Long-term plan needed for strategic assets, says Caithness councillor
CAITHNESS needs "a long-term plan for its strategic assets," according to a local Highland councillor.
Struan Mackie, a Thurso and Northwest Caithness ward councillor, made the plea at this week's meeting of Thurso Community Council. He said the county requires "a joined up vision" when it comes to key infrastructure.
Councillor Mackie said there is "a compelling case for investment" but people and agencies need to work together to help achieve it.
"That requires a long-term plan for strategic assets. We need a vision and we need to address it very, very quickly," he stated.
Councillor Mackie made his comments during a discussion about what do with the closed Block A at Thurso High school. It was pointed out that further assessment has to be undertaken before a decision can be made about the building.
His Thurso and Northwest Caithness council colleague, Matthew Reiss, said the rest of the schools buildings are "fine at the moment" but are likely to have "a limited time span." He praised Highland Council for its quick response in getting alternative accommodation for the pupils.
He said a new school would "cost eye-watering sums of money" and pointed out the replacement modular units would be semi-permanent and last around 20 years.
However, councillor Reiss stressed they could be moved elsewhere when no longer needed at Thurso High. "Highland Council has over 200 schools so they will be needed somewhere at some time," he said.
Fellow Thurso and Northwest Caithness councillor, Karl Rosie, would like to see a new secondary school being built for the town and suggested having a consultation, involving education representatives, engineers and parent teacher associations to look at a way forward.
Ron Gunn, who also represents the Thurso and Northwest Caithness ward, said: "It is important people get round the table and start speaking about this. Speaking together can only help. I think the ball is starting to roll and it would be good to get the views of those who use Thurso High School," he added.
A planning application for eight modular classrooms at Thurso High School has been lodged by Highland Council.
The proposal, which is estimated to cost around £2 million, would provide classroom accommodation for pupils who were displaced following the closure of the school’s ageing Block A.
The council decided to close the block last October when they found serious structural defects in the concrete frame on the three-storey building near Ormlie Road.