SAVE THE OLD HIGH

The Old High Inverness board made an offer to buy the building from the Church of Scotland and our ‘Heads of Terms’ were accepted. So thanks to everyone involved, we have made a big step forward.

We were overwhelmed at how many people supported our project at short notice and that gave us the confidence to make the offer. THANK YOU!

So what happens now?

We will get our heads together with solicitors and the church authorities to sort out the details.
We will push ahead with the consultancy involving LDN and colleagues to develop a full business strategy.
We will try and get the building open as soon as we can.
We need to raise more funds! We have made a good start but still short of the full purchase price — and we have to take over the running costs too.
We’ve already had many practical offers of help — thank you all noted! We welcome others.
We are already reviewing our board and bringing in new skills.

The Old High thanks you for helping to bring her back to life and looks forward to seeing you soon.

The SOHI group was raising funds to buy and then protect and care for the Old High as a Community and Heritage Centre. The SOHI group HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN ITS BID and will ensure it becomes a ‘must visit’ place in Inverness and a flexible resource to support the regeneration of the city centre.

This is only the first, crucial step that allows us to take on and re-purpose the building. Now the real work begins alongside ongoing fundraising — it’s now that we will need helpers/volunteers and funds more than ever, so please get in touch if you think you could contribute in any way.

Watch this space for announcements of the next steps as we move forward with confidence and determination that the Old High will be put to lasting good use for the community.

The SOHI campaign has been set up to raise funds to purchase, refurbish and put to future use the former Old High Church of Inverness.

This public announcement is to invite interested parties to prepare a bid for Consultancy Services for The Old High Inverness, to carry out an assessment of the possible viability of early use of the building, a business plan and preliminary consideration of medium to long term options.

Details of our requirements are linked below in the Old High Consultancy Tender document. Supporting papers can be obtained by emailing us at: info@oldhighinverness.co.uk

Submissions must be received by Friday 30 May at 17.00.

An earlier indication if you are likely to bid will be helpful. If you have any queries about a submission please contact us by email at: info@oldhighinverness.co.uk

If you wish to view the building inside before submitting your bid, this can be arranged on a limited number of days. If you are thinking of making a bid and think seeing the interior would be useful then please get in touch with us as soon as possible to arrange a time. Please do NOT contact the Session Clerk directly.

The eventual funding of any agreed contract will depend on the registration of The Old High Inverness as a SCIO (application of which is in process) and the outcome of bids that the SOHI campaign has made to appropriate funding agencies. Click the link below for the tender requirements.

Old High Consultancy Tender April 2025

FRIDAY 18th APRIL Join us for a Ceilidh for a Cause, a lively night of music, dancing, and community spirit to help Save the Old High Inverness. With live music from Tartan Paint, we’ll be raising funds to protect and restore one of Inverness’s most historic landmarks, which is currently at risk of serious disrepair. SOHI is working to purchase the building and transform it into a thriving community space. Every ticket sold helps bring us one step closer to securing this iconic site’s future. So grab your dancing shoes, bring your friends, and be part of something truly special! Friday 18th April – 7:00-10:00pm – Venue: An Seòmar, Church Street.

______________________________

TUESDAY 11th FEBRUARY There was an excellent turnout in support of the Old High building being saved for community use at a public meeting held in the Town House. The Save the Old High Inverness campaigners were buoyed by the show of support. The new group has the same ideas and aims that the Friends of the Old High had, so we ask for your continued support going forward.

Write to us at: info@oldhighinverness.co.uk

The Old High Inverness — Scottish Charity No: SC054234

Website hosting donated by teclan