQ” offering guided tours and whisky tastings that reflect our town’s authentic identity.
• A Creative Hub: Beyond history, the tower could host evening classes, art exhibitions, a music studio, and even a pop-up cinema.
• Local First Retail: You would like to support local makers with space for artisan crafters, “community vending” for local produce, and a community café to be open out with normal café hours.

 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.

• Pedestrian Friendly: There is high interest in traffic calming, zebra crossings, and creating dedicated pedestrian areas with better seating and security.
• Green & Vibrant: You’ve suggested floral displays from Dufftown in Bloom, a water feature, and even a community vegetable patch.
• Digital Connections: Modern upgrades like free public broadband, interactive notice boards, and digital maps will help keep us all connected.
• A Stage for Life: From a busking stage, to light shows and a “Whisky Capital” selfie station, the area should be a flexible venue for community life.

 Cherishing Our Favourite Memories

Our future plans are rooted in the deep emotional connection we all share with the tower.

• A Landmark for Home: For many, the tower is the first thing they saw when moving here. It simply “means home”.
• Festive Traditions: From the “Christmas Extravaganza” with trees on the roof to bringing in the New Year at Hogmanay with fireworks and a dram, the tower is our festive focal point.
• Historic Milestones: We remember the sound of the fixed bell, the abseil of 1993, and the poppies that honour our veterans.

 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.

Sharing this information on behalf of Moray Council

06.01.26

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.