A significant milestone is on the horizon for the Scottish Highlands as His Majesty King Charles III is set to officially inaugurate the impressive £5 million Brora community heritage hub. This pivotal royal visit signifies the culmination of an ambitious transformation project, revitalizing the historic Old Clyne School into a vibrant center designed to serve both residents and visitors.
The extensively renovated and extended Old Clyne School stands as a testament to dedicated local efforts in Brora, a picturesque village nearing the completion of this monumental project. The King’s attendance on Wednesday, August 6, will not only mark the official opening but also provide an opportunity for him to engage directly with many of the individuals from Clyne Heritage Society who have poured their passion into making this vision a tangible reality.
Behind this groundbreaking initiative is the Clyne Heritage Society, a registered charity whose long-running commitment has driven the transformation of the C-listed building. Located strategically alongside the NC500, a major tourist route on the northern outskirts of Brora, the hub is poised to become a focal point for cultural engagement and local activity, profoundly impacting local economy and community development.
Anticipation is high for the immediate public access to key facilities within the heritage hub. The brand-new cafe, named Clyne Kitchen, along with the dedicated retail space, is projected to open its doors to the public as early as mid-August. While an exact date remains dependent on final contractor readiness, this phased opening ensures that the community can begin to enjoy the new amenities promptly.
Following the initial launch of the cafe and shop, the much-anticipated museum component of the Brora community hub is slated to commence operations later in the autumn. This phased approach allows for a smooth rollout of services, ensuring that each element of the comprehensive heritage center is introduced with meticulous attention to detail and readiness for public engagement, further enriching Scottish Heritage.
The establishment of the heritage hub has already generated positive impacts on the local employment landscape, with six new staff members successfully recruited to manage the eatery and retail operations. Among these is Chef Steven Oglesby, a seasoned professional with two decades of experience at Brora’s Royal Marine Hotel, whose expertise promises to elevate the culinary offerings at Clyne Kitchen.
Crucially, the entire operational model of the Brora community heritage hub is anchored in a sustainable, community-centric philosophy. All proceeds generated from the cafe, shop, and museum admissions will be reinvested directly into local community engagement work, underscoring the charitable mission and ensuring long-term benefits for the area. This commitment strengthens the framework for future Community Development within the region.
The success of this ambitious project owes much to key individuals like Dr. Lindsay and Business Development Manager Ross Lewin. Dr. Lindsay praised Mr. Lewin, whose extensive background in hospitality positions him perfectly to assume the role of heritage hub manager. Mr. Lewin himself emphasized the vital importance of establishing a robust and profitable commercial side to the venture, ensuring its enduring contribution to the local economy and its mission to preserve Scottish Heritage.
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