Help shape Thurso’s future
People still have time to share their views on a £100 million investment in Thurso.
The Highland Council is consulting on early proposals for a Point of Delivery (PoD) in the town. The PoD would bring together education and community facilities into a modern, integrated hub, designed to be more sustainable, efficient, accessible, and better connected.
In Thurso, the proposed Community PoD would focus on education provision and could include:
- New primary and secondary schools
- Community facilities
- Office and meeting spaces
- An innovation centre
- Services delivered by local partners such as NHS Highland and UHI North, West and Hebrides.
The proposals are being explored as part of the Highland Investment Plan, a £2.1 billion, 20-year capital investment programme led by the Council to improve local infrastructure and services across the region.
The first phase of public engagement took place in December, when people who live, work or study in Thurso were invited to attend drop-in consultation events. Sessions held at the North Coast Visitor Centre attracted more than 150 people, while the online feedback form has received over 280 responses.
The initial phase of consultation remains open until 16 February, allowing further opportunity to provide feedback through an online form.
Leader of The Highland Council, Cllr Raymond Bremner, said: “These proposals present an opportunity to create a connected education campus that supports lifelong learning, skills development and closer links with community services. Local people have a vital role in shaping what this looks like.
“We’ve been encouraged by the level of engagement so far, but there’s still time for people to get involved. Feedback gathered at this stage will help shape the next phase of engagement and our statutory consultation, ensuring a collective approach as these plans develop.”
The HIP is financed through a combination of capital investment and a dedicated annual allocation of 2% ring-fenced Council Tax revenue.
To help guide this significant investment locally, a Thurso Transformation Delivery Group (TTDG) has been established. The group brings together a range of partners to coordinate projects delivered by multiple organisations, ensuring a joined up approach and maximising benefits for Thurso and Caithness. Current members include:
- Community Planning Partnership
- Focus North (secretariat support)
- The Highland Council
- Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE)
- High Life Highland
- Hub North Scotland
- NHS Highland
- Nuclear Restoration Services Dounreay / Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
- North Highland Chamber of Commerce
- Thurso Community Council
- UHI Environmental Research Institute
- UHI North, West and Hebrides
To find out more about the PoD proposals, and to share your views, visit: https://www.highland.gov.uk/thursopod