Efforts to put one of Moray’s most ancient landmarks on the tourist map will progress next year after emergency work to save parts of it from collapse proved successful.
The Kinloss Abbey Trust wants to create a visitor centre on the grounds of the 13th century ruin, to help highlight its “dramatic” past.
The plans were cast into doubt earlier this year, when it emerged that the council could not cover the costs of making a tower attached to the grade A listed building safe.
It was only a bequest of more than £10,000 from a beloved stalwart of Moray’s drinks industry that ensured the project remained afloat.
Former Gordon and MacPhail director, David Urquhart, pledged the sum as a show of support prior to his death from cancer last November.
The Kinloss Abbey Trust was therefore able to prevent the tower attached to the old Abbot’s House from tumbling to the ground.
And the group then commissioned a feasibility study, which backed their aims for the site.
Kinloss Abbey Trust chairwoman, Kirsteen Mitcalfe, yesterday explained how members plan to move the scheme onwards.
She said: “Creating a visitor centre and conserving the whole building will cost hundreds of thousands of pounds, and we don’t have any income stream from the abbey.
“But we are negotiating with Moray Council about being allowed to apply for grants without actually owning the building.
“I’m sure it will move forward in 2017, and we can raise more awareness of our project as well as more money.
“We remain very grateful to Mr Urquhart, as his donation saved the tower from falling down, which would have been tragic.”
An assessment by Historic Scotland revealed bad weather could cause the rickety edifice to topple to the ground.
Repairs were completed by a Rothes stonemasonry firm over the course of a month.
The “comprehensive” feasibility study was carried out by Cullen-based architect Nick Brown, who recommended that Kinloss Abbey should be leased to the volunteers on a long-term basis.
His report also identified areas of the ruin which are most in need of repair.
Funds will be raised towards the restoration of the historic spot during a quiz night at Kinloss Church on Saturday, January 14.
