New hope for former Caithness Horizons venture
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A cultural and tourism venue in Thurso could be up and running early next year to replace the troubled Caithness Horizons.
A new body with “a renewed vision” for the Thurso museum and gallery is set to take over the premises as Caithness Horizons is about to be formally wound up.
The facility closed in February last year with the loss of seven jobs after encountering financial difficulties but is due to reopen under the management of High Life Highland which delivers leisure services and community learning on behalf of the local authority.
It is understood the facility will be renamed and involve other local community organisations, although the building will still be owned by Highland Council.
Thurso and north-west Caithness Highland councillor Karl Rosie, a former director at Horizons, is delighted with the plans for the premises.
He said: “We have received updates about High Life Highland becoming the managing agents for the facility and that is really encouraging. It is unfortunate that Horizons reached the position it did but we have an opportunity for a renewed vision for the building.
“I am really confident High Life Highland will reach out to the community and create a facility that plays an important role in the Caithness community, the economy and the tourist industry.”
Mr Rosie added: “I think the building will reflect the rich heritage and culture that exists in Caithness and that is really exciting. I am hopeful it will be up and running in time for the next tourist season.”
His fellow Thurso councillor, Struan Mackie, said: “We have had, in recent weeks, reassurance that Caithness Horizons represents a great opportunity for High Life Highland but the handover is very much in the hands of Highland Council.
“There is a paper coming to the Caithness committee early next month that will hopefully show the direction of travel.”
He said if the facility can be opened safely, with the appropriate safeguards, it would be “a significant boost to Caithness”.
Highland Council confirmed it has been working on plans to reopen Horizons.
A spokeswoman said: “The building and its collections remain in the council’s stewardship and we have been working on plans to allow a reopening of Caithness Horizons, albeit with some delay to those plans as a result of Covid-19.
“Discussions are taking place with key stakeholders and the council will be in a position to provide an update on reopening plans once discussions conclude.”
A spokesperson for High Life Highland added: “High Life Highland are in discussions with the Highland Council and key stakeholders and will be in a position provide an update once discussions conclude.”
Since the closure of the facility 19 months ago, discussions have taken place between Highland Council, High Life Highland and other interested parties, including Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd – one of the two main funders – about getting it operational again.
Last year, the local authority provided funding of more than £400,000 to enable the centre to reopen. Councillors backed plans to give £75,000 over each of the next three years and allocated capital investment of up to £204,000 for urgent building works. The money was granted to give Horizons “a fresh start”.
Councillors made their decision after being warned the National Lottery could try to get a grant of almost £1 million reimbursed if it remained closed.
Major work was carried out in a bid to get Horizons open in time for this year’s tourist season but that plan had to be put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Caithness Horizons ceased trading on the May 31, 2019 and the full responsibility for the building and museum collection transferred to Highland Council in accordance with the constitution.
