2022

Published on: Jun 13, 2022 at 12:52

Soirbheas 2022 AGM

Notice for Members

NOTICE OF AN ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Company number: SC356487

The Soirbheas AGM 2022 will be held on Thursday 30th June 2022 at 7.30pm in Balnain Hall, Glenurquhart

Notice has been sent to all members via email and postal service. If you have not received communication please contact Carol Masheter [email protected]

See our https://www.soirbheas.org/next-board-meetings/ page for more information
Our draft annual accounts are available at https://www.soirbheas.org/annual-accounts/

Published on: Jun 2, 2022 at 11:41

2022 Photo Competition

Voting  is  Open!

Shortlisting is complete! Thank you to our Directors: Malcolm Wield and David Cooper, and our Development Manager Carol Masheter for selecting three finalists in each class. Not an easy task as there were 105 fantastic photographs submitted! Shortlisting was carried out with total anonymity, with photo’s referenced by a unique number so only our assistant community development officer knew who had entered which photo, so it was a very fair and transparent process. We don’t share the names of any of the entrants throughout the community voting either, only the name of the winner at our AGM.

Now it’s over to you! The community now select the overall winner. You can vote for your favourite in each class using Microsoft Forms. Or using a smart phone scan the QR code to take you straight to the form.
Voting closes at 9am on Monday 20th June.
The photo with the most amount of votes in each theme and class is the overall winner. In the event of a tiebreak the Soirbheas Board will decide on the winner.

The winners will be announced at the Soirbheas AGM on the 30 June, 7:30pm in Balnain Hall.

All entries are being considered for inclusion in the 2023 community calendar.  Soirbheas cover the cost of printing, meaning that 100% of sales are donated towards community projects delivered by Strathglass and Affric Community Company,  and Glen Urquhart Rural Community Association. We are aiming to have the calendar available by the end of June in local outlets.

Watch this space and our social media for more information on voting.

Good Luck to everyone!

Photo Competition Project Page

Published on: May 24, 2022 at 12:19

sundown at MullardochAnnual Photo Competition

Get ready to Vote!

Entries are now closed for the 2022 Photo Competition. Thank you to everyone for taking the time to share your photo’s.

It’s now time to shortlist the finalists and then open the community vote. The judging panel this year are:

  • Soirbheas Directors Malcolm Wield and David Cooper
  • and our Development Manager Carol Masheter

Shortlisting is carried out with total anonymity, with photo’s referenced by a unique number, meaning only Nicky knows who has entered which photo’s. Nicky is not involved with the shortlisting of the finalists so it is a very fair and transparent process. Once the panel have completed shortlisting we open a community vote using Microsoft Forms. The photo with the most amount of votes in each theme and class is the overall winner. In the event of a tiebreak the Soirbheas Board will decide on the winner.

The winners will be announced at the Soirbheas AGM on the 30 June, 7:30pm in Balnain Hall.

All entries are being considered for inclusion in the 2023 community calendar.  Soirbheas cover the cost of printing, meaning that 100% of sales are donated towards community projects delivered by Strathglass and Affric Community Company,  and Glen Urquhart Rural Community Association. We are aiming to have the calendar available by the end of June in local outlets.

Watch this space and our social media for more information on voting.

Good Luck to everyone!

Photo Competition Project Page

Published on: Apr 11, 2022 at 16:37

Annual Photo Competition

Enter by 22 May!

Soirbheas are delighted to announce that the annual community photo competition is now open.
There are two classes – one for under 18’s and the other for adults. And – new for this year – amateur or professional photographers who are resident in the Soirbheas area can enter Theme 3 Colours of Nature.

Last year we had a staggering 101 entries, let’s see if we can top that this year.  This is your opportunity to:

  • share how special and beautiful our area is through your photo’s
  • be involved in a fun, community spirited event
  • potentially choose which local charity/constituted group will receive £100 from Soirbheas funds – meaning a total of £600 is distributed in the community (winners in each class and theme nominate a local group)
  • have your photo considered for inclusion in the community fundraising calendar, which raised £635.75 last year for SACC and GURCA community projects – all entries are considered
  • potentially win £50 in vouchers to spend at a local business of your choice (winners prize in each class and theme)
  • all entries from members are placed in a bonus prize draw to win £25 vouchers to spend in a local business of your choice. If you are not a member please consider joining https://www.soirbheas.org/membership/

The 2022 themes are:

  1. Transport – getting around the villages and glens by wheels or legs
  2. In My Community – a celebration of local groups and organisations – where they take place, or the group in action, or an item that has been made, grown, or played by the group. Photo’s should be group involvement not of individuals
  3. Colours of Nature – the title of your entry must include the main colour focus of your entry. e.g.  The dark blue depths of Loch Ness at twilight. This theme is open to all residents, including professional and amateur photographers.

