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Last week I was fortunate to attend a webinar on Technology in Modern Society- how do we tackle digital exclusion, delivered by THRE (Third Sector Human Rights and Equality) as part of their lunch time webinars program. I was joined by colleagues in similar roles as my own right across Scotland and the session included inspiring stories by guest speakers Mhor Collective who take a Human Rights approach to digital inclusion.

The session highlighted the impact digital exclusion and equality can have on a person’s life – whether it is seeking help, filling in forms online including benefit and job applications, keeping in touch with loved ones or simply being involved in your own community and finding out about news and events.

This got me to thinking about residents in the Dufftown and District area and how this topic impacts their day to day life’s….

The DDCA will continue to promote events using posters and flyers as well as online to ensure we are engaging with as many people in the community as possible. If you know of anyone who would benefit from assistance accessing the digital world we are more than happy to help and you can contact us at aileen@dufftowncommunity.co.uk or pass along our contact number – 07928986261. All these details will be available in the Food Larder, Health Centre and Local Shops. If this is assistance that is valuable to the people of Dufftown we can look to arrange pop up sessions in the future where residents can ask questions or make an appointment to be supported in form filling etc.

In the meantime, I wanted to highlight some key websites that may be of use to the Community of Dufftown when it comes to accessing resources, finding help for others to support their journey online, keeping children safe online and accessing Social Tariffs.

 

Ofcom social tariffs Cheaper broadband/phone packages: phones-and-broadband/saving-money/social-tariffs

Data Banks free mobile sim cards for data: Goodthingsfoundation

LEAD easy read resources for staying safe online: lead.easy-read-and-accessible-resources

Learn My Way – Free digital skills: learnmyway

Internet Matters – Social media tools to keep children safe online: Internetmatters

 

As always,  please get in touch with any questions- we would be delighted to hear from you.

Dufftown and District Community Forum

April 2025

 

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

The theme of our most recent forum, held on the 24^th April 2025 was a ‘meet and greet’. There has been a short pause in the forums over the last year so it was important for all the groups and organisations in the community to catch up with each other’s progress challenges and events. This was an informative session that allowed groups to benefit through open communication and idea sharing.

 

The Community Groups presents were;

• The Royal British Legion
• Keith and Dufftown Railway Association
• Dufftown Trust
• Mortlach Memorial Hall
• Speyside Youth
• Dufftown Highland Games
• Dufftown and District Community Association
• Dufftown Community Centre
• IT Hub Dufftown

 

The forum had two key points on the agenda, a short update from each group followed by discussion around any issues raised. This was then followed by a discussion around topics for future forums.

 

The topics that the attendees concluded would be most useful for them and there work in the community were;

• Focus on the Community Action Plan 2021-2026- where are we now? Discussion on how to move the plan forward with key areas to prioritise.
• Meet the Funders event- this was done in a previous forum and it was felt it would be useful to repeat this event.
• ‘How to event’- invite speakers who would be able to inspire fundraising and community event ideas.
• Invite local employers along to discuss any plans they have for expansion, job opportunities including apprenticeships, community partnerships including volunteering schemes.

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

 

The next Dufftown and District Community Forum will be held Wednesday 3^rd September. Further details to follow.

 

As I have recently completely the report for the microgrants awarded in 23-24,  I wanted to take a moment to remind the community of the fund.

Groups in the community can apply to the fund for up to £1,000 to carry out charitable activities. The microgrant fund is part of the EDF Dorenell Community Benefit Fund and is distributed through Dufftown and District Community Association.

You can read more about the fund and examples of funding that has been awarded in our report, using the link below.

Dufftown and District Microgrants Fund Report 2023.docx pdf

There is also a section on our website which includes the application form.

Search Results for “micro grants” – Dufftown Community

If there are any questions regarding who can apply or assistance required in completing the form please email- aileen@dufftowncommunity.co.uk

 

Dufftown and District is fortunate to have so many charities working to make the area a better place to live and visit but they can’t do it by themselves. They need passionate, willing volunteers to help their charities grown and enable them to deliver projects to benefit the community.

