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Bettyhill Hall - modernisation

Proposal code: THC-2026-06-135

Our project will modernise the village hall in Bettyhill, bringing it to modern standards and creating a comfortable, welcoming, accessible and energy efficient hub for community activity.

What do you want to do?

We want to remodel and upgrade Bettyhill Village Hall so it meets the needs of the community and create a space for community activity which is warm and welcoming.  In summary our project will deliver:

Improved energy efficiency: introducing insulation to the single skin walls and ceiling, along with replacement windows and doors, to reduce heat loss and condensation on cold surfaces.

Renewable energy sources: replacing the existing heating system with air source and modern controls, backed up with solar PV and battery, to provide a consistent and affordable temperature through the building.

Improved aesthetics: refurbishing the interior and exterior of the building to make it more attractive as a focal point for village activity.

Visibility and access: improving access arrangements to the hall and ensuring adequate signage.

Why is your project important for your community?

Bettyhill is an important service centre for much of the north coast.  Its village hall was built in 1953 and at 75 years old it is showing its age and doesn’t offer the comfortable venue that people expect.  This has led to a decline in use and detracts from its ability to fulfil its function as a community meeting space, promoting cohesion and helping address issues such as depopulation.  The importance of the hall as a hub is recognised in national, regional and local policies and strategies including the Scottish Government’s Action Plan to Address Depopulation, the Highland Coouncil’s Our Future Highland and Have Your Say Highland, and NorthWest 2045. The Sutherland Place Plan recognises the need for support for local facilities such as community centres and the encouragement of local groups and activities if communities are to thrive.

What positive impact will your project have?

 The outcomes of the project are:

•    making the hall more comfortable for users;

•    improving the heating while improving energy efficiency;

•    improving the physical makeup of the hall;

•    retaining the character of the hall;

•    ensuring that people can access the hall easily;

•    improving the aesthetics of the hall and its appearance as an important community building in the village.

These outcomes will lead to the formation of new user groups, increased community activity and in the longer term increased community cohesion and the rentention of population.

What key milestones have you achieved so far and what will your next steps be?

We have prepared an initial feasibility study as part of which we carried out extensive community engagement through survey and drop in sessions.  We also received and Energy Efficiency Assessment from Business Energy Scotland.  We developed initial plans which we have since further developed to planning stage, with a planning application soon to be submitted.  We are in the process of developing the designs to building warrant and tender stage and are finalising our business case and budget assessment before seeking funding for full project implementation.  Our development work to date has been supported by the Highland Council, North Highland Initiaitve and the Strathy North Wind Farm Community Fund.  We anticipate funding applications will be made in Autumn 2026 with works taking place from early 2027.

• Community Hub
• £ Capital
• Leisure

• Multi-area