Fochabers celebrates community transfer
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CELEBRATION was the order of the day in Fochabers when the Public Institute passed to community control.
The move marked the end of an often tortuous saga spanning two years involving Fochabers Village Association Ltd (FVAL) and its bid to assume control of the facility by means of a community asset transfer (CAT) from Moray Council.
It is hoped that this will herald a bright and sustainable future for the Institute, which has fallen into an increasing state of disrepair due to a lack of investment by the council.
The overall repair bill for the Institute to be brought up to standard has been set at around £710,000 by FVAL, of which they aim to raise £90,000 through their own efforts. The balance of £470,000, once the council grant is taken into account, would be sourced from other funders.
The motion in favour of the measure was put forward by Fochabers Councillors Margo Howe and Sean Morton.
FVAL chair Gordon Christie said: “We’re absolutely delighted that the councillors have chosen to support our bid."
The Public Institute is home to 16 groups and is also available to hire for concerts and functions.
