Nairn historic building in the town centre set for new lease of life as local interior design firm Highland Fox reveal plans to transform Italianate building into co-working hub
A Nairn listed building is set for a new lease of life thanks to a local interiors and renovation firm.
The “Italianate” building on Courthouse Lane in Nairn, which formerly operated as Highland Council’s finance office, was vacated in late 2023 and put on the market in January this year.
The move sparked concerns in the local community — with Nairn West and Suburban Community Council stating it was a “strategic” property in the town centre and that it should benefit the local community.
Now, the owners of local firm Highland Fox, Cath and Stuart Fox, have announced they will be taking over the building to give it a face lift and turn it into Highland Fox Hub — a coworking, meeting and event space — set to open to the public in early 2026.
“We’re so excited to bring the building back to life,” Cath said.
“What will be Highland Fox Hub is a well-loved local listed building in the centre of Nairn that has been out of use for a couple of years.
“We aim to offer a vibrant and flexible co-working environment close to all of Nairn’s best local amenities.”
She said that with her husband Stuart, they had been looking to find a home for their business as well as seeing a need in Nairn for a dedicated co-working space.
“That insight came from our own experience: running a small business, working from home, and juggling the demands of family life with young children. We saw firsthand how valuable a flexible, professional environment could be — not just for us, but for many others in the community.”
When they saw the Italianate going on the market, the duo “jumped” at the opportunity to bring the space back into “meaningful use” a prominent old building that had been underused for years.
“Nairn has a thriving pool of small business owners and freelancers who often require a desk for a day, a meeting room or just a group of like-minded individuals to work alongside. We can’t wait to welcome new and familiar faces once the fit out is complete.”
Stuart added: “This revitalised space will foster creativity, collaboration and economic growth, providing a much-needed resource for Nairn while breathing new life into the heart of the town.”
The hub will cater to local and visiting professionals, freelancers and entrepreneurs. It will also form a new base for the interiors and renovation business, providing space for meetings and workshops.
As they revealed the news on social media, the couple said: “It’s going to be a big renovation (mild understatement...) and we’d love to take you along for the rollercoaster ride as we transform the space.”
According to the duo, the restoration will be carried out “with careful attention to its heritage”, aiming to preserve “an important part of Nairn’s character” whilst refurbishing, repairing and future-proofing the building.
“We’ve been blown away by all the kind words and support since announcing the Highland Fox Hub,” they said.
“It means the world to us to feel such positivity from our amazing local community. We're so excited to bring this space to life! Watch this space – there’s lots more to come!”
Nairn and Cawdor councillor Paul Oldham wrote in his regular email newsletter: “I was pleased to see that Highland Fox announced on Facebook this week that they are reopening the building as the Highland Fox Hub ‘a co-working, meeting and event space designed to be as flexible, welcoming and inspiring as the people who'll use it’.
“This ties in nicely with the Local Place Plan whose five key themes include Jobs and Business and ‘the availability of space for business expansion’ and also Town and Village Centres where ‘revitalising Nairn town centre is a high priority’.
“Good luck to them with their new venture!”
Kevin Reid, chairman of Nairn West and Suburban Community Council, said: “I think this is positive news for Nairn. The building looks to be going to good use.
“This hopefully will bring more footfall on the High Street and should keep a historic building in good condition.
“We look forward to seeing Highland Fox develop this as a positive space for Nairn that can be used by many different people and organisations.”