Information and Competition Rules

Entry Form

Membership Form

See previous competition results here 

contact Nicky if you have any queries [email protected]

Published on: Apr 11, 2022 at 13:19

ETAPE Loch Ness

Sunday 24 April 2022

The Etape Loch Ness is a closed road cycle sportive following a 66 mile (106km) route around Loch Ness starting and finishing in Inverness. The event has raised over £1.43m for Macmillan Cancer Support since 2014 as well as for many other charities.

The organisers would like to reassure everyone that they continue to follow advice and guidance from Scottish Government regarding mass participation sporting events, and they are taking all the appropriate measures to ensure the safety of everyone involved and the wider public and local community.

See more about the event here

Below is the information from the organisers about the temporary road restrictions:

Published on: Mar 30, 2022 at 15:32

Film Night Premier – Cnocan Burraidh

Tickets on Sale Now

All the hard work and commitment from the project volunteers has paid off. The renovations at the Cnocan Burraidh burial site are completed, a variety of community activities have been undertaken AND, six mini films have been produced!

 

We extend a warm welcome and invite you join us for the film premier:

  • On Friday 29th April
  • 5:45pm for 6pm showing OR
  • 7:15pm for 7:30pm showing
  • In the Craigmonie Theatre, Drumnadrochit

We are asking for a small contribution to cover the cost of theatre hire. Ticket price includes tea/coffee. Any extra funds raised will be donated to The Glen Urquhart Heritage Group.  Numbers in the theatre are still restricted and we expect tickets to sell out quickly. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and ticket prices are: £2.50 per adult, £1.50 per child, and a family ticket (2+2) is £6.00. There is a small booking fee applied on the ticket sale site.

Book your tickets on line – scan the QR code or following this link:  https://www.wegottickets.com/event/542519

Each film last around 5 – 8 minutes and tells a different story associated with the Grants of Glen Urquhart and Shewglie. They are presented in a format that we feel is equally appealing to children and adults.

  1. Advance of the Grants – when did the Grants come to Glen Urquhart, what was the history of the area and what was the significance of Cnocan Burriadh area. An artistic interpretation of what the area may have looked like is provided and narrated by local artist Marjory Tait.
    2. The Battle of Corrie Buidhe – the story told in verse, written by Janis Clark, about James Grant the 3rd of Shewglie who was killed at the battle of Coire Buidhe on the 27th June 1689.
    3. Culloden and Loss of Fortunes – Patrick Grant and 80 men from Glen Urquhart fought as Jacobite supporters in the Battle of Culloden in 1745. Find out about how they were betrayed by the Hanovarian, Ludovic Grant. Presented by Chris Grant, direct descendant of the Grants of Shewglie.
    4. India and the Return of Fortunes – an introduction to two battles in India that Patrick, Alexander and Hugh were involved in after Culloden. When they returned to the Glen they set about rebuilding their homes. Then enjoy a visit around the houses in the Glen that were important to the Grants.
    5. Shinty – find out what a Camach was, and how shinty has developed since those early days when Patrick Grant of Redcastle organised one – you may well recognise some local players past and present in the photos and presentations.
    6. Cnocan Burraidh Burial Site – narrated by Fraser Mackenzie – come into the burial site and hear more about its formation, earlier restoration and about Hugh Grant of Moy, Sir Charles Grant, Sir Theodore Chambers and the beautiful obituary to Jane Hannay Grant.

Any questions please contact Nicky [email protected]

See more on the Project Page 

Published on: Feb 8, 2022 at 09:55

Community Lunch

First Monday of the Month

 

Delighted the Community Lunch has started again in the Urquhart and Glenmoriston Church Hall, Drumnadrochit.
From 12 till 1.30 ish.
Everyone is  welcome – those who have been before and those who would like to try us out for the first time.

A delicious soup and sandwiches are served for all, with lucky dips included.

