An event was held this week to celebrate a major milestone for Caithness Horizons, a £3.6 million project to create an outstanding facility in the centre of Thurso, for the benefit of the local community and visitors alike. Representatives of the many organisations who have supported the project were invited to view a presentation to show the proposed interior and interpretation design proposals for the renovations of Thurso Town Hall and adjacent Carnegie Library.

To complement the museum and community functions , the main permanent exhibition will include an interactive display to promote the tourism attractions and places of interest to visit throughout the area, and is expected to substantially increase visitor numbers to Caithness and the North Highlands. Last month when the application for funding was submitted to the Heritage Lottery.

Company Chairman, Councillor Roger Saxon said: "Despite the challenges the project experienced in the beginning, with the formation of the company and the submission of major funding applications, there is clearly a definite way forward. This is a significant milestone and takes the project into a very exciting and promising new phase."

David Flear, Caithness Area Convener of The Highland Council, welcomed the progress and said: ‘This project brings many benefits to Thurso and Caithness as a whole. Seeing the designs reinforces how much this will improve the current facilities, as well as encouraging visitors to spend time in the area. Plans to develop a venue capable of displaying the renowned art collection and other such gems of our community for fifty two weeks of the year, as opposed to just two, are to be applauded."

The founding partners - The Highland Council, Thurso Heritage Society and UKAEA - have agreed to contribute over £1 million, and the application to Heritage Lottery is the first crucial step in seeking to obtain the full capital funding for this ambitious project.

At this week’s presentation, Bill McPherson, of MkW Design Partnership, ran through the detailed plans with the group and explained how the flexible areas will be available for community use for important local activities and events ranging from art exhibitions to coffee mornings.

Caithness Horizons has recently welcomed the addition of two new directors to the board, Paul Cariss and Tina Wrighton.

Ends.

Date Last updated : 18/05/05