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The Trust’s Active Travel Group and Sustrans undertook a survey of community views on the proposed new Inchmore shared use path during September 2021.

Overall the response to the survey (https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/3dbacc4547374eaaa315ba33eac11c01) was very positive.  We had 87 respondents and are aware that many more viewed the StoryMap.

The respondents predominant age group appeared to be 40-69 years, but it was also good to see that there were children (8-12 age group) and younger people (18-26 years) who also responded (although 29% didn’t give information about their age etc).

It was clear that there is considerable local support for this path; 90% agreed or strongly agreed that better facilities in Inchmore are needed for walkers/cyclists and other wheelers; and 90% said they would be likely or very likely to use the path once it was built.

The comments overall were also very positive about the designs of the path. 

Themes which were evident were:

1. Safety – many commented on the safety advantages of this path, including for children, and the Primary School also commented specifically on this, particularly in relation to being segregated adequately from motorised traffic.
2. Improvements for those who are less confident cyclists, and for those with disabilities – for example mobility scooter was mentioned
3. Appearance and identity of the village, the path being ‘sensitive’ and ‘not intrusive’.

The proposed traffic calming measures were also very much supported (90% agreed or strongly agreed).

There were multiple comments regarding a desire for improved road traffic safety measures, focusing mainly on reducing the speed limit to 30 mph or 20 mph through the village, and also a few comments regarding extending the 40 mph at the east end of the village, and suggesting another speed indicator device at the east end (currently is one at the west end which was commented on as being thought to be beneficial).

Overall there were very few negative comments regarding the path, but there a few comments and suggestions for improvement which came up, some from several respondents:  1. More plants/vegetation to improve the appearance  2. Concerns about the path having to go behind Great Glen Stoves  3. Concern about the path still ‘connecting’ with the road in places and not being segregated enough 4. Comments that the path could be wider 5. Some concerns about the safety of the crossings at the Drumchardine and also at Inchmore  6. Some comments about prioritising the ‘through’ cycle/walking traffic over the minor junctions  7. Several comments about lighting, particularly at the Lentran end.

Another more general recurrent theme was that of a need for a joined-up network of paths from Beauly to Inverness – this seemed to come from a variety of respondents including children. 

It was noted that there was a small proportion of respondents (7%) that strongly disagreed with the path.  The comments that reflected this suggested that the path wasn’t required as there is an existing pathand that cyclists wouldn’t use it.

Response/Actions to comments:

1. It was excellent to see the overall enthusiasm for this path and generally the designs were liked
2. Some features – such as the path going behind Great Glen Stoves – are unavoidable, due to technical reasons (heavy goods vehicles, entrances/exits to driveways on other side of the road limiting ability for path to be wide enough) and so on.  However many of the suggestions can be considered such as planting and lighting.  The path width will be at least 2 metres, this may not be obvious from the pictures but is designed to be wide enough to allow 2 wheelchairs or similar to pass.
3. Comments regarding the desire for a path to Inverness will be fed back to the Highland Council, as will those regarding concerns over road safety.

Do you want to know what happens to any surplus food in the Kirkhill Community Cupboard? These are some of the imaginative ways the volunteers are using to keep food and waste out of landfill.

The Kirkhill Community Cupboard is open daily to anyone to pick up essential supplies of food. It can provide for those in need and helps avoid unnecessary travel. While most of the food donated is used there are sometimes items that are left over.

Hens and pigs love it

Surplus or damaged food is often great for livestock. Local hens love the leftover bread, rice and cereal, with the bonus that eggs are donated back in return – the perfect closed loop! Some left over and damaged fruit and veg has also been enjoyed by local pigs.

Make something else

Processing food can create different products that are easier to keep. For example, surpluses of oranges and satsumas are being juiced and frozen. This is proving really popular. Volunteers are using the bashed bananas to make banana loafs which are a great addition to the selection of home-baking in the freezer.

Compost and recycle

For anything else left, the group hope to get a Hot Composter to compost items on site that cannot be used in any other way. And, of course, packaging is also recycled where possible.

What can I do?

The Community Cupboard volunteers have provided some great ideas you could also try at home. If you want to know more Love Food Hate Waste has some easy practical ideas for everyday things in the home we can all waste less food. This will ultimately benefit our purses and the environment too.

 Please remember not to donate out of date items to the Community Cupboard as it creates extra work for the volunteers.

Here’s where to get support, offer help and find out more about what’s happening in the Kirkhill and Bunchrew community during the COVID-19 outbreak. We’ll update the page as things develop. If you know of a service to add then please let us know through the comments below. During these extraordinary times we’re so lucky to have a community that is pulling together. 

Updated 17 June 2020.

Kirkhill Community Centre Newsletter April 2020

This newsletter from Kirkhill Community Centre gives information on local community support and the community cupboard. It also gives contact details of local volunteers. It will be delivered to all households in the area.

Community support

Local community support has been developed and communicated through the Community Kindness Kirkhill, Kiltarlity, Beauly and Muir of Ord facebook group. Go here if you are looking for support or can offer some help. It also includes updates on local businesses and services and tips for keeping occupied!