For more information contact Pamela Lemon by email on [email protected] or telephone 07979344117

Published on: Jan 26, 2022 at 15:16

Support for Local Businesses

 Funding for Apprenticeships

We can support local businesses who employ a young Modern Apprentice (age 16-24), with up to £23,500 of funding over three years.

The current application processes closes on the 25 April 2022, with a decision made by the 26 May 2022. There are many sectors and qualification routes that can attract funding, some through Skills Development Scotland frameworks and others through sector specialists.

See more on our web page and contact Carol to discuss [email protected]

Published on: Jan 12, 2022 at 14:43

Glen Urquhart Survey

Community Action Plan

Soirbheas, GURCA and Glen Urquhart Community Council are working together on developing a new Community Action Plan for Glen Urquhart.

 

We want your thoughts and ideas on questions like …

  • What do you value about living in Glen Urquhart?
  • How could things be improved for you and your family, or your business?
  • What can the local community do to make changes happen in housing, transport, health, social
    care, employment, broadband, climate change, mental wellbeing, heritage, sport …?

How you can get involved
Glen Urquhart’s Community Action Plan has received support from the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) PLEASE HELP SHAPE GLEN URQUHART’S NEW COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN
Glen Urquhart’s new Community Action Plan will set out a new vision – but we really need your involvement.

  • Complete the survey on-line here 
  • If you would prefer a printed version of the survey to fill in, please telephone 0751 445 2783 or email [email protected]
  • Take part in the drop-in sessions, focus groups and pop-up outdoor events which we will be arranging as soon as Covid-19 restrictions allow.
  • Look out for announcements on local notice-boards and on social media,
    or check https://www.soirbheas.org/community-action-plan/ for updates.

Published on: Oct 14, 2021 at 13:18

Soirbheas Grants and Support

Local Businesses and Groups

We have a number of support options for local groups and businesses across Glen Urquhart and Strathglass. Some of our funding rounds have closing dates and are subject to certain criteria, see our main grants page for more information.

Business Support

  • Employee Training Grant –  closing 31 MARCH 2022 –  support for businesses to adapt and recover from the impact of Covid, enabling staff to be re-skilled or undertake training to provide new services. Up to £2000 is available. Contact Carol for more information.
  • Apprenticeship Programme – current round closes 25 April 2022. Up to £22,500 over three years, plus £1000 towards PPE and equipment. See guidance here

Charities and Constituted Groups Support

  • Development Support Days – you can request time from our staff to help develop your projects at no cost. Contact us for more information.
  • Community Support Fund – closing 31 MARCH 2022 – up to £1,000 per application is available to support services or issues of need that have directly resulted from Covid restrictions. Contact Nicky for more information.
  • Tier 1 – up to £1000 per group per financial year – apply at any time. See guidance here
  • Tier 2  – up to £10,000 and 90% of total project cost – current round closes 04 April 2022. See guidance here
  • Tier 3 – up to £50,000 and 60% of project costs, currently closed. See guidance here

Carol and Nicky are here to advise on which funding streams are appropriate for your project and ideas. They shall also help you identify external funding options where required.  Please email [email protected] or telephone Carol 0751 445 2783 or Nicky 0784 278 1986

Published on: Mar 28, 2022 at 14:41

CLOSING THURSDAY 31 MARCH

Covid Support Grants

 

During Covid restrictions Soirbheas introduced two specific support grants:

  • Community Support Fund for local groups and clubs – up to £1000 to help with lost income or change in service delivery caused by a direct result of Covid restrictions
  • Employers Training Grant – to help local businesses adapt and recover from the impact of Covid by helping with the cost of enabling staff to be re-skilled or undertake training to provide new services

Both of these grants are closing on Thursday 31 March 2022, but there is still time to apply. Contact Carol or Nicky to discuss your needs and prepare the application.

All our other grants for Groups (Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3) remain active. See our grants information page for guidance and deadlines.

For businesses, we continue with support through our apprenticeship scheme. The current round closes on the 25 April.

Published on: Oct 25, 2021 at 15:50

Age Scotland “Check in, Cash out” Campaign

Payments for Older People

 

The latest Scottish Government statistics show that 150,000 pensioners in Scotland live in relative poverty after housing costs. And 120,000 are living in persistent poverty, which means that they have been in relative poverty for at least three of the last four years.

