Bid to breathe new life into iconic Tain Picture House takes step forward as Easter Ross contractor gears up to start work
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AN Easter Ross construction company that "went above and beyond" during the coronavirus crisis is now gearing up to tackle the regeneration of an iconic building on its doorstep.
RNM Construction has been awarded the main contractor works for the first phase of the Tain Picture House regeneration project, an ambitious scheme to turn the Grade B listed building into a creative arts facility that will host a cinema and offer an intimate entertainment and event hire venue.
The Tain-based company was also recently shortlisted for Scottish Contractor of the Year for the Construction Awards of Excellence 2021 awards in recognition of its work on a unique house-build project north of Dornoch.
Alan MacKenzie, managing director, said: "Like many businesses the pandemic has challenged the way in which we operate. We were fortunate to have a number of new build and restoration projects in progress and with covid-safety measures in place we have been able to keep going."
The family run business, started by his dad "from the back of the family car" has been built up with the support of his mother into a business employing 13 staff and trading for over 35 years.
The Tain Picture House work, won after a competitive tender process, is a joint project between Tain and District Development Trust in partnership with Tain and Easter Ross Civic Trust, and Tain Heritage Trust.
The project was awarded £110,000 from the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Regeneration Fund and £12,000 from the Architectural Heritage Fund. Support from the SSE Beatrice Wind Farm Fund and the North Highland Initiative allowed for a business plan and feasibility study with a view to attracting larger funds required to turn the Grade B building into a creative arts venue.
It will a family affair for Mr MacKenzie who has been joined by younger brother Lewis, a civil engineer to trade who "will play an integral role" in the "very ambitious and challenging project".
Lewis MacKenzie said: "We are thrilled to be part of bringing this iconic building back to life”.
Lachie Stewart from Tain and Easter Ross Civic Trust said: “We’re looking forward to getting contractors into the building to restore safe access. With the help of the Town Centre Regeneration Fund, the Picture House is soon to have the windows replaced which will allow for the boards to be taken down as part of our Phase 1 works.
"This work will instantly improve the look of our town-scape and shine a light on this building once more. We’ll 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."
Derek Louden, trustee of the Tain Heritage Trust, said he was delighted that a long-established local contractor has won the main contract for refurbishment works and pleased the quality of its work is now being recognised at a national level.
Tain Picture House at centre of regeneration project
