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Inverness
Thursday, February 13, 2025

Caithness Secures Major Investments in Play Parks, Roads, and Town Regeneration

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The Caithness Committee has approved a range of vital investments aimed at improving local infrastructure, play facilities, and town centres, with decisions made during today’s meeting (Monday 20 January 2025) paving the way for a series of impactful projects across the region.

More than £292,000 has been allocated to revitalise five play parks in Caithness, following funding from the Scottish Government’s Play Park Renewal Fund.

The total allocation of £294,179 has been split equally between Caithness’s two wards, with £146,824 earmarked for Ward 2.

This includes a full refurbishment of Gillock Park in Thurso, alongside new equipment such as a sky carousel and spring mobile at Harland Road in Castletown, a climbing frame in Dunnet, and a sky carousel and slide in Scrabster.

Ward 3 will receive £145,338 to fully refurbish Grizzly Park in Wick, bringing a much-needed upgrade to one of the area’s key play facilities.

Chair of the Caithness Committee, Councillor Ron Gunn, highlighted the importance of careful prioritisation, given the significant number of play parks across Caithness, which include 49 play areas and 335 pieces of equipment.

He praised the contributions of local community groups, noting that many play park refurbishments have been achieved through grassroots fundraising or Community Asset Transfers, which enable external funding for enhancements.

Additional refurbishments are also planned for parks in Wick, such as Bignold, Hillhead, and King George V, as well as Castle Terrace and Beach Road in Thurso, thanks to Place-Based Investment Funds.

While providing play parks is not a statutory obligation, the council remains committed to their upkeep, conducting inspections on a daily, weekly, fortnightly, or monthly basis, depending on usage and risk, alongside annual independent inspections.

Roads Programme Prioritised For 2025/26

In a parallel move, the Committee agreed on a prioritised programme of roads improvements for the 2025/26 financial year, backed by a £3.16 million allocation from the Capital Budget.

Projects have been ranked based on the Scottish Road Maintenance Condition Survey, safety and service inspections, and input from local councillors to ensure the most pressing needs are addressed.

Of the total allocation, £50,000 will be used for structural repairs.

Councillor Gunn acknowledged the ongoing funding challenges but stressed the importance of planning ahead to ensure resources are used strategically, while also thanking council staff for their tireless work maintaining local roads during recent harsh winter weather conditions.

Boost For Town Regeneration And Active Travel

Progress updates were also shared on projects supported by the Caithness Place-Based Initiative Fund, which is delivering tangible improvements in both Thurso and Wick.

In Thurso, works are set to begin shortly on enhancements to Victoria Walk, including repairs to stone walls and new fencing along the cliff edge.

Additionally, upgrades to Janet Street will improve footpaths and entrances near the A9, with completion expected by April 2025.

In Wick, regeneration efforts are transforming the Riverside area, with resurfaced paths, level-access kerbing, and traffic-calming measures improving safety and accessibility.

These works, supported by a mix of Place-Based funding and the council’s Community Regeneration Fund, are nearly complete, with only road markings remaining to be done after winter.

Smaller-scale projects have also been carried out across Wick, including railings and stonework repairs near the Town Hall, thanks to funding and labour contributions from the Criminal Justice unpaid work team.

Councillor Gunn praised the progress of these projects, noting their potential to enhance safety, boost the local economy, and make the towns more enjoyable for both residents and visitors.

These investments mark a significant step forward for the region, bringing upgrades to key infrastructure, play facilities, and public spaces that will benefit communities across Caithness.

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