Companies around Dornoch are being invited to consider joining a new business improvement district (Bid) for the town.
There are currently 37 Bids in Scotland and hopes are high in Sutherland that Dornoch could be the next to create one.
Bids are usually part of a town or visitor area, where businesses work together to invest in local improvements.
Three 90-minute open events are planned in Dornoch to try to drum up some local interest.
Why should Dornoch create a Bid?
Bid co-ordinator Paula White said the process of sounding out businesses to get them involved has already begun.
If it’s successful, she believes it will give the area a boost.
Paula said: “The formation of a Bid organisation will offer a strong, collective voice to get things done.
“And it will explore funding paths for a range of prioritised projects.”
Although the Bid would be based in Dornoch, it intends to cover the whole IV25 postcode area.
It hopes to follow in the footsteps of other successful Highland Bids.
Each business would pay an annual fee, with the aim of securing the project over a five-year period.
Highland Council would collect the fees.
But the money can only be spent by the Bid on agreed projects in the local area.
When are the open days?
The first open day begins at 10am on Saturday at Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame Holiday Park in Embo.
The second is at Skibo Castle on February 1 at 7pm and the third is at UHI North Highland’s Burghfield House in Dornoch at 7pm on February 13.
Paula said: “We are already sounding out businesses on shaping the future and what they believe would make the Dornoch area an even better place in which to live, work and enjoy life.
“Initial feedback has been very positive. The intention is to draw up a business plan based on their responses.”
A vote will be held at the end of September to decide whether or not the Bid should go ahead.
If it does, a community interest company will be formed to carry out the plans.
How to get involved in the Dornoch Bid
The volunteer-led Dornoch Area Community Interest Company has flown the flag for the area in recent years.
It has around 80 members. Its three-part time members of staff are responsible for manning the local visitor centre, producing newsletters and highlighting various events held through the year.
But that is due to change shortly.
Paula said: “Due to volunteer fatigue once the coming season is passed the community interest company will not continue to run this.
“The Bid could take on the current marketing strategy or explore other ways of encouraging business growth.
“The ball will be very much at the feet of the business community – ranging from tourist-orientated enterprises to shops, garages and lawyers – to come together as one with a strong voice to champion local issues and make Dornoch even stronger.”
As the venues for the open days may have limited capacity, Paula White has asked anyone interested to let her know if they’re attending.
Conversation