Caithness residents have opportunity to help shape community spaces

Residents across Caithness have the chance to shape the future use of four local community spaces. A series of drop-in events are being held to hear the public’s views on what changes they would like to see at the Castletown Drill Hall, the Carnegie Library in Wick, UHI North Highland and the Lybster Community Hall.

The feedback from these sessions will help identify how these spaces could be reused for the benefit of the community through areas such as the co-location of services, repurposing spaces to provide new and additional education and skills support, health and social care services and other wellbeing advice.

The meetings are part of the Caithness Place-based Demonstrator project, which is supported by Scottish Government funding, and is looking at how organisations can work together to reuse local spaces to support key challenges facing communities.

The partners in the project include The Highland Council, NHS Highland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, University of the Highlands and Islands, Hub North Scotland, the Scottish Futures Trust, and social innovation foundation, Nesta.

Leader of The Highland Council, Wick and East Caithness Ward Councillor Raymond Bremner said: “This is an ideal opportunity for residents to tell us what needs to change to help them live well locally. We want to hear what different activities and resources they want to see in these spaces which will help make their communities more sustainable. Their input will shape the future use of these spaces to bring positive changes for all.”

Principal of UHI North Highland, Debbie Murray, said: “Everyone at UHI North Highland is extremely proud to be part of this initiative and we look forward to working alongside our partner agencies to help meet the needs of our communities. I would like to encourage people to attend these events and contribute as many ideas as possible.”

The events are being held on the following dates:

●        Castletown Drill Hall: Tuesday 21 February, 4.30-5.30pm (Youth Club), 6.30-7.30pm (Public)

●        UHI North Highland Thurso Campus, Cafe’ at Morven: Wednesday 22 February 12.30-1.15pm (Students), 1.30-2.30pm (Public)

●        Carnegie Library, Wick: Wednesday 22 February, 6.30-7.30pm (Public)

●        Lybster Community Hall: Thursday 23 February, 6.00-7.30pm (Public)

Anyone who cannot attend the events, can give their views in an on-line survey by Monday 28 February.