To help combat this issue, Age Scotland’s “Check in, Cash out” campaign is seeking to raise awareness and take-up of social security among older people. While there are a range of social security payments available to help older people, millions of pounds worth of support is not being claimed every year in Scotland. Consequently, many people are missing out on money which could make a big difference to their quality of life, health, and wellbeing.

Age Scotland’s campaign aims to tackle some of the barriers preventing people from claiming – which include lack of awareness, stigma, digital exclusion and not knowing where to find advice. In addition to pointing people towards these sources of information and advice, they will highlight a range of individual payments and themes in more depth throughout the year such as Pension Credit, Council Tax Reduction, older carers, Attendance Allowance, household energy use and support with bills, and looking out for older family and friends. It is timely that the campaign will spotlight energy throughout the months of October and November.

The charity is encouraging older people to check in to see if they could be entitled to cash out by contacting its free helpline on 0800 12 44 222 or using its free information and advice guides. Find out more on their website.

Published on: Nov 29, 2021 at 10:46

In response to COVID-19

Update November 2021

As restrictions lift and a return to events and meetings in person – both indoors and outdoors – we must continue to be careful and adhere to social distancing guidelines and mask wearing to avoid transmitting the virus. Soirbheas have decided on the following actions regarding workflow and how we might best support the community.

  1. Carol and Nicky will work from home to the full extent possible or meet when possible and practical, outdoors or by phone or on-line.
  2. All Soirbheas activities or events that require bringing together groups or large numbers of people are limited to being held outdoors. Directors, staff, and volunteers may attend indoor events at their discretion, following social distancing guidelines.
  3. Face-to-face meetings with external parties can now be attended indoors. We will follow social distancing guidelines including using hand sanitiser when arriving at the meeting, wearing a face mask during the meeting or until seated, and we will not attend meetings if we have symptoms associated with Covid. Directors, staff, and volunteers can decide not to attend face-to-face meetings.
  4. Soirbheas meetings are being delivered in person, with the option of remote attendance through a telephone or online connection. If there is a rise in cases of Covid locally we will inform members if we decide to change the format to a virtual meeting using Microsoft Teams. This will ensure grants are assessed and any important business including reporting to funders continues.
  5. We are aware that some organisations and individuals in our community continue to face challenging times and we will continue to act as a hub to share information and signpost people to support. While there is a need, we continue to maintain the food larder in Drumnadrochit.

Contact details

Carol Masheter, Community Development Manager,
Email: [email protected]   T: 0751 445 2783

Nicky MacLennan, Assistant Community Development Officer,
Email [email protected]  T: 0784 2781 986

Published on: Aug 25, 2021 at 14:4

Community eBike Trials

Partnership with Loch Ness Hub

Are you a resident in Glen Urquhart or Strathglass? Would you like to have a free trial of an eBike?

We are pleased to be working with the Loch Ness Hub on the eBike Trail Project. The aim of the project is to encourage people to replace car journeys by considering swapping to an eBike.

Members of our communities aged 18+ can trial an eBike for free over a two-week period. There are four hybrid bikes available in medium and large frame sizes all electric-assisted.

The project is proving to be very popular but you can request to be added onto the waiting list.

For more information and to be added to the list please contact
Carol [email protected] or Russel at [email protected]

For visitors to Drumnadrochit, you can hire an ebike from The Loch Ness Hub, find out more at https://www.lochnesstravel.com/product/e-bike-hire/

Published on: Jul 29, 2021 at 14:31

2022 Community Calendars

Quick  While  Stocks  Last

 

We are delighted to have produced 100 calendars from a selection of the photos entered over the last three years in our annual competition. A super selection of scenes and animals from around the areas, and with a handy planner page, you’ll not forget those important dates in the month.

        

Treat yourself, a friend or member of your family and pick up a copy for only £7.50.
Available in Cannich Stores or from The Loch Ness Hub, Drumnadrochit. Also available online through Cannich Stores here

All proceeds from the sales will go to GURCA or SACC to use towards community projects.

Thanks to everyone involved. See more about our photo competitions here

Published on: Jun 9, 2021 at 14:5

Local Groups and Clubs
Contact  Details

As we get ready for more activities resuming we have updated the directory with current contact details for the groups and clubs in Strathglass and Glen Urquhart. If there are any changes or new groups to add please let us know.

If you are a member of a group and would like to find out about how our Funds and Grants can help with restart costs or new projects please get in touch with Carol or Nicky  [email protected]

Published on: Nov 10, 2021 at 11:27

Queens Green Canopy

Plant a Tree for the Jubilee

The Highland Council have shared the following information and guidance for The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC – https://queensgreencanopy.org/), which is a unique tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 which invites people from across the United Kingdom to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee.”

