Spotlight on The Cabrach: Strengthening Voice

At The Cabrach Trust, important work happens behind the scenes – attracting investment, building partnerships, or advocating strongly on behalf of The Cabrach. Beyond our projects, programmes, and events, we’re continually working to strengthen The Cabrach’s voice and standing at local, regional, and national levels. From engaging with elected officials and strategic partners to working closely with Moray Council, our work is focused on ensuring that The Cabrach remains firmly on the map.

This week, two important developments highlight that ongoing effort:

Renewed Focus on Local Representation

Nominations close at 4pm on Tuesday 21st October for the Dufftown, Cabrach and District Community Council elections. As many will know, the Community Council was unable to form during the last election cycle, leaving the district without an important statutory voice to represent local interests to Moray Council and other public bodies.

Following close collaboration between The Cabrach Trust, the broader community, and Moray Council, a key milestone was reached earlier this year when the Council’s Corporate Committee approved — after two rounds of consultation — the renaming of the Community Council to Dufftown, Cabrach and District. This change reflects a renewed commitment to ensuring that The Cabrach is given clearer focus within the wider area.

There is growing optimism that the Community Council will successfully form this time around. Several excellent individuals have already stepped forward, and there’s still time to volunteer if you’d like to play an active role in shaping your community’s future. To note your interest, contact the Community Council Liaison Officer at 07890 275547 or communitycouncils@moray.gov.uk.

Welcoming the European Rural Parliament

On Wednesday 22nd October, The Cabrach Trust will proudly welcome delegates from the European Rural Parliament (ERP) to Inverharroch. The ERP is a democratic assembly representing thousands of rural and island communities across Europe, with over 400 delegates from 42 countries gathering to share ideas, shape policy, and strengthen cross-border cooperation.

This year’s ERP is based in Inverurie, with sessions hosted across the North East. The Cabrach session will highlight several of our regeneration initiatives, ranging from nature recovery projects like our Discovery Trail, to social and economic investments such as The Cabrach Distillery, alongside our rural skills and wellbeing programmes.

We’re delighted to showcase The Cabrach in its full autumnal beauty and to share our story of resilience, renewal, and community-led regeneration with this international audience.

Looking Ahead

Sharing these updates is an important part of our commitment to insight sharing with our members and supporters. As we move through autumn, we’ll continue to share more milestones, events, and news from across The Cabrach Trust’s work — it is all our activity combined that will push a positive future for this remarkable place.