An application to start emergency repair works on a glasshouse which will soon be home to a community project has been approved.
The saga of the Duff House Bothy and Vinery in Banff is reaching its climax now approval is in place for proper alterations to commence.
Work began at the start of December on renovating the historic B-listed greenhouse and attached bothy which had become run-down over the years.
Both were also placed on the Scottish Buildings at Risk Register for many years.
Now, Aberdeenshire Council planning officials have approved emergency work to make the roof stable and safe.
Submitted early in November by GD Lodge Architects in Glasgow, the decision on the plans was announced yesterday.
Both buildings in Airlie Gardens will benefit from the Scottish Government Town Centre Fund grant of £284,832 to help make the structures wind and water tight.
Once the work is complete, the second phase will commence to restore the buildings and allow locals to grow fruit and vegetables.
Scotland’s Association for Mental Health was appointed as operator of the project.
It is planning to run the facility using the benefits of gardening to promote good mental health locally.