A Moray community group is nearing the completion of a project to revive a historic local landmark, after receiving a huge charity donation.
Members of the Fochabers Village Association gathered at the village’s iconic Institute building to toast a £200,000 contribution towards its renovation.
The residents launched a £700,000 plan to breathe new life into the crumbling venue last summer, after being granted authority over it by Moray Council.
Since then, they have embarked on a series of fundraising ventures – and have highlighted their progress by updating their figures on a large replica of the River Spey affixed to the front of the building.
Representatives from the Abbeyfield Fochabers Society visited the century-old building last night to hand over the £200,000 cheque.
Chairman of the village association, Gordon Christie, said the boost meant that the venue could be returned to public use early next year.
He will tender a contract for the work, which is estimated to cost £500,000, on Monday.
After it is awarded, workmen will immediately set about installing new electrics, heating and lighting and repairing the venue’s roof.
Mr Christie added: “This donation is a substantial amount that has covered nearly half the cost of this phase, and will bring us within touching distance of the end of our project.
“The hall will be closed for the next six months, while these works take place, but it should be fully functional afterwards.”
Following the next phase of improvements, the association still needs to find £70,000 to cover the cost of a new lighting and sound system for its stage.
The group hopes to attract a range of musicians to the venue by ensuring that its stage and concert hall are state of the art.
Mr Christie added: “That would be our final phase, then we can open it up and the facility will be available to everyone in Fochabers – from mums and toddlers to pensioners.”
The Abbeyfield Fochabers Society’s director, Alison Clark, met Mr Christie to discuss assisting the group’s cause after learning about its plans to return the Institute building to its former glory.
The society’s constitution states that the funds raised from the sale of the former Abbeyfield Fochabers residential home should be distributed among the community for the benefit of residents.