North Coast Visitor Centre to adopt seasonal opening model
The North Coast Visitor Centre (NCVC) in Thurso will shortly move to seasonal opening, in a move which will help secure its long-term future.
Against a backdrop of rising costs and fewer winter visitors, the NCVC will now open fully from April to October in line with many other Highland museums and visitor attractions. However, community groups, schools and other local organisations will continue to have access to the facility November to March in the form of pre-booked tours and events.
Balancing costs and community access
A spokesperson for High Life Highland, operators of the NCVC said: “Year-round opening is the exception rather than the rule in our museums and visitor centres and this decision brings the North Coast Visitor Centre in line with that. While year-round opening is certainly desirable, it is costly, with a significant reduction in income during the winter months at a time when operating costs are increasing.
Sustainable future for a valued local resource
“The move to a seasonal model, which was approved by the High Life Highland Board of Directors this week, will present us with cost savings and help ensure the long term sustainability of the North Coast Visitor Centre.
“As a charity – where access to our museums and visitor centres is by no charge – High Life Highland must ensure that we are operating a sustainable model. Our North Coast Visitor Centre funding partners are in agreement with this approach and staff are being fully briefed and consulted on what this means for them.”
