Dornoch Councillors Greenlight £280,000 for New Community Hub

Plans for a new community hub in Dornoch have gained momentum following a significant endorsement from local councillors. The Sutherland County Committee has recommended that the Highland Council approve a £280,000 contribution from the Dornoch Common Good Fund towards the £1.7 million project proposed by the Dornoch and District Community Association (DADCA). This funding is a pivotal step in a decade-long effort to replace the outdated 19th-century social club that has served as the town’s primary community venue.

Local residents have consistently expressed their desire for a modern, accessible facility that can accommodate a variety of social, cultural, and recreational activities. A report presented to the councillors highlighted DADCA’s vision of creating a flexible, energy-efficient, and financially sustainable community facility that addresses the growing needs of Dornoch. The feasibility study conducted earlier this year revealed that the proposed building could provide enhanced spaces for events, youth activities, classes, meetings, and community gatherings, which are currently restricted by the limitations of the existing hall.

The Common Good Fund currently holds £318,520 in usable reserves, which are adequate to cover the proposed grant. However, approving this funding would reduce the balance to just over £38,000. Council officers noted that these reserves have been intentionally accumulated over the years in anticipation of significant community infrastructure requests like this one. While the funding is deemed affordable, the committee advised that future expenditures from the Common Good Fund might need to be restrained until the reserves are replenished.

A budget adjustment planned for the 2025/26 fiscal year is projected to increase the reserve to £54,055 by March 2026. The report also identifies several risks associated with the project, including DADCA’s need to secure matching funds and necessary planning permissions before any awarded funds are released. Although project costs could potentially rise, the council’s contribution will remain capped at £280,000.

The feasibility study also addressed operational costs, indicating that the new centre is expected to be self-financing after its first year of operation. This initiative coincides with other local infrastructure ambitions, including a separate feasibility study for a sports and recreation facility being explored by the Dornoch Area Community Interest Company. Council officers affirmed that any overlap between the two projects would be managed collaboratively with the community to establish a phased development timeline.

An Integrated Impact Assessment indicated that the community hub proposal would promote positive outcomes in areas of equality, socio-economic wellbeing, and climate goals, with no adverse impacts noted. The committee’s recommendation will now be presented to the full Highland Council for final approval. If confirmed, this decision will bring Dornoch significantly closer to establishing a modern community hub designed to benefit residents for generations to come.