Grant Lodge rallying call
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Rallying call to Save Grant Lodge
THE future of an historic Elgin building could become a little clearer next week with a public meeting in the town.
In response to growing concern locally over the state of Grant Lodge, Elgin Community Council chairman Alastair Kennedy has organised a forum just a stone’s throw from the B-listed eyesore, in Elgin Library, on Thursday (June 9).
He is hoping there will be a good attendance.
After ‘The Scot’ last month highlighted concern over the rundown state of the building, which was ravaged by fire in 2004, public interest in its future has seen a ‘Restore Grant Lodge’ campaign launched through Facebook by Garmouth woman Sarah Nicholson.
Mr Kennedy has urged all those who have expressed an interest in preserving the 18th century building, which was gifted to the town, to turn up next week.
Alistair Campbell, head of museums and libraries for Moray Council, will be there to update people on the current situation.
The council has instigated a feasibility study by the Highland Buildings Preservation Trust into possible future uses. However, it could cost around £2-3 million to bring the building up to scratch.
Mr Kennedy said: "Mr Campbell agreeing to be there should be very helpful and ensure people have the proper information. If people are interested in the building this could let us see what kind of future it might have."
Mr Kennedy said Grant Lodge is seen as integral to Elgin’s future. "It looks as if the preferred option is to keep it and do something with it."
Despite financial constraints in the current climate, Mr Kennedy said that "nothing is impossible".
"We’ll have to see what happens but the hope is that we can get something done," he added.
The meeting next Thursday in Elgin Library will get underway at 7pm for a 7.30pm start to the meeting.
