MERKINCH Enterprise kicked off 2001 with a move into their smart new premises at No14 Grant Street. Now two of their offices, which were inconveniently situated in two quite separate premises at No2 and No4, are under one roof in the beautifully refurbished premises which until a year ago was a laundry.

It is hoped that an official opening ceremony to mark the re-launch will be held sometime this month and that MP Charles Kennedy will be available to help celebrate the occasion.
All five full-time staff are now based here, and the range of facilities – from training and job advice to internet access and technology/office facilities – can be accessed from this one-stop shop. Merkinch Enterprise is now one of the most successful organisations of its kind in Scotland, thanks to the hard work and dedication of those who founded it almost a decade ago and the continuing commitment of its staff and volunteers since.

The charity opened in No4 Grant Street in 1992 and expanded into its Technology Centre in No2 in 1995. “Both have served the community well over the years,” said ME chief executive Colin Downie. Since those days Merkinch Enterprise has gone from strength to strength. In 1996 the organisation was greatly assisted by a three-year funding package from the National Lottery Charities Board. It is now running largely under its own steam, offering the community opportunities for IT training, job-hunting, typing services, web site design and child care as well as the community newsletter, News & Views. “Financial assistance for the massive refurbishment costs came from Highland Council's Economic Development Department and from Inverness & Nairn Enterprise,” added Mr Downie, “and Merkinch Enterprise would like to thank them both for their support in this new development.” The phone and fax numbers remain the same.