A mother-of-two has been put forward to spearhead the court battle to halt library closures in Moray.
Hopeman resident Vivien Hendry is seeking legal aid to fight the case at the highest court in Scotland, the Court of Session in Edinburgh.
She is representing the campaign group, Save Our Libraries Moray, which is seeking a judicial review of the council’s decision to axe seven of the area’s 15 branches.
The 50-year-old has been a regular user of Hopeman library – one of seven earmarked for closure – since moving to the area seven years ago.
She said she saw it as an “essential and vital educational asset” in bringing up her two children.
Ms Hendry added: “Moray Council is seriously undervaluing our libraries.
“As a mother, I believe that you have to take a stand for what you believe is right.
“I also believe that the council administration decided to take a risk that no constituent would dare challenge them in court.
“Save Our Libraries do not want to have to go to court but we are being left with no choice. Having said that, it is not too late for them (the council) to do the right thing and change their minds.”
Ms Hendry’s solicitor, Peter Brash of Elgin law firm Grigor and Young, said he expected legal aid to be granted.
He added the campaign group had already received legal advice from an advocate and believed its chances of winning the case were good.
Save Our Libraries Moray is asking for a temporary legal order to keep the facilities at Cullen, Burghead, Dufftown, Findochty, Hopeman, Rothes and Portknockie open past November 30, when they are due to close.
The group then intends to fight on for a reversal of the council’s decision, arguing that it ignored an independent report commissioned to assess the likely impact of the closures on local communities.