Family firm awarded contract for first phase of Tain Picture House project
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Local building contractor Richard M MacKenzie Ltd has been appointed the main contractor for the first phase of the Tain Picture House Regeneration Project.
The work involves restoring safe access to the centrally located building and replacing windows.
Tain and District Development Trust has linked with Tain and Easter Ross Civic Trust and Tain Heritage Trust to progress the project to turn the Grade B building into a creative arts venue.
When complete, it will host a variety of activities including a cinema and intimate entertainment venue, event hire and more.
A funding award of £110,000 has been made from the Scottish Government Town Centre Regeneration Fund along with £12,000 from the Architectural Heritage Fund.
Lachie Stewart of the Tain and Easter Ross Civic Trust said: "The phase one work will instantly improve the look of our townscape and shine a light on the building once more.
"We will get the doors open for the first time in many years to let people see for themselves the magnificent Maitland interior in one of the finest secular halls north of Inverness."
A family run business, R M MacKenzie Ltd has traded successfully for more than 35 years.
It was founded by Richard MacKenzie who stepped back as managing director in January 2020 in favour of his son Alan MacKenzie.
Another son, Lewis, a civil engineer, joined the company last November as commercial and contracts manager, and will play an integral role in the Picture House Project.
He said: "We are thrilled to be part of bringing this iconic building back to life.
"With any historic building there is always unforeseen challenges to assess and mitigate from an early stage.
"We are working closely with the client and architect to plan around potential issues that may arise as work progresses."
Tain Heritage Trust trustee Derek Loudon said: "We're delighted that long-established local contractor Richard MacKenzie has won the main contract for refurbishment works at the Picture House."
