Dornoch Hub has got the wow factor!
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Representatives of the funding bodies which supported the conversion of the former Dornoch police station into a community hub have said they are amazed at the transformation.
An open weekend was held with invited guests given a tour of the spacious building last Friday and members of the public encouraged to view it on Saturday and Sunday.
The property was purchased by Dornoch Area Community Interest Company (DACIC) in January 2020 in an asset transfer and a complete refurbishment was carried out between September 2020 and April 2021.
Funding for the £500,000 acquisition and conversion came from SSE Renewables, the Scottish Land Fund, the National Lottery Community Fund, Highland Council, Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Ltd and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Guests were given a presentation by DACIC chairwoman Joan Bishop and had the opportunity to look round the new visitor centre and gallery space, community room with fitted kitchen, conference room and the variety of office spaces, which are occupied by local businesses.
They also viewed the new gym which is housed in the former police garage.
Marianne Townsley of SSE Renewables, which manages the Highland Sustainable Development Fund and the Beatrice Partnership Fund said she was hugely impressed by the transformation and the fact it had been undertaken during a pandemic.
“It is incredible what has been achieved, particularly given the challenges of the last 18 months,” she said
HIE area manager for Caithness and Sutherland Eann sinclair said: “Even in ordinary circumstances this would be in impressive but in the last 18 months - wow!”
Liz Howard, of HIE’s community assets team said: “The plans DACIC had have come to fruition and It is just wonderful to see all the spaces used. It is amazing to see what has been achieved with this building despite lockdown.”
Dornoch Community Council Patrick Murray revealed he had initially thought there was “no way” the police station could be taken on, but he said: “Now it is absolutely fantastic."
Joan Bishop told the Northern Times: “I am delighted to have been able to show representatives from our funders and Police Scotland around the refurbished Dornoch Hub.
“Their support has enabled our vision to become a reality. With all our tenants in place we now look forward to developing community activities.”
