CAITHNESS councillors have backed a controversial decision to establish a vegetable garden in the centre of Thurso.

Members of Highland Council's Caithness Committee – meeting remotely this week – gave their support to the initiative in the gardens at Sir John's Square which are usually adorned with floral displays. That could not happen this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, so Thurso Community Development Trust came up with the idea of growing vegetables there instead as part of its Thurso Grows project.

The move has attracted some opposition, amid claims that the decision was taken "behind closed doors". One person who is against the idea said the town square was being turned into "a vegetable patch".

However, the Caithness councillors stressed that the project is a temporary one and that floral displays will return in 2021. It was decided to grow fruit and vegetables rather than let the site lie dormant.

Colour is being added with plants and painted stones decorated by people in the community.

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Councillor Karl Rosie (Thurso and Northwest Caithness), who is also a director of the trust, said: "The Thurso town square is a cherished focal point in Caithness and as councillors we were keen to identify a solution to the lockdown restrictions that were going to prevent the normal garden maintenance and displays. Highland Council is operating with greatly reduced staffing levels and the suppliers were unable to provide flowers this year.

"The development trust and Thurso Grows responded with a plan that has been supported by volunteers of all ages and it has been fantastic to witness the obvious pleasure for everyone involved. Community development is defined by people taking action on what’s important to them, and this is a very good example."

Councillor Nicola Sinclair (Wick and East Caithness), the newly elected chairperson of the Caithness Committee, said: "I think I speak for all of us when I say the work of Thurso Community Development Trust has been outstanding in supporting the community in Thurso and beyond, and this is the latest in a large number of really ambitious and exciting projects.

"It’s impossible to please everyone, and community work can feel like a thankless task at times, but I think most people appreciate the efforts of the trust and they should take heart from that and keep up the great work."

The committee later unanimously passed a motion of thanks to the community groups and individual volunteers for their response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

• Thurso Grows project takes over town centre square

• Row growing over Thurso town centre vegetable garden

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