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Do you need a car sometimes, but not often enough to justify buying one? Do you already have one car, but now and again need a second one? Or do you use public transport but need to go somewhere beyond the bus routes? The DDCA has a community car that you can rent! 

Having access to a car is essential for most people living in rural Scotland. Many of us live in areas where public transport is simply not available. Cars give us freedom in terms of being able to travel whenever you want as well as transporting bulkier items not easy to carry. That said, owning a car is not cheap. Costs include not only fuel but also purchasing the vehicle, insurance, MOT and servicing. That’s where different types of car sharing come in useful. Shared transport can take the form of formal car clubs with memberships. These are becoming more popular, especially in larger towns and cities. Shared transport can also be peer-to-peer models, where several households share one car. Given that research has found the average car in the UK to be parked up 23 hours per day, car sharing can decrease costs while maximising potential use of our resources. 

The DDCA purchased an electric car in February 2021 and we worked with The Moray Council to secure Dufftown’s first electric car charger in the Mortlach Memorial Hall Carpark. Acknowledging the need for sustainable and flexible transport options in Dufftown and District, we have explored different possibilities to make the car available for the community to use. First, we looked at setting up a more formal car club. But we quickly found barriers in terms of getting insurance. Instead, we found a peer-to-peer solution. The DDCA car can now be rented on a car sharing app called Hiyacar. Anyone can register, book the car and collect it from the Memorial Hall car park.

We are still figuring out the best ways to run the community car scheme, and need your help to test it out. Please get in touch if you want to pilot the scheme. We can set up a time convenient for you and go through the booking system and car details with you. 

Thanks to CoMoUK and tsiMoray for supporting our car sharing club with funding.

On Wednesday 31st of August, DDCA organised a public meeting to discuss the options for the clocktower and our next steps. 19 participants attended and it was great to hear everyone’s thoughts and ideas. 

DDCA took ownership of the clocktower from Moray Council in 2020. The priorities are: 1) keep the clock going 2) do something with the inside of the building 3) do something with the outside around the building. During the past year and a half, we have had a fabric condition survey carried out by a heritage architect. The building is in need of some essential repairs, which a quantity surveyor provided a budget estimate for. With this information, we have applied for a couple of grants to carry out the repairs, but the applications have unfortunately been unsuccessful. The feedback on the applications suggests that we need to do more to demonstrate how the building will be financially sustainable in the long run. We have taken on the feedback and with the support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, we currently have a consultancy to help us with the business plan. They have engaged with both Moray Council and the community. Last night they presented a few different options of what the building could be used for in the future. If you couldn’t attend the meeting last night, the presentation can be found here: Dufftown Clock Tower Community Meeting Presentation.

A key part dictating the options available is building regulations. The clocktower is a listed building and its tall height makes it difficult to meet certain fire regulations. In light of this, the preferred option presented was to use the ground floor as a public, multi-use space for the community and the upper floors as holiday accommodation. We had a great discussion about this option, with lots of useful suggestions and considerations. If you have any thoughts, please get in touch either with ourselves or Delfinity consultancy. The feedback will be anonymous and fed into the business plan. 

The next steps from here are to start up a Clocktower working group. Anyone is welcome to join. We will meet monthly to discuss new information and funding applications. I will also send out monthly updates. Let me know if you want to receive these. If you want to support the project with a written statement, I have created a Statement of support. We will use these in any future funding applications. The clocktower is such an exciting opportunity to do something great for the town and community. I’m really looking forward to the next few months, building on the momentum we started at the public meeting earlier this week. Again, thanks to everyone who came and shared their views and support. 

Last Saturday, August 20th, DDCA together with Outfit Moray organised a day of abseiling from the clocktower. Participants could choose to go off from the rooftop or through the top floor window. 21 brave souls abseiled from the roof and 13 abseilers made their way down from the top window. 

On the morning of the event, the climbing experts and instructors from Outfit Moray set up all the rope work, while the rest of us coned off parts of the street. Participants put on the harnesses and helmets on the ground floor to then climb the long spiral staircase up through the tower to the top. To get on to the roof, participants were guided by the instructors up through a ceiling window. Definitely an adventure in itself! Although the first few abseilers of the day experienced some rain, the clouds cleared quickly and we had glorious sunshine for the rest of the day. 

