19 September 2005

 

HERITAGE LOTTERY SUPPORT FOR THURSO TOWN HALL PROJECT

 

The Heritage Lottery Fund has officially announced its intention to support the Caithness Horizons project with a contribution of nearly £1 million. This is the second largest single payment the organisation has ever awarded to Caithness.

 

On receiving the good news, which followed a crucial meeting with the HLF officer last month, the board members and key project players are absolutely delighted with the outcome. Commenting on the award, Paul Cariss, Caithness Horizons Chairman, said: “This is fantastic news and guarantees the project’s key objective to provide a high quality multi-functional facility that both the local community and visitors can use, enjoy and be proud of.

 

“Credit must go to our Director Tina Wrighton and Robin Lingard our Project Co-ordinator, who assisted by the project team, submitted the final application to HLF after many months of hard work and dedication.”

 

Along with guaranteed capital and revenue contributions from the Highland Council and UKAEA, both CASE and Scottish Natural Heritage have also confirmed their funding contributions, conditional on all additional funding being in place. This is a vital step forward in securing this ambitious and exciting project to redevelop a much loved public building.

 

John Thurso MP, said: “As Honorary Patron, I know the dedication and hard work that the project team have put into securing this funding. This is wonderful news for Caithness and it is a significant step on the road to creating an important asset for the community.”

 

Commenting from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Colin McLean, Manager for Scotland, said: “We are delighted to make this award, particularly at a time when the area is coming to terms with the closure of Dounreay. This Heritage Lottery investment will hopefully provide the foundation on which the region can begin to develop its cultural tourism."

 

“There is an untapped market as many visitors travel through the area on coach tours or en route to Orkney and Shetland yet the nearest council-run museum is over 100 miles away in Inverness. It will also provide an excellent facility for local families and school children.”

 

Paul Cariss added: “There is still a long way to go and a lot of design and development work to finalise, but when you receive such support and obvious belief in your plans, which is essential for the project to succeed, then all the hard work is worthwhile. These are exciting times and as the project develops the benefits to the area will become apparent.”

 

The project team has now submitted an application for European Regional Development Funding. The outcome is expected later this year, if approved the building refurbishment will get underway during early 2006.

 

Further public presentations and community briefings are being arranged and expected to commence during October.

 

Leaflets summarising the project’s aims and objectives are available in the Town Hall, Thurso Museum and at the Thurso Service Point.