Apprenticeship Fund (for 16 – 24 years old) With the additional pressures caused by Covid-19 lockdown restrictions it is a very difficult time for all types of businesses, particularly if you employ staff. Support is available through the Apprenticeship Fund which contributes towards the cost of wages/salary of an apprentice, with up to £22,500 available over three years; plus £1,000 towards PPE and equipment. The next round of applications is now open and the submission date is the 28 th April. A decision on your application will be made by the 25 th May. We would recommend you start planning as early as possible. Contact Carol for more information. https:// www.soirbheas.org/apprenticeship-programme/ Development Support Days New Service for local Groups from Soirbheas Does your group or project need some support and time to get it started? In addition to Soirbheas’ grant programmes we now offer Development Support Days. These essentially provide an allocation of staff time to assist with the development of your project. What sort of activities and projects will qualify for Development Support Days? The projects will need to be based in the Glen Urquhart or Strathglass area, be of benefit to the community and led by a local group or organisation (that meets the normal funding criteria). How many support days can you request? An initial discussion with the development staff will help to ascertain how much support is required, e.g. smaller projects or events might just require 2 or 3 days over a couple of weeks; for larger or complex projects, e.g. to develop a venue or establish a new service, an allocation of 10+ days may be required. If you would like to learn more or have a project in mind, please get in touch! Meet our Director - Fraser Mackenzie Fraser was brought up in Kyle of Lochalsh and went to school at Plockton High and then to Aberdeen University where in 1973 he graduated with honours in English. He became a teacher in Inverness High but chose to live in Drum. He is married with two daughters. He is a fount of knowledge on Highland heritage, Gaelic and shinty, and in 2019 was awarded the MOWI National Media Award for services to shinty journalism. He believes that you should try to give back something to the community in which you live, and so is a contributor to and editor of the Glenurquhart Bulletin; is a trustee of GURCA; is the Treasurer of Glenurquhart Shinty Club; serves as Vice Chairman of the Highland Games Committee; and is a Director with Soirbheas. “I am happy to serve as a Director of Soirbheas because I am aware of how vital its development work and stewardship is to the community. We have been involved in providing funding for a large number of local groups who would otherwise have struggled to initiate projects. Initially these were smaller under-takings, but with the rollout of Tier 2 and Tier 3 funds, and of course the apprenticeship scheme Soirbheas is now stepping forward in a way that can radically influence the lives of those who live in the community. This has been particularly evident during the recent pandemic with the local larders’ initiative and with the development of a befrienders scheme to help combat loneliness. To be a part of initiatives like these is very special.” Working towards a more vibrant, growing & greener community. Spring 2021 Newsletter Dial in funding sessions Carol and Nicky continue to offer funding sessions at a time that is convenient for you. In addition to normal working hours we can arrange a digital meet or telephone conference in the evenings or weekends. We look forward to hearing from you. Community Survey We undertook a community survey in December to gain views about the community support provided during the Covid Pandemic. In responses to the feedback we have planned an Introduction to Mindfulness Zoom session and produced a leaflet containing contact details of a range of organisations offering support for mental health and wellness - see back cover - an electronic version is also available https://www.soirbheas.org/projects/ openness-inclusive-communities/ Now in Community Ownership Great news! The former TIC now belongs to Glen Urquhart Rural Community Association and is the new home to the Loch Ness Hub.
Transcript
Apprenticeship Fund (for 16 – 24 years old)
With the additional pressures caused by Covid-19 lockdown restrictions it is a very difficult time for all types of businesses, particularly if you employ staff.
Support is available through the Apprenticeship Fund which contributes towards the cost of wages/salary of an apprentice, with up to £22,500 available over three years; plus £1,000 towards PPE and equipment. The next round of applications is now open and the submission date is the 28th April. A decision on your application will be made by the 25th May. We would recommend you start planning as early as possible. Contact Carol for more information. https://www.soirbheas.org/apprenticeship-programme/
Development Support Days
New Service for local Groups from Soirbheas Does your group or project need some support and time to get it started?
In addition to Soirbheas’ grant programmes we now offer Development Support Days. These essentially provide an allocation of staff time to assist with the development of your project.
