Bright future for Institute
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A POSITIVE first step has been taken which could provide a new future for an historic public building in Keith.
Around 50 people attended a public drop-in session at The Institute to discuss ideas as to how it can be brought back to life and best be used for the benefit of the community.
Rendered surplus to requirements by its owners Moray Council, a feasibility study has been commissioned by the Keith and Strathisla Regeneration Partnership (KSRP) to bring forward suggested uses.
Forres-based LDN Architects has been charged with undertaking that feasibility study and representative Peter McIlhenny said he was pleased with the “healthy” response at the public event.
“We need to hear what people want to happen and then we’ll test that against what is possible,” he said.
A tourist information or visitor centre, space for small business start-ups, a nursery, cafe and a whisky-based heritage centre are among some of the suggestions.
Valery Dickson, chair of KSRP, revealed that a Banffshire Museum was one of the more intriguing ideas suggested at the session.
“There was a steady stream of people throughout the evening. All of them were quite positive with their support of trying to do something and it has given us renewed optimism,” she added.
•The Banffshire Herald will continue to report on KSRP’s bid to revive The Institute in the coming months. In the meantime, what are your views on the way forward for KSRP? Email us at mail@banffshireherald.co.uk
