BLOG – 35 YEARS AGO BLOG 16

Glass Creations has a postcode, KW14 8BU but that doesn’t always help visitors finding by studio. Over the years I have learnt to give directions which includes the phrase “It’s a small white building with Glass Studio on door.” The building was white when we bought it in 1990 but not exactly an attention-grabbing colour. The building suffered from cracks as we all do and still after thirty-five years the roof leaks when the wind blows.

Can’t exactly remember when but the local Council at the time, not the Highland Council, offered business money to brighten up their appearances. We eagerly took this offer and painted the outside walls at the front of the studio. I couldn’t get around to the sides nor back due to close proximity of buildings. Next door at the time was the marine business “E & M Engineering” who I must say we had a great working relationship and Maureen was often in their office asking for advice. Our building is joined to their building, and I am grateful for the “Party Wall” law in Scotland as if ever the building was redeveloped which include taking a wall down then at least Glass Creations would still be standing.

There was a scheme offering hanging baskets to business premises and if I remember correctly the cost of £70 was mentioned. This cost was just one of many to brighten up the building along the Thurso Riverside. It worked and thanks to the Council’s gardening staff then the flowers in the baskets last throughout the summer.

Interesting to note that even in 1990 we were using sandbags to protect the premises from the Thurso River bursting its banks. For thirty-five years I have heard many plans and suggestions on how to address the problem of flooding. In my experience its all just talk and no one it appears has the power to carry out any precautions. At one stage we had plans to raise the building on stilts so that the water just flowed underneath! Silly Idea? I’ll get a grant!