Nairn’s Regal Embarrassment
May 30th, 2009 | 
Author: I don’t know anyone who does not enjoy living in this part of the world. Nairn has much to commend it in terms of scenery and quality of life. But the residents of Nairn are deeply concerned about the state and appearance of a number of buildings along the A96. I refer to the Regal Cinema and Bar, Rosebank Church, the old Bus Station, the garage, the old Community Centre and adjacent buildings.
Every week thousands of people drive past these dilapidated buildings. Unless they think to turn off the A96 they will leave Nairn in the belief that Nairn is a run-down and depressing Highland town. In fact, we have numerous reports that many tourists simply don’t stop because of what they encounter on entering the town. The Regal could not be a more depressing symbol and resulted in one visitor referring to Nairn as “The Brixton of the North”.
This impacts on the community of Nairn in a number of ways.
1) In seeking to promote Nairn as a tourist destination we simply can’t compete with the patently obvious image of a tarnished, run-down and uninteresting town. This perception is carried to every corner of the globe. Almost every guest in every B&B comments on these buildings.
2) If fewer people stay here, either because of what they have heard or actually see for themselves that means the Nairn community is losing out on tourism revenue and Nairn’s importance as a destination is greatly diminished.
3) For Nairn residents, these buildings slowly begin to erode our sense of pride in the town. They begin to make excuses; they blame developers; they blame councillors and try to reassure potential visitors that, despite these carbuncles, Nairn is a nice place to stay.
Numerous reasons have been given as to why nothing has been done to remove these dreadful blights from our town landscape. We now believe that the time has come to compel landlords/owners to renovate or remove these buildings. Nairn cannot be left to crumble before our eyes. Even landscaped open spaces would be much preferable. Some come on Council, Somerfield, Coop. It’s time heads were knocked together because it’s our town and we have had enough of this eyesore.
And here’s one idea that might be worth looking at as a very short-term solution:
Regal Makeover
Surely the RAF could drop a couple of bombs and cause a couple of million pounds worth of improvements?
just put a post on this at gurn from nurn and yes something should be done about this. all of these buildings have been left like this for far to long its time something was done about them. its time to speak up and push for change our town could be a lot better that it is we should take pride in it.
I feel totally embarrassed as my auntie used to own that pub when it was up and running and my mother worked as a bar maid in there as well. She is very embarrassed as well.
I’ve been an occasional visitor to Nairn since 1991. We were just there earlier this month and I was very sad to see the Regal boarded up like a derelict building that you would see in a Hollywood movie. It was not always the busiest pub in town, but I always felt comfortable in there. The general concensus of the Nairnites I know though, is that Nairn IS indeed a dying town. It’s certainly less lively than when I first started coming around.
The regal bar or the building above it is that not art deco if so would that not look good painted in the right style? surely a coat of paint wouldn’t cost too much,
Something we’d all love to do. But if we don’t get permission we’re in trouble!! It’s something worth pursuing.
I have been overwhelmed with support for the article in the Nairnshire. Dont give up on this project town – we need you – whilst we apply pressure we make a difference. Remember you can only shop at co-op – Morning Noon and Night (co-op) Co-op High street (co-op) Somerfields (Co-op) Garage Somerfields (co-op) and Tradespark (co-op). How dare they procrastinate with making the place look clean and tidy. It is fairly obvious that whatever they do, the Regal and the Cinema with have to come down so why not clear the site, make friends with the town and make a nice sitting area with a few benches and flowers until the important decisions about the supermarket are made. Come on co-op dont let us down!!!!
Posted 3rd Jan 2011. I am involved in the film industry. Having just seen in the New Year in Nairn we booked a room facing the old Regal Cinema that made our visit extra special as we like to see the Regal Cinema remain and connected to cinema it has memories for us.
Action
First the face (front) Regal needs painted NOW, we suggest use to promote Nairn and the history of Nairn in cinema style on the front and inside, include Charlie Chaplin that will be the big tourist pull. A small area inside should be retained to screen films using portable equipment so film clubs etc can hire screening area (Charlie Chaplin screening area).
We like to be involved in helping and will return to Nairn for another FAB New Year hopefully by then the Regal Cinema will still be the Regal and look better than it does now?
We support actress Tilda Swinton and Nairn community and businesses in cleaning up the face of Nairn and keeping film connected to Nairn.
All the best for 2011.