The Wider Picture

[Kingetter]

We are all granted different levels of vision. Some see only as far as the end of their nose, others can view horizons. The average person should probably be able to see past their own immediate surroundings and appreciate that there is Life Beyond.

While reading the thread about T.T.I.A.

(http://forum.caithness.org/showthread.php?t=29600)

and in particular, comments regarding Dunnet, I wondered how many different views people had about 'helping the community'.

Near Dunnet Head is a Tearoom and Information Centre. This is closed, because of lack of support (especially funding) I was told when, just a couple of days ago I enquired.
This needs help. Where will that help come from? Thurso? Wick? Will it come? If not, why not?
It is not just for Tourists, but for all who wish to learn. For all who either live in Caithness or have strong feelings for - this is part of your community.
Those wishing to read more about the Trust etc., here are some links. You will of course note - "caithness.org"!
http://www.caithness.org/community/environment/dunneteducationaltrust/index.htm
http://www.caithness.org/community/education/dunnetheadeducationaltrust/
http://www.iberacal.com/dunnethead_trust.html

James.

[Ricco]

Kingetter, I wish you every success at getting interest stirred up about these sorts of venues - they are invaluable, even if only seasonal. If there is a petitioon to sign, point me at it.

[Kingetter]

Hi Ricco,

I'm not sure about a petition yet, but certainly something ought to be happening. The end of the season approaches, and although information packs are apparently available across the road from the Tearoom and further up towards D H, the human element is missing and that suggests even locals don't have much interest in it. Remember also, its pretty close to Mary-Ann's Cottage
(http://www.caithness.org/community/museums/maryanncottage/index.htm), so visitors do find their way to those parts.

I think this thread might show whether there is any interest at all.

James.

[Bill Fernie]

I think it is as well to be aware theat the Information Centre at Dunnet was operated from within a private business for profit. The tourist board a couple of years back decided to close a number of tourist information centres they ran and staffed. Instead they decided to go towards assisting people to set up Information Centres and they would provide leaflets, posters etc. It was a deal to allow businesses to attract visitors for the information and the business could then attempt to sell other goods and services. There are now quite few of these centres around the Highland including the one in Wick withn McAllans clothes shop on the High Street. Another can be seen at Dornoch that is also a cafe and is part of a larger business - The Jailhouse.

Although initially there may be grants and other help available I think the aim is for them to become self-sufficient.

There may be some confusion on the Dunnet one as there was an Information Centre within a small business and separate Educational Trust but both were set up by the same person and operated from the same premises.

The question is I suppose does the public wish government agencies to subsidise a particular business running for profit it if does not make one even if there are many good features. Funding is an easy word to throw around but it is not always as easy to obtain given the many voices asking for it particularly at a time when funding may be being reduced overall. You also need to ask where the funding came from in the past and for what purpose and for what length of time it was made available. Many sources of funding are to allow something to get started and is not available for permanent ongoing revenue costs.

It maybe that another business will see possibilities in running the Information centre from different premises. An Educational Trust can only run if there are people, organisations or institutions willing to support it and its aims. If not they stop operating and that is the way our sytem works.