Campaigners aiming to save one of Elgin’s landmark buildings are trying to enlist the support of Hollywood star Kevin McKidd.
An official request has now been passed on to the Elgin-born actor asking him to back the bid to reopen Grant Lodge.
The listed Georgian building, which is sited prominently in Cooper Park, has lain empty since a fire in 2003. Campaigners have now been in touch with Kevin McKidd’s website to ask if he could back the campaign.
A spokeswoman for the site confirmed yesterday that the message had been passed on to Mr McKidd.
The spokeswoman said: “He most likely will make contact directly, or via his agent, if he is keen.”
Elgin resident Jill Beattie, who is among the supporters of the project, said: “Getting a figurehead for the campaign would be great.
“My thought is the building needs extensive renovation. How about local businesses donating time to help with this?
“It would be great publicity for them and keep the costs down. Obviously it would be better if Grant Lodge was overseen by a trust rather than Moray Council.”
New Elgin history enthusiast David Willox, who is campaigning to set up an “amenities trust” to look after important landmarks across the town, said Mr McKidd’s support would be much appreciated.
He said: “For him to spearhead a campaign would be great.”
Last week Moray Council voted against spending any money on refurbishing Grant Lodge, beyond continuing to keep it wind and waterproof. Instead, the local authority is now seeking to put the emphasis on townsfolk to come up with workable business plans to take over its control.
The Castle to Cathedral to Cashmere trail partnership is holding a meeting at 6pm tomorrow in Elgin Library. The partnership aims to boost tourism by creating a trail through the town, whose route originally intended to include a refurbished Grant Lodge.