Ambitious regeneration vision launched to revive Dufftown as Speyside's 'beating heart'
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AN AMBITIOUS regeneration project has been launched to return Dufftown "to its rightful place as the beating heart of Speyside".
Dufftown: A New Dawn is a holistic, six-phase project headed by local community regeneration company Truerlein, which is working closely with the Dufftown and Mortlach Development Trust (DMDT).
After 12 months of feasibility and pre-planning discussions with Moray Council, local surveys and some "positive early investment conversations", the team behind the vision aim to create a thriving environment for townsfolk and visitors, and generate new economic opportunities for local talent.
Over the next six years, Truerlein plans to help open new shops and hospitality venues, create sustainable and affordable housing, help develop enterprise, protect Dufftown's heritage and ecology, and promote the town as a tourism and business hub.
Plans on the table include a fine dining restaurant and a pub with secret bar.
A project office was set up at Dufftown's Old Post Office in October last year for residents to learn more and give feedback, although it hasn't been able to get into full swing as yet due to the current lockdown.
The company says Dufftown has suffered in recent years from declining visitor numbers, shrinking local services, and that its young people are being driven away in search of work.
The project aims to reverse the trend, maximising Dufftown's renown as the malt whisky capital of the world, its doorstep position for the Cairngorms National Park, as well as making the most of the area's attractions.
Mhairi-ann Gallicker, director of Truerlein, said: "As a lover of Balvenie, Dufftown has always been close to my heart, but it wasn’t until I married local lad Richard and moved to the town that I realised just how beautiful the area is.
"My father-in-law was the local photographer and his old photos show how busy the town used to be compared to now. That really struck a chord with me.
"Dufftown deserves to be reinstated as the beating heart of Speyside.
"With the right support, strategy and a clear route for targeted investment, we can not only lift the local economy but protect and conserve the town to create a bright and sustainable future for every member of the community."
New shops and hospitality venues will be designed to complement those already in Dufftown. The team will offer local entrepreneurs a leg-up to run their own business. Truerlein says with its financial backing, locals will have the chance to work towards full ownership of a successful business.
The team aims to work with local suppliers and contractors at each stage of construction as well as with local colleges to set up apprenticeships with new businesses.
A brand marque has also been created for Dufftown, highlighting the natural colours and geography of the region.
The team behind the six-phase plan includes Colin Corson, a former team leader at Glenfiddich Distillery, as operations manager, food and beverage, and Dr Peter Bye-Jensen, former heritage manager with The Cabrach Trust, as heritage consultant.
Dr Bye-Jensen said: "Dufftown offers such an incredibly rich heritage and a wealth of local stories that are tightly woven into the fabric of the community.
"I’m excited to join Truerlein to help the team explore new ways to protect and celebrate the heritage and ecology of the town, as well as developing new avenues for economic growth and prosperity.
"As heritage consultant for Truerlein and an associate member of the DMDT, I look forward to continuing my work to safeguard Scotland’s heritage, support Dufftown’s regeneration and invite a new generation of visitors to learn more about the past, present and future of this wonderful region."
Public consultations, workshops and surveys will now take place with local businesses and residents.
