Plans have been approved for a new community hall near Huntly.
Haugh of Glass’s existing hall was built in the 1920s, but has now been deemed “tired, dated and no longer considered fit for the purposes of the busy and vibrant community which it serves”.
Now the Glass Community Association has won approval to knock down the hall and build a new one with a car park.
The group visualise hosting a variety events such as ceilidhs, fairs, quizzes and amateur dramatics as well as a range of sports activities, including bowling, badminton and dancing in the venue.
In a supporting statement, agents Colin Thomson Chartered Architect, told the council: “The strong environmental credentials of the proposed building, together with its contemporary use of natural materials will ensure that the proposed new community hall is an investment which the vibrant rural community of Glass can hopefully be proud of and make good use of for many, many years to come.”
Some residents consulted raised concerns about the project’s delays, stating that it appeared “very ambitious” and questioned where the funding was coming from.
One objector, Mark Hearns, of Invermarkie, wrote: “I am all for being aspirational, but perhaps there is an opportunity to consider realistic options which are achieveable financially. It would be preferable to have a new hall which can be realistically funded and built.”
Margo Wordie, of Cairnborrow, however backed the project and wrote: “We will have to work hard to get this new hall but we do hope that it will be here for many, many years for the next few generations of families.”