Following the Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust Board of Directors meeting in June 2026, we are pleased to provide an update on the Riverside Field project in Lower Foyers.

Many residents will be aware that Riverside Field has been the subject of extensive discussion and consultation over recent months. Following public meetings and ongoing conversations with local residents, community groups and other stakeholders, the Board has now agreed to appoint an external Principal Designer to begin the next stage of the project.

The purpose of this appointment is to develop initial design options which will incorporate the previous plans done by the Landscape Architect and agreed with the residents group, undertake site assessments where required, and help establish what a realistic, sensible and deliverable project could look like. At this stage, no final design has been agreed, and no planning application has been submitted.

The Board has however provided a clear direction for the design team based on the feedback received from the community so far.

The emerging vision for Riverside Field is a low-impact outdoor community space that provides value to as many people as possible while respecting the rural character of the site and minimising any disturbance to neighbouring properties.

While the final design will be subject to further development and consultation, it is anticipated that the project will seek to incorporate:

• A walking and running trail around the perimeter of the field.
• Outdoor seating areas, including a mixture of covered and open-air spaces.
• A level central area suitable for informal recreation and community activities.
• Areas dedicated to community growing, including opportunities for vegetable cultivation.
• Tree planting and biodiversity improvements throughout the site.
• Features that encourage outdoor activity, social interaction and community wellbeing.

A key objective of the project is to create a space that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and interests. Whether that is walking, running, spending time outdoors with family and friends, participating in community growing initiatives, or simply enjoying the natural environment, the aim is to provide a flexible and welcoming community asset.

The Board remains mindful of the concerns raised during previous consultations, particularly regarding traffic, parking, noise, lighting, privacy and the overall character of the area. These considerations will continue to play a significant role throughout the design process, and every effort will be made to ensure that any proposals remain proportionate, sensitive and appropriate for their surroundings.

As the design work progresses, further opportunities will be provided for residents and members of the wider Stratherrick & Foyers community to review proposals and provide feedback before any final decisions are made.

We would like to thank everyone who has contributed ideas and comments so far. Your feedback has been invaluable in helping shape the direction of the project, and we look forward to continuing the conversation as the next stage develops.

Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust

This feed was drawn from the Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust website

There's still time to have your say on the future of our community.

The updated Community Action Plan will help shape priorities and guide future community benefit funding. That's why it's important that as many people as possible take part. For everyone’s benefit, the Community Trust and the Community Council are working together to facilitate the reCAP process, and the more people who respond, the stronger the plan will be.

?? Complete the survey:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe8GnJotw-nhrexb6DPZpsTREVZR0-IHUvlkgRXeM2T2N4yDw/viewform

?? Complete the survey and enter the draw for a chance to win £50.

?? Survey closes on the 30th of June.

Local pupils at Stratherrick Primary and Inverness Royal Academy have been busy suggesting what they think the community needs.  Top ideas included a community bus to get around the area more easily, more community activities for every age group that will also bring the community together, a sheltered indoor space to hang out, safe traffic-places to ride a bike, more frequent youth club, and upgraded play areas.

What do you think the community needs over the next 5 years?

The reCAP belongs to the whole community, so every response helps build a stronger picture of what matters most to local people.

This feed was drawn from the Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust website

The Mobile Library will be in Whitebridge this Wednesday morning, so pop along and say hello to Mark!

?? Stopping point & time:
• Whitebridge – The Wildside Centre: 11:00am – 11:30am

Mark will be on board with plenty of books for all ages – everyone welcome!

?? Looking ahead: If you’re unable to make this visit, you can catch Mark next in the area on the 14th of July, and back at The Wildside Centre on the 22nd of July.

?? Contact details
Mark Laurie
Dingwall & Moray Firth Mobile Assistant Librarian
High Life Highland
?? 01349 869869
?? mark.laurie@highlifehighland.com

This feed was drawn from the Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust website

The reCAP survey closes on the 30th of June.

This is your opportunity to help shape future priorities for our community and influence how community benefit funding can best support local needs in the years ahead.

?? The Community Trust and the Community Council are working together to facilitate the reCAP process for everyone’s benefit, and we want to hear from as many people as possible.

The survey only takes a few minutes to complete.

?? Take part here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe8GnJotw-nhrexb6DPZpsTREVZR0-IHUvlkgRXeM2T2N4yDw/viewform

?? As a thank you, everyone who completes the survey can opt into a prize draw to win £50.

