Current Projects

The Otter's Couch - This social enerprise celebrated three years of trading in April 2022. The Trust initiated and supported the establishment of this enterprise with the purpose of supporting local artists and crafters. Initially, this involved the short term lease of a vacant shop prior to Christmas 2018, and based on that successful pilot, the decision was taken to commit to a full-time retail social enterprise in the centre of the village, The Otter’s Couch. This opened on 13 April 2019 and is proving a valuable resource for visitors and local people alike.

Signage

The need for improvements to village signage was identified as a priority during the community consultation process in 2019. Findings of this consultation are contained in ‘In Love with Brora: A 2020 Vision’, at http://broravillage.scot.

A subcommittee has been formed and is working hard to address the matter of signage in the village. The committee is made up of volunteer members of the local business community and the Board Trustees. 

Brora Remembers, A Memorial Project - in November 2018, commemorating the end of the First World War, was co-ordinated by BaDAG on behalf of several groups in the village, and was a fitting and much appreciated tribute to those local people who gave their lives during the First World War. An exceptional turnout at the Remembrance Sunday service underlined local sentiment, remembering and giving thanks for the sacrifice of so many local people 

Brora Community Resilience Plan - is now in place for the village and surrounding area and the Board of Trustees continue to support maintenance of the Plan through regular Review meetings in partnership with Brora Community Council

Brora railway station - Brora Development Trust are continuing to act as 'station adopters' as part of ScotRail’s Adopt a Station Programme, a national scheme to support and encourage volunteers and groups to take care of the physical environment of railway stations. 

Tern Project

In partnership with Brora Golf Club and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Trust completed work in April to put up notices and fencing in strategic locations along the shore to protect the Arctic Tern colony on Brora beach.

Beach Awards 2022

Brora Development Trust has for the third year supported Brora in a successful in its application to Keep Scotland Beautiful for a Scottish Beach Award for Brora’s front beach. 

Gateways

The Trust is currently communicating with BEAR and Transport Scotland about gateways planned for north and south entrances to the village.  Village gateways were also identified during the consultation process in 2019 as a community priority (see ‘In Love with Brora: A 2020 Vision’ at http://broravillage.scot).

Brunch and Blethers

In the first quarter of the year a several ran to provided a warm welcome, place to meet and very delicious food for the community at different venues in the village. Engaging with Activity at Brora Village Hub, The Scout and Guide Hall and Brora Free Church gave their time and energy by providing a place for people to meet up and enjoy tasty homemade food. The events were well attended and enjoyed by all. Tykes, Engaging with Activity and Brora Development Trust worked together to organise these events.

 

Past Projects

Village Wifi – village-centre access to e-mails, tourist information, social media, web search and much more - this project is now complete (summer 2019) as technology has moved forward and connectivity is now much improved in the area

Coastal erosion – leading on local concerns and liaising with professionals and funders

Beach access – highlighting concerns about obstacles to beach access

Harbour pontoons – pre-project support and liaison with Harbourmaster, suppliers and funders

Riverside paths – co-ordinating volunteers, liaising with Highland Council, regular litter clearing