Plans to save a threatened school building and convert it into a community centre have received overwhelming support from villagers.
Western Isles Council angered locals when it proposed demolishing a surplus historic building on the primary school campus in Leverburgh in South Harris.
Leverhulme Memorial School Steering Group was quickly set up to rescue the premises.
The body says the “old block,” as it is known locally, could have a new future as a multi-use facility incorporating a museum for the local historical society, a cafe, gym, laundrette, and charity shop.
Progressing a bid for community ownership received the backing of a public meeting attended by around 90 villagers on Monday night, one of the largest turnouts at a local forum.
Some 60 people indicated they were willing to volunteer in running the completed facility.
Purchase costs are unknown at this stage but the steering group have set a fundraising target of £350,000 to take over and upgrade the facility.
Steering group secretary, Alan Ross, said they now had the “green-light to plough ahead with the fundraising.”
“The place is just buzzing” after the positive outcome of the meeting, as there was a “strong feeling to save the building.”
When finished, the facility will provide an important amenity locally as “Leverburgh does not have a hub” at present.
The community “made it very clear” we would have to open even during the winter as a meeting place for old folk in the area, particularly those who live alone, he added.
Western Isles councillors previously allowed the group breathing space to firm up their plans and has agreed to transfer the building to the community.
The affected building was originally built by former island landlord and soap king, Lord Leverhulme, during his drive to industrialise the island.