The group are also coordinating the distribution of community postcards that offer help to people that are self-isolating. Help can include picking up shopping, posting mail, getting hold of urgent supplies and offering a friendly phone call. They do regular prescription pickups from Beauly and will deliver locally.

Kirkhill Community Cupboard

Kirkhill Community Centre has developed a Community Cupboard to provide supplies to those that need them. The idea is not only to help those who can’t get out and about, but to help prevent people from having to travel to Beauly by bus to pick up essentials. It is stocked with donations of non-perishables, bread, milk, eggs, vegetables and fruit and frozen ready meals. 

Hand sanitiser refill station

A hand sanitiser refill station is available in Kirkhill Community Centre thanks to Dr Ross Jaffrey and the Safe Hands, Saves Lives project. It is open at the same time as the Community Cupboard. It is available to anyone, just take along your bottle to fill.

Community businesses

Our local community services and businesses have been brilliant at adapting to the situation. These are some of the businesses that are available locally:

• The Post Office at Kirkhill Community Centre is open on Tuesdays from 10:00 to 12:30 and Fridays from 10:00 to 13:00
• Spar Kinmylies offer free delivery to Kirkhill, Bunchrew, Inchmore, Lentran, just call the shop on 01463 243608 to place an order. Products include A&I Butchers, Murdoch Brothers Butcher, Ashers Baker, Cromarty Baker and Highland Eggs
• John Munro Butcher Beauly – delivers locally
• Hastie and Dyce Butchers Inverness deliver on Saturday only to Kirkhill.
• Corner on the Square Beauly – Groceries, deli and fruit and veg available from click and collect service or delivery to Kirkhill/Lentran on Wednesday and Saturday.
• The Storehouse Foulis – deliveries from the online shop including veg, fruit, meat, dairy and deli items.
• Redshank Catering Fish ‘n’ Collect – Fish and ready meals. Deliveries to Beauly and Kirkhill 11:00 to 14:00 on Thursdays.
• Highland Hog Roasts – Chilled meals can be delivered any day, and hot food to the Beauly area on Sundays from 16:00 to 20:00.
• Pro Fish – Fish van in Kirkhill at the old Doctors Surgery from 16:30 to 17:00 on Fridays 
• Fortrose Fish Company – Fish van arrives Lentran around 08:45 and Kirkhill (Macmillan’s Yard) 09:30 on Wednesdays
• Bell’s Seafood – Fish van arrives Mansfield Park, Kirkhill around 15:00 and Beauly Square 14:00 to 14:30 on Fridays 
• Monsterbox – Fresh fruit, veg and meat boxes delivered to the Kirkhill area and couple of times a week
• Highland Doorstep Deli –  Delivers fresh meat products, fruit, vegetables, seafood, cheese, milk, eggs and other essential fine food and deli products 
• Graham’s Dairy – Doorstep milk and dairy deliveries to Kirkhill on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
• The Fish and Chip Van – at Kirkhill Community Centre from 5-8pm on Wednesdays

Other support services

• The Red Cross in Inverness have pre-packed boxes of staple foodstuffs for anyone in need. They are open Mon-Fri from 9-5 and can be accessed on 01463 796624. They will ask for a name and number and will deliver. They are also able to offer support in other issues if that is appropriate.

• A new Scottish national helpline has been launched to provide essential assistance to those who don’t have a network of support but who are at high risk of contracting COVID-19. The number is 0800 111 4000 (9am-5pm). It offers help to those who do not have family or existing community support and cannot get online and who are over 70, disabled, require the support of mental health services, are pregnant or receive a flu jab for health reasons. This service is in addition to localised support already available for people who have received letters advising them to shield themselves.

• Highland Council has a free helpline which connects callers to relevant Council specialist teams to give advice on benefits and personal support, education and social care. There is also advice for businesses who may need help with financial support. Helpline staff will also be signposting callers to other organisations that can provide help and assistance as well as gathering offers from individuals or community groups wishing to volunteer.  The single line number is 0300 303 1362,  Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm. All calls are free. 

• The Scottish Government provides shielding support for vulnerable people and will arrange for food and medicine deliveries. Through the SMS Shielding Service or your local authority helpline, you can order free weekly deliveries of basic food and essential supplies.

• Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland offer advice and services to people that are at high risk of problems from coronavirus.

• Drew Hendry MP has created a COVID-19 hub with information and advice for individuals, businesses, self-employed and families.

• Helplines include:

  • Childline: 0800 1111
  • Samaritans: 116 123
  • Domestic Violence Hotline: 0808 2000 247
  • Mind: 0300 123 3393
  • Age UK: 0800 169 6565
  • Breathing space (Scotland) 0800838587

Government advice

Use this page for the up to date guidance on the virus for people in Scotland. Scottish Government Coronavirus (COVID-19): Information for individuals and businesses in Scotland

Keeping active

At this time it’s important to keep active and take outdoor exercise locally when we can. We are fortunate to live in area with loads of opportunities to walk, cycle and ride. Reelig Wood is on our doorstep with tall trees walks and a balance trail and xylophone in the Upper Reelig Community Wood. There is also a map of local routes on Paths Around the Aird. 

When out and about please follow the current advice to:

• Stay in your local area
• Don’t take unnecessary risks
• Practice social distancing