Thurso Town Improvements Association (T.T.I.A.) emerged from a small entertainment committee which ran ceilidhs in the town to raise funds.

The first T.T.I.A. committee was comprised of local business people and members co-opted from other various local organisations.

The objective of the original committee was to raise funds to benefit the amenities in Thurso and this objective remains the same today

The Thurso Gala was the main source of fund raising income and all the citizens of the town rallied to support it and continue to do so.

The first Personality Queen was Alice Swanson. She was crowned by Lady Sinclair, wife of Sir Archibald Sinclair who was the local MP and also Minister for Air during the War, and grandfather of our current MP John Thurso. The title changed to Gala Queen in later years.

Following the crowning a parade of decorated floats proceeded through the town. Further numerous events took place throughout the following week. The funds raised were donated to many local groups e.g. Pipe Band, Swimming Club, Lunch Club, Bowling Club and others.

Over the years the T.T.I.A. have funded, or helped fund, many projects within Thurso, the main one being the refurbishment of the Boating Pond area which received commendations and a plaque, which was presented at the time by Bella Cormack, the Towns’ Provost.

Other projects include:-

  • Local play ground equipment
  • The tennis courts
  • Pavilion & playground on Beach Road
  • The blue lighting underneath the road bridge
  • The beach change rooms
  • Refurbishment of Sir John’s Square bandstand
  • Towns’ fountain
  • Lady Margaret’s Gardens
  • The stone seat at the top of the mall (in association with the YTS)
  • More recently the array of Christmas decorations in the town

The T.T.I.A. has always had a strong working relationships with other various local organisations including the Rotary Club, Round Table, Thurso Traders Association, Thurso Community Council, Thurso In Bloom, and other organisations and local bodies whos main aim is to the benefit of the local community.

The T.T.I.A. committee continues to fundraise throughout the year to fund local amenities with the biggest event still being the Gala