Port of Cromarty Firth Supports Major Redevelopment of Invergordon Museum
The Port of Cromarty Firth (POCF) has announced significant multi year support for the future development and relocation of Invergordon Museum, contributing £8,000 in 2025 with a further £12,000 committed for 2026 as part of a three year, match funded regeneration project.
This investment will support the appointment of a Project Development Officer, a crucial role in delivering the relocation of the Invergordon Naval Museum and Heritage Centre to a new, larger facility within the town. The project has already secured funding from additional sources, allowing plans to move forward and ensuring a strong, collaborative approach to regeneration.
Since opening in 2004, the museum has grown through the dedication of local volunteers, expanding its collections, exhibitions, talks, and partnerships. However, its current home at Hayes Hall, a former British Legion dance hall, has limitations, including high running costs, limited space, and low visibility away from the High Street.
Relocating the museum will allow for the creation of a modern exhibition space capable of securely housing the historically significant Bouchardon bust, alongside enhanced displays and future attractions such as virtual reality tours of the Inchindown oil storage tunnels. These developments aim to strengthen Invergordon’s visitor offering and position the museum as a key cultural destination.
As part of the project, Hayes Hall will be repurposed into a Community Hub, providing flexible space for local groups and organisations. Income generated through rent will offer a new, sustainable revenue stream for the museum, while planned admission fees to view the Bouchardon bust will contribute directly to the Invergordon Common Good Fund.
With support from the Port of Cromarty Firth Community Fund, the museum has appointed Jacky Roberts as Museum and Community Development Officer. A long standing volunteer since 2005 with local experience, Jacky will lead the relocation project and work closely with community groups to ensure the new Community Hub develops into a thriving shared space.
Wendy Clark, Museum Trustee since 2003, said: “I am incredibly grateful to the Port of Cromarty Firth for their very generous donation. It not only secures a better future for our museum but, crucially, allows us to create a dedicated Community Hub in the Hayes Hall. This is a vital step forward in supporting and connecting all the wonderful groups within our community
Alex Campbell, Chief Executive at the Port of Cromarty Firth, said: “We’re proud to support this ambitious project, which will safeguard Invergordon’s heritage while creating new opportunities for community collaboration and regeneration. The relocation of the museum and development of a Community Hub will deliver long term benefits for residents, visitors, and local organisations.”
The Port of Cromarty Firth will continue to work with the museum and its partners over the coming years, supporting progress on the relocation and sharing updates as the project develops.
The Community Sponsorship Programme aspires to improve, safeguard and develop Cromarty Firth communities, for the benefit of local people.
Community projects, schools or local charities based in one of the nine communities that border the Cromarty Firth are welcome to apply for support. They can do so by submitting an application form stating the project’s objectives, aspirations and the benefits to the community, along with a letter/email of support from their local Community Council.
Projects must be collaborative and meet one of four eligibility criteria:
- Skills development, employability or job creation,
- Vessel crew or passenger support,
- Environmental protection or enhancement,
- Events or projects which encourage inter-community collaboration.
Application forms are available on the Port of Cromarty Firth website or from cfpa@cfpa.co.uk.
