A new development trust created to drive the regeneration of Wick town centre is seeking members.
Wick’s Heart aims to reinstate the town centre as the hub of the former royal burgh and bring it back to life.
It follows efforts by local Highland Councillors and other community representatives to reverse decades of decline in High Street and Bridge Street.
Sustrans Scotland has just run a design festival to explore ideas to breathe fresh life into the area while £650,000 of public money has been committed to back the initiative.
Proposals include revamping the pedestrian precinct, incorporating more artwork and greenery and prioritising accessibility along High Street.
Ahead of its first AGM in the spring, Wick’s Heart is appealing for new members to come forward.
Ellie Lamont, owner of Mackays Hotel and a director of Wick’s Heart, said: ‘I’m excited to be part of Wick’s Heart and even more excited about what the organisation can do to improve the town centre and raise the profile of the town.”
Treasurer and long-time community activist Bill Fernie said: ‘We all know how difficult it has been for all town centres. With the will and enthusiasm Wick can often come up with for projects of all kinds we will make our town turn around.”
The organisation is launching a contest to create its new logo. Entrants are encouraged to come up with a simple design that encapsulates the idea of regeneration and the High Street as the heart of the town.