Tain councillor urges residents to voice concerns over ‘challenging’ Highland Council online survey on future of TRACC
Fears are mounting in Tain over the fate of the town’s leisure facility – as Highland Council prepares to host a public drop-in session next Thursday to discuss proposals for its future.
Tain and Easter Ross Cllr Laura Dundas is urging the public to use the opportunity to make their views heard amid concerns that an Highland Council online survey regarding the future of TRACC (Tain Royal Academy Community Complex) has proved “challenging” and “confusing” for some residents.
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She says Tain could be facing a “disaster” if the process fails to deliver the positive outcome many are hoping for.
“The proposals presented by officers are challenging, and when you go through the consultation form, it’s hard to feel confident that a positive outcome is achievable — and that would be a disaster,” she said.
“People are worried, and I’ve heard a range of concerns from residents, including questions like ‘Where have they got their figures from?’, ‘Is this just a paper exercise?’ and ‘Has it been put together to confuse or put people off completing it?’
“That’s why the meeting on Thursday June 12 is so important. It will be an open drop-in session running from 2pm to 8pm at TRACC, and I would encourage as many people as possible to go along, ask questions, and get the clarity they need.
“A Q&A sheet will be available based on questions already submitted, but there will also be space for new questions on the day. Now is the time to take part — don’t assume ‘so and so is going, so I'll not need to bother’.
“TRACC is a well-used facility that has been embedded in our community for more than 50 years. It plays an essential role in people’s wellbeing, and the idea of losing it — even for a significant period — is unthinkable.
“Previous councillors and community representatives worked incredibly hard to bring this facility to life. To see it potentially taken away now would have such a detrimental effect on so many lives.”
The consultation, launched by Highland Council on May 9, outlines a range of options tabled on how the facility could be handled in the wake of the new Tain 3-18 campus being built.
Among possible outcomes is the closure of TRACC (Tain Royal Academy Community Complex) — with no definitive replacement confirmed — prompting widespread concern and confusion.
Several members of the public have criticised the complexity of the online survey and voiced suspicion over its intent.
One long-time user of the facility said: “I and many of my friends have High Life Highand cards and have been benefitting both physically and mentally from exercising regularly at TRACC for many years now.
“It has been a lifeline in so many ways, keeping us fit and active and providing us with friendship groups with whom to socialise.
“I began attending TRACC about eight years ago on the advice of my doctor and along with my regular aqua aerobics classes, I also enjoy gym sessions, dynamic wellbeing and [strength and balance exercises].
“It is because of these classes and the wonderful, caring staff and instructors that my mobility has improved greatly after suffering a spinal fracture.
“I was therefore horrified to learn recently that TRACC could be about to close.”
She added: “Tain is a coastal town and children need to learn how to swim. Doctors consistently recommend all forms of exercise to keep fit and to help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
“Social interaction is a spin-off from attending these classes and we often visit local cafes and restaurants to chat and develop our friendships.
“We appreciate that the TRACC buildings are old and in need of refurbishment, but to demolish them and leave the good folk of Tain with nothing cannot be right.”
TRACC currently provides a swimming pool, gym, exercise classes, and other wellbeing-based activities.
Concerns have been raised that its closure would create a major gap in community access to such services — particularly for older people, young families, and those with long-term health conditions.
Highland Council says all feedback gathered during the consultation period will be reviewed before any final recommendations are made.
