Protection of Tain and Wick Conservation areas approved

Members of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee have approved conservation area appraisals and management plans for both Tain and Wick Pulteneytown conservation areas to help safeguard their distinct architectural and historical features.

Following discussions with local Councillors at the Caithness and the Easter Ross Area Committees and comments received as part of the public consultations, the boundaries of both conservation areas have been increased to incorporate additional areas of architectural prominence. 

Wick Pulteneytown conservation area covers a diverse built heritage which incorporates both domestic housing centred on Argyle Square, and an extensive area of warehousing between the harbour and Wick River.

Ranging from its origins as a place of pilgrimage and sanctuary, and its Royal Burgh status, Tain conservation area has a rich array of historic buildings with fine architectural features and detailing as well as an unusual number of mature trees.

Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Trish Robertson thanked the members of the two Area Committees, Council staff and the public for all their work. 

She said: “This is about protecting the unique heritage of Tain and Pulteneytown for present and future residents and visitors. Producing the appraisals and management plans has involved a considerable amount of work so I would like to thank our staff, local members, local stakeholder groups and everyone who contributed to these reports.

"We have a statutory duty to preserve and enhance conservation areas and the feedback will help us, as custodians of our heritage and history, to better protect and preserve these two historic towns over the coming generations.”

Both plans will now be adopted as supplementary guidance for any future developments.