The Premise

Culloden VC Observatory Facilities

Background

Members will be aware that the current JSL Observatory, situated behind the Culloden Visitor Centre, is a temporary structure and its construction was due to the generosity of the NTS in allowing us to place it on their property.

We have been aware for some time of plans for a new Visitor Centre to bring the Culloden facilites up to date with a state of the art building and an exhibition more appropriate to the 21st century. The whole of the site is to be redeveloped, a new Visitor Centre built, and the battlefield restored to 1746 conditions to enhance the visitor experience.

In the summer of 2004, the Chairwoman Pauline Macrae and Sub-Committee member Rob Nuttall attended a meeting with Alexander Bennett of the NTS to look at the proposed design of the Visitor Centre. To our disappointment we found that the new building, although an elegant and aesthetic design which will blend in with the terrain, does not lend itself to having a dome placed on top.

However, Alexander Bennett continued to express his desire to have us involved somewhere on the site and suggested we attend the public launch of the plans for the new centre. At the meeting, Pauline spoke with one of the architects who confirmed it would not be possible to include an observatory as part of the Visitor Centre - partly because the plans had changed yet again - so we decided to take a detailed look at the site plan showing the area of land owned by the NTS for another possible location. It was agreed we should investigate the current stable block, to the east of the current centre, as it had a water and power supply. The site, and the surrounding area, was checked out by Rob and Pauline, and deemed suitable.

The next step was to ensure there would be no unforeseen difficulties with the Planning Department at Highland Regional Council. Rob Nuttall created an array of observatory designs for consideration. The head of the department checked over these designs, the location chosen, the intended use and gave us the good news that he didn't have any problems with any of the proposals, or the fact that the observatory was to be built on NTS land.

Further discussions with Alexander Bennett then took place, during which time he looked at the observatory drawings and chose a favourite, which incorporated elements of the new centre design. Possible problems were considered, but the eventual outcome from the meeting was a positive one and allows us to move forward with our plans.

Timescales

A contractor has now been appointed for the construction of the new VC (Visitor Centre) - Morrisons - and site work is scheduled to begin in May 2006 with the construction of the new access road. The new VC is planned to open in spring, 2007, at which time the old VC will be removed. Our current observatory will have to be dismantled in late 2006.

All Change

Whilst the current observatory fulfils members' needs and is perfectly workable for them, it is not ideal for public access. A stated HAS aim is to promote interest in astronomy and to encourage public access. The size of the observatory limits the number of people who can get in at any one time, leaving the remainder outside on soggy ground or in freezing conditions. Too many people inside can also result in a bumped tube and realignment of the scope.

Access for the disabled is extremely difficult at best, and impossible for wheelchair users.

Public viewing events are still better accommodated by members' telescopes in the car park. If more aperture is required, they have to trundle down a dark, unpaved path and through two gates to reach the observatory.

The previous comment also applies to attendances by groups, e.g. Schools. Public safety has to be a high priority.

The enclosure is a heavy structure and can, on occasion, be difficult to handle for the less muscled among us.

It's made of wood and, therefore, uninsurable.

There is little space inside for computers and all the paraphernalia which accompanies CCD imaging.

Viewing by large numbers of people simultaneously is very difficult.

The Society will have to undergo some radical changes in order for us to start the search for funding. Charitable Status has now been granted - important, as this is a prerequisite for some funders. It can also assist in lessening costs, as VAT can be reclaimed on some items of expenditure. It will also require a much more professional approach to the handling of the Society's financial position.

The Constitution has been amended to bring it into line with the requirements of the Inland Revenue. The Society may also have to become a limited company due to the potentially large sums being sought.

What effect will it have on members?

The Society will continue very much as is. Charitable Status will not alter the way we have our meetings and you probably won't even notice anything different, apart from the current plans to give the club evenings more variety.

The more we can do ourselves, the less money we will have to raise. Many members have particular skills which could be put to use, especially in the construction of the observatory building and dome. Also, anyone with proven fundraising abilities, or contacts, will be more than welcome - we have to put in some of our own money too.

If you have any comments, suggestions, questions, contacts, or simply want to volunteer to help when the time comes, please use the webmaster link on the message board.

Pauline Macrae / Rob Nuttall

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