Villagers battling to spare a Moray landmark from destruction are taking their fight to the retail giant poised to take it over.
The Tennant Arms has stood on Lhanbryde’s St Andrew’s Road since 1854, and has been described as the village’s most famous feature.
But last year, Moray Council approved developer Tahir Pervaiz’s plans to demolish the former pub so that a Co-op shop could be built in its place.
Furious residents had pleaded with the local authority to reject Mr Pervaiz’s application.
Refusing to accept defeat, campaigners against the scheme gathered for a “passionate” public meeting this week in an effort to find a way forward.
And they have resolved to tackle the Co-op directly on the matter, by making it clear the proposed shop is unwelcome in Lhanbryde.
Lead protestor, Gill Stewart, is hopeful that if the firm pulls out then Mr Pervaiz may abandon his plans for the Tennant Arms.
She said: “There was a good turnout at the meeting, and we are determined to keep up the fight.
“Everybody is now writing to the Co-op and there is a petition going around that will be sent off.
“It states that we do not want our building knocked down, and that we would welcome a new shop only if it was built elsewhere in Lhanbryde.
“Everybody is still passionate about this, I don’t think the Co-op has any idea what it has taken on.”
Highlands and Islands MSP, Douglas Ross, has written to the company’s chief executive demanding to talk with him in person.
He said: “I’m hopeful of meeting soon to discuss all the issues connected with this proposal, and to express the concerns local people have about their plans.
“There is determination from local people to save it and bring in back to use in a way that benefits the village.”
A Co-op spokesman last night gave no indication that the chain would be dissuaded from taking up the spot.
He said: “We are keen to provide a service in the village.
“However, the Co-op does not own the Tennant Arms, and therefore cannot influence the developer’s plans for the site.”
Mr Pervaiz’s architect, Colin Keir, has pledged to make the new building resemble the venue it will replace.
