Community asset transfers approved by Councillors - Bettyhill Visitor Centre

16th May 2019

Two Highland communities have had their requests for buildings to be transferred over to them approved by The Highland Council

At todays (Thursday 16 May 2019) Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee members agreed to transfer the Bettyhill Visitor Centre to the Strathnaver Museum, creating an opportunity for an enhanced cultural heritage and community "hub" in the far north.

Until recently the Visitor Centre with a cafe, situated next to the Strathnaver Museum, was run by Visit Scotland. The Strathnaver Museum put forward a request for the council to transfer the building so it can continue as a cafe and information point for visitors and play an integral role in the Museum's viability and future development plans.

The newly formed Strathpeffer Pavilion Community Trust (SPCT) request to take over ownership of the gardens and buildings surrounding Strathpeffer Pavilion, including the tennis courts, Band Stand and Pump Room for £1 has also been given the green light by members of the Committee. The sale is conditional on the Trust being successful in purchasing the Pavilion building from the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust. If successful their plan is to secure the pavilion and its wider site for community use through an innovative partnership with High Life Highland who currently operate the venue.

In both cases the applicants will cover both the Council's and their own costs associated with the transfers.

Chair of the Committee, Cllr Allan Henderson said: "There is the potential for both organisations to tap into the tourist boom we are experiencing, especially along the popular NC 500 route, and to encourage visitors to stop and spend some time exploring and learning more about the local heritage and history.

“Both transfer requests have received the backing from local members and I am sure they will all join me in wishing Strathnaver Museum and the Strathpeffer Pavillion Community Trust all the very best with their plans."