A community group will make a last-ditch plea to councillors over the proposed sale of a former school building in Aberdeen tomorrow.
The future of the old Victoria Road Primary in Torry is due to be decided at a meeting of full council.
The authority’s finance, policy and resources committee was divided on the issue last Tuesday, with a majority backing a recommendation from officers to sell the property to a preferred bidder.
Opposition SNP members tabled an amendment at the meeting, calling for the site to be transferred to the local community.
Labour members and one Conservative defeated the amendment, but the matter was referred to full council for a final decision. It will be dealt with in private.
Torry Heritage Group has asked to make a deputation calling on councillors to re-think the sale, which would lead to the demolition of the historic granite building.
The school, which was built in 1878, closed in 2008. An attempt to secure listed building status for the property was unsuccessful.
Bob Gibb, from the heritage group, said there was major opposition locally, with hundreds of people signing a petition.
Mr Gibb said: “I find it unbelievable that they are going to decide they will sell the place.
“We are told the buyer intends building 66 houses, that means far more children coming to the area, where are they going to go to school?
“I personally think it is all about making money for the city council. Torry folk want that building kept. At the very least, I would like to see the frontage kept – let’s protect our granite heritage.”
Labour group secretary Willie Young said: “I understand where the heritage group is coming from, however Scottish Natural Heritage has agreed it is not a listed building, therefore it is only right and proper that the city council looks at everything on the table and makes its decision.
“The school has been derelict since the previous SNP-Lib Dem administration closed it in 2008. We have to do what is in the best interests of all the citizens of Aberdeen, not just those in one part of the city.”
SNP group spokesman Graham Dickson said the site would be worth more if the building was demolished.
He said: “A year ago, the council would have jumped at the chance of a community asset transfer.
“The only thing that has changed is the recent valuation, but that does not change the principle of what is best for the community.”