A historic Elgin bank building is being transformed into an office complex in an effort to revitalise business in the heart of the town.
Refurbishment work at Caledonian House, which originally became home to a bank by the same name more than 170 years ago, has been ongoing for more than two years.
Yesterday, developers revealed it would be up and running as a new business centre by the end of the year, with space inside for 10 firms.
Property firm Gairland has been revamping the first floor of the building, which has fallen into dilapidation over recent decades.
Partner James Baxter said: “There are a lot of buildings all along the High Street that just have their top floors sitting empty.
“If town centres are going to survive, then they need to be vibrant so that people, whether they are living there or working there, can enjoy themselves.”
Mr Baxter added: “We work on a mix of residential and office property, mostly old, listed and interesting buildings.
“We never do new-builds, we try and bring old ones back into use.”
Work on the restoration is expected to run into six figures, due to the complicated processes involved in renovating listed buildings.
The structure needed to be “gutted” to wipe away years of neglect. Dusty relics, including the accounts of Burghead Town Council from 1901 to 1970, were unearthed during the work.
Two ledgers from Rothes Town Council, dating back over 100 years, were also pulled from debris inside the forgotten rooms.
Mr Baxter hopes the small business market will be given a boost from the firms that move into the building.
He said: “I find that smaller firms just enjoy being part of a community.
“For a small business coming into a business centre, it’s a chance to network for them, which can help boost work for them.”
Last night, Elgin City South councillor, Graham Leadbitter, welcomed the development.
He said: “This is a great example of bringing upper stories back into proper use.
“Getting more people living and working in the centre of town clearly brings extra footfall and boosts various businesses.
“The direction for Elgin High Street is now looking more positive.”
