Protests outside Highland Council's Inverness HQ over Merkinch Community Centre plans
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PLACARD-waving protesters have staged a noisy demonstration outside Highland Council’s headquarters in a bid to save their much-loved community centre from being demolished and replaced by a £10 million multi-purpose hub.
Campaigners, including members of a singing group and nursery children, travelled from the Merkinch Community Centre by battle bus to lobby councillors going into the last full meeting before the festive break.
There has been growing anger and dismay in the area after it emerged Highland Council had submitted an application for £2 million of Scottish Government cash towards the project without fully consulting centre users.
The protesters handed over 500 forms signed by supporters calling for the existing building to be retained and for the money to be diverted to another building they feel is
more needed, such as a new family centre.
The council’s director of care and learning, Bill Alexander, who listened to the demonstrators’ concerns, acknowledged the strength of feeling and promised the council would continue talking to centre users. But he also maintained the current building was not tenable in the long term.
"This is not about the centre closing," he said. "It is about should we look at a new facility for Merkinch? That building is not a building which is going to be here long term.
"There are many groups wanting new facilities and we need new facilities for young children in Merkinch."
He stressed things were at a very early stage and the council wanted to consult people about enhancing provision in the area.
"I am concerned people are upset that the centre might go," he said. "That is not what was intended. What is intended is that, if we are able to raise the money, to talk to them about a brand new centre which will better meet the needs for the people of Merkinch.
The demonstrators included 87-year-old Pearl Michie, a member of the Singing For Pleasure group.
"I would hate to lose my Tuesday nights," said Mrs Michie, of Kenneth Street.
"Going to the centre keeps me out the doctor’s surgery. I was shocked to hear about the plans. The centre is such a comfortable place to go and it is in very good nick and such a lot of money has been spent on it over the years."
Also present was a contingent from Fliperz Daycare Nursery which uses the centre to provide daily after-school care for 30 youngsters. It also uses its facilities for events such as nativity plays and parties for the nursery children.
"The centre is such an excellent place," said manager Clare Mackenzie. "We want to continue to provide high quality care in a high quality environment."
Retired teacher Pam Watson travels from her home in Holm Mains to take part in centre activities such as Singing For Pleasure, knitting for charity and tap dancing.
"We don’t have a community centre or anything like this," the 64-year-old said. "When you walk in through the door at Merkinch, you get this feeling of vibrancy and welcome from whoever happens to be on duty or who is there at the time. It is a lively building".
Carlie Borthwick and Vivian Mackie represented a newly-formed group, Solace, which runs drop in sessions for women with borderline personality disorders.
"I think if there is a bigger centre, there is not going to be the same community spirit," said Miss Borthwick, of Glendoe Terrace. "People are not going to want to walk into a huge centre.
Inverness Central ward councillors Bet McAllister, Janet Campbell and Richard Laird also spoke to the demonstrators.
