Tore Hall drop-in to probe design options for key Black Isle venue
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WORK to ensure a Ross-shire venue which has played a key role in the life of a community for generations is fit for purpose for the 21st century reach a major milestone next week.
The future of what has been dubbed "the only remaining gathering place" in a county parish will be thrust into the spotlight at a drop-in event at Tore Hall on Wednesday.
Over the decades, the Black Isle hall has been used as a venue for church services, christenings, Sunday schools, parties, toddler groups, dances, concerts, protest meetings, as a polling station, as a practice room for local musicians and Highland dance groups and as a place to meet for martial arts and badminton enthusiasts.
It has also been an integral part of the life of the WRI, gardening and archaeological societies, art classes, whist drives and fundraising events for Tore Primary School. And in the past it has provided an essential space for gym classes and cultural activities.
And amongst those set to benefit from any revamp of the facility would be nearby Tore Primary School pupils who have already shown their support during a feasibility study started in October to explore options for redeveloping the hall.
Design options have now been developed, hall trustees are inviting the community to give their views on the way ahead.
Principal architect Robert Fraser and community development consultant Duncan MacPherson will be present in the hall for a drop-in event on Wednesday (February 28) from 4-7pm.
All community members and other interested parties are invited to come along to see the design options and learn how they could provide the community facilities and services identified following a 2022 consultation.
Located adjacent to the primary school, the Tore Hall was a handy venue for the local authority to hire as a space for children’s PE lessons and performances in the absence of suitable accommodation in the school itself. It was also well used by the wider community for events, weddings and other celebrations.
However, closure due to the pandemic meant that no activities could take place in the hall and during the closure, it became apparent the building’s plumbing, electrical and fire safety systems required substantial updating.
Trustees managed to secure some funding to undertake essential remedial work and the hall has been returned to a safe condition.
A survey earlier concluded: "The long-term objective of the project is driven by an aspiration to enhance community resilience by providing a focal point for...interaction in the area. In recent years the civic amenities available to residents of Killearnan have declined markedly with the result that there is now no physical focus for community life in the area."
The hall is a traditional corrugated iron structure dating to the 1930s and investigations undertaken by the Trustees confirm that it will not be possible to bring it up to modern energy efficiency standards. Without a substantial renovation programme "it is only a matter of time before the hall will have to close permanently".
Trustees have decided to enhance the services available to the community by erecting a free-standing timber building in the grounds of the hall.
Work could begin this year if applications to major funding sources are successful.
Ben Sharp head teacher at Tore and Munlochy cluster earlier told us: "Tore Hall has been an essential resource in the delivery of the school curriculum at...the school for decades. It is a place where we can gather with large groups of the community and celebrate the pupils’ achievements. Without the hall, we are unable to deliver suitable indoor physical education or school performances – such a shame when we have so many budding actors, desperate to show the community what they are capable of.
"A wide range of school fundraisers have also taken place over the years, providing the school with much-needed support from friends and family. Short of this, it is difficult to reach such a wide audience, greatly reducing available funds for improving resources and experiences for the children.
"It is also a place where external agency partnerships are formed. In the past we have worked with both local groups and organisations from further afield. Tore Hall is essentially an extension of our little school – our theatre, learning environment, social gathering spot, and community hub."
