A campaigner who contested the controversial Marischal Square plans for Aberdeen wants to establish a new conservation trust to ensure the public has a greater voice in protecting the city’s heritage.
Lorna McHattie, a former Robert Gordon University lecturer, has arranged an open meeting next week to gauge interest in the proposals.
Mrs McHattie, of Louisville Avenue, said the group would be modelled loosely on the Cockburn Association in Edinburgh, which was established in 1875.
The organisation was set up to communicate public opinion on town planning “rapidly” and is dedicated to improving and preserving the city.
Mrs McHattie, 57, tried in vain to persuade council leaders to re-think the Muse Development plans to build a hotel, office and retail development on the site of the former council headquarters St Nicholas House.
A petition set up in protest was signed by 1,300 people.
She believes the views of many citizens were not taken on board, and is hoping a new organisation will help ensure the strength of feeling on such projects will be communicated more effectively.
The working title for the group is the Simpson Civic Forum, in recognition of the contribution made to the city by renowned architect Archibald Simpson.
Mrs McHattie said: “It is about trying to pick up on those people who have actually taken the time to sign the petition, those who contribute to the P&J letters page, there is an energy there that we can harness.
“If we can get a group of people together that was representative of ordinary citizens, then we can get our views across on the importance of our historic and architectural heritage.”
Mrs McHattie stressed that she saw the group as operating very separately from the existing Aberdeen Civic Society, which often comments on planning applications going through the council.
Conservative councillor Ross Thomson said he has been offering some assistance to Mrs McHattie.
He said: “It is really encouraging, and I think the organisation can be a voice for people who feel that they are not being listened to right now.”
The public meeting, open to all, takes place at Committee Room Four, the Town House, Broad Street, on Wednesday, November 19, from 6pm. The e-mail contact for more information is simpsoncf2014@gmail.com.