More than 500 people in Thurso have taken part in consultation on a £100 million investment plan, with strong support emerging for a new community campus at the heart of the town.
The proposal centres on creating a Community Point of Delivery on the current Thurso High School site, bringing together education, sport, leisure, health and community services in one location.
The project forms part of the wider Highland Investment Plan, a £2.1 billion programme aimed at upgrading infrastructure across the region over the next 20 years.
Local feedback has highlighted a clear appetite for a development that goes beyond replacing ageing school buildings and instead creates a shared civic space for the whole community.
Residents pointed to the potential for modern indoor and outdoor sports facilities, including a multi sports hall, all weather pitches and dedicated spaces for gymnastics and dance.
There was also strong backing for ensuring these facilities are available to the wider public outside of school hours, while complementing existing services such as the town’s library and leisure centre.
Education was consistently identified as a priority, with a range of views expressed on how best to design and organise new school buildings across primary, secondary and early years provision.
Inclusive design was another key theme, with calls for facilities that fully support people with additional support needs, disabilities and neurodiversity.
Participants also highlighted the importance of flexible community spaces capable of hosting events, performances and local gatherings, alongside smaller rooms for regular group use.
Stronger links between schools and UHI North, West and Hebrides in Thurso were widely supported, particularly to improve transitions and expand opportunities for young people.
At the same time, concerns were raised around traffic management, safe routes to school and the overall scale of the development.
The consultation was carried out ahead of the design phase and will now help shape more detailed proposals for the site.
Further statutory consultation is expected later this year as plans progress.
Malcolm Macleod said:
“This is one of the most significant public infrastructure investments the Council has made in the Highlands in over a decade, and it is essential that the community continues to play a role as the proposal develops.
“I want to thank everyone who took part in this consultation, and we look forward to working with the community to shape a connected education campus that supports lifelong learning, skills development and stronger links with community services.”
The project will be supported by the Thurso Transformation Delivery Group, which brings together partners from across organisations to coordinate development and maximise benefits for the town and wider Caithness area.
The full pre-design consultation report can be found at www.highland.gov.uk/thursopod