What sort of activities and projects will qualify for Development Support Days?
The projects will need to be based in the Glen Urquhart or Strathglass area, be of benefit to the community and led by a local group or organisation (that meets the normal funding criteria).
How many support days can you request?
An initial discussion with the development staff will help to ascertain how much support is required, e.g. smaller projects or events might just require 2 or 3 days over a couple of weeks; for larger or complex projects, e.g. to develop a venue or establish a new service, an allocation of 10+ days may be required.
If you would like to learn more or have a project in mind, please get in touch!
Meet our Director - Fraser Mackenzie Fraser was brought up in Kyle of Lochalsh and went to school at Plockton High and then to Aberdeen University where in 1973 he graduated with honours in English. He became a teacher in Inverness High but chose to live in Drum. He is married with two daughters. He
is a fount of knowledge on Highland heritage, Gaelic and shinty, and in 2019 was awarded the MOWI National Media Award for services to shinty journalism. He believes that you should try to give back something to the community in which you live, and so is a contributor to and editor of the Glenurquhart Bulletin; is a trustee of GURCA; is the Treasurer of Glenurquhart Shinty Club; serves as Vice Chairman of the Highland Games Committee; and is a Director with Soirbheas. “I am happy to serve as a Director of Soirbheas because I am aware of how vital its development work and stewardship is to the community. We have been involved in providing funding for a large number of local groups who would otherwise have struggled to initiate projects. Initially these were smaller under-takings, but with the rollout of Tier 2 and Tier 3 funds, and of course the apprenticeship scheme Soirbheas is now stepping forward in a way that can radically influence the lives of those who live in the community. This has been particularly evident during the recent pandemic with the local larders’ initiative and with the development of a befrienders scheme to help combat loneliness. To be a part of initiatives like these is very special.”
Working towards a more vibrant, growing & greener community.
Spring 2021 Newsletter
Dial in funding sessions
Carol and Nicky continue to offer funding sessions at a time that is convenient for you. In addition to normal working hours we can arrange a digital meet or telephone conference in the evenings or weekends. We look forward to hearing from you.
Community Survey
We undertook a community survey in December to gain views about the community support provided during the Covid Pandemic.
In responses to the feedback we have planned an Introduction to Mindfulness Zoom session and produced a leaflet containing contact details of a range of organisations offering support for mental health and wellness - see back cover - an electronic version is also available https://www.soirbheas.org/projects/openness-inclusive-communities/
Now in Community Ownership
Great news! The former TIC now belongs to Glen Urquhart Rural Community Association and is the new home to the Loch Ness Hub.
Loch Ness Hub: The share offer which closed in October was fully subscribed, negating the need to draw down on a loan. Russell Fraser has been appointed as Hub Manager and work has started on renovations and energy improvements. Soirbheas continue to work closely with the Hub to develop community transport initiatives. https://lochnesshub.com/
Affric Kintail Way: work on phase one of the new off road section from Cannich is progressing well http://glenaffric.info/
Nurses House: progress includes: planning has been approved, and the contract awarded, awaiting building warrant. http://www.strathglass-community.org.uk/nurses-house.html
Cnocan Burraidh: Delighted to report the restoration work at the graveyard is nearing completion. David Fraser has led on the restoration project and is delighted to see the years of hard work coming to fruition. What a spectacular transformation!
Glen Urquhart Childcare Centre have been asked to submit a Case Study to Archaeology Scotland as they are the first pre-school group to have completed their Heritage Heroes Detectives Award! Check out the project page https://www.soirbheas.org/cnocan-burraidh-heritage-project/
Green Health Day: A fantastic - if extremely wet - day facilitated by N4H in October. Across 13 sessions there were 91 places taken up by people of all age groups. The day included foraging, nature walks, campfire cooking and wellness.
Food Larders: The Larders continue to be provided to reduce food waste and insecurity. They can be found in bus shelters in Drumnadrochit, Cannich and Struy. Donations from residents and New Start are gratefully received. Many thanks for your contributions and to the volunteers who keep the shelves well stocked.