Rikki Clark was photographer on the day and got some great shots of the abseilers. In the photos, there are lots of good facial expressions as folk prepare to descend the tower. You can have a look at the photos on Outfit Moray’s facebook page. 

Back in spring when Outfit Moray approached the DDCA to start planning the event I said I definitely would not abseil as I am scared of heights. However, after having watched over 30 people do it and seeing their happiness afterwards, I decided last minute to give it a go. I wasn’t brave enough to tackle the roof but I did abseil from the window. As it is a rare chance you get to abseil off the Dufftown clocktower, I’m really glad I did it. 

 

The participants have been fantastic with fundraising money towards Outfit Moray and DDCA. With this financial support, we will be able to tackle some of the most urgent repairs on the clocktower. If you want to get involved with the restoration of the clocktower or hear more about the project, we are organising a public meeting about it next Wednesday 31st of August 7-8pm at the Glassworks Cafe here in Dufftown. We will talk about what we have done so far and the current situation, with time for questions, feedback and opportunities to get involved. It is a big project and the more the community works on it together the better the outcome will be!

As always, I’d love to hear from you. Just get in touch if you have any questions or comments.

Last week we organised a wellbeing week here in Dufftown and District. The aim of the week was to create opportunities for people to meet up, learn new skills and in the long-run improve their overall mental and physical wellbeing. We believe that a person’s wellbeing is connected to their sense of connection with others and feeling empowered to have control over their own lives. Therefore, all the workshops and events during the week were designed to be interactive and confidence-building.

Starting off the wellbeing week, Alison from Chilling Women came over from Huntly to teach us about the benefits of essential oils and alternative therapies. Together, we made lavender-infused hand cream and practised relaxation through hand massage. It was a very informative session and we’d love to have Alison back to Dufftown soon!

Our DDCA Trustee, volunteer and fellow Dufftown resident June ran a workshop on planting up beautiful pots for the garden. With participants ranging from the age of 10 to 70, it is clear that gardening is for everyone. We learned how to make up plant soil and which plants are suitable for pots. Most importantly, we had fun and built confidence in ‘just going for it’!

In a similar fashion, at our nourishing cooking workshop Sandra from Moray Food Plus showed us how to have fun and experiment with cooking. We made three main courses in under two hours. With the current cost-of-living crisis, it was a plus that all ingredients were cheap yet nourishing.

On the Friday, local artist Morag Tweedie led an experimental printing workshop. Using materials that most of us will have at home, like forks and leaves, we created some impressive prints. While I used to play and write music when I was younger, I don’t use my creative part of the brain as much these days and I was surprised at how difficult it was for me to let go and enjoy myself. As adults, I don’t think we spend enough time learning through play as we used to do as kids. However, as the workshop went on I became more and more comfortable with not having to make something look “perfect” and just have fun with it instead. 

The most adventurous event of them all was the Cabrach eBike ride in collaboration with Dorenell Ranger Service, Outfit Moray and Cycling UK. We covered 37 km of varied terrain along the Glenfiddich trails. It definitely improved our confidence levels of what we are capable of on a bike! The weather could not have been better and we took our time exploring the beautiful landscape and features of the Cabrach. I’m really looking forward to organising more led rides with Dorenell Ranger Service, Outfit Moray and Cycling UK.

Last but not least, Donna Dragonfly Yoga ran an all-ability yoga session at the Memorial Hall. Donna showed us how even the smallest of movements can make a difference to how the body feels and moves. A perfectly relaxing way to finish off the wellbeing week.

The wellbeing week exceeded my expectations. It was lovely meeting new people and learning new skills from local tutors and organisations. We want to build on this experience and showcase more of the many local skills we have in Dufftown and District. One of the participants from the week has already started thinking of what skills they can share with the rest of the community at future DDCA wellbeing sessions. Please do get in touch if you have an idea or suggestion on what we should do next to boost wellbeing – I’d love to hear from you. 

