Thurso museum set to re-open 'later in the summer', say High Life Highland
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THE former Caithness Horizons museum in Thurso is set to re-open with a new name and management team "later in the summer", it has been confirmed.
The facility, which closed in February 2019 after encountering financial difficulties, will be known as the North Coast Visitor Centre and will be run by High Life Highland on behalf of the local authority. The re-opening of the building was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
John West, High Life Highland’s director of culture and learning said: "We are working with colleagues in The Highland Council to agree a handover date for the North Coast Visitor Centre later this summer. In preparation for the opening, HLH is in the process of recruiting staff to
work in the visitor attraction."
Funding for the visitor centre will come from the council and Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd with each providing financial assistance for an initial three-year period.
After Caithness Horizons closed, the council agreed to commit to the reopening of the facility, with a capital investment of £200,000 for key building works.
Plans were in place to reopen the building this Spring but they were put on hold due to the Covid-19 restrictions. It was agreed to delay the opening until it was safe to do so.
Alan McIvor, chairman of Thurso Heritage Society, is delighted the centre will be reopening. "It’s been sorely missed by the community, and with a new team behind it and rebranding, I’m sure they can make it a success even in these challenging times. High Life Highland are the best people to take it on, they have experience managing museums, catering facilities, and archives.
"Both High Life Highland and the North Coast Visitor Centre are a custom fit for each other. We wish them well and look forward to seeing the doors opening for business."
