A community effort has turned a previously nondescript street corner in Wick into a showcase for local heritage.

The area known as the "club corner", at the Martha Terrace mini-roundabout, now features a series of large-format images from the historic Johnston photographic collection.

A bench has been installed and the site has also been enhanced by floral containers.

The project was instigated by the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council with support from the Beatrice Community Fund, Wick Flower Baskets Committee, wind energy company Siemens Gamesa and local firm GMR Henderson.

The idea was to create a new focal point at the unused space adjacent to the Caithness Club, also known as the businessmen's club.

There are now six archive photographs on large boards attached to the walls, all depicting harbour or fishing activities, as well as a panel containing information about the Johnston family of photographers and giving directions to the nearby Wick Heritage Museum where the collection is based.

Community council chairperson Joanna Coghill said the project had greatly improved the site.

She said: "It has turned a dark corner into a nice welcoming area and gives a bit of local history as well as directing people towards the heritage centre."

Mrs Coghill explained that permission had been given by the businessman's club for the work to be carried out. "We applied to the Beatrice Community Fund for money to allow us to do all of this, purchase a seat and organise the specialist panel photos and planters."

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Planning permission was granted to erect the photographs, and the specialist boards were made to suit the dimensions of each image.

"Siemens were looking for a team project and they were delighted to help," Mrs Coghill said. "We got the planters positioned, and Wick Flower Baskets Committee planted them up.

"It is not just a community council project but a combination of groups and companies within the Wick community."

She added: "Without the input and help from the Beatrice Community Fund, Siemens, GMR Henderson, Wick Flower Baskets Committee and our secretary Jayden Alexander this corner would still be run-down.

"It is proving to be a popular corner to sit and rest now there is a seat."

Staff from Siemens cleaned the area using pressure-washer kit borrowed from Northern Marine. Siemens secured the bench, then asked GMR Henderson for help to erect the images.

Siemens' advanced operations coordinator Steph McNeill: “Siemens Gamesa relishes the opportunity to give back to the surrounding areas through volunteering schemes such as this. We were delighted to take up the opportunity to help out the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council in renovating the 'club corner'.

"We have also agreed to undertake the future maintenance of this area, which we hope will be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike for many years to come. The renovation included many of our Siemens Gamesa / SSE operations and maintenance team, and local contractors such as Northern Marine and GMR Henderson.

"We look forward to any future similar schemes where we can engage and work with local communities to drive improvements."

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