Work starts on first phase of ambitious project to transform Culrain Hall
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Work is finally under way on the first phase of an ambitious renovation of a Sutherland community hall following the success of funding applications.
Local tradesmen have been working at Culrain and District Hall to renovate its stage, stairwell and office and upgrade the electrical wiring and circuitry.
It is part of a much wider project to modernise the much-loved community hall – an old RAF crew hut – which serves as the hub of the small community.
The end aim is to convert it into a modern meeting point for local residents, but also a visitor facility with a self-contained bunkhouse, small commercial café and bike rental.
The work is being made possible thanks to grant aid from the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland and also the Highland Council administered Community Regeneration Fund and the North Highland Initiative.
Graham Charge of the Culrain and District Hall Committee said: “We are doing the renovation in stages. The next stage will see the roof replaced using the Community Regeneration Fund grant that was awarded to us. Macleod Roofing will be doing the roof.”
An archaeological survey was conducted at the hall site last week by Evanton based Avon Archaeology – the 1650 Battle of Carbisdale took place close to the village of Culrain.
“The dig was to satisfy a condition of a planning application,” explained Mr Charge. “On this occasion nothing of significance was found in either the metal detecting survey or the examination of the two trenches that were dug.
“Andy Young, who led the excavation produced a very informative paper on the battlefield for the local community.”
