More than £100k in funding awarded to Nairnshire Community Regeneration projects
Three projects which will bring welcome improvements to the Nairn Links, riverside and public toilets have been awarded a total of £100,054 from the area’s Community Regeneration Fund, after members agreed the funding at their Area Committee yesterday (25 August 2025).
The successful projects were:
- Nairn Links Heritage – £25,054;
- Nairn Links Toilets – £45,000;
- Nairn Riverside Development Plan – £30,000.
Community Regeneration Funding is an umbrella term for a number of funds that are available for communities and organisations to access in Highland.
Nairn Links Heritage Project
Nairn Links has a number of Victorian installations all in need of repair and upgrade to provide an enhanced experience for locals and visitors. These include a Grade A listed building (Bandstand), three monuments, and two Victorian Shelters. Working with the local museum, the project intends to upgrade these and to develop a link to the museum website using a QR signage system to encourage activity and learning. In addition to preserving the original character of the installations as far as possible, the project will also provide an opportunity for local community involvement in the restoration work.
Nairn Links Toilets
This project seeks to produce a number of design options for the re-development of the toilets into a modern fully accessible facility. Accessibility will be a key feature of the designs by including in the proposals for the toilets to serve as an accessibility hub, incorporating a Changing Places toilet and store for the Nairn Beach Wheelchairs.
Nairn Riverside Development Plan
The Nairn Riverside Development Plan aspires to make the Nairn Riverside area a better place for people, nature, and the community. This project will help create a space that is welcoming and safe for everyone; good for wildlife and the environment; fun and healthy for people of all ages and, finally, connected to local history and culture.
Four main ideas will form the basis for the project:
Nature and Wildlife – Add more plants and places for animals, with quiet spots to enjoy nature.
Paths and Access – Improve paths, signs, and make sure everyone can get around easily.
Community and Play – Create play areas, picnic spots, better lighting, and useful facilities.
Heritage and Art – Share local stories through signs, art, and events. Local people will help shape the project through meetings, workshops, and sharing ideas.
Cllr Paul Oldham, Nairnshire Area Vice-Chair said: “We are delighted to support all three projects which will bring welcome improvements to Nairn Links, riverside and public toilets. Community Regeneration Funding plays a key role in enabling Ward members to support important projects in the heart of our communities and for the benefit of our local people.
“In particular, the funding agreed will enable work to move forward on producing a number of possible design options for the re-development of the toilets at the Nairn Links, with accessibility playing a key role in the proposed future renovations at this site. I am certain this will be very much welcomed by locals and visitors to the area.”