Merkinch Welfare Hall: Fit for the Future

The Merkinch Welfare Hall has been at the heart of the local community for over one hundred years. But although the historic building has its roots in the local community, it is a building that contributes to our national heritage too. It is a rare example of a purpose built temperance hall, built for the Catch-my-Pal Union in 1914. The original trustees of the Merkinch Branch of the Catch my-Pal Union were ordinary working men from the area. They aimed to encourage young men to abstain from drinking by providing social activities and support, all housed in a building that provided the welcoming atmosphere of the bar (but without the bottle).

The ‘Fit for the Future’ project took its inspiration from the past, as throughout its working life the Merkinch Welfare Hall has been a focal point for social events and sporting activities within the community. The 2016 restoration has delivered a gym and changing rooms on the ground floor for the Inverness City Boxing Club and offices for the Merkinch Partnership on the first floor. In
addition, school and community projects have charted the course of the restoration project,
with creative artwork, oral and archival historical research and documentary photography. The project has brought a significant building back into productive use, once again making a positive contribution to the local community.