MORAY COUNCILLORS ARE finally to take action over an eyesore derelict building overlooking one of the most stunning views in Moray.

A compulsory purchase order is to be made against ‘Braelossie’ on Lossiemouth’s Prospect Terrace, overlooking the picturesque East Beach.

In a closed session the Full Council took the decision to instigate CPO procedures before then selling the property on the open market. The large home is currently split into two flats, and has had to be secured on numerous occasions by the council’s building standards officers.

A report to councillors outlined the ‘accelerated deterioration’ condition of the property, which is no longer wind and watertight after suffering extensive fire damage in 2015. It was made the subject of a demolition order following the blaze.

It is hoped that the CPO will allow the building to be brought back into residential use, and councillors were reminded again of the high level of interest in the site. Now Moray Council is preparing to ask for the CPO to be granted by Scottish Government Ministers for the property, which is on the Building at Risk Register for Scotland.

Convener of Moray Council and local councillor, James Allan, said he was delighted the council had taken the initiative to bring the property back to life.

He said: “This is good news for all those that live along that street; it’s been a haven for vandalism and squatters, a real eyesore in a prime spot.

“Visitors to Lossie make a bee-line for this street to get the best views of the beach, Moray Firth and surrounding countryside. It must be one of the best locations in the town, if not the whole coast.

“I don’t expect there will be any shortage of interest in the property once it is placed on the market.”

Attempts to make contact with the last registered owner have failed to produce any response legislation allows the authority to apply for a CPO or enforce a demolition order when all other attempts to address issues at the site have been unsuccessful.