We are delighted to announce a new project offering a programme of free, weekly, half day, excursions in a mini-bus with space for up to 12.

This is open to all members of the Finderne community, and could be your chance to get out and about and visit places such as Loch of Blairs, the monthly Logie Primary Cup of Joy community café, or maybe a trip into Forres, and to meet new folk along the way.

The ‘Connecting Finderne’ project, funded by the Scottish Communities Recovery Fund, will begin at the end of October and run until the end of March next year.

If you are interested to find out more, and to be added to a mailing list to receive a copy of the weekly programme when it is finalised, please either give us a call on 01309 221026 or email hello@findernedevelopmenttrust.com.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Finderne Development Trust (FDT) has announced that it is soon set to launch a new project for the area which will help increase the energy efficiency of households. This comes with the creation of a new Community Energy Graduate role.

Pery Zakeri, FDT Development Manager, explained, “With its many traditional buildings, there are great opportunities for energy efficiency improvements in Finderne homes. During our work to support Finderne through the coronavirus pandemic, the need for this work has been highlighted. This project will not only take action towards environmental sustainability but help improve the health of our community and build resilience.”

Pery continued, “The graduate will act as an important local link to organisations such as Home Energy Scotland. We want to promote the support that is already available by making the process for accessing improvement funding as easy as possible for residents. Given the difficulties everyone is currently facing, the opportunity to create a new job in the area is great news and an optimistic start to 2021.”

The graduate will come to the Trust as part of the ScotGrad Programme, part funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and European Regional Development Fund.

Fiona Robb, Head of Strengthening Communities in the HIE Moray Area Team said that HIE is pleased to be supporting Finderne Development Trust in its efforts to deliver its 5-year strategy. This post will provide an important link with the community and is fully aligned with HIE’s role in encouraging a low carbon green economy, sustaining local economies and building inclusive communities.  It’s an exciting time to be working with such an ambitious community organisation.

FDT Chair Brian Higgs commented, “Despite the challenges of the past year, Finderne Development Trust continues to grow in strength. Expanding our team by creating a second full-time role marks an exciting next step for the Trust in its journey to deliver its 5-year Strategic Plan and regenerate the rural communities of Finderne.”

Applications remain open until 28^th January. More information about the post and details of how to apply can be found at http://bit.ly/3pHZ2ZA.