The History
The building was originally constructed as the Sutherland Division of the Highland Constabulary in 1980. It was purchased by DACIC through the Asset Transfer process in 2020. A complete refurbishment was carried out between September 2020 and April 2021. And in May 2021, DACIC officially opened The Dornoch Hub. What was once Dornoch’s Police Station was transformed into a fantastic business and community centre, with the old Police hostel also converted to support Dornoch’s hospitality businesses by providing accommodation for seasonal staff.
Our Supporters
Our Dornoch Hub supports businesses to develop as well as providing a fantastic space for the community. This project wouldn’t have been possible without our amazing funders SSE Renewables, Scottish Land Fund, The National Lottery Community Fund, Highland Council, BEATRICE OFFSHORE WINDFARM LIMITED and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Business Facilities
The Hub offers a range of offices and is an excellent environment for any type of business but particularly suitable for new start-ups or developing businesses. Our ground floor also provides spaces ideal for retail, including a trading space located in the main lobby. In addition to renting, we offer a wide range of facilities for hire, including a conference room, accessible meeting room, hot desking area, and Gallery Space.
Repurposing old police buildings
DACIC also ensured that all the old Police buildings were repurposed. The cells were retained and are now rented out to businesses as storage spaces. You really can’t get more secure than a custody cell. The old Police garages have been converted into a gym, operated by Silverback Gym, which has been on the community’s wish list for over 10 years. Finally, The Hut Foodshare Larder is housed in what was the Police Kennels. Collecting surplus food donated by local shops, The Hut aims to divert this food from landfills and support anyone within the community who needs it.
Community Space
Our Community Room has a fully fitted kitchen and is designed to be use by different community groups. With the support of various funders, including the National Lottery, we have been facilitating art & craft workshops, healthy eating & cookery sessions, after-school coding clubs, and Youth Clubs. We also host the Tuesday Club, a follow-up from the Warm Spaces Projects that’s open to anyone in the community and gives people a chance to make some new friends and have a chat over tea, coffee, biscuits, and the occasional homemade cake.
Staff Accommodation
The old Police hostel now provides seasonal staff accommodation for four employees.
This town centre location and low-cost rental is ideal for staff working in Dornoch. With the gym next door, it will be easy to keep fit too! Applications for accommodation must come from local employers in relation to seasonal workers.
Our Supporters
The board of DACIC is constantly looking at new ways we can develop The Hub so that it continues to support businesses and the community.