Volunteering has many benefits for the local community but also for the volunteer! It provides connection with others, builds self confidence and offers the opportunity to learn new skills, improve physical, mental health and wellbeing and most importantly it’s the opportunity to have a lot of FUN and HELP OTHERS.

Don’t just take my word for it though, charities in the area have asked their volunteers what they get from being part of the brilliant work that they do and this is what they have said.

Dufftown in Bloom

Dufftown in Bloom is more than just planting flowers – it’s about planting friendships, pride in our town and a superb excuse to get outside.  There’s something special about seeing the town brighten up, knowing you’ve had a helping hand in it, often a muddy one to help make it happen! It’s a bonus to get the fresh air, bit of banter and sometimes a cuppa, it makes it all the more rewarding.  We’re busiest between May/June- October and welcome regular or ad hoc input to help keep Dufftown blooming – please reach out for a chat, find out more or to jump into our WhatsApp’s group to know when activities take place. Please message 07801 350 723 or talk with us Sat 12th April at Dufftown’s Farmer market

 

Keith and Dufftown Railway

“I enjoy the engineering aspect of it, and get a lot from the challenges that this presents. For example, the relatively unique environment means that when problems present themselves, the solutions often require a little head-scratching. It’s very satisfying. The social aspect of it is also very rewarding.

If you are thinking of volunteering with Keith and Dufftown Railway -Do it! There’s pretty much something for any ability or skill level. It doesn’t matter how much time you’re able to give, a day every so often or a couple of days a week, there’s a lot to be gained from it”

 

Speyside Youth 

Speyside Youth create and provide safe spaces and activities for young people to reach their full potential. This provision includes weekly Youth Cafés, lunch hubs, 1-1 young people/parent or carer support, information and signposting, skills development and training, peer-mentoring and high school transition work. Young people develop and build on skills, confidence and wellbeing whilst becoming more active in the Speyside Community. 

Volunteering with young people is a powerful way to make a positive, long-lasting impact, and it is extremely rewarding to see this manifest through the work done at Speyside Youth. As a volunteer you get to play an important part as a supportive adult figure, who can inspire confidence, provide guidance and model positive behaviour. You can gain as much as you give when you see the benefits to a young person’s life.

Volunteer opportunities are 2-4 hours at youth cafes on Tuesdays and Fridays, or as part of the advisory committee who meet monthly for 2 hours to manage the charity.

Dufftown Community Centre

The Volunteers at the Community Centre commented that Volunteering had the following benefits; 

” Helps grow confidence “

“it is a chance to give back to the community and make friends at the same time.”

 

Whisky & Heritage Centre

“Volunteering as part of the Whisky & Heritage Centre is about sharing stories, creating engaging connections, and showcasing Dufftown’s incredible history and all that comes with the current development project for the expanding centre. Whether it’s helping visitors trace their Speyside roots, swapping stories around whisky experiences with like-minded people, or simply enjoying a chat with locals and tourists alike, it can be a rewarding experience. We would love to hear from you if you’re interested in  volunteering when the centre re-opens.  Equally, if you are interested in bringing your skill set, experience and enthusiasm to the development project, perhaps  joining the Whisky and Heritage Trustees, then please do reach out for a chat (admin@dufftown.co.uk) and we look forward to meeting you on Sat 12th April at Dufftown’s Farmer market”  Andy Cameron, Chair

 

We will all be attending the Farmer’s Market on Saturday 12^th April from 10.00-1.00 with an array of volunteering opportunities across many of the charities in the town. So come along, have chat and see how you can support us! No big commitments required, even a little help now and then or for a specific event or task is hugely appreciated.

Earlier this month the DDCA published a survey to allow us to gain some insight in to the use of the Community Food Larder and how we could continue to support prosperity in Dufftown during the cost of living crisis. This information is vital to strengthen funding applications to enable us provide further support in the Community.  I am delighted to say that we received 54 responses, which is brilliant, thank you to everyone who completed the short survey.

Below you will see the quantitative data displayed in graphs, the majority of the feedback in ‘other’ category for how often you use the larder was ‘when passing’, ‘once a week’, ‘fortnightly’. Only 6 respondents replied that they never use the Food Larder.  The results show that the larder is well used by all age groups and is tackling the two key issues that it set out to which, were to reduce food waste and improve food security.

 

 

 

There was lots of great feedback when we asked about other services that we could introduce in Dufftown. I have noted these below- plans and discussions are already underway to bring some of the most requested services to the area and we will consider all the responses received.

• Clothing Swap/ Brick n Brack
• Toiletries in the Food Larder
• Baby Bank with nappies, wipes and formula
• Bike repair
• Activities for younger children
• Fresh produce- food vouchers
• Cooking Classes
• Skill swap/share
• Tool swap/ share
• Help with energy costs

 

A reminder that we do have Food Vouchers and the Hardship fund available, please contact aileen@dufftowncommunity.co.uk for further information. All requests are treated confidentially.

Please keep an eye on our Facebook page or, become a member of the DDCA to keep up to date with information on how we are looking to expand the services we offer to improve prosperity in Dufftown and District.

As always, please get in touch via email if we can be of assistance with any of the topics discussed in this article.

As we progress with the Clock Tower Project now is a really great time to get involved with the DDCA and become a Trustee!

The Board of Trustees is key to the continued functioning of the charity. Without trustees, we cannot operate. This is not a huge daunting commitment– Trustees are required to attending a monthly meeting, in person in Dufftown or virtually. You will also be required to answer a few emails a week to allow us to progress projects.

In return for volunteering as a trustee with us, we offer the opportunity to give something back to the community, personal growth, and having a role in shaping our many exciting projects.

We would particularly like to hear from anyone who will be willing to take on the role as treasurer.

 

Criteria for a Trustee of DDCA: 

• You Live, Work or are passionate about Dufftown and District.
• You are willing to accept other people’s views and ideas, consider them and constructively debate your point of view.
• You are willing to donate your time to the DDCA while having the commitment to complete actions.
• You bring energy and ideas to the DDCA and in return the DDCA provides opportunities for personal growth, development and the satisfaction of professional execution of our strategic plans.
• Desirable but not essential skills: Leadership, Influencing, HR skills, IT/Systems, PR/Communications, Knowledge of Charity governance, Strategy Development, Project Management, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion.

Responsibilities of a DDCA trustee:

• Read and follow the DDCA constitution
• Adequately prepare for trustee meetings and regularly attend (Once per month normally).
• Monitor the financial position of the charity and ensure corrective action is taken were appropriate
• Participate in appropriate governance of other risks including following OSCR guidance on safeguarding, prevention of fraud and inclusion leadership.
• Actively participate in DDCA subgroups and monitor the progress of projects.
• Declare any conflict of interest
• Be a role model and ambassador for the DDCA

For more information or to register your interest in the role please email aileen@dufftowncommunity.co.uk

 

Back in 2017 the council switched off the power to Dufftown’s Iconic Clock Tower and left an unacceptable situation for our community. We wanted to help, and on the 6th March 2018 we secured a maintenance agreement from the Council which allowed us to rewire the power supply to the clock so that it was safe from water ingress and it allowed the DDCA to pay the electricity bill to get the clock going again.

 

Later, in August 2020, we purchased the Clock Tower from Moray Council who had no intention of repairing or looking after the Dufftown Clock Tower. Since then we have acted to safeguard the Clock Tower and its future.

 

Since buying the Clock Tower, we have studied options, consulted with the community and agreed that the best future use of the Clock Tower is a holiday rental accommodation on the upper floors and a mixed use community space on the ground floor. This took quite some work to achieve and wouldn’t have been possible without our valued staff at the time – Viktoria.

 

Today, we wanted to share with you the good news that we have reached a milestone event, having spent over a year toiling with Planners, Architects and funding applications, we have now submitted a request for planning permission to achieve the below plan for the Clock Tower.

 

We trust this is welcome news to you all and we look forward to sharing progress with you again as updates occur.

 

 

 

 

 

Hot off the press! Why not have a read of the February newsletter and see how you can get involved in local community action this coming month.

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