A group of volunteers who saved a Moray village hall from closure will throw open its doors to the public today to show off their work.
Findochty Town Hall was described as being in “bad condition” when it was taken over in July, and the volunteers vowed to turn the venue’s fortunes around and bring people back in.
It had been earmarked for closure by the council as part of budget savings last year, but the group signed a short-term lease determined to save it.
Since then, they have completely refurbished it in a bid to attract more people to use it.
Today, they will host an open day to showcase their renovations.
Pamela Ross, secretary and trustee of the venue, believes it will got from strength-to-strength now they have made improvements to it.
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She said: “It was not in very good condition and not used a lot when we took over as the prices to hire it went too high and groups went elsewhere.
“But now we have improved the condition of it and the facilities, we have repainted the whole place and completely refurbished the kitchens and toilets and done a deep clean.
“One of the biggest differences is the floor as people did not realise they are meant to be red but were so dirty they turned brown.”
With Moray Council’s deficit funding coming to an end in January, these next few months are vital for Findochty Town Hall to be able to stand on its own two feet.
Ms Ross hopes the future is bright for the venue.
She said: “We are having to raise funds and we can do that by getting people booking the hall.
“We are a bit luckier compared to other halls as we are quite a small venue and don’t have to worry about a residential area or employees.
“The open day will let everyone know what is available and that we are once again open for business.”
Moray Coast Table Tennis Club is one group moving into the hall, and chairman Rob Barsby was pleased to be involved.
He said: “I’m glad to be in the refurbished hall as it gives up plenty of scope for expansion to the club.
“Our slogan is fitness, fun and friendship and we want to attract more people to our sessions on Monday afternoon from 2pm and 4m and our family nights on Mondays from 7pm until 8.30pm.”