Historic Caithness building is to be put up for sale
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THE Traill Hall in Castletown is to be put up for sale with the proceeds going to local organisations.
That was decided at a public meeting held at the weekend to look at future options for the historic building which was gifted to the village in 1867 by Margaret Traill – the daughter of Sheriff James Traill, who pioneered the local flagstone industry – as a public hall and reading room.
It was later used as a temporary school, a canteen and a youth club before becoming a store for the Norfrost freezer firm but it has been unoccupied for 27 years.
Attempts have been made to get the hall back into public use but they have been unsuccessful.
George Gunn, chairman of the Traill Hall Community Trust, said one of the proposals had been to turn the building into a childcare hub, along with other facilities for local people. But that plan was dealt a blow when the Casper Club, the body behind the initiative, folded.
He also pointed out that he had tried to get the Landmark Trust and the Prince's Regeneration Trust interested but were unwilling to take it on.
Mr Gunn explained that water is getting into the property, repairs need to be done to the roof, and the bay window is in danger of collapsing.
"It is not looking good at the moment and it needs money to fix it. I really like the building but perhaps the only way to save it is to put it up for sale and give the money to organisations in the village," he told the audience of around 40 people at Saturday night's meeting in Castlehill Heritage Centre.
In 2012, it was estimated it would cost about £1 million to get the premises back into public use.
"You have to ask yourself if Margaret Traill would like to see the hall falling into disrepair or see it sold and the money going to local groups," he said. "If you don't want to sell it then who is willing to step up with new ideas and follow these ideas through?"
Mr Gunn praised the "tremendous amount of work" done by previous trustees to try and save the listed building.
Almost everyone in the audience agreed it should be sold. Billy Dunbar, the chairman of Castletown and District Community Council, said: "The village can't sustain two halls – the Traill Hall and the Drill Hall. It is a shame, but there it is."
Trust director Angus Cowap asked: "If the hall is sold, where should the proceeds go?"
Mr Gunn said another public meeting could be held to decide that.
The Drill Hall, the youth club, the community café and Castlehill harbour were among the bodies that could benefit from the sale of the premises, it was suggested.
Mr Gunn said someone may be interested in buying the building to use as accommodation for visitors on the North Cast 500 route.
It was felt a condition should be imposed on any sale to ensure something is done with the property so it is not left empty. It should be sold for a realistic price and should not be "given away".
The hall was valued around £20,000 about 20 years ago.
After the meeting, Mr Gunn said he was pleased with the turnout and the decision made. He said: "The sale of the hall would be the best outcome and that plan now has the backing of the community."