?? Paper copies are available at:

The Wildside Centre

?? Closing date: 30th of June

Your voice matters - The reCAP belongs to the whole community, so every response helps build a stronger picture of what matters most to local people.

This feed was drawn from the Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust website

Join Sing In The Strath for their very first concert, “A Night at the Musicals – A Journey Through Time”, celebrating iconic songs from stage and screen!

Friday 19th June

Curtains up at 7:30pm

Errogie Church

All ages welcome

Free tickets available via Eventbrite, Foyers Store, or Boleskine Hub

Donations on the night welcome in support of the Scottish Air Ambulance.

Tickets are available from: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1987807858816

Community Minibus Available

Advance booking is essential. Pick-up points can be arranged where possible, and times will be confirmed when you book.

This is the final call for anyone who wishes to book a place on the community minibus for this event.

You have until midnight tonight - (18th June) to book.
We would like to remind you that our license with the Highland Council does not allow us to do random pick-ups, you must book in advance.
 

Call/Text: 07949 916955

Email: minibus@sfctrust.org.uk

Spaces are limited, so book your seat and come along for an evening of music, fun, and favourite show tunes! #SingInTheStrath #ANightAtTheMusicals #CommunityEvent

This feed was drawn from the Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust website

We are delighted that the Wildside Centre has been visited by so many furry friends this year, and the play park continues to entertain our younger members. So with respect to our visitors could we ask if you do visit the Wildside Centre with your own barking furry friend  that you keep them on a lead.

Thank you!

This feed was drawn from the Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust website

Love traditional music? Come along and join Kirsteen & Jack at The Wildside Centre on Saturday 20th June from 2pm for an afternoon of tunes, music, and great company.

Whether you're an experienced musician or simply want to sit back and listen, everyone is welcome. ??????

Bring your instrument, bring a friend, or just bring yourself and enjoy the atmosphere. The kettle will be on, the music will be flowing!

?? All ages and abilities welcome – the more the merrier! ??

This feed was drawn from the Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust website

The Mobile Library will be in the area next Tuesday morning, so pop along and say hello to Mark!

?? Stopping points & times:

• Errogie – Yellow Brick Road: 10:15 – 10:30

• Gorthleck – Village Hall Car Park: 10:45 – 11:15

• Foyers – The Hub: 11:30 – 12:00

Mark will be on board with plenty of books for all ages – everyone welcome!

?? Looking ahead: If you’re unable to make this visit, you can catch Mark next at The Wildside Centre on 24th June from 11am.

?? Contact details

Mark Laurie

Dingwall & Moray Firth Mobile Assistant Librarian

High Life Highland

?? 01349 869869

?? mark.laurie@highlifehighland.com

This feed was drawn from the Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust website

On Saturday 6th June, the Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust Community Minibus helped the South Loch Ness Heritage Group travel to the north of the Highlands for an inspiring day of heritage exploration.

With transport arrangements finalised through the Trust with our Community Minibus scheme and one of our drivers accompanying the group, members enjoyed visits to the Timespan Museum and Arts Centre in Helmsdale and the Brora Heritage Centre.

The group spent the day learning about the rich industrial and social history of the area, discovering how coal mining played a vital role in supporting other key local industries, including whisky distilling, salt production and weaving. The visit provided valuable insights and plenty of inspiration for future heritage projects closer to home.

Following the visit, the Heritage Group shared their thanks:

“It was fascinating to discover how coal mining historically supported other major industries in the area, such as whisky distilling, salt production and weaving.

The weather was lovely and we even treated ourselves to some of Sutherland’s best fish & chips!

We have come back with lots of knowledge and new ideas, to hopefully be able to create something similar in Stratherrick & Foyers.

We would like to thank Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust for making this trip possible with the provision of the community minibus, and for our lovely drivers Steve & Gail!”

We are delighted that the Community Minibus was able to support the South Loch Ness Heritage Group on this enjoyable and informative outing. A special thank you goes to our driver, Steve for helping make the day a success.

We look forward to seeing how the ideas and inspiration gathered during the trip contribute to future heritage initiatives in Stratherrick & Foyers.

This feed was drawn from the Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust website

The South Loch Ness Swift Project is looking for folk to help survey these birds and for house-holders who are willing to provide a home for Swifts by installing a nest-box.

For more information, please E-mail John at johnparrottca@gmail.com 

This feed was drawn from the Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust website