HISTORICAL NOTE
Our original intention was to provide an outdoor centre which would replace the old, very successful, establishment in all respects, including the availability of overnight accommodation. This proved to be impossible to fund and, with a radical change in the demand for outdoor facilities over the COVID period, our focus was changed to providing a building on site to facilitate the use of the forest for outdoor pursuits and wellness activities without any accommodation element. This building is now in place..
- In September 2021, two composting toilets were installed on site.
- In June 2023, the refurbishment of the old generator shed to provide a shelter was completed.
- In March 2024, all funding was in place and the building, a 6m diameter rotunda, was ordered. Unfortunately, problems with planning and ground screw installation delayed the installation of the building.
- Over the summer of 2024, a shed was built on the site to provide lockfast storage.
- Foundation design complete and foundation pads installed in June 2025.
- Building erected in July 2025 with the formal opening event being held on 23rd August.
- Camp kitchen completed.
In line with the intention that the Strategic Plan should be a live document which will be used to control and monitor progress towards our ultimate objective, it is hereby updated.
Strategic Plan – Updated JANUARY 2026
It remains the intention that this Strategic Plan should be used to detail the actions necessary to achieve the Company’s objectives. This is a live document which will be used to control and monitor progress towards our ultimate objective. The document will be reviewed at each Directors’ Meeting and detail will be added as necessary.
Now that there is a building on site, we will :
- Plan a migration from the previous phase of building procurement and installation to an operational phase where we will work with relevant organisations to ensure that the site will be used to benefit the communities of Caithness and provide a recreational facility which will contribute significantly to the health and wellbeing of all sections of the community.
- Develop a business plan for the operational phase of the facility.
- Seek to arrange events on site during 2026.
- Complete the installation of a power supply to the building.
- Investigate the provision of a potable water supply on site.
In addition, we will :
- Continue to raise public awareness of the work of the Company and of our desire to provide a focal point in Caithness for outdoor recreation, education and other activities to promote wellbeing within the community by organising fundraising activities and promoting events onsite.
- Expand the membership of the Company to include individuals committed to the project.
- Ensure that the site is maintained by regular grass cutting, trimming hedges etc. So that a functional site is visible to users.
- Work with Forestry and Land Scotland to improve the forest environment around our site.
- Look at developing the forest path network for cycling / horse riding / carriage driving / walking and provide signage and seating as appropriate.
- We will continue to work with Forestry and Land Scotland to promote the use of Rumster Forest for leisure activities, particularly where they contribute to health and wellbeing within the community. In this regard, we welcome recent indications that Forestry and Land Scotland are interested in a greater involvement in the project and have expressed an interest in attending board meetings.
Some of the above objectives are in hand or awaiting funding at this time. It is seen as essential that everything possible is done to encourage new members of the company either to become fully involved or just to be on record as supporting our aims and objectives. There is still an urgent need to have more volunteer help available for site maintenance and assistance with the logistics of event organisation.