Everyone from individuals to Scout and Girlguiding groups, villages, cities, counties, schools and corporate organisations will be encouraged to play their part to enhance our environment by planting trees from October, when the tree planting season begins, through to the end of the Jubilee year in 2022.

Individuals, schools and community groups in Highland are being encouraged to get involved in the initiative and the Highland Council have put together some guidance for preparing, planting and maintaining the commemorative tree.  While some guidance is available on the QGC website (https://queensgreencanopy.org/get-involved/plant/ ) further information  on planting and maintenance is available by clicking on: small bare-root trees and larger specimen root-ball trees.

Individuals should purchase their own trees. Schools or community groups may apply for free saplings from autumn 2021 through our Woodland Trust partnership.  The Woodland Trust have hundreds of thousands of trees to give away to schools and communities through application on the following website ­- https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/schools-and-communities/tree-pack-application/

Once you have planted your tree you may also wish to order an official plaque to mark the occasion for generations to come – templates for QGC plaques will be available on the QGC website in due course.  From October, you can also photograph your Jubilee tree and upload it on to the QGC map.

Happy planting!

Published on: Dec 21, 2021 at 10:59

Winter Resilience

Hints Tips & Contact Details

 

Soirbheas have compiled some useful hints and tips and contact numbers to help you through the winter.
This Leaflet will be dropping into mail and electronic mail boxes in the next day or two, and please share with family, friends or neighbours.

Additional winter readiness information has also been prepared by The Highland Council, click here to open the document.

 

Published on: Jun 25, 2021 at 11:4

2021 Photo Competition

Results Announced

Following the community vote, we were delighted to announce the results at the AGM. Thank you to everyone who contributed with entries and your vote, very much appreciated. The results are:

Theme 1 Our Landscape and Wildlife

Rainbow on Loch Ness

 

Adult Class
Winner – Rainbow on Loch Ness, Ruth MacLeod
Second – Abhainn Deabhag, near Plodda Falls, Caroline MacDonald
Third – Happy Squirrel, Iain MacDiarmid

 

 

 

Little roe deer

 

Under 18 Class
Winner – Little Deer, James Hickson jnr
Second – Fasnakyle Burn, Jack Ashton
Third – Catching Waterdrops, Sarah Collins

 

Theme 2 Our Community and Activities

children walking in Balmacaan Woods

 

Adult Class
Winner – Walks in Balmacaan Woods, Donna Brady
Second – Walking the Coilte Loop, Hazel Hunter
Third – Mountain Biking to Loch Meikle, Archie Drennan

 

 

trampolining skills at dusk

 

Under 18 Class Winner – Trampolining Skills at Dusk, Connie MacLennan
Second –  Light up the Glen, Ruaraidh Drennan
Third – Archery in Cannich, Sarah Collins

 

 

Theme 3 Our Landmarks and Iconic Buildings

sundown at Mullardoch

 

Adult Class
Winner – Sundown at Mullardoch, Caroline MacDonald
Second – Borlum Pier, Ruth MacLeod
Third – Dhivach, Hazel Hunter

Bridge and Icicles at Guisachan

 

Under 18 Class
Winner – Dead Man’s Bridge, Guisachan, Cara Armstrong
Second – Corrimony Cairn, Thora Henderson
Third – Urquhart Castle, Ruaraidh Drennan

 

 

Members Bonus Prize – number selected randomly by Gordon Watson at the meeting was number 7 which corresponded to our members name: Audrey MacLennan.

Congratulations everyone!

The groups nominated by the winners to receive £100 are Strathglass Youth Club, Glen Urquhart Tug of War Club, and four nominations for Glen Urquhart Childcare Centre.

We are also compiling a community calendar with 12 photos from the three competitions we have run, and we’ll keep you informed about this.

Published on: Feb 14, 2022 at 10:12

Community Orchard

Planting in Cannich

The residents in the Cannich area have been busy for a number of years swapping seeds, produce and preserves. They are expanding this by creating a community orchard.

 

Everyone is welcome to come along to Cannich Playpark and get involved on Sunday 27 February, at 2pm

The next date for the diary is the 19 March (time to be confirmed), for a get together in the community room in Cannich Hall for anyone interested in chatting about growing, local food, what it might look like in this community, how we can share more, and any other ideas.

