Community interest in Mission Hall

The Church of Scotland is disposing of the Mission Hall in North Kessock and interest has been expressed and acquiring the premises for ongoing use by the local community.

The community in North Kessock has been holding discussions relating to the prospect of acquiring the village mission hall in order to retain the facility for local purposes.

Over recent years there has been a history of groups who have already used the premises. The premises have been used for Away Days, training and teaching sessions, band practices and similar activities, including use by the local history group.

Most recently, and since the decision by the Church of Scotland to dispose of the building, the local Community Council took the initiative in calling a meeting to explain the position regarding the sale of the premises and to establish whether there would indeed be a desire to acquire the hall for community purposes.

Owen Smith who chairs the Knockbain Community Council has - both before and since the meeting in early March - made contact with and gathered information from various local and public bodies who might be able to assist in a community buy-out. (Minutes available by clicking here.)

Owen has since reported:

"After listening to a 'progress' report and a discussion amongst those present, a resolution/ agreement was voted on (receiving unaminous support as far as I could see).a community group should be considered and explored, but that further details regarding a purchase price and the amount that would be required if there were to be a lease by the Church of Scotland to a community group."

During the meeting it was reported that about five years ago a survey of the building had given an estimate of between £30,000 and £45,000 for the work required and placed a value of £75,000 on the building as it was at that time. It was also suggested that a lease of five years would be more realistic."

A further public meeting is scheduled for Friday, 21 March to discuss the prospect in more detail.

Mission Hall Facilities

Ground Floor facilities
downstairs

The ground floor has 'disabled-access' and the entrance hall and toilets leads in to the main hall which can accommodate 68 people in conference format and 30 seated around tables.
Immediately adjacent off the main room is a fully-equipped kitchen with sink, cooker and oven, microwave oven and hot-water boiler.

1st Floor facilities

The upstairs accommodation is split into two main areas joined by a small tea-station/kitchen (see pictures video below.) At one end of the building is a roomy and bright office with three desks/worktations and ample space for small informal meetings.

The other larger room can accomodate up to 60 people and again can be structed in a flexible fashion for a variety of different purposes. The room has a flip-chart easel and video facilities.
The first floor rooms have beautiful views over the Beauly Firth and the building itself overlooks the spot where dolphins are often seen.

The short video below was produced in 2011 when the local Church of Scotland congregation wanted to further advertise the hall for community use. Rev. Iain Ramsden (now retired) outlined the various features of the premises and the video includes shots taken during the weekly lunch club.

1st Floor Office 1st Floor Conference/Training Room

For progress report on prospect of community acquisition contact:

Mr. Owen Smith
Tel. 01463 731259
E-mail: owen.smith@talk21.com

For minutes of meeting on 4 March 2014 click here.

Download
A4 Flier

Post Code for SatNav -

IV1 3XN

Facilities in North Kessock village

Whilst some 'street parking is available at hall, as a former ferry terminal the village has a large public car park across from the Kessock Hotel. There is also The White Cottage Tea Room, a village Spar shop and a craft shop. All these facilities are within 300 yards of the Mission Hall.
Bed and Breakfast accommodation is available in the village also. There is an hourly bus service to Inverness during the day: less frequent at night.

Fuller information about the facilities in the village are available at the Undiscovered Scotland web site.

Map

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The Editor, 21/03/2014