Stage is set for next chapter for iconic Strathpeffer Pavilion, a Ross-shire venue that means so much to so many
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FOUR windows may have been callously smashed on Boxing Day, but the wanton vandalism won’t shatter a community trust’s vision for one of the Highlands’ most iconic buildings.
Moves to breathe new life into Strathpeffer Pavilion, a jewel in Ross-shire’s crown since the early 1800s, have slowed amid the pandemic.
But with community ownership assured, the Strathpeffer Pavilion Community Trust are working hard behind the scenes to plot the much-loved structure’s return to the heart of village and community life.
As trust chairman Fraser Mackenzie revealed, there are big plans afoot for 2021, despite uncertainty surrounding the virus.
The trust has already agreed a unique working partnership with Highland Council’s charitable company, High Life Highland, sub-contracted to manage day-to-day operations at the Victorian venue, including live concerts and big events.
This has enabled the trust to focus all energies on making the pavilion a “fantastic focus” for the community.
“There are a lot of things the trust is working on, with funding applications now in progress for the coming year,” village resident Mr Mackenzie said.
“The trust is in a very good financial position, despite the pandemic. We’re in a good, safe place. The High Life partnership offers a really good platform for the Pavilion’s future. It is unique and very unlike anything done before within community buy-out projects.”
There is a rich and fascinating history to build on.
Opened by the Countess of Cromartie in 1801, the Pavilion provided dances, concerts and lectures with famous speakers from suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst to explorer Ernest Shackleton.
During the wars, it became a US army and naval base, before booming in the swinging 60s and 70s as a prime Highland dance and entertainment venue.
The trust, formed in 2017, completed the purchase of the building and five-acre estate grounds last year with a Scottish Land Fund grant of £484,550, with overwhelming community support. Gardens left in a poor state of repair are being restored, with phase one around the pavilion, lawn and car park recently completed.
An estate manager has also recently been appointed, while green-fingered volunteers from Strathpeffer’s community centre and village are being enlisted to help.
“Coronavirus has obviously taken a toll on mental health and anyone who wishes can volunteer to help with little tasks in what we want to be a very peaceful and friendly environment around the estate and pump house,” Mr Mackenzie said.
“We have plans for outdoor community events and big plans relating to the village’s long-standing parking issues. In tune with the village and it’s conservation status, we’re also looking to create a central car parking area extended to another 100 spaces.
“We work closely with Strathpeffer Together, a new scheme where local groups all get together for a quarterly meeting. By creating an attractive, landscaped car parking area for the whole village it will, hopefully, maximise use of the space and improve the whole issue of traffic, including visiting coaches.
“That’s not just for the tourists – one exciting thing we’re planning is to get a bus company on board for people attending the music venue. The vandalism to the windows was upsetting, more for the expense. There is damage to the frames which means, for a listed building, you’re employing a craftsman, not a joiner. The bill is probably sitting at around £1500.
“But we’re looking ahead with optimism. We’re not just protecting the Pavilion’s past, we’re protecting its future.
“That’s the bottom line for the trust.
“It is the community’s pavilion and we’re striving to make this a fantastic focus for Strathpeffer for many years to come.”
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