Plans to re-launch Caithness Horizons discussed by local Committee
The Caithness Committee took the opportunity earlier today (Thursday 21 January) to look at the work undertaken on a partnership basis by The Highland Council, High Life Highland and Dounreay Site Restoration Limited (DSRL) to support the re-launching of Caithness Horizons in Thurso as the North Coast Visitor Centre.
Caithness Horizons closed its doors in February 2019, when the then operator ceased operations. Recognising the valuable role the building plays within the town of Thurso, and the wider Caithness area, and the opportunities offered in relation to museum and community use, tourism and the wider economic benefit, in May 2019 the Council’s Care, Learning and Housing Committee agreed to commit to the re-opening of the facility, with a capital investment of £200,000 for key building works. A new joint partnership approach between Highland Council and Dounreay Site Restoration Limited (DSRL) to each provide revenue funding for an initial 3 year period was agreed to support the new operator, High Life Highland.
Today the Caithness Committee heard that the majority of the capital works are now complete and all expenditure committed and accounted for. The agreed Council revenue support of £75,000 per annum for 3 years (matched by the same contribution from DSRL) will be drawn down to support High Life Highland as operator on a timeline linked to a post-lockdown opening date.
Improvement works have included the replacement of the heating system including new boilers, repairs to the ventilation system and the mobility lift. There have also been extensive repairs on the roof and all work identified by a Fire Risk Assessment has been actioned.
The High Life Highland team have had a number of visits to the facility to assess what further improvements and actions may be required to support re- opening. This includes a number of improvements to the café area and the installation of ICT improvements including free public Wi-Fi.
Members were advised that although High Life Highland had plans in place to re-open in spring 2021, the current position in light of the latest Covid-19 pandemic lockdown is that these plans have been put on hold until it is safe and permissible to reopen. In the meantime, they will continue the pre-opening engagement with key local stakeholders and community groups.
Chair of the Caithness Committee, Cllr Nicola Sinclair said: “The loss of Caithness Horizons was felt keenly by the community and partners in Highland Council, Dounreay and High Life Highland have been working hard to complete the capital works and come up with a sustainable plan to allow us to re-open the doors. Despite the impact of the latest lockdown, it was good to hear today that final steps are progressing as much as is possible in the current circumstances.”
She added: “To keep the centre open it’s crucial that we attract both local visitors and tourists, and the new name allows the Centre to capitalize on the success of the NC500 and clearly indicate what the Centre has to offer, not only in terms of showcasing Caithness history and culture but also as a community space. Local members have great faith in High Life Highland in making the venture a success and look forward to doing all we can to support them.”
John West Director of Culture and Learning for High life Highland said: “We are delighted at the positive outcome of our discussions with our partners The Highland Council and Dounreay Site Restoration Limited. This will allow us to develop and implement our plans to reopen and operate the facility once the current Scottish Government guidelines on COVID-19 allow us to do so, and to work with the community to ensure its’ ongoing success.”
June Love, Community Relations Manager at DSRL, added: "We are delighted to see that, with the investment that has been made, the centre is almost ready to reopen. Tourism already plays an important role in supporting the local economy and this will be even more important as current restrictions are eased. Dounreay has a long history of supporting this project and our new 3-year commitment will see that continue as part of our efforts to ensure the community remains vibrant and jobs are retained and created locally going forward."