Council cash will not be invested in a “world-class” heritage centre that will transform an historic Aberdeen quarry.
The local authority has said it will not help fund the proposed visitor attraction at Rubislaw Quarry which will include a museum, educational suites, meeting rooms and a restaurant.
The site was bought by friends Hugh Black and Sandy Whyte in 2010, who “jumped at the chance” to own a piece of north-east history.
In December, the local authority agreed the “unique monument” to celebrate the city’s heritage could go ahead.
But Mr Black is now forging ahead with the plan alone following the death of his business partner, Sandy, to cancer.
Mr Black said he was devastated his closest friend had not lived to see their heritage centre project come to life, but that he was thankful their vision would finally become a reality.
He has since been exploring the support the project could get, and has been in touch with Scottish Enterprise.
He also hopes to meet with council officers to look at what assistance could be given by the local authority.
But finance convener Willie Young said despite being able to help Mr Black in finding the cash, it could not pledge money towards the project.
Mr Young said: “Our position is we are more than happy to help support Mr Black find out what grants are available and what organisations can help.
“However, our council isn’t in a position to put financial support into this.
“It’s a private project and the council has many things it has to do.
“I have a decision to make in our budget and we must focus on issues such as making our schools fit for purpose for the children of Aberdeen.”
Mr Black said he had unanimous support for the project.
He added: “Now we have planning permission we can try to identify how key stakeholders can help us so we can start work on the project this year.
“This is in the council’s strategic infrastructure plan so I think the council has a duty to make sure these projects happen.”