Plans to regenerate Tain’s historic town centre took a major step forward yesterday.
A draft action plan was approved by councillors – and now members of the public will have their say on what can be done in the Easter Ross town.
The plan outlines a number of ideas aimed at generating greater footfall in the town centre as well as bringing a number of empty buildings back into use.
Suggestions include reinstatement of traditional shop frontages in the High Street, promotion of a regular street market, bringing empty upper floor properties back to residential use, improving town centre car parks and pedestrian linkages, with signage to and from the town centre and creating an attractive space that can be used as an outdoor venue for public events.
Other proposals flagged up include the redevelopment of the Old Picture House as an arts hub supporting arts and crafts activities and to promote the re-use of Duthac House.
The plan will be used to try and attract funding to the town.
Local member Councillor Fiona Robertson told the Skye, Ross and Cromarty area committee yesterday that the council should make sure that the plan didn’t present any “unreasonable expectations” to residents of the town.
She added: “Turning aspirations into reality will be hard work but I believe we need to protect and enhance Tain’s heritage for the benefit of both people who want to visit and the community for many years to come.”
The public consultation period for the draft Tain Action Plan will start early in the New Year, with a full plan to be developed later in 2015.
Councillor Jamie Stone said: “We are now at the stage of having a draft Action Plan that pulls together the ideas and vision so we want people and businesses within the community to get involved, pass on comments and suggestions and help to shape the future of Tain.”