Thurso community trust chairperson praised as ‘transformational force’ as she prepares to step down

Helen Allan has been hailed as “an inspiration and a role model” after it was announced that she will be stepping down as chairperson of the community trust leading a range of sustainable development projects in Thurso.

She was praised for the tireless work she has put in behind the scenes since taking up the role with Thurso Community Development Trust (TCDT) six years ago.

Mrs Allan will hand over the reins to someone new at the annual general meeting at the end of this month. That will also mark the start of the new five-year strategy for the trust, which aims to make Thurso “a better place to live, work and visit for all through community-led sustainable development”.

The five-year plan was developed from a wide-ranging community consultation.

Among the initiatives Thurso residents have appreciated most are the Greenhouses project, offering locally grown food and plants while providing a space for learning about sustainable food production, and the harbour public toilets, closed by Highland Council in 2018 but reopened by TCDT in 2020 and now run by volunteers during the summer months.

They have also valued the Seniors’ Lunch Club, originally launched during the pandemic. The trust began delivering daily lunches to support the community and this service has now expanded to include both sit-down meals and delivery options, as well as Christmas lunch.

Mrs Allan says she is particularly proud of the way the trust responded to Covid.

“Although it was a scary time for everyone, we as a trust pulled the community together,” she said. “We had a virtual volunteer call centre, taking calls from the community for all sorts of help.

“The response to our call for volunteers was amazing, and I’m delighted to say that a number of those first volunteers are still with us today. I’m proud to be one of those volunteers.”

Those who have worked with Mrs Allan in TCDT paid tribute to her leadership and work ethic.

Sharon Dismore, senior development officer for gardens and greenhouses, said: “Helen has been both an inspiration and a role model for me.

“She works tirelessly behind the scenes – whether it’s opening and cleaning the toilet facilities, cooking lunches for seniors or supporting our garden projects – all while leading the organisation with dedication and vision.”

Former trust development manager Joan Lawrie said: “Helen has been a transformational force as chairperson. Leadership is not about being in charge, it is about taking care of those in your charge.

“Helen has always taken care and consideration of the people of Thurso, including how young people and those more vulnerable in our community can benefit from the services and projects of the trust. I continue to be inspired and thankful for all that Helen has achieved.”

Mrs Allan added: “The last 18 months have not been easy. We had to close down the community benefit society, we had a funding crisis and we didn’t have a development manager for over a year.

“However, we persevered and I think the trust is perfectly placed to do great things in the next five years.”

Among those plans are developing the former Socially Growing shop into a community space; promoting and enhancing the “asset bank” – a resource equipment that groups can borrow to allow them to stage community events; continuing with projects to regenerate the town centre; promoting Thurso for visitors with its tourism brochure; and building on the work of the Highland Community Waste Partnership through events such as the Repair Café.

More details about the strategy plan for 2025-2029 can be found on the TCDT website.

Formed in 2018, TCDT chose Mrs Allan as its chairperson in 2019.

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