Muir sets out its stall for the future
MUIR of Ord aims to be the place to be today (Saturday) as the village hosts an open day and reveals progress with big plans for the future.
An open doors session at the Old Tarradale School, where plans are being progressed for a new village hub, will run from 10am until noon, coinciding with a Fair in the Square between the same hours.
Plans to breathe fresh life into the building were given a boost earlier this year through a £37,000 Big Lottery Grant to draw up proposals for a community cafe and local heritage and information centre.
Backers of the scheme — for which initial architect drawings have now been made — believe it could play a part in boosting the quality of life in the village and bolstering a sense of community spirit.
The open day will also include a celebration of community ownership of the Muir of Ord Village Hall. Artysans Cafe, run by the Calman Trust, the business which may operate from the refurbished Old Tarradale School if plans come together, will be providing the refreshments.
The scene will be set by a Fair in the Square with stalls and refreshments provided by the Art Group in the library building. The Art Group also has an exhibition running over the weekend.
Asked about the Old Tarradale School plans, local activist Ian Dempster said: “It is progressing well. After two years’ work, it was uplifting to see an architect’s impression — that felt like a big step forward.”
A business plan will be produced by October. Everyone had agreed, he said, that the project “needs to stand on its own two feet”.
The building — which is an integral part of Muir of Ord’s history, serving the education of generations of children — was latterly used as a Highland Council store and has lain empty for the past five years.
Mike Atkinson, who is involved with the village hall, hopes the 160 or so members of the Muir of Ord Hall and Facilities Company will respond to an invitation to attend on Saturday. The drop-in event at the hall is also open to members of the public.
The hall hosts plenty of groups, ranging from guides and scouts to tots and over-55s clubs and bowling.
“It’s about getting people to think about what they want to see and what they’re prepared to put in,” said Mr Atkinson. “The hall is a community asset where lots of things happen and the aim is to keep it that way.”
He said there was a lot of positivity about the village and its potential.
The unveiling of the new Muir of Ord logo will also take place in the village hall during the morning.
Muir of Ord has a community website, which can also be used to book slots at the village hall. It can be accessed at www.muiroford.org.uk