Council fill funding gap to allow go ahead for Thurso and Nairn projects

The Council had applied for European funding of £500,000 each for the redevelopment by Caithness Horizons at Thurso Town Hall and construction of a new community centre in Nairn but due to demand for funding, received only £100,000 for each project.

At Thurso, the shortfall is being met by UKAEA, £100,000; Nuclear Decommissioning Authority £100,000; while the Council will raise the balance via land sales at Thor House, Thurso; the Beach Pavilion, Thurso, and community benefit for developments currently progressing through the planning system.

Work is expected to start on site early in the new year.

At Nairn, the shortfall is to be met by the sale of land at Acharaidh, Nairn (£250,000) and specification savings (£150,000). It is intended to award a contract in March 2006.

Convener Alison Magee said: "I am pleased the Council has been able to meet the funding gap to ensure these two very important projects can proceed early in the new year."

Caithness Horizons will transform Thurso Town Hall and the neighbouring museum into a modern visitor and community attraction for the town and surrounding area.

At Nairn, a replacement community centre is planned in Nairn town centre, providing the town with a state of the art sound and cultural venue.

The Council also noted the award of funding for two other Council-sponsored projects, namely Raasay Community Hall (£180,000) and Boat of Garten Community Hall (£278,000).

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