Former Tulloch Homes chief executive David Sutherland gets a room named in his honour at the Creative Academy, the former Inverness Royal Academy building, where he was often summoned as a schoolboy
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Successful Inverness businessman David Sutherland is to have a room named in his honour in the city’s new Creative Academy – the former headmaster’s study where he was summoned on many occasions as a schoolboy.
Mr Sutherland was a pupil of Inverness Royal Academy when it was at the Midmills building, now artist studios and creative spaces.
He has just made a second five-figure donation to the £6 million project which is due to open later this month.
Audrey Carlin, chief executive of Wasps, the charity behind the Creative Academy, said it was extremely grateful for his generosity and as a symbol of thanks had decided to name a room after him.
“I found it amusing that, when offered, he requested the headmaster’s study because that’s where he used to be summoned,” she said. “It’s extremely fitting that this former pupil who attended Midmills has played a significant role in helping secure a new future for this splendid and historic building.”
Mr Sutherland said: “When Audrey offered me the opportunity to have my name on a room, I immediately thought of the one where the Rector, WS Macdonald, a fine character, used to dispense discipline.
“I did feel a certain irony entering that room half a century later, this time with my nameplate on the door – and for once I came out smiling!” he said.
“So many of my formative years were spent at Midmills that it’s a privilege to be able to assist in giving it new life from a hugely impressive refurbishment.
“The old assembly hall has been transformed in beautiful fashion and I’m pleased that local people can see for themselves by calling into the café.
“The Inverness Creative Academy will become an exciting hub for the Highlands’ art, craftsmanship and creative industry sectors.
“With around 100 people eventually working there it makes a significant new social, economic and cultural contribution to our city and area and I’m very pleased to have been of some assistance.”
Wasps is the UK’s largest provider of studio and creative spaces.
