Thurso masterplan and community POD progress update

27th June 2025

A new generation of community facilities is being planned for the Highlands.

At a meeting of The Highland Council (Thursday 26 June), elected members approved the work to date in progressing the Highland Investment Plan workstreams - masterplan for Thurso and agreed to nominate the current Thurso High School site as the preferred location for the new Thurso Community Point of Delivery (POD). The plans represent £100 million investment in the town.

Thurso has been selected as one of the priority locations for a Community POD and a public drop-in event will be held after the summer holiday period to allow the Thurso community to consider POD proposals and provide feedback.

Council Leader, Councillor Raymond Bremner said: "This is a once in a generation opportunity to not only redevelop Thurso High School but also regenerate Thurso with a wider Community Point of Delivery. We are talking about £100m investment in the town by the Council, which will in turn encourage other partners to contribute. I am delighted that plans are progressing and urge people to find out more when engagement takes place soon after the summer break. At a time of economic challenge this is really positive news not just for Thurso but for the whole of Caithness."

Cllr Bremner added: "Points of Delivery are a new way of co-locating and delivering services so that they are easier for people to access, so that partner agencies can work better together, and so that organisations can share facilities where they have similar needs. This is a key driver for our future operating model, and part of our wider strategy to devolve and decentralise Council operations over time. This is essential to help sustain communities and populations throughout the Highlands."

Other projects in phase one include improvement to Council depots in Caithness and the re-surfacing of the all-weather pitch in Wick.

A further update on the development of the masterplan will be provided at the Council meeting in October 2025.

The full report can be accessed https://www.highland.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/5196/highland_council (Item 6).

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

11/8/2026 : Local Authority

 
Nature Restoration Fund Community Grants Programme opens for applications

Community groups, charities, public sector bodies and other eligible organisations across Highland are being encouraged to apply for funding through the 2026/27 Highland Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) Community Grants Programme, which opens for applications on Friday 14 August 2026.   Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis, with grants available from £2,000 to £25,000 for capital projects that help restore nature, safeguard wildlife and address biodiversity loss.  

7/8/2026 : Local Authority

Convener welcomes funding to support Cairngorms businesses

The Scottish Government has confirmed a £3 million fund to support businesses affected by the Cairngorms wildfire.   The funding package was announced today by the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Tourism, Stephen Flynn, during a visit to Glenmore.  

6/8/2026 : Local Authority

Timetable for Ward 3 Wick and East Caithness By-Election confirmed

A Highland Council by-election is being held for Ward 3 Wick and East Caithness following the resignation of Willie Mackay.   The Notice of Election and timetable for this election will be published on the Council’s website on Friday 14 August 2026.  

5/8/2026 : Local Authority

Qualifications Scotland exam results for young people across Highland 2026

Yesterday 4 August 2026 we celebrate the success and achievements of all our young people as they receive their Qualifications Scotland (QS) results, previously known as SQA.  These results are an initial snapshot of attainment and achievement for the 2025/26 session.  

30/7/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council Launches Community Transport Grant Funding for 2027–2030

Community groups and organisations across the Highlands are being invited to apply for funding through The Highland Council's Community Transport Grant Scheme.   The scheme supports community-led transport services that help people access healthcare, employment, education, shopping and social activities.  

30/7/2026 : Local Authority

Council leader welcomed Wick Air Service Funding for 2026/27

The Leader of The Highland Council has welcomed confirmation from Transport Scotland of almost £1.8 million funding to support Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services from Wick for the year ahead.   Following an open tender exercise, the Council has awarded the contract to Air Charter Scotland, which will continue to operate services between Wick and Aberdeen and introduce scheduled flights between Wick and Glasgow from 15 August 2026 to 14 August 2027.  

30/7/2026 : Local Authority

Businesses invited to help shape recovery response following Cairngorms wildfire

As the emergency response to the wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park continues, attention is now turning to economic recovery and supporting the businesses and people whose livelihoods have been impacted.   The Highland Council through Business Gateway Highland is working with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Scottish Government, the Cairngorms National Park Authority and the Cairngorms Business Partnership as part of a multi-agency business recovery group.  

23/7/2026 : Local Authority

England Cuts Business Rates for Hospitality – Will Scottish Businesses Be Left Behind?

The UK Government has announced a 20% cut in business rates for many hospitality businesses in England, offering welcome relief to pubs, restaurants, cafés, hotels and live music venues that have struggled with rising costs in recent years.   For thousands of businesses south of the Border, it could mean lower bills and a little more breathing space.  

16/7/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Small Grants Programme Reopens with Expanded Support for Community Organisations

The Highland Local Action Group (LAG) is re-opening the Highland Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) Small Grants Programme following a review of the remaining funding.   Community and voluntary organisations across rural Highland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £10,000.  

14/7/2026 : Local Authority

 
Do you want a say in the future development of Highland?

Share your ideas and help shape the places, spaces and communities of tomorrow.   The Highland Council is inviting people to share their ideas relating to the development or long-term land use in Highland.