Members' Newsletter June 2025

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Congratulations to Strathearn Harriers and the runners on Sunday's Strathearn Marathon for a fantastic event.

Dear Members,

It has been a busy time since the AGM, with lots of work going on to address some of issues we discussed with you there. We will also ensure that the chair and treasurer's presentation will be made available as a pdf on the CDT website within 10 days.

As those who attended will know, a priority is to get the funding for the camp on a positive footing so CDT can refocus its activities on the broader needs of the village.

To this end the whole team, staff and Board members have been working with our tenants to make sure everyone has a common signed tenancy agreement, and I'm pleased to say, barring one or two complicated cases which we are we're still seeking to resolve in other ways, this is now the case.

We are now moving on to ensuring all payments owed to the Trust are up to date.

At the same time work is underway with a number of local businesses to explore what a Cultybraggan wedding and celebrations package might look like and we are also finalising plans for a camping and caravaning offer on site. A plan has been sent to PKC who will review it and then, if they agree, make an application to VisitScotland for tourism infrastructure funding. Exploring opportunities such as these will help bring financial stability and a move away from reliance on external funding sources.

With the new cafe Hut 21, and the Museum and Cancer huts open, plus a number of events, the place feels really lively and the Camp itself is looking good too thanks to the hard work of our maintenance team.

We are also about to install a gate at the Northern corner of our land to make it easier access the Camp and the village.

Alongside a focus on the Camp, the Trust is starting to look outwards and concentrating on rebuilding relationships with other organisations in the community. As Chair, I have been invited to attend every Community Council meetings, so we can start to work more effectively together. This is particularly relevant with the Community Action Plan due to be published soon.

We have a fantastic staff team and I can't cannot over emphasise the commitment and passion of our Board, all of whom are volunteers, who are bringing all their skills, knowledge and experience to make CDT the Trust what the village needs it be. There is no doubt being Chair is challenging but with these guys at my back I am optimistic about the future.

I hope you'll you will forgive this newsletter being a bit longer than usual but we thought we would ask some of the organisations and businesses we support to update with their latest news.

Fiona Blacke, Chair, CDT

If you want to contact me about anything please do so on [email protected]

**Growing & Talking to our Membership **

CDT needs to be accountable to our members and in order to be accountable we need to communicate more effectively with you.

Although the AGM was a positive one, attendance was low and that highlighted not only, our failure to fully engage our existing membership, but also the importance of encouraging everyone in the village to become a member. One of our members, Felicity Martin, has suggested a member led membership drive. We now have support from the Scottish Tech Army, who will help us with all our social media so this is a good time to set up a short life working group to improve the benefits of being a member and ensure everyone knows about it and is encouraged to join.

As an existing member, if you can spare just a few hours to help us with this it would be really appreciated.

**News From Organisations **

The Comrie allotments are thriving this season, with plots bursting into life as warm wet weather returns. From rows of onions, to flourishing pea and bean plants and the strawberries about to ripen, it's clear that green thumbs are hard at work.

Our allotments are not just about growing food—they're also about growing community. Gardeners share advice, spare seedlings. It's a peaceful spot full of quiet industry, birdsong, and the occasional rabbit ):

There are couple of half plots still available, so if you've ever fancied growing your own produce or just want a good excuse to get outside, now is a great time to get involved. The cost of a half plot is £55 per year. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a complete beginner, all are welcome.

To enquire about a plot, contact [email protected]

**Comrie Community Orchard **

This year has seen some spectacular blossom in the orchard - first the pears and then the plums and damsons and finishing with spectacular apple blossom.

Because there were so many dry, sunny days the bees were out and about pollinating and there's plenty of fruit on the trees.

As a group of volunteers we meet the first Sunday of each month, come rain or shine, to carry out all the seasonal jobs required to maintain the orchard. This month, June, we'll be doing some weeding around the soft fruit and some plum trees, some long grass and pulling some unwanted thistles, nettles and rosebay willow herb on a bank by the orchard. Currently the main orchard is full of yellow rattle flowers. In July we will need to thin a lot of the fruit on the apple trees, to avoid overcrowding and broken branches.

