The group hoping to restore one of Elgin’s most historic but neglected landmarks to glory will get an update on the project this week.
Long-held aspirations to transform Grant Lodge in Cooper Park – which has lain derelict and boarded up since a fire in 2003 – are finally making progress.
The formally grand building was left to the people of the town in 1903 by the wealthy lawyer Sir George Cooper, on the condition that it had to be used as a library or a local history centre.
However, the Friends of Grant Lodge group was formed with a view restoring the 18th-century building by having the deed of gift altered by the Court of Session.
The charity group’s plan would enable it to widen the lodge’s scope for potential uses, so it can generate some income as a social enterprise. However, nothing can be done without a business case being approved by Moray Council.
While many ideas to revive the building have been suggested and forgotten over the years, Lord Lieutenant of Moray Grenville Johnston now believes there may be “a slight light” at the end of what has been a sizeable and dark tunnel.
Mr Johnston will deliver an update to the friends group at its annual meeting on Thursday in the hall at Elgin Museum, from 7pm.
Last night, he said: “I think we are making some progress, albeit slow.
“We are beginning to get a bit more clarity from lawyers and people like that as to what we can and can’t do in terms of the original trust deed.
“I would be as bold to say I can see a slight light at the end of a long tunnel.
“It will ultimately depend on the council and what their decision will be, but I’m going to report that we are making progress.
“However, people should not expect this to happen quickly.
“I do understand that a lot of people there have heard this for months and years, and I understand their frustrations completely.
“It is a real challenge, but I’m going to go to the meeting as optimistically as I can.”
Vice Lord Lieutenant of Moray, Jim Royan, will also give a presentation on the Castle to Cathedral to Cashmere historical trail project at the meeting.