Winter Resilience Packs: In December 100 packs were assembled and distributed to elderly residents in Strathglass and clients of Glen Urquhart Care Centre. The packs were very well received and consisted of a whistle, glow in the dark stickers, torch, room thermometer, emergency snacks, handy contact numbers and winter hints and tips.
Recent Grant awards
Since 2014 Soirbheas have awarded over £380k across the 4 grant programmes which have directly benefited 100’s of people who live in Strathglass and Glen Urquhart! Our most recent awards are:
Apprenticeship Fund: Soirbheas are very keen to support local businesses, and young people to be employed and remain in their home area.
Tom Nelson Stonework has been awarded funding for an apprentice in Rural Skills.
Tier 1 Grants: two projects were successful with their applications; one to Glen Urquhart Childcare Centre for music and drama lessons; the second is to Glen Urquhart Community Council to carry out a survey on new cycle routes.
Tier 3 Grants: one grant has been awarded to Loch Ness Hub for the purchase of the Baggage Transfer Business.
Community Fund: six organisations have been supported through the Community Fund. This fund remains open and groups can apply for help with costs of changing how they work or provide services, preparing for new activity, essential running costs or loss of income.
Further information on application deadlines see our website https://www.soirbheas.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Soirbheas-21-22-grant-deadlines.pdf
Food Projects
Soirbheas has been awarded funds from the CoOp to fund three projects which encourage healthy eating, reduce food waste and address food insecurity. The annual Tattie Project has been extended to be a Growing Day which includes growing onions, garlic and shallots. A pre-order and collection service has been organised. Donations received from the tubers and sets will be used to provide further growing resources. If you don’t have access to the web contact Nicky to order. A food bag project with Cannich Bridge Primary and Glen Urquhart Nursery will provide resources to cook healthy meals and earn about reducing food waste. A shed to be sited behind Café 82 will become the new Drumnadrochit community larder. We hope to engage volunteers to develop seed, plant, and produce swaps and other food related activities. Contact Nicky for more information.
Working towards a more vibrant, growing & greener community.
Focus on Groups We are delighted to share news with you from Sandra Bardwell Craigmonie Woodland Association
Despite Covid-related lockdown restrictions, the Association has been able to make a good start on replanting the harvested area within the Woodland west of Craig Mony and overlooking Milton.
2,000 seedlings of various appropriate deciduous species have been supplied by Forestry and Land Scotland, and the planting undertaken in accordance with a plan devised by an Association member and agreed with FLS. At all times, the work has been in strict accordance with social distancing requirements and caried out despite the cold, snowy weather during December & January. The hardy band of volunteers has already put in more than 200 hours to plant 1000 seedlings. The work will continue as soon as possible.
In a less strenuous vein, we have a new logo, originally designed by one of our members and prepared for use by a
professional graphic designer, all online of course. We welcome new members to help with our work in the Woodland, an ideal way to invest in the future of Drumnadrochit and the Glen. Contact Alan Bell - 01456 450227 or Sandra Bardwell 01456 450609.
Dates For Your Diary
Growing / Tattie Day:
Pre-order and collect service only order now while stocks last.
Collection points tbc up until 13th March. https://www.soirbheas.org/growing-tattie-day/
Soirbheas Board Meeting Dates:
Thursday 25th February 2021 at 7.30pm Thursday 29th April 2021 at 7:30pm
Working towards a more vibrant, growing & greener community.
Spring 2021 — Soirbheas Newsletter
New Directors Required
Do you live in Strathglass or
Glen Urquhart?
It’s a busy time for Soirbheas as we expand our activities to help make our communities more sustainable and support recovery from the Covid Pandemic.
We very much depend on our volunteer board to help and guide us on our journey. We hope you may have been inspired by Frasers story on the front page and that you would like to become involved with our Charity, and be part of the team that distributes funds that increase opportunities for our communities.
Our Directors have a broad range of skills and interests. We hold ten meetings a year (we have no meetings in July and December).
The Board are supported by an experienced Community Development team who deliver the day to day operations, administer our meetings, manage the grants programmes, source funding and manage projects. If you are interested in joining as a Director or want to learn more please get in touch for an informal chat and see our website https://www.soirbheas.org/soirbheas-vacancies/
