NAIRN VOICES: Seaman’s Hall marks two-year anniversary as Green Hive’s Nairn community hub
By Scott Crossett, Green Hive’s Enterprise Officer
Today (Friday, November 22) marks two years since Green Hive took ownership of Seaman’s Hall. For us, this Fishertown landmark represents more than just a building — it’s the heartbeat of a growing community.
Seaman’s Hall was built in 1887 and has a rich history, once serving as a gathering place for the fisherfolk of Nairn, a role that resonates deeply with Green Hive board members Elsa Fraser and Dawn Main, whose family roots are intertwined with the town’s fishing heritage. When Green Hive took over the Hall in November 2022, it was clear that keeping its community spirit alive would honour its past while embracing an exciting future.
Our vision for Seaman’s Hall is ambitious: to create a true community hub where people of all ages feel welcome, engaged, and inspired. We laid the groundwork early by presenting our plans during a public consultation and open day. This event helped us gather invaluable feedback and share a long-term vision for reinvigorating the Hall — one step at a time.
Behind the scenes, we tackled essential upgrades, including health and safety checks, electrical rewiring, and installing energy-efficient lighting. These improvements not only ensure the Hall meets modern standards but also support our goals for sustainability. The kitchen has undergone a general upgrade, and we’ve creatively repurposed old bowling ball storage units to organise materials for our successful materials Workshop group.
Seaman’s Hall is now buzzing with life. From regular bookings by local groups to hosting bespoke events, the Hall is becoming a vital space for Nairn. Trike Nairn has also found a home here, using the Hall as their hub for delivering and growing their fantastic service—a testament to the Hall’s adaptability.
“Over the past year, Seaman’s Hall has been the venue for a diverse range of events, including Green Hive’s participation in the Nairn Book and Arts Festival, and we’ve brought weddings back to the hall - the first in decades,” said Matthew Withey, Chief Executive of Green Hive.
“These moments have breathed new life into the Hall, strengthening its identity as a place for people to connect, celebrate, and collaborate.
“But we haven’t stopped there. On December 6, we’re hosting our first-ever Silent Christmas Disco — a festive fundraiser with something for everyone. Featuring Christmas Classics, a festive bar, free hot drinks, and a raffle and competitions, this event promises to be a night to remember. The funds raised will help us enhance the Hall’s offerings, from improving insulation and thermal comfort to broadening our event programming.
“Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. An accidental wall collision has led to ongoing discussions with insurers, but we’re determined to restore it to the highest standard. Challenges like these only strengthen our resolve to build a resilient, welcoming space for the community.”
The journey of transforming Seaman’s Hall is far from over, but we’re inspired by the progress we’ve made and the partnerships we’ve built. Each event, upgrade, and initiative brings us closer to realising the Hall’s full potential as a hub for creativity, connection, and celebration.
We invite you to be part of this story—whether by attending our Silent Disco, booking the Hall for your next event, or simply stopping by to see what’s happening. Together, we’re not just preserving a piece of Nairn’s history; we’re creating its future.
You can find more information on Green Hive at hub.greenhive.co.uk
