Thurso Townswomen’s Guild went to extreme lengths to build esplanade shelter
Thurso’s Heritage by A Thirsa Loon
Like countless towns across the country, Thurso once boasted a wealth of notable groups and charitable organisations dedicated to the betterment of the community.
Sadly, the passing of time has seen many once-thriving associations fade away. A combination of dwindling volunteerism and, at times, an unwillingness to adapt to modern circumstances has contributed to this decline.
However, the Thurso Townswomen’s Guild was one such group that lasted many decades. It began its work in 1930 and continued with unwavering commitment until its closure in 2017 after 87 years of service. It is one of their many worthy endeavours – the creation of the Esplanade Shelter – that this article concentrates on.
The need for a shelter on the Esplanade had been discussed for years before its construction. One of the earliest references I know of is in 1929, when “a desire has been expressed from time to time that a shelter should be erected on the Esplanade, or the Victoria Walk if space may be found. Either place is cold and exposed during eight months of the year…”
It was in the early 1930s that the enterprising members of the Thurso Townswomen’s Guild took their first determined steps towards creating a shelter for the community.
Recognising the benefit such an amenity would bring to both local residents and visitors, they approached the Thurso Town Council with a generous offer. Given the considerable cost of the proposed project, the Guild pledged to cover half the total expenditure, up to a maximum contribution of £200.
This offer paved the way for negotiations to secure a portion of Mrs Mackenzie’s back garden – an area measuring approximately 84 feet by 36 feet.
As part of the arrangement, the council agreed to pay £50 towards removing a henhouse and erecting a shed measuring about 20 feet by 12 feet. Additionally, they committed to constructing a dyke to match the height of the existing one while leaving an entrance for a cart measuring 7 feet wide.
Undaunted by the challenge of raising funds, the Guild launched a series of spirited events to gather the necessary resources towards their share. These included a whist drive, dance, and cake and candy sales.
One particular effort was a collection held during a holiday excursion from Scapa to Scrabster when a large group of Kirkwallians – enjoying their June Holiday – arrived in Thurso. The Kirkwall Town Band performed in Sir John’s Square. The festivities continued with a friendly yet competitive bowling match between the visitors and the local Thurso team, with the home side narrowly clinching victory by a single shot.
The construction of the shelter was entrusted to several skilled local contractors, whose efforts brought the project to life. David Bain was responsible for the masonry work; John Munro & Sons, the joinery; Don Ryrie, plumbing; John Swanson slater; and Peter Shanlin, the painting. The total sum of these tenders came to £453 16s 6d for creating a valuable community amenity.
Lady Marigold Sinclair of Ulbster opened the shelter before a large crowd on August 3, 1933. Provost Campbell presided over the ceremony, and both praised the Thurso Townswomen’s Guild’s efforts.
As Lady Sinclair unlocked the door, declaring the building open, she received a gift from little Miss Moira Macaulay, who stepped forward and presented her ladyship with a box of chocolates.
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