Purchase plan could save hall
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A youth organisation has issued a rallying call for community support as they look to secure the future of the Marnoch Church Hall in Aberchirder.
1st Marnoch Scouts leader Claus Nielsen wants to purchase the hall to secure the future of the Scouting group and other groups who currently use the hall.
This comes after Church of Scotland previously planned to offload the hall which has served as a gathering place for generations of residents.
Mr Nielsen said: “Ideally we didn’t really want anything to do with it.
“We had hoped a new group had been formed or existing groups had taken on the project but it didn’t happen.
“To secure the future of our Scout group and also other groups in the village we took on the project.
“We felt we didn’t really have a choice really.
“It is really the meeting place for all the local groups, clubs and associations.
“It is a busy hall and there is something on every day.
“It would be a shame if the hall had disappeared.”
He added: “As soon as the building would have been put on the market we would no longer have access to the hall.
“That’s why we needed to purchase it if we wanted to keep Scouts going.
“We are quite fortunate that we have some savings that will go towards the survey.
“Then after that we will need to start fundraising for the purchase of the hall.
“Hopefully relying heavily on grants like the National Lottery Fund.”
The group are hosting their AGM on Friday,February 7 at 7pm to unveiled their plans for the hall.
Locals are encouraged to come along to hear the plans.