If you or anyone you know would like to volunteer at the orchard do come along. We are there from 11 until 3 with a break to gather together for a snack lunch.

Comrie Outdoor Playgroup

Comrie Outdoor Playgroup is a free parent-led group which values child-led exploration and outdoor play. We aim to nurture a love for nature by facilitating rich learning experiences and offering friendly support to parents and carers.

We are currently organising a big workday to make some exciting additions to our little orchard site and applying for some funding to help us get a secure storage box for some tools and equipment. The children have grand plans for some deep adventurous play!!

All parents with preschool children (0-5) are welcome. Pop along and say hello! [email protected]

**Comrie Community Woodland **

Comrie Community Woodland, to the south of Cultybraggan Camp, is now in its fifth year of growth and is beginning to look like a woodland. In addition to the trees becoming established, the increasing range of plants, birds, invertebrates and mammals in the site has been striking. The path network, scythed by a group of enthusiasts, is regularly used by local walkers. CDT are working with the Woodland Group to explore getting the woodland validated so we can progress to the next stage of getting carbon credits. Our volunteers meet on the third Sunday each month from 10am to 3pm, carrying out many tasks to maintain and develop the site and to enjoy the woodland environment. We also have “woodland wanders” every Thursday evening through the late spring and summer months to which all are welcome, meeting at the woodland at 7.15pm.

Comrie Workspace

Comrie Workspace is a coworking and hot-desking facility at Cultybraggan offering locals and visitors a “home office away from home”. It's a comfortable, productive and affordable place to work or study set in beautiful surroundings away from the distractions of domestic life. Since opening its doors in 2019, Comrie Workspace has attracted a broad mix of users – from freelancers to remote workers, small businesses and students. It's set up to be as flexible as possible to meet diverse needs. Some rent a desk on a long-term basis, making it their own personal office space. Others use it occasionally, just a few days here and there as required. There are also visitors who come back year after year during the holiday periods. Users love the working environment at the camp, the superfast broadband, the coffee and snacks – and our resident spaniels, Henry and Rosie. To find out more, check out www.comrieworkspace.com or drop by for a look.

**Comrie Allotments **

Events

• Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Strathearn Marathon on Sunday 8th of June.
• 19th July Scottish Scything Festival (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scottish-scything-festival-2025-tickets-1234484900569)
• 25th July - Big Family Sleepout (to book a place or more details email: [email protected])

Comrie Needs You! Volunteering Opportunities at CDT

Volunteers are the heart of our community, and getting involved is a great way to give back, meet new people, and share your skills.

Here are some ways to get involved: For more information about any of these volunteering roles email [email protected]

Gardening and Maintenance Les and Unc form our small but mighty maintenance team at Cultybraggan. From mowing vast grass areas to maintaining our unique buildings — including the largest collection of early Nissen huts in the world — there's always something to be done. If you have a few hours to spare, get in touch!

Heritage Group Passionate about history? The Heritage Group manages the museum at the Camp and curates our rich village history. They're looking for help with:

• Archiving
• Preparing exhibitions
• Welcoming and guiding visitors If that sounds like you, they'd love to have you on board!

Join the CDT Board Our revitalised board is a dynamic and diverse group of locals — born here and newcomers, business owners and public servants, long-timers and recent joiners. We combine our skills to strengthen the Trust and serve Comrie better.

We're particularly keen to hear from anyone with a legal or paralegal background.

Interested? Contact: [email protected]

**Community Woodland Group ** (meet every 3rd Sunday 10am until 3pm). The Woodland group carry out a range of woodland creation and maintenance work in a friendly and welcoming environment. For more information email [email protected]

Community Orchard (meet first Sunday of the month, 11am until 3pm) Comrie Community Orchard has a range of opportunities for working with the fruit trees, from pruning to the annual Apple Day in October. The orchard is at the back of the camp near the old firing range.

Our email address is: [email protected]

Comrie Development Trust: Company limited by guarantee – Registered in Scotland – Reg. No SC305425 - Charity reg. no SC038596 Registered office – Unit 3 Cultybraggan Camp, Comrie, Perthshire, PH6 2AB Tel no: 01764 670769

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