A century-old building at the heart of a Highland community has been given a new lease on life after £250,000 was spent on its transformation.
Muir of Ord Village Hall closed its doors in February last year in preparation for the extensive renovations.
Muir of Ord Community Hall and Facilities Company took ownership of the 125 year-old property in 2011 as part of a community-based initiative to provide increased facilities in the village for local residents.
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Hannah MacSween, community development manager said: “The company actually got the village hall from the council in 2011. Since then we have really been trying to work on a way to improve the heating system within the building. Things really did need to be updated – the toilets, the insulation, the heating system.
“The board worked very hard to get the funds over the last four or five years to be able to do this with SSE Fairburn Windfarm, The Highland Council, Tesco and The Highland Cross.
“We improved the heating, new lighting, an updated electric system and it’s had a fresh lick of paint throughout the building. It’s given use the opportunity to update he two rooms at the back of the building as offices to rent providing opportunities for a local organisations. Moo Food wanted their offices in the village as well and they have now moved into the village to their new permanent home.”
During an official opening ceremony at the historic building in the past few days, more than 250 local residents turned out to relay stories of what the building means to them and celebrate the preservation of the important building.
Jean Davis, member of the Muir of Ord Community council, welcomed the new modern take on the traditional property. She added: “The community council has been very supporting of it. I was there on Saturday and I have to say it was an absolutely wonderful afternoon. It was well supported by everyone in the village and I think that shows what the work done means.
“Looking at the works closely, I think they have done a really good job at maintaining the history of the building to make it a modern facility for a whole range of activities.”