Work undertaken at Caithness Horizons as part of reopening plan
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EXTENSIVE repair and maintenance work is being carried out at Caithness Horizons in Thurso as part of plans to reopen the facility.
That was confirmed this week by Highland Council, which is responsible for the Thurso museum and gallery that closed in February with the loss of seven jobs after encountering financial problems. A spokeswoman said the work at the building is due to be completed "in the coming weeks".
The premises are expected to be taken over by High Life Highland, which delivers leisure services and community learning on behalf of the council, although it is understood arrangements are yet to be finalised.
Earlier this year, the local authority provided funding of more than £400,000 to enable the facility to reopen. Councillors backed plans to give £75,000 over each of the next three years and allocated capital investment of up to £204,000 for urgent building works.
A Highland Council spokeswoman confirmed that work is being undertaken at Horizons.
She said: "Highland Council is currently carrying out an extensive programme of repairs and maintenance works to ensure that the building can open safely and comply with the requirements of a public entertainment licence.
"The work is ongoing and is anticipated to be completed in the coming weeks."
The spokeswoman added: "The boiler room has been refurbished, including the replacement of two boilers. The air-conditioning system, the fire alarm, emergency lighting and CCTV systems have all been repaired and recommissioned.
"The fixed wiring has been inspected and tested, and repairs will be completed within the coming weeks. Various roof repairs – gutters, stones, slates – have been carried out. The water system will be flushed through and disinfected."
She would not comment on when the facility might reopen.
In a brief statement a spokesman for High Life Highland said: "We are pleased to be involved in discussions around the future for Caithness Horizons. These discussions are ongoing and the main partners are considering the next steps to move forward."
The full responsibility for the building and museum collection transferred to Highland Council at midnight on May 31, in accordance with the constitution.
The award of the money by Highland Council in April was expected to give Horizons "a fresh start".
The councillors made their decision after being warned the National Lottery could try and get a grant of almost £1 million reimbursed if it remained closed.
A total funding package of £429,000 was agreed for the building which was described as "an asset for the north."
At the time, the chairman of the Caithness Committee, Councillor Matthew Reiss, said: "This is excellent news for Caithness and in particular for the town centre in Thurso."
Councillor Struan Mackie also backed the deal and said: "The £200,000 of capital, spread over two years, will be used to bring the building up to standard and to allow High Life Highland to assume day-to-day running. Between Dounreay’s already committed funding and Highland Council agreeing this recommendation, there is now a clear way forward for the museum."
The funding decision was made by the care, learning and housing committee. Its chairman, Councillor John Finlayson, said: "This investment heralds a fresh start for Caithness Horizons."