Contact Ellie for more details 07773982918

 

 

Published on: Feb 8, 2022 at 10:08

Tourism Projects

Funding Available from VILN

Visit Inverness Loch Ness (VILN) Community Tourism Development Grant is a new fund to support organisations and communities to undertake tourism development related work in the Visit Inverness Loch Ness area.

Applications are welcomed from organisations, communities and not for profits who are looking to improve signage, promote and support community festivals and events, improve visitor experience and to fund small scale renewable energy projects. Applications must be submitted to Visit Inverness Loch Ness by email no later than 9am Monday 28th February.

Up to £2,500 is available per applicant and the fund can be used towards a bigger project, provided match funding is secured from elsewhere.

Visit VILN website for more details https://www.visitinvernesslochness.com/communities or
email: [email protected]

Match funding may be available through Soirbheas, see our Grants Page

Published on: Jan 19, 2022 at 17:31

8th Annual Tattie Day
Date for the Diary – 5th March

One of Soirbheas’ commitments is to encourage local food production to encourage more food growing. Since 2015, we have developed the tattie and growing project involving schools/parent councils, nurseries, groups and individuals in the wider community to encourage potato growing, cooking and reduction of food waste.

Soirbheas are bulk buying seed potatoes and, Covid restrictions allowing, we will be distributing these at our annual Tattie day:

  • on Saturday 5th March
  • between 10am and 12:30pm
  • in Glen Urquhart Public Hall, Drumnadrochit

Potatoes are a relatively easy crop to grow so suitable for the amateur gardener as well as more experienced growers. There are a wide range of varieties available including early and late crops. Potato growing is also suited to most households and grown well in containers, so you don’t even have to have a garden just some outdoor space. We shall also have available leeks, onion sets, shallot sets and mixed leaf lettuce seeds. Lots more advice and tips on our project page.

We have a super selection of tubers and have added some new varieties this year. So whatever your preference we have something for everyone, whether:

  • waxy or floury
  • want to make chips, mash, roasties or use cold in a salad
  • white, red, blue or mottled skins,
  • white, yellow, red or blue flesh
  • earlies, seconds, main or lates
  • grow in a bag, container, raised bed or garden plot

Download the descriptors for 2022 here.

We usually ask for 20 pence per tuber, but to minimize risk of spreading Covid we will ask for donations again this year as this avoids us handling cash. All donations are distributed to local charities, and last year you raised £453.85

Published on: Oct 11, 2021 at 10:22

Young Director at Soirbheas

Meet Sarah McPherson

Our autumn newsletter will be circulated in mid October and we are delighted to be featuring Sarah McPherson in this edition. You can read the full article here.

Just in the last couple of months it has been reported that across the country there are only 3% of Directors/Trustees of charities aged under 30.  In 2019 we had identified the mutual benefits of having a young voice on our Board, and so we asked Sarah if she would be interested in becoming a Director.  One of these benefits was for us to contribute to developing the skills and experience of a young person as they progress through education and future career choices. Another was to bring ideas and perspective from a younger generation on to the Board.

Sarah attended the three introductory meetings we ask all potential Directors to attend. This forms part of our induction process, and provides time for people to gain an understanding of the work we do before making the final decision to formally join the Board. Sarah was officially ratified as a Director at our AGM in October 2020. As a result of Sarah joining us we believe we have a more balanced outlook which helps keep us better aligned to community need.

It is going to be a busy year as projects and activities restart. One of these is the OpenNESS project, and Sarah was hoping to join the working group to help identify next steps. Unfortunately, due to a variety of pressures Sarah has stepped down as a Director. We would like to thank Sarah for her commitment through what has been an unusual 18 months, we are all looking forward to getting back to more face-to-face communications and activity.

