Thurso is poised for a major transformation as The Highland Council progresses its ambitious masterplan and Community Point of Delivery (POD) initiative, representing a landmark £100 million investment in the town.
At the Council meeting held on 26 June 2025, elected members approved the next phase of the Highland Investment Plan, confirming the current Thurso High School site as the preferred location for the new Community POD. This development marks a significant step forward in modernising local infrastructure and service delivery in Caithness.
Council Leader Raymond Bremner described the initiative as a “once in a generation opportunity” to not only redevelop Thurso High School but also regenerate the wider community. “We are talking about £100m investment in the town by the Council, which will in turn encourage other partners to contribute,” he said. “At a time of economic challenge, this is really positive news not just for Thurso but for the whole of Caithness.”
The Community POD model is designed to co-locate services – such as education, health, and community support – making them more accessible and efficient. It also supports the Council’s broader strategy to decentralise operations and sustain rural populations across the Highlands.
In addition to the Thurso POD, phase one of the Highland Investment Plan includes upgrades to Council depots in Caithness and resurfacing of the all-weather pitch in Wick. A further update on the masterplan will be presented at the Council meeting in October 2025.
This strategic investment is expected to act as a catalyst for further public and private sector contributions, reinforcing Thurso’s role as a key hub in the region’s future development.
