Tain community trust look to volunteers after changes to address rising costs
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A community development company in Tain hopes to make greater use of volunteers in the future after parting company with two of its longest serving staff members.
Tain & District Development Trust shared a statement on March 31 confirming a shift in focus to "more tightly managed and resourced projects" in a bid to tackle rising costs and a reduction in funding sources.
As part of the cost-saving move, the group parted company with two of its long-term employees, effective from the beginning of April.
A statement on Facebook read: "During Covid we expanded to provide other services to the community. While this was a great success, in the current economic climate we have shifted our focus to more tightly managed and resourced projects.
"Our income is generated from public funds and private donations so has to be very carefully managed. As a result, the structure and resourcing of TDDT is changing so that there will be fewer employees, reducing our central fixed costs, and a greater use of volunteers and consultants.
"However, we are continuing to ensure that the community is engaged with and are helping to facilitate exciting new projects across the Easter Ross peninsula.
"We have agreed to part company with two of our long term employees, Nickey Fraser and Dave Macrae, from the beginning of April. We are very grateful for the part they have played in developing TDDT and wish them all the very best in their future."
The departure of Ms Fraser and Mr Macrae promoted several responses on Facebook.
Piper's Coffee House wrote: "Thank you for all your work within our community", and Lesley Macangus commented: "So sorry to read this, both so dedicated and will be a huge miss."
Evelyn Dickson added: "Dave Macrae will be missed at the markets. Thanks for all your help there."
Going forward, the Trust hope to attract more volunteers and invite younger board members to help them meet their aims.
Chairman David McDougall, who was appointed last year, said: "All sources of funding are now really over-stretched - the long term viability of all community groups is very difficult and there is intense competition for any funds that are available."
Despite the drop in resources, Mr McDougall has confirmed that the Trust's regular community markets will continue to be held, along with food 'feastivals' and pop-up shops.
He added: "These all provide opportunities for young businesses to establish themselves and create awareness of what they have to offer, but we have to be selective about what we're involved in because all our board members and volunteers have limited time to give to TDDT.
"The Trust has a good number of volunteers and it's great that members of the community are willing to help out where they can, but we will always welcome more volunteers and anyone who is interested should contact our office (at 8 Tower Street).
"We are also keen to find younger board members who can give their time to help plan for the future."
More information on Tain & District Development Trust can be found on their website at tainddtrust.com.
