Thank you to everyone who came along to the Community Forum on such a lovely summer evening. It was great to see many local groups represented and to have such positive discussions about the future of Dufftown and District.
Community Action Plan Consultation
The main focus of the evening was reviewing the feedback gathered so far for the Community Action Plan. Consultation has taken place across the community, including at local events, Glenrinnes Coffee Morning and Dufftown School, with more engagement planned at the Dufftown Market in August and with Speyside Youth in the new school term.
Some of the key themes emerging from the consultation include:
- More opportunities and facilities for children and young people, including park improvements, bike tracks and activities.
- Improved transport links and discussion around whether a community bus service could be a viable option.
- Better signage and information for visitors, particularly around walking and cycling routes.
- Completion of the Clock Tower project.
- Support for local shops and services.
- Cinema nights and community activities.
- Post Office.
It was agreed that once the consultation period is complete, a draft Community Action Plan will be prepared and brought back to the Forum for discussion. The group will then consider which organisations are best placed to take ownership of specific actions before the draft is shared with the wider community for review. The aim is to publish the final Community Action Plan before the end of the year.
Other Matters Arising
Summer Ceilidhs and Raffles
Plans are progressing well for the summer ceilidhs. A different local organisation will benefit from the running the raffle each evening, the following groups were selected last night from those who were present- DDCA, Speyside Youth, Dufftown Community Centre and Dufftown Football Club. Mortlach Memorial Hall has kindly agreed to run the bar- please support them!
We hope these events will be a great success and would appreciate everyone’s help in sharing promotional material on social media. Posters are available around town and flyers are being distributed to local cafés, accommodation providers and other businesses.
Dorenell Cross Area Heritage Event
A heritage-focused community event will take place on 3 October. Anyone interested in getting involved or finding out more is invited to contact Aileen.
Community Noticeboards
- The walking routes sign/board is being removed by JB Vats for repair.
- Moray Council has been contacted again regarding replacement of the noticeboard in The Square.
Dufftown Library
Moray Council is currently exploring options to relocate the library to Dufftown School. Contact has been made with Library Services and a meeting is scheduled for the end of July to discuss the proposals further.
Next Meeting
The next Community Forum will take place on the 23rd September, once the draft Community Action Plan has been prepared.
Thank you again to everyone who attended and contributed to such a productive discussion.
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please just let me know.