Last week I cycled down to the Keith and Dufftown Railway and met with their volunteers. I can easily say it was the highlight of my week!  

The heritage railway is run by volunteers who improve, maintain and run the trains. On top of the regular fares, they also put on themed events, such as a Teddy weekend, fish supper and a 1940s weekend. One of their current projects is the ‘Dram Tram’. The volunteers are completely refurbishing the internals of the carriage to create a whisky inspired experience. They have even sourced a bespoke bar made out of whisky barrels. If you want to support the Dram Tram, you can get in touch with them to donate money towards a table or chairs, which will have your name on them. I look forward to seeing the finished product. 

I also learned that KDRA have recently been upgrading their tracks at the Dufftown station. With the help from RAF engineers and their 3 young workers through the Scottish Government Kickstarter programme, they have now installed a second line at the Dufftown terminus. A lot of hard work and dedication has gone into the work. 

Thanks to the Dorenell Windfarm microgrant delivered through the DDCA, the railway now has a sturdy bike stand on the platform. Why not rent our DDCA eBikes, cycle down to the station and head over to Keith for the day? Don’t forget to treat yourself to something from the Sidings Cafe. I think it would be a great day out. 

The highlight of my visit was of course driving the train. Bruce showed me the ropes (or rather all the spokes) and off we went for about 30 metres to connect the locomotive to the carriage. I have never been so excited driving 5 miles per hour! 

Running a heritage railway requires a lot of work and money. I am well impressed with what the KDRA volunteers have achieved over the years. If you are looking for a great day out while supporting a local community group, head down to the Keith and Dufftown Railway station! 

Trains run twice per day on Friday to Sunday between April and October. Tickets can be booked online or at the station. 

Make sure to book on to the events in advance to secure your spot!

With funding from the Moray Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund, the DDCA is organising a wellbeing week with one event per day between August 8th and 14th, focusing on activities and skills that can improve our mental and physical wellbeing. The project feeds into one of DDCAs strategic aims of ‘improving prosperity’ to ensure Dufftown and District is a prospering community where everybody can succeed. This week we have been busy preparing! 

In preparation for the lotion and relaxation workshop, we have sourced small jars that participants can use to take home their lotion. We are really excited to have Alison, from Chilling Women, come and show us how to make it! 

Our trustee June has also been busy planning the shopping list for plants and soil to use for the gardening for all workshop. In this workshop, June will show participants how to plant up a pretty plant pot. It’s open to everyone, including families, and will be fun for people with all levels of previous gardening experience. 

Stephen the Dorenell ranger has been busy planning and reccing the route for the guided walk up the Convals. Hopefully we will see some wildlife and learn about the local fauna and flora. Please book this event by Monday the 9th of August. 

I have spent quite a bit of time in our bike shed with fellow Dufftown resident John to make sure our eBikes are good to go for our eBike ride in the Cabrach. John showed me how to change a cassette and how to index gears. You learn something new every day! Stephen the Dorenell Ranger will be leading the eBike ride around the Dorenell Waymarked trails. We’ll pass Glenfiddich Lodge, Blackwater Lodge, the McHardy stone, Elf House cave and hopefully have some great views of the Cairngorms and wildlife along the way. This is an all day cycle and although the e-bikes will assist, you will still need some experience of spending the day on a bike and cycling off road. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us. Please book by Wednesday the 11th of August.  

For our nourishing cooking workshop, Moray Food Plus will come to Dufftown. The idea is that we can all learn from each other and build confidence. We will be making a vegetable curry, healthy and cost effective. We will also cook a tomato and orzo pasta soup and a chocolate brownie pudding. Moray Food Plus will have some containers for people to take food home or we can eat there if time allows.

Our local artist Morag Tweedie, has been getting ready for her experimental printing without a press workshop. During this half day, experimental workshop you will explore printing techniques without using a press. We will be starting with mono-printing techniques – learning how to make one-off prints from your working surface, from drawings and using the roller to create multi-colour images. Other techniques may include simple lino-cut and collage techniques. 

