The onus is on the public to find a new use for an historic Elgin building left derelict by a fire 11 years ago.
The future of Grant Lodge in Cooper Park came under the microscope at a Moray Council meeting yesterday.
However councillors were keen to stress it was now the responsibility of campaigners to come up with ideas.
A working group made up of supporters of the building was created in May.
Council leader Allan Wright said: “If the group suggests a use for the building that is both viable and sustainable we can support any applications it makes for grants from various bodies.
“However, the council will not be actively involved.”
An exhibition is currently being held in Elgin Library about Grant Lodge.
Built in 1769, it was gifted to the people of Elgin in 1903 by the wealthy lawyer Sir George Cooper, along with the park that bears his name.
A condition of his will was that it had to be used as a library, which it was for many years.
Sarah Nicholson, who is on the working group, said: “I think George Cooper would turn in his grave if he could see the state of the building now.
“It’s been allowed to remain derelict for far too long, however I think there’s now a real sea change in attitudes locally.
“It’s a beautiful old building and many people are desperate to see it reopen.
“I also think there’s a growing realisation nationally that the legal terms of historic bequests like this need to be interpreted more widely.
“George Cooper wanted Grant Lodge to benefit the community, which is precisely what it isn’t doing now.
“We want people to come along to the exhibition and make suggestions about what it can be used for.
“It’s possible that the most popular won’t be economically viable.
“It’s also possible that we won’t get permission from the Court of Sessions for other suggestions.
“However, we want people’s ideas.”
Place for tours inside Grant Lodge can also be booked at the exhibition.