An approach is likely to be made to the Court of Session to waive the terms of the Deed of Trust under which Moray Council own Grant Lodge.
That future of the historic building in Elgin’s Cooper Park is to be discussed by local community councillors on Tuesday, the latest in a long line of talks over what can be done with the former main library.
Moray Council has already made clear that they cannot fund any restoration of the building which was badly damaged by fire. A supporters group – Friends of Grant Lodge – has been battling to find a way forward for the building that was first built in 1769 and gifted to the people of Elgin in 1903 for use as a library.
Chairman of the Elgin Community Council, Alastair Kennedy, said the future of the Lodge will be a main discussion point at the meeting on Tuesday at 7pm, with members of the public welcome to attend at the Council Chambers.
He said: “We have participated in the short-life working group, which is undertaking a survey of the general public’s views and ideas for a sustainable future for Grant Lodge.
“All ideas will be collated shortly and advice will be sought from Highlands and Islands Enterprise on the sustainability factor of these ideas before a report goes to Moray Council.
“If any proposed ideas are agreed as appropriate then the Moray Council are likely to approach the Court of Session to have the terms of the Deed of Trust altered to allow such an idea to come to fruition.”
The Deed of Trust was granted to Moray Council by Grant Lodge’s original owner Sir George Cooper.