For the last day of the wellbeing week, our local yoga instructor Donna will be teaching an all-ability yoga class. I can’t think of a more relaxing way to finish off the wellbeing week. If you want to get some fresh air before the yoga, Outfit Moray is coming to Dufftown on Sunday for a Bike Day. Between 10am and 3pm you can come down to Mortlach Primary School and try out a bike obstacle course, eBike trials and adapted bikes. 

Get ready for a fun week full of activities to boost your wellbeing!

Last week, various community groups and residents of Dufftown & District came together to share our experiences from the last couple of years in relation to the Action Plan 2021-2026.

In 2020-2021 community groups, individuals and businesses took part in creating a Dufftown and District Community Action Plan 2021-2026. The Plan summarises views and information about the community, our vision for the future, main strategies and priorities, as well as an action plan. This is our guide for what Dufftown and District – as a community – will try to make happen over the next 5 years. 

A lot has happened since the Action Plan was prepared over one year ago. The country has been in and out of various lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We all have had to focus our efforts to fill the most urgent and essential needs of the community. Furthermore, there has been a restricted ability to have face-to-face meetings and open events.

Now that we are able to meet up in-person again, DDCA organised an Action Plan review meeting on July 20th 2022. The purpose of the meeting was to provide a platform for groups, businesses and individuals to come together and share their experiences from the last couple of years to understand how we are progressing with the action plan. The meeting was also a chance to remind ourselves of our shared values for Dufftown and District and review our vision for its future.

At the 2-hour long meeting, we discussed what has gone well in the past couple of years. Some of the themes that came up were the community spirit during the pandemic. The food larder was established, IT equipment was provided, and Dufftown’s scenic nature was especially appreciated when we all had to stay close to home. It was also shared that many community facilities and amenities have been upgraded lately, improving our shared spaces. Furthermore, there have been some great events, such as the creation of a monthly farmer’s market and the Santa train. 

We also discussed some of the challenges groups and individuals have faced. Dufftown has lost some of its services, which is neither good for residents nor businesses. It has also been difficult for groups to fundraise for their projects and activities due to the pandemic. Lastly, it was expressed that Dufftown has the potential of looking much more inviting than it currently does. It was felt that it would be good for everyone if there was less litter, empty shop fronts and vandalism. 

What I took away from the meeting was a positive spirit of everyone wanting to get things done and to meet up regularly. The community has already achieved an impressive amount of points set out in the Action Plan. I will share a report on this in the next month. Just let me know if you want me to send it to you. We will also share a summary of the meeting as well as details for the next Action Plan meeting later this year in the next Speirin’s issue. As always, get in touch if you’re interested in getting involved.

As I have previously mentioned in my blogs, I am a big fan of swimming outdoors. While I used to do a lot of sea swimming when I lived in Aberdeen, I prefer fresh water and am always on the lookout for good lochs or rivers to go for a dip in. One of my favourite swim spots in the area is Linn Falls in Aberlour. Last week I went for a well-deserved dip while out on one of the DDCA eBikes.

I really like cycling over the Blue hill via the public footpath, as that means I can get to Aberlour without having to cycle on the main road. I mapped out the route a few months back. Last time I went up there, it was spring time and the bushes and trees were still bare. This time, nature was in full bloom. It is amazing how different everything looks depending on the season.

Once in Aberlour, I went down to the River Spey, along the graveyard and crossed the main street by Aberlour distillery. From here, I followed the trail into the woods that take you to Linn Falls. The trail actually continues up the falls and you can follow the burn in a circular loop that eventually takes you back to the top of Aberlour. Once at Linn Falls, the hardest bit of outdoor swimming awaited me – getting out of your clothes and mentally prepare for those first ten seconds of cold water to hit you! I usually do some starjumps and squats to warm the body up first. You look a bit silly but I find that it helps to get in the right mindset. Then it’s the process of actually getting in the water. My strategy is less thinking – more doing. If you think too much about it, the risk of talking yourself out of it is much bigger. Once you are in, concentrate on getting your breathing in control and just enjoy the feeling. Remember to keep an eye on your body temperature and get out before you get too cold. It is always best to increase the time you are in the water slowly over several swims as your body learns to cope with cold temperatures.

