Rumster Outdoor Centre Management Committee
Minutes of Meeting on Mon 23rd Feb 2026 at the Guide Hall Thurso at 19.00h
Sederunt: Willie Marshall, Catriona Andrews, Leslie Grant, Roger Saxon, Elspeth Husband
Also in attendance Kenneth McElroy and Iain Maclean of Caithness Broch Project.
Apologies: Bryan Dods
Declarations: None
KM gave an update on the broch project. They are going ahead with the fundraising for the purchase of 200 acres of land and aiming for a target of 2027. The land use will have to be changed or de-crofted. Land is currently owned by George and Ian Sinclair.
The target date for a building warrant is 2030.
They, Caithness Broch Project (CBP) are working in partnership with the Flow Country (Flows to the Future). They envisage the Broch to be the eastern gateway to the Flow Country with information also an archaeological exhibition and nature exhibition. The broch would be manned at all times.
Other stakeholders would be Forse House, Latheron, Lybster and Clyth Community Development Trust and ourselves.
Mat Ritchie is the archaeologist for Forestry and Land Scotland. Brochs in the area are Rangag, Golsary and Rumster. CBP envisage a path encompassing these sites with pointers off the path to other places of archaeological interest.
The path should be suitable for walking, cycling, Segway?
CBP are interested in arranging an archaeologic dig at Rumster Broch and asked if we would be interested in supporting that. The broch is not on our land but if it brings attention to and use of our site, we would be supportive of the activity.
KM and IM left the meeting.
Minutes of previous meetings: Minutes state day of Forest Activity Day as 10th April.
This should read 11th April. Subject to amendment, minutes approved by WM Seconded RS
Matters arising: Will be covered in agenda.
Chairman’s report: WM reported that the electricity meter had been installed but not speaking to smart meter. Needs to be connected. BD to follow up.
Shed roof was leaking and roof boards are wet. This needs to be dried before it can be re-felted. Action WM
Treasurer’s report: Transactions in month are £219.73 and £1761.26 as payment for electrical installation. The refund for this is made out to EH, EH to bank and refund to Rumster. The accounts require to put into the SORN format for auditing.
The electricity contract had started on 9th January but no standing charge has been received to date.
Correspondence: All correspondence is in the company email account.
Strategic Plan: WM suggested that we need to look at providing a fully accessible toilet suitable for wheelchair access. EH agreed and all approved that should be added to the strategic plan.
Business Development: The directors had reviewed the Business Plan produced by BD and LG to forward to BD with the suggested updates required.
Site Update: The notice at the entrance to the site needs updating. Can we add a notice at the car park? Does it need to be compliant with FLS branding.
The entrance to the site has been damaged by the contractors and is very muddy. WM to look at solutions e.g. hardcore, matting.
A question was raised regarding responsibility for signage on A9, A99 and C road.
Events: EH to contact North Highland Harriers re fun run on 1th April.
Fundraising: None outstanding but Foundation Scotland grants need closing.
AOCB: None
Date of Next Meeting: 30/3/26 and 20/4/26
The meeting closed at 20.30