13 January 2006

 

FULL FUNDING PACKAGE FOR CAITHNESS HORIZONS

Caithness Horizons has been awarded the final phase of its crucial capital funding package. The Highlands and Islands Partnership Programme (HIPP), which administers EU funds for the region, has announced its support for the redevelopment of Thurso Town Hall, with a contribution of £100,000 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

 

Dennis Malone, Chief Executive of HIPP, said: “I am delighted that ERDF has been able to make a financial contribution to one of the most exciting projects in Caithness and I am confident that the investment will deliver significant benefits for the area.”

 

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has also shown its support for the project and has awarded a capital funding contribution of £100,000. In addition, both Highland Council and UKAEA have also increased their contributions in order for the project to proceed, bringing the total package to over £3.5 million.

 

A major grant of almost £1 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has already been confirmed, together with grants from Caithness & Sutherland Enterprise (CASE), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Historic Scotland and The Queen Elizabeth Castle of Mey Trust.

 

John Thurso MP, Honorary Patron of Caithness Horizons, said: “I congratulate the directors and project team on having secured a full funding package and I am pleased to note that the building refurbishment design and structural works will be placed with local firms. I am sure the result will be an outstanding success."

 

Paul Cariss, Caithness Horizons Chairman, said “We are extremely grateful to all our funding partners. Without their relentless support we would not be in a position to create such an outstanding facility for the community and visitors to enjoy. The entire project team has worked tirelessly to reach this point and can now focus on bringing the plans to life. This is a major step forward in securing this ambitious and exciting project to redevelop a much loved public building.”

 

More information regarding the building refurbishment and plans for public presentations and community briefings will follow in the coming weeks. Leaflets summarising the project’s aims and objectives are available in the Town Hall, Thurso Museum and at the Thurso Service Point. Information is also available on the Company’s website at http://caithnesshorizons.co.uk/