New cultural hubs scheme wins backing
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He took the opportunity to get an update on the proposed facility at Ham during a visit to the county on Friday.
Details of the plan were outlined to Mr Russell by Dr Graham Elliott, the executive director of North Highland Connections (NHC) – one of the organisations behind the initiative.
Mr Russell was shown the historic girnal – a former grain storehouse across from Ham House – which will form the centre. It is also intended to create two other similar hubs at nearby buildings.
The project, it is hoped, could become a major cultural tourist attraction and help economic development. Creative Scotland recently awarded NHC a grant of up to £100,000 to develop its plans to create three cultural hubs in the area.
The residential creative centre would be used by the local community and some of NHC’s 23 partner organisations, explained Dr Elliott.
It is hoped the work on the girnal will be undertaken by the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust. A “significant grant” towards the cost of the venture has been awarded by Historic Scotland, although more funding will be required to allow the work to proceed.
NHC has developed partnerships with other organisations as well as five Scandinavian countries which will be involved in creative links and exchanges.
“The other two hubs would include a performance centre and a visual arts centre. As this project continues to develop, there will be a good deal of engagement to ensure that the communities of the north Highlands are fully involved in the process,” Dr Elliott said.
“We believe these hubs could be a major cultural tourist attraction and help economic development in the far north. It is a very ambitious plan given the current tough economic climate but we are making considerable progress.
“Personally, I would like to see it being achieved in about five years but that timescale does depend on getting the funding.”
He said Mr Russell gave the plan his backing and acknowledged that it could benefit the local economy.
“We are delighted that Mike Russell came here and showed his support for the project,” added Dr Elliott.
The Creative Scotland grant will also allow work to be done on business plans to help ensure the scheme is sustainable in the future.
