Caithness residents are reminded to check opening hours at Highland Council service points in Wick and Thurso
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The review of Highland Council service points in Wick and Thurso sees changes in opening hours which came into operation this year.
An update on the amended schedule of opening hours has been shared with councillors on the communities and place committee today reflecting the needs of each place.
The amended opening hours for Caithness service points:
- The service point at Thurso is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 12.30pm and the new times started in February
- The Wick times are Monday to Friday 9.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4.30pm which was effective from July.
Chair of the communities and place committee, Cllr Graham MacKenzie said: “It was clear that following the reopening of service points after lockdown that new opening times were required to put the customer first. This review, undertaken on a place-by-place basis, recognised that local places have different needs that must also balance the dual role of service point and registrar assistance. The council will keep the opening hours of the service points under review to ensure the best possible service can be delivered within available resources.”
Some of the new opening hours have started while remaining changes will take place over the coming weeks.
Councillors also commended the customer service and registration team for changes to work patterns and services over the last three years including the introduction of remote appointments to register births and deaths that can now be conducted by telephone and/teams appointments.
The introduction of a “remote” option to register an event has enabled people living in rural communities to do this from the comfort of their own home, reducing the need to travel to a council office, often at challenging times in their lives.
Post pandemic wedding requests in the Highlands have proven very popular with the Highland Council’s registration service and councillors commended the registrars on their ability to accommodate increasing request for remote and rural marriage events in the region.
Cllr MacKenzie added: “It is very pleasing to see that our registrars while not only supporting those in often their darkest moments are also providing a service to those in happier times. I am delighted that our beautiful Highland region is seen as a desirable place for people tying the knot and I congratulate our very able and accommodating registrars on a professional service that they provide in often challenging locations.”