If you are resident in Glen Urquhart or Strathglass and interested in becoming a Director of Soirbheas please get in touch with Carol or Nicky by email [email protected] and see more on our vacancies page

Published on: Oct 12, 2021 at 17:30

Autumn Newsletter

News from Soirbheas

 

Our latest newsletter is currently being circulated and we hope you enjoy reading about what has been happening across Strathglass and Glen Urquhart.  If you have a feature you would like us to share through our media channels about your local group or charity please let us know. We may also be able to feature you in our Spring newsletter which is usually published in February. Please email [email protected]

Download:  Autumn 2021 Newsletter

If you are resident in the Glen Urquhart and Strathglass, and not currently a member we would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join us.  Being a member is a great way to stay informed about the activities and projects taking place across the areas. Read more about membership on our web page 

We have many followers outside of our membership areas who have signed up for an electronic newsletter to be sent to their email. If you would like a copy please complete the request form at the bottom of our home page https://www.soirbheas.org/

Published on: Jan 31, 2022 at 18:55

Local Apprenticeship

Early  Years  Practitioner

 

  • Are you age 16 – 24? (you must be no older than 24 at the start date of the apprenticeship)
  • Would you like to train in a very rewarding career in early years?
  • Do you live in Glen Urquhart or Strathglass?

This could be the opportunity for you! Apply by midnight on the 11 February 2022!

Working for Glen Urquhart Childcare Centre in Drumnadrochit, the successful candidate will work alongside trained Childcare Practitioners to assist with the care and education of our young people attending the Centre. You will be fully supported to gain your qualification in Social Services (Children and Young People) (SVQ 3 Level 7).

Excellent training opportunities will be provided in this friendly, well-established community run centre. The successful candidate will be working as part of our team helping to deliver outstanding care and education to children aged 3-5 years while providing a safe, fun, learning environment.

The Centre are looking for someone with an interest in children’s education and care who is ready to work towards their qualification. You must be enthusiastic and motivated to learn and work with others.

Please email Audrey MacLennan [email protected] for more information.

See more details: Apprentice Job Advert

Published on: Jul 24, 2020 at 09:44

 

Love Food Hate Waste Workshops
Employee Engagement

 

Help your staff be greener, healthier and happier with free on-site employee engagement workshops. Home Energy Scotland are working with Zero Waste Scotland to offer these free, fun and interactive training workshops to help your employees understand how best to reduce food waste at home.

Love Food Hate Waste workshops empower your employees to:

  • Save up to £440 a year through reducing food waste at home
  • Play their part in reducing the impact of food waste and creating a greener Scotland
  • Reduce food waste at work as they become more attuned to sustainable behaviour at home

Fully funded by the Scottish Government, expert trainers deliver the sessions at any location across Scotland  – including online. The workshops are tailored to suit your specific needs.  Attendees get a free food waste saving pack to take away and the chance to enter a free prize draw to win ticket vouchers worth £100 (terms and conditions apply).

Find out more and organise a workshop at the web site 

Published on: Jun 9, 2021 at 15:30

Food Bag Booklet
Food, Growing & Community

As part of the CoOp/Foundation Scotland Food Fund project which we have part funded and delivered, we produced a booklet containing lots of information and activities for children and families.

 

We distributed a copy in each of the 60 food bags to children who attend Cannich Bridge Primary and Nursery School and Glen Urquhart Childcare Centre.

We would like to share this resource with you, so you can find out more with children about reducing food waste, food insecurity and healthy eating.  You can download and print a copy here

If you are unable to do this please let us know and we shall arrange a copy to be sent out [email protected] 

Published on: Sep 21, 2021 at 09:47

Glenurquhart Bulletin

2021 Edition is On Sale Now

The news that many of you have doubtless been waiting for – the 2021 Glenurquhart Bulletin is now available to buy!

It costs just £4.00, and is available from:

  • the Post Office
  • Lewiston Garage
  • Loch Ness Hub

As usual, the Bulletin records reflections and views on the year just passed, along with more general items of interest.
All profits from the sale of the Bulletin go to GURCA to support community activities.

Published on: Dec 14, 2021 at 17:40

image of OpenNESS logoMental Health Awareness Training

Rural Groups and Businesses
All places are booked, but if you would like to be added to the reserve list please email [email protected]

 

As part of the OpenNESS project we have arranged training through Support in Mind Scotland and Mental Health UK and Neptune Energy who are delivering the ‘Rural Connections’ Project. The project aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of rural communities throughout Scotland by providing free mental health awareness training to proprietors, staff and volunteers in organisations, small businesses and community organisations.

The training is being delivered via digital over two sessions:

  • session 1:  Tuesday 18th January 10:30 – 12:30
  • session 2:  Thursday 20th January 10:30 – 12:30

See more information here: An Insight into Mental Health

The 12 places on the course were all booked by Tuesday 21 December, but we are holding a reserve list, please contact Nicky to be included [email protected]