Committee approves Conservation and Management Plan for Thurso

Members of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee have approved the Thurso Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan, to help safeguard the distinct architectural and historical features of the town.

Following public consultation and discussions with local Councillors at the Caithness Area Committee, the boundary of the Conservation Area has been amended so that it more accurately reflects Thurso’s special architectural and historic importance.

Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans said: “It is really important that the Plan reflects and incorporates the views, thoughts and ideas of the local community so I want to thank all the individuals, community groups and local businesses in Thurso who took part in the consultation sessions.

“They have helped shape the development of this Plan that will determine how the unique historic centre of the town is protected for present and future residents and visitors for many years to come.”  

Thurso Conservation Area incorporates a diverse built heritage, ranging from Old St. Peter’s Kirk, which is believed to date from 1125, to the gridiron street pattern as laid out by Sir John Sinclair in around 1800.  The Conservation Area is characterised by numerous fine examples of Victorian and Edwardian domestic, civil and ecclesiastical architecture, including a large number of outstanding churches, public buildings and historic shopfronts.

The plan will now be adopted as supplementary guidance for any future developments.

The plan is available on the Council’s website: