The recent completion of the renovation, refurbishment and extension to the Glenurquhart Village Hall, has been exceptionally well received by the local community.
The project, which got underway in the spring of 2025, was the culmination of much effort, over a number of years, by the Glenurquhart Rural Community Association.
Following an initial community consultation, plans had been drawn up for a full refurbishment of the hall to make it fit for the next 100 years – more energy efficient, more flexible in its layout and enabling use by more than one group at a time.
Having finalised the design and secured the necessary funding, the works were awarded to Compass Building who, following a competitive price/quality tendering exercise, were deemed to represent the best value solution.
Compass have a long-standing association with the local community and understand the importance attaching to the successful delivery of such projects. In particular, the client had identified the need to minimise the period of time that the hall is closed as many activities relating to health and wellbeing use the hall.
The project was timeously handed back to the client on the 19th December 2025 which was within the agreed project timescale, which had been extended following the discovery of several areas of degradation within the existing structure.
Three of the key outcomes for the modernised hall are defined as follows:-
- Mental health and wellbeing – utilising the hall for activities targeted at improving the mental health and wellbeing of all our community.
- Economic development – using the hall to help drive economic growth in the community – marketing the hall as a venue for events, used by businesses and working in collaboration with the Loch Ness Hub and other local businesses and groups.
- Heritage – celebrating the heritage of the hall by capturing the history for interactive displays in the new entrance foyer.
Compass Managing Director, Thom Macleod, who himself is a member of the local community, said that he was delighted that Compass were selected to deliver the project on behalf of the community. He further noted that community/charitable/third sector projects are an important part of the social fabric of the Highlands and that this latest completion was a welcome addition to a long list of projects that Compass had successfully delivered.
Similar projects include:-
- An Crùbh, Sleat, Isle of Skye – Construction of a new community hub.
- The Strathdearn, Tomatin – Construction of a new community hub.
- An Laimhrig, Eigg – Construction of a new community hub.
- Dundreggan, Glenmoriston – Construction of a modern rewilding centre and accommodation block.
- Haven, Inverness – Construction of Scotland’s first multi-purpose centre for children and young people with severe, profound and multiple learning disabilities and complex needs complemented by 3 no. adapted respite units for assisted living.
Glenurquhart Hall – “The hall is looking amazing and has surpassed my wildest expectations.” – Susan Griffin, Chair – Glen Urquhart Rural Communities Association
