Subscribe to our Construction Newsfeed
Scotland Construction Directory
Search our 14,678 companies....

Construction News

02/10/2008

Formal Opening Of Drummuie, Golspie

The Highland Council’s new flagship offices for East Sutherland will be formally opened tomorrow – 104 years to the day after Sutherland Technical School opened its doors to its first residential students.

The refurbishment of Drummuie, Golspie, began on Monday 21 August, 2006, and staff completed a phased transfer there from five offices - in Brora, Dornoch and Golspie - in May of this year.

Part of the project involved the formation of a new access off the A9. In addition to giving access to the new offices, the road has opened up land to the north of the A9 for much-needed affordable housing in the Golspie area. The 72-house development is being supported by the Council and the Highland Housing Alliance. The road also provided access from the A9 trunk road to the Kilbraur windfarm.

Council Convener Sandy Park will open the building. He said: "I am so impressed with the way this magnificent landmark building has been brought back into life. It represents a major commitment to the area by the Council, and, by bringing the majority of our staff in the area into one office, we can significantly improve our service to the public and at the same time be more efficient."
-- Advertisement --
NorthernAsbestosServicesLtd



Councillor Ian Ross, East Sutherland and Edderton, who has taken a close interest in the redevelopment, said: "Drummuie is a magnificent and striking listed building; it is justifiably considered of high architectural heritage value and as the former Sutherland Technical School has many strong historical associations and links for people in Sutherland and beyond. The new Council office development allows the building to continue to make an important public service contribution to the people of Sutherland and also ensures a significant continued Highland Council presence in the County. The removal of the trees and the landscaping of the land to the front of the building have now returned it to its former status of early last century, as an impressive gateway to the village of Golspie."

The building was built at the behest of Millicent, Duchess of Sutherland in 1903 for the education of crofters' sons in Caithness and Sutherland. It was funded by her husband, the Duke of Sutherland, as well as the Duke of Portland and Andrew Carnegie of Skibo Castle. During its years as the Sutherland Technical School, hundreds of pupils were trained in a wide variety of skills to fit them for careers across the Highlands and beyond.

(GK)

Latest Construction News

31/03/2025
The demolition of three multi-storey blocks in Glasgow has marked the beginning of a significant £100 million regeneration project in the Wyndford area. Hundreds of people gathered to witness the controlled explosion that brought down the outdated and unpopular high-rises at 151, 171, and 191 Wynd
31/03/2025
The government has announced the formation of a new taskforce aimed at unlocking surplus public land for housing development. The initiative, which is currently making headlines, will involve a partnership approach to explore new delivery models and establish collaborative agreements between various
31/03/2025
SSE plc has announced the appointment of Martin Pibworth as its new Chief Executive, succeeding Alistair Phillips-Davies CBE, who is set to retire. The transition will take place following the company's Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 17 July 2025. Pibworth, who joined SSE in 1998, has held a num
31/03/2025
A rare and complex repair to a damaged high-pressure gas pipeline has been successfully carried out, ensuring the continued and safe supply of gas to numerous homes. The urgent remedial work was initiated following an inspection in September of last year by the Scottish Maintenance team on the Bail
31/03/2025
City Building (Glasgow) LLP has reported a substantial increase in its charitable activities, donating nearly £60,000 to charities over the past year – a 55% rise compared to the previous year. The construction firm's annual report on its charitable endeavours also revealed that it supported 52 co
31/03/2025
SSEN Transmission has lodged a planning application with The Highland Council for the Bingally 400/132kV substation, a crucial element in the upgrade of the existing Beauly to Denny overhead line (OHL). The proposed upgrade will see the line operate at 400kV, increasing its capacity to transport r
31/03/2025
SP Energy Networks (SPEN) has become the first company in the UK to be awarded both the BSI Kitemark™ for Service Excellence and the BSI Kitemark™ for Inclusive Service, demonstrating its commitment to providing exceptional service to its customers throughout Scotland, England and Wales. The recogn
31/03/2025
Decarbonisation technology firm HGP (Scotland) Ltd has been awarded a £2 million research and development grant from Scottish Enterprise to accelerate the development of its integrated hydrogen and methanation technology. The funding forms part of a larger £4 million project aimed at manufacturing S
28/03/2025
Network Rail is set to undertake a significant £11.5 million project to upgrade the Far North Line this summer, aiming to improve the reliability of rail services for passengers. The work will involve refurbishing a 5-mile section of track between Brora and Helmsdale and replacing almost 9 miles of
28/03/2025
Tim Balcon, CEO at CITB, responded positively to the statement, highlighting the £600 million package for construction skills aimed at supporting the Government's homebuilding targets, and the £2 billion investment in affordable homes to accelerate delivery. Balcon specifically welcomed the £32 mil
RBT Underfloor LimitedMorris & Spottiswood LtdBairds Windows LtdP. McCann Landscaping & DrivewaysIMS Heat PumpsClaymore Training LimitedRural House LtdJames Smith Fencing LtdPower DoorsThe Human Touch Scaffolding Co Ltd