Why I love outdoor swimming so much is the mental boost I get from it. It’s a chance to improve your self-confidence by doing something despite it being a bit uncomfortable. The feeling has a lasting effect and makes you more likely to get out of your comfort zone in other areas of your life. I’ll be going for swims regularly this summer, so just get in touch if you want to come along.

Last week I was invited along to a workshop hosted by tsiMoray where we shared ideas of what a Moray Climate Action Hub would look like. 

The Scottish Government is supporting the development of a network of regional community climate action hubs. These hubs will provide a regional approach to climate change action. As the Hubs should be shaped by and be responsive to the needs of their communities, various stakeholders in Moray were invited to the workshop to help shape the proposal for a hub here in Moray. 

The main activity of the session was to discuss in groups what we want the climate action hub to do for us, and what we can do for the hub. Below is a photo of what my group wanted the hub to provide. We identified functions related to engagement, such as education opportunities. We also discussed the need for a joined-up approach, where the hub can help with coordination and collaboration between various groups, businesses and public bodies. Lastly, my group identified that it would be very useful if the hub could provide expertise and best practice for capacity building in new projects. 

On the second question, regarding what different stakeholders can bring to the hub, I unfortunately forgot to take a photo of our ideas but they centred around three aspects. Firstly, we can bring the communities to the hub. To make sure that the hub is responsive to the specific needs of Moray, it is vital that communities are part of shaping the agenda and work of the hub. Secondly, stakeholders can bring experience, case studies and best practice to the hub. This encourages shared learning and ensures different groups don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Thirdly, we can bring creativity to the climate action hub. Thinking about, and tackling, climate change can easily become overwhelming due to technical jargon, masses of information and complex connections between the economy, nature and people. Creativity and art is a fantastic way to approach difficult issues and make them more relatable. 

I look forward to seeing how the proposal for a Moray climate action hub takes shape. If you have any ideas or want to get involved with the Moray Climate Action Hub work, please get in touch with me. I’d love to hear what your thoughts are.

Based on a skills needs survey conducted by DDCA in 2022, it was identified that outdoor training was one of the top desired services in the community. I reached out to the environmental education organisation Wild Things and during the past month, Dufftown residents have learnt new, practical bushcraft skills. This week I went along to their workshops to learn everything from plant identification to tying different types of knots. 

We met at Megs Widd and gathered our kits and tools for the day. After a short walk into the woods we found a clearing suitable to set up a shelter. Paul the instructor showed me how to tie a Siberian hitch knot and a tautline hitch knot. With just a tarp and some string we managed to make a great little shelter! 

With our base camp set up, we ventured further into the woods to find material for making various crafts. We collected elder branches and nettles, and identified some of the plants around us. As a kid, I always used to snack on wood sorrel when I was in the woods, and I was pleasantly surprised that Megs Widd is full of it! It also contains plenty of blaeberry bushes but last year the crop was rather sparse up there. Hopefully there will be more this year. 

Once back under our shelter, we learnt how to make beads and nettle cord. You cut the elder branches up in inch-long pieces and poke out the soft wood in the middle, which leaves you with a bead that you can paint or carve patterns on. I focused on the nettles, which I stripped the leaves off and split the stalk with a stone. I then twinned the inner fibres together to make a cord. Using the cord and the beads together, you can make lots of different things! 

Paul and the other participants showed me their nature diaries. This is a notebook you can take with you when you are outdoors and use as you like. One participant had drawn sketches of the plants and wildlife they had come across during the workshops. Another participant had used it to make notes of the different activities and skills they have covered so far. I really like the idea of a nature diary that you can use both as a log book of what you see in the woods as well as your thoughts and feelings. Anyone that has spent time outdoors will know that it is a great way to clear your head and re-charge the mental batteries.

I’m thankful that Wild Things has provided this bushcraft course in Dufftown and I hope the participants have found it valuable.