Big step in Strathpeffer Pavilion buy-out bid
EFFORTS to take an historic building into community ownership have taken a step forward after funds were secured for a feasibility study into its future.
Opened in 1881 by the Countess of Cromartie the Spa pavilion in Strathpeffer has been a hub of entertainment and social gatherings in the community.
It was the subject of a restoration project by its current owners, the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust in 2004.
Since then it has leased it to Highland Council as a venue for performing arts, dances, conferences, weddings, exhibitions and other events. The pavilion is now managed by High Life Highland on behalf of the council and the lease will run until 2020.
The Strathpeffer Pavilion Community Steering Group (SPCSG) has now secured a grant from the Scottish Land Fund to pay for a feasibility study, which will be used as the basis for another application to the Scottish Land Fund in early 2019 to purchase the building on behalf of the community.
SPCSG co-chairman Daryn Lucas said: “The past few months have been very exciting.
“We have made significant progress towards securing the future of this famous local building.”
He added that the group is looking for people with experience in finance, hospitality or facilities management to join the project’s management board. Contact details can be found on SPCSG’s Facebook page.
