A Strathpeffer man has launched a bid to save the village’s famous pavilion for the community after it emerged it was up for sale.
The building’s current owners the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust confirmed it is in the process of selling up.
It is understood that the pavilion is now under offer to a potential buyer.
But local man James Maclean has now submitted a notice of interest himself on behalf of the community of Strathpeffer.
He argued that the amount of public money invested in building the pavilion into a popular venue for concerts, performances, wedding and other events means it should be retained in public ownership.
The self-employed painter and decorator received support in a petition launched after issues about the pavilion’s