Ambitious plans set out for Strathnaver Museum revamp
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Strathnaver Museum’s ambitious plans for renovation and extension were aired to the public for the first time at a well-attended event in the Naver Teleservice Centre.
Central to the ongoing presentation were a set of proposals drawn up by Ardgay-based architect Catriona Hill which were pored over by museum volunteers and members of the public who dropped on Wednesday of last week.
Board members and museum staff including the chairman, Tommy Mackay, and the development officer, Fiona Mackenzie, were on hand to answer questions as was Valerie Houston, contracts and assets manager at the Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust, whose function was to share her community’s experience of carrying similarly challenging projects through to completion.
The museum committee’s desire is to preserve and restore the essence of the building to its mid-18th century appearance while addressing necessary improvements – such as better access to all levels, a more spacious reception area, disabled toilet provision and an annexe.
“Our aim is to conserve the historic fabric but to to do so in a contemporary manner which will allow the museum to function effectively and get the very best out of its future,” Catriona said.
In order to achieve this she recommends the removal of the external staircases that were erected in the mid-1970s to give access to the internal galleries. The western staircase would be replaced by a modern fire escape while, in place of the eastern one, a “portal” – described as a “contemporary intervention” – would create a point of interest at the museum entrance. At gallery level it would offer a clear view from end to end of the building along an imaginatively constructed bridge linking both sides of the interior.
The exterior would have its 20th-century harling removed and replaced with an authentic 18th-century-style render. The planned annexe is to be located outwith the immediate curtilage of the museum together with a sheltered courtyard to house larger exhibits including agricultural implements.
Fiona Mackenzie said: "While all this is going on, we will be running a three-year cultural and natural heritage programme which will seek to involve the Mackay diaspora from across the world. The clearances, politics, landscape and language will be our main themes.
"We must do our best to keep the business of the museum at the forefront no matter how difficult it may be when the builders are in.”
She anticipates a cost significantly in excess of £1,000,000 but is optimistic about assembling a funding package within a year and her hope is that, in three years' time, there will be a rejuvenated and fit-for-purpose building.
While echoing these aims, board member Robbie Mackay hopes the work will solve a long-standing mystery. “No-one seems to know when the Church of St Columba was actually built,” Robbie said. “I really hope they uncover a date stone when the harl is removed.”
Tommy Mackay added: “We and our predecessors have been trying to do something like this for more than 30 years and have been nearly there on more than one occasion. I really hope that this time, we will be able to deliver the goods. It’ll mean a great deal of work for several years but we’re all up for it and ready to get going.”
