A project to convert a Highland church into a new home for a nursery school has been abandoned due to a massive financial shortfall.
The former Rosebank Church in Nairn has lain empty for more than 25 years and planning permission was granted in December 2014 to redevelop it as the new premises for 1st Steps Nursery.
Work started on the church site last autumn but the project stalled last month.
The building is in poor structural condition and its listed status placed restrictions on construction methods and materials, sending costs spiralling.
The final straw was a valuation putting the building at hundreds of thousands of pounds less than the sum which has already been spent on the redevelopment.
The nursery is currently based in buildings leased from Highland Council in the grounds of Rosebank Primary School, but the lease was due to be terminated this summer to make way for additional car parking. The council has now agreed to extend the lease.
Expansion is still a focus for the directors of 1st Steps with the existing premises currently operating at capacity and with demand for high quality childcare in Nairn staying high.
Nursery owner Roslin Murdoch said: “We are very disappointed that the project has had to be abandoned.
“We are concerned about the future in the long term, both for the business and for the parents and carers who rely on us to care for their children. Highland Council has continued to give us their support, and agreed that we can remain in our existing premises whilst we put together a ‘Plan B’.
“We will have to start looking for new premises all over again, and will be speaking to Highland Council, our councillors, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and other agencies to explore all the options. We would also appeal to the local community, businesses, developers and other organisations that may be able to help.
The nursery had aspired to create a high-quality childcare facility incorporating a day nursery and breakfast and after school child care.