Ambitious plans to create a silversmithing plant in the heart of a north-east town have been backed by industry leaders and the community.
Aberdeenshire Council wants to convert Banff’s derelict Meal House, on Old Market Place, into a silversmiths centre to revive the traditional Scottish art form.
And the scheme has already been supported by the town’s community council, which believes the centre would boost the local economy.
It has also been backed by the Incorporation of Goldsmiths, which indicated its willingness to provide exhibitions of international standard to the port.
Ian Williams, the community council’s secretary, said: “The potential economic benefits would obviously be welcomed, but more than that it can create a focus for a new tourism market in the town and area.”
The property, which dates from the 1790s, had previously been earmarked as the base for a local preservation group.
Julian Watson, the chairman of the Banff Preservation and History Society, had said having ruins in the town centre was of no benefit.
“We are aware that a prosperous town-centre is important for the economic and aesthetic wellbeing of the community,” he added.
If approved, the local authority could look to forge a relationship with an art college to prove the longevity of the new smith.
In a feasibility study on the project, consultants Kirkhill Associates said a partnership with an art school or the goldsmiths would be “an absolute minimum”.
It added: “As consultants, we have rarely worked on a proposal that has met with such unanimous and consistent positive reactions and offers of support.
“The concept of developing the Meal House as a centre for the revival of the craft of silversmithing in Banff has met with an overwhelmingly warm and enthusiastic welcome.”
The completed smith would have a public viewing and display area.