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Urgent plea for new committee members to prevent Thurso Heritage Society shutting down





An illustrated talk hosted by Thurso Heritage Society in 2019 about Chief Inspector Donald Swanson, who was put in charge of the Jack the Ripper murders in London. The talk in the town's Royal British Legion club was given by Adam Wood, who had carried out extensive research into Swanson's life for his biography of the detective. Picture: Mel Roger
An illustrated talk hosted by Thurso Heritage Society in 2019 about Chief Inspector Donald Swanson, who was put in charge of the Jack the Ripper murders in London. The talk in the town's Royal British Legion club was given by Adam Wood, who had carried out extensive research into Swanson's life for his biography of the detective. Picture: Mel Roger

A last-ditch bid is being made to secure the future of a long-established voluntary group dedicated to preserving and promoting Thurso's rich history.

New committee members are needed urgently to continue the work of Thurso Heritage Society, with the organisation said to be "at a crossroads" after operating for more than 40 years in its present form.

Without immediate action, the charity, its website and its Facebook page will have to be shut down.

The deadline for filling new roles is Wednesday night (September 27) when an extraordinary general meeting will be held via Zoom, and the society is calling for people from the community to step up "before it’s too late".

A spokesperson said: “The situation is we have some committee members wishing to take a back seat or stand down for personal reasons and we need these committee positions filled to continue.

Shore Street in Thurso around 1910. Picture: Thurso Heritage Society
Shore Street in Thurso around 1910. Picture: Thurso Heritage Society

"We’re not just talking about losing an organisation – we’re talking about losing a vital part of what makes Thurso unique. Our history, our stories and our community spirit are all at risk if we can’t get active members who will pitch in and help.”

From organising local history talks and walks to running various events and projects, Thurso Heritage Society serves as a hub for local people to connect and learn about their shared history. Schools, museums, heritage groups, researchers, TV production companies and history enthusiasts have also sought the society’s expertise over the years.

Several committee positions need to be filled by Wednesday at the online meeting or it faces "the unfortunate reality of shutting down all operations".

The spokesperson went on: “We’re at a crossroads. If it comes to the point of folding then at least we can hold our heads held high knowing we did our bit and did some good work for the town, leaving behind a number of good projects and helping countless people these past four decades entirely on a voluntary basis.

"No prior experience is necessary – just a passion for Thurso’s history. Various positions are open, and we welcome members from all walks of life."

Anyone interested is asked to contact Thurso Heritage society as soon as possible by emailing thsmembership1@gmail.com

“Unfortunately, it seems harder for community groups these days to continue with a lack of support," the spokesperson said. "We’ve reached a moment where we must either come together or lose a vital part of our community’s soul.

"We’re sending out this urgent appeal not just as a committee but as fellow enthusiasts of Thurso’s rich history.

"We are counting down the days until the deadline and hope this urgent plea will galvanise the community into action.

"Society members have been the guardians of Thurso’s history for decades. Now we’re asking Thurso to help guard its future.”


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