A north-east heritage society has re-opened its base after a major refurbishment campaign.
Buchan Heritage Society has spent more than £40,000 to renovate its centre, at Peterhead’s Ugie Road, following a successful application to the SITA Trust.
The grant meant the building could be made wind-and-water-tight with the installation of new windows and doors.
External pointing of the walls and roof repairs were also carried out, and a new disabled toilet was fitted.
The centre’s official re-opening – which has been branded “phase one” by the society – took place on Saturday.
A new exhibition was launched on the day, featuring previously unseen photographs and artefacts from Buchan’s past.
Local piper James Allan’s pipe tune, Ugie Braes, was also performed for the first time.
The song was composed by Mr Allan before his death in 1991, but was subsequently unearthed from the family’s attic by his grandson Charles McKenzie and donated to the society.
Last night, a spokeswoman said there was still “significant work” to be carried out to the centre, but added the team was very pleased with the improvements made to the building.
Alex Geddes, the society’s chairman, added: “We are delighted to open our doors again, after a closure for the refurbishment, thanks to the SITA Trust and local contractors, headed up by Rob Buchan Joiners.
“This will be the catalyst for the resumption of our popular evening classes, which include a large knitting and crochet class on Mondays, camera club on a Tuesdays, arts and crafts on Wednesdays and dance class on Thursdays – all of them with ever-increasing numbers.
“As we continue to search for other funding opportunities, we hope to see the return of old friends and, of course, new visitors are always welcome at the centre.”
The relaunch of the facility was followed by a thanksgiving service yesterday, led by the Salvation Army’s band.