All the money set aside for community projects in part of the north-east is expected to be given to a village hall refurbishment, because nobody else has applied for it.
Funds are set aside every year for projects in communities across Aberdeenshire to be awarded as grants by local councillors.
In Buchan, however, one project is set to receive more than £1,000 – the fund’s cap – because of a lack of interest in the money from elsewhere.
St Fergus’ village hall committee wants £2,000 to help repair and refurbish its facility and is expected to be awarded all of the money available in Buchan area committee’s project grants pot.
The group has already raised £105,000 through donations from the nearby gas terminal and local fundraising efforts.
Ritchie Johnson, Aberdeenshire Council’s director of business services, has backed the village hall proposal to receive the money.
In his report, to be discussed by councillors this week, he said: “The hall committee are presently undertaking a phased improvement of the hall and during the renovation works, asbestos was found in various sections of the hall.
“This unexpected development has added to the cost of the refurbishment. The flooring in the corridor, toilets, small hall and stage area will have to be replaced.
“If this amount was to be awarded, it would be £173 above the £1,000 ceiling from community council project grants.
“However, given that there have been no other project applications submitted, and the end of the financial year is imminent, it is requested that the full amount available be allocated in this instance.”
Last March, councillors agreed that more than £3,000 would be available for projects in Buchan communities.
Since then, the Buchan area committee has awarded £424 to New Pitsligo’s community council to help with providing sheds for a sheltered housing association.
Mintlaw was awarded £600 towards an art project, and Maud’s village hall was handed £1,000 to refurbish a kitchen.