Contract For Thurso Library Awarded
6th October 2014
High Life Highland (HLH) has announced that that the contract to refurbish Thurso Library has been awarded to local company O'Brien Construction Ltd. The work is set to commence on the 27th October 2014 with completion expected end of June 2015 and the library should re-open to the public early July 2015.
Architects LDN from Forres have been working closely with HLH, The Highland Council and O'Brien to provide a fully refurbished library incorporating enhanced community facilities.
An internal design team will be engaged over the next few weeks to develop plans that will transform the library into an attractive, vibrant community hub that delivers a dynamic 21st century service while celebrating Thurso Library's beautiful original design features.
The refurbishment will include new shelving and furnishings throughout, a wide range of new stock, a new magazine collection, a new coffee area, the introduction of free Wi-Fi and new self-service technology which will allow staff to spend more time helping customers.
The library will also offer a new bookable community room and a full programme of events and activities will be arranged in liaison with the local community. A team of volunteers from the local high school has already been identified to assist with the design of the teenage area and the selection of resources for young people in the area.
Ian Murray Chief Executive of High Life Highland said "This is an exciting project which will put the library back at the heart of the community providing services that will benefit our local customers and visitors alike. We will continue to work closely across the community with a wide range of existing and new partners to maximise library access and use in the future."
Councillor Alasdair Christie, Chair of The Highland Council's, Education, Adult and Children's Services said: "I am delighted that the contract has been awarded to refurbish this 19th Century building with a historic past and now home to Thurso Library. The works will ensure the future provision of a first class 21st Century Library Service for all to enjoy."
The Thurso library is presently at a temporary location in Princes Street.
PHOTO
Thurso Library - Photographer - Bill Fernie - September 2014
About The Building
The Thurso library building was formerly 'The Miller Institution'
The building was originally a boys' school known as the Miller Institution, later called the Miller Academy.
The Miller Institution, built between 1859 and 1862, was founded by Alexander Miller. Miller, a Thurso native was initially a merchant in the town before he turned to farming. Miller inherited a sizeable inheritance from his uncle, a South American merchant, and part of this money he used to establish the Miller Institution. Miller's second cousin, the Rev. Dr. Alexander Miller, minister of the South United Free Church of Buckie, Banffshire, was also a benefactor of the Institution.
MORE ABOUT THE BUILDING AND LISTING CAN BE FOUND AT -
http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/sc-41984-davidson-s-lane-miller-institution-
Related Businesses
Related Articles
The information provided is a summary of reports from operational staff and is intended to give a general indication of typical conditions in each area at a point in time. It is not intended to imply that any individual route is entirely snow and ice free and drivers must be aware that conditions can change rapidly and make their own assessment of conditions for travelling.
On 27 November 2024 the Community and Places committee will consider a report on play parks in Highland. 94 play parks across Highland including 26 in Caithness are scheduled to close over 5 years.
The information provided is a summary of reports from operational staff and is intended to give a general indication of typical conditions in each area at a point in time. It is not intended to imply that any individual route is entirely snow and ice free and drivers must be aware that conditions can change rapidly and make their own assessment of conditions for travelling.
On Thursday the 21 November 2024, the Education Committee will be presented with an Education Trust Fund report that asks Members to approve the formation of an Education Trust Fund Sub Committee. There are significant funds held by The Highland Council in trust for the educational benefit within different communities.
At the Economy and Infrastructure Committee on Thursday 14 November 2024 councillors adopted an ambitious action plan to tackle biodiversity loss and support a nature-positive Highland. The Council's Ecology Strategy and Action Plan Strategy sets out and defines a series of key actions and activities that will assist the Council to deliver positive action to tackle biodiversity loss and start to address the ecological emergency for the benefit of its environment, economy, and communities.
The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee have approved the rural Housing Supplementary Guidance which will now be used to inform all planning advice and decisions. Chair of the Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: "Following the decision by members today, I am pleased that we now have a positive, clear and consistent basis for considering and determining rural housing planning applications across the whole of the Highland Council area.
New guidance to support schools and organisations working with children and young people to develop comprehensive anti-bullying policies and improve behaviour and relationships has been published. ‘Respect for all' includes updates for staff on how to deal with specific incidents of bullying, including online bullying.
The Vice Chair of the Caithness Committee, Councillor Struan Mackie has expressed his delight at the number of worthwhile local projects that have benefitted from Ward Discretionary Funding in this financial year. All Council Wards receive a discretionary budget, and it is for Ward Councillors to consider what they wish to commit funds to, in line with Highland Council objectives and outcomes.
The Caithness Committee have agreed to adopt the modified Core Path Plans for Caithness. At their meeting yesterday members had the opportunity to discuss a report that summarised the review of The Highland Council Core Paths Plan in Caithness.
On Thursday 14 November 2024, Members of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee will be presented with a new Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2024-2030 and asked to note and agree recommendations which include adopting the new Sustainable Tourism Strategy. Also an agreement to amend the strategy to accommodate consultation feedback on the Visitor Levy Scheme.
