Ideas are put forward on how to bring Wick's Carnegie library 'back to life'
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Numerous ideas on how Wick's historic Carnegie library can be brought "back to life" as a community space have emerged as part of a consultation process.
Members of the public suggested an exhibition space, a tourist information centre, a youth hangout, a music venue, an art gallery, a craft studio, a post office, a digital skills lab, a repair shop, an active travel hub or even a wedding venue as possible uses.
Some felt it should serve as the town's library again because of its convenient location in Sinclair Terrace.
The much-loved building dates back to 1898 but its role as a library came to an end when the East Caithness Community Facility opened on the edge of Wick in 2017, incorporating library and leisure services.
Feedback is being sought as part of the Caithness Place-based Demonstrator project. It is looking at how local spaces can be reused, with input from local residents.
The session in the Carnegie building on Wednesday evening was one of four drop-in events held across the county this week in buildings that are part of the project. Others took place in Castletown's Drill Hall, the UHI campus in Thurso and Lybster community hall.
Provost Jan McEwan, speaking at the Wick event, said the aim was to bring the Carnegie building "back to life for the community".
Members of the public attending the session were encouraged to write their ideas on sticky notes and attach them to large noticeboards.
"Lots of exciting ideas have come up tonight," Councillor McEwan said. "It's a beautiful building, it's central for the community, and it should be brought into community use again.
"People are absolutely missing coming here. There are lots of great ideas for me to take forward to the council."
The building is currently used as the Wick base of Caithness Foodbank.
Anyone who was unable to attend this week's Caithness drop-in events can give their views in an online survey by February 28.
The Caithness Place-based Demonstrator is supported by a £750,000 funding package from the Scottish Government. Partners in the project include Highland Council, NHS Highland, University of the Highlands and Islands, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Hub North Scotland.
The chairman of Highland Council's Caithness Committee, Councillor Ron Gunn, said: “I’ve managed to go along to two of the public sessions and it is very encouraging to see the level of engagement taking place in the community.
"We want people to come forward to tell us what they need to re-inject energy into the shared community spaces across Caithness. It’s great to see ideas come forward, especially as people are invited to be as creative as they like.
"I look forward to more input from individuals and community groups as the spaces are for everyone to enjoy.”
A report is expected by the end of March.
