It’s been another busy month for the DDCA, with progress across a wide range of projects and activities.
Clock Tower Project
A significant amount of work has gone into preparing and submitting our funding application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This is a two-stage application process consisting of a Development Phase followed by a Delivery Phase.
If successful, we hope to begin the Development Phase in October 2026. This stage will allow us to refine the project plans, develop detailed costings and, importantly, create an Activity Plan that ensures the Clock Tower becomes a well-loved community asset. We want the project to benefit the whole community and encourage people who may not currently engage with local heritage to get involved and discover more about Dufftown’s history.
Bike Hire Project
Our long-awaited bike lockers have finally arrived. Moray Council has now completed the slabbed area in front of the bike shed, and once the lockers are assembled and secured, the bike hire process will become much easier and more flexible for users.
The lockers operate using a keypad entry system, allowing customers convenient access to hired bikes. We are also exploring funding opportunities for solar panels on the bike shed, helping to make the project even more environmentally sustainable.
We currently have several logs at the front of the bike shed that we would like to turn into bike stands. If you are handy with a chainsaw, or know someone who is, and would be willing to volunteer some time, we would love to hear from you.
There are also several evening cycle rides coming up with the Dorenell Rangers. Details can be found later below. Ebike hire will be available for these events free of charge.
1st July Evening Guided Cycle Dufftown to Telford Bridge with Dorenell Ranger – Dufftown Community
5th August Evening Guided Cycle Gownie Loop – Dufftown Community
27th August Guided Cycle Glenrinnes – Dufftown Community
Community Workshops
Over the past month, we have delivered cooking classes for both adults and young people. These have been a huge success, and we would like to thank Moray Food Plus for their support in making them possible.
Our Make Do and Mend workshops have also proved extremely popular. We are currently organising two further sessions, please see poster attached:
- Tuesday 9 June, 10am–1pm
- An evening session, likely the following week (date to be confirmed)
As part of the project, anyone attending one of our workshops can borrow one of our new sewing machines free of charge once this block of workshops is over.
We still have two places remaining on our Stone Masonry Workshop. If you would like to book a place, please get in touch. Booking has also now opened for our Stained Glass Window Workshop.
We are extremely grateful to The Robertson Trust for funding these opportunities and helping us bring traditional skills and practical learning into the community.
Housing Masterplan Consultation
The Housing Masterplan has now been published.
A public consultation event will take place on Thursday 11 June from 4pm to 7pm at Dufftown Library. Representatives from both Moray Council and the DDCA will be available throughout the event to answer questions and discuss the proposals.
We would encourage anyone with an interest in housing within the community to come along and have their say.
Community Support
The recently introduced Hardship Cupboard at the Legion has been very well received. It is stocked with cereals, tinned goods and ingredients for simple, nutritious meals.
Our Hardship Fund and Baby Fund also continue to be well used, providing valuable support to local families and individuals when they need it most.
Growing Project
Our growing project is moving forward, with seeds now planted and growing. However, we are currently awaiting permission from Moray Council to use a piece of land within the industrial estate.
This location has the potential to become an excellent long-term home for the project, offering fantastic opportunities for community growing, learning and engagement. We remain hopeful that our patience will pay off and that we can move forward with plans in the near future.
Get Involved
We continue to actively recruit new trustees and a Treasurer to join the organisation.
As you can see, there is a huge amount happening across a diverse range of projects. It is an exciting time for the DDCA, but we need additional support to continue delivering and growing this work.
If you would like to play a part in shaping the future of our community, please consider getting involved. We’d be delighted to hear from you.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
The DDCA Team
