Invergordon probe on museum flit vision seeks feedback from Easter Ross public
A VISION to bring a visitor attraction into the heart of an Easter Ross town is seeking community feedback ahead of a looming deadline for action.
A bid to relocate Invergordon Museum into the heart of the town has been flagged with the potential availability of suitable premises.
The town boasts a rich history linked to its status as a prominent deep-water port.
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During the First World War, Invergordon was a full-scale base for the Royal Navy, providing fuel oil, water and dockyard repair facilities in what has often been called the best natural harbour in Europe.
The existing museum was initially developed in the old Royal British Legion dance hall over only eight weeks in 2004. The current building is seen as sub-optimal as it has no High Street presence and is difficult to heat.
Easily identified by a wall of murals and an 'unexploded mine' from Shore Road, Invergordon Museum is situated in Hayes Hall - the old dance hall of the Royal British Legion - behind the current British Legion building on the High Street.
Members of a sub-group of Invergordon Museum recently held a meeting on the issue, chaired by the trustees and hosted by the local rugby club.
Members of local community groups, schools, churches and businesses were invited to a presentation by Jacky Roberts and Ian Downes.
Ms Roberts talked about the background and original creation of Invergordon Museum and the limitations of the current building and how it has prevented the museum from developing and improving as much as the trustees would have liked.
Its location is a significant problem due to having no High Street presence or car parking.
Mr Downes presented a vision of a new and updated museum/heritage centre/tourist attraction and community space in a more central location in Invergordon.
The proposal is that Invergordon Museum relocates to a currently vacant building within the town, with the opportunity to bring the museum into the 21st century with the use of modern technology to create interactive displays and virtual reality tours.
The goal is “a true visitor experience that Invergordon has been missing, and a location that tourists would want to travel to”.
This new location would also provide more space for community activities and engagement, building links with the many community groups, schools and businesses in the IV18 area and beyond.
The project aims to contribute to the regeneration of Invergordon town centre by returning a community-led focus to the High Street.
A closing date has been set for a building the group is interested in at the corner of High Street and Castle Road. It is aiming to compile feedback through questionnaires and letters of support within the next two weeks and is in the process of completing a community asset transfer (CAT) application for the rear part of the building, owned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and seeking funding for the front part of the building, currently leased by HIE.
Jacky Roberts explained: “As part of out CAT, we are actively engaging in community consultation. An online survey is accessible by the link, with paper copies available in Invergordon Library and HOPE charity shop.
“Invergordon has a wonderful history and many great stories to tell. It deserves to have a modern and up to date museum to tell its story.”
The survey asks a variety of questions such as ‘Do you think the current Invergordon Museum is a welcoming space to the local community?’, What events or activities would you be interested in attending at Invergordon Museum?, Do you think tourism can be a benefit to Invergordon? and What other facilities do you think would draw visitors to Invergordon?
The survey can be taken by accessing https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5FGFDGC
