Campaigners fighting to save an historic Aberdeen school have met with senior council bosses to state their case.
Earlier this month, Aberdeen City Council began marketing Victoria Road School, which the Torry Development Trust (TDT) wishes to take control of and transform into affordable housing.
And last night, members of the trust discussed their hopes for the derelict site, which has lain empty since it closed its doors in 2008, with council chiefs at Marischal College.
Lead trustee David Fryer said he believes the local community would greatly benefit from the granite buildings being retained and given a new lease of life, instead of being flattened for new developments.
He said: “The evening went very well, we had good discussions with officials from the city council.
“It has been reaffirmed to us that there is a timetable for the marketing, but the trust is very clear on its commitment to secure the retention of the school buildings.
“The trust will continue to develop its project, and will continue to discuss and pursue all the funding options available, including a submission of a bid to the Scottish Government for funding.”
In the years since the school closed, several fires and break-ins have resulted in serious damage to a great deal of the building.
Potential buyers have until August 14 to submit bids to purchase the school buildings, which according to council documents have a rateable value of £36,250.
The school’s surrounding workshops have a rateable value of £20,750.
However, Mr Fryer insisted the trust will continue its efforts to conserve the building.
He added: “We will press ahead and continue out consultations in the community.
“We really want to show that this is a viable option. These buildings should not be lost, but brought back into use to fulfil community needs.
“The trust is absolutely committed to keeping these historic buildings for future generations, not just in Torry, but everywhere in Aberdeen.
“We can’t keep losing fine granite buildings in this city at the rate we have sadly been doing in recent years.”
