Thurso Community Council was not informed of art gallery closure plan
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Community councillors in Thurso were not told about the plan to close the art gallery in the town's library and were surprised by the decision.
Chairwoman,Thelma Mackenzie hit out at the proposal at this week's meeting and argued that if High Life Highland (HLH), which runs the facility on behalf of Highland Council, had talked to the artists they may have been able to find another venue. She urged local councillors to take action on the decision.
Thurso and Northwest Caithness ward representative Ron Gunn said HLH had to make savings and decided to close the premises, formerly known as the Swanson Gallery.
His ward colleague, Matthew Reiss, said the savings would be about £30,000 but pointed out that the staff would be found other work with HLH – and he added: "If that is the worst cut this year it may not be as bad as it might appear."
However, Councillor Reiss acknowledged the closure would result in the town losing another facility.
Community councillor Billy Sinclair pointed out that people in Caithness pay the same contribution in community tax as everyone else in the Highlands and yet seem to get many cuts in services.
"Why are they not saving money in Inverness?" he asked, adding: "Leave us with the little we have got and may be give us more." Councillor Reiss stressed the savings are being made "across the board".
Community council treasurer Elspeth Husband asked if the gallery would be re-purposed and was told by Councillor Reiss that "it is intended to have other uses".
Meanwhile, the GMB Scotland union is writing to councillors to voice what it describes as "serious concerns" about the impact on the wider community of losing the gallery. It is understood a protest petition has been launched.
As previously reported, the closure plan was blamed on soaring operating costs against a challenging cost-of-living backdrop.
Earlier this month, a spokesperson for HLH said the gallery would continue to operate while "contractual discussions are ongoing".
He said: "High Life Highland commits to making the gallery space available to local community groups and artists wishing to mount their own exhibitions in the local area."
At the time, the closure decision was described as "very disappointing" by Ian Pearson, the chairman of the Society of Caithness Artists. He said the public is being "deprived of such a valuable service".
The gallery, located at the back of the library, has featured many shows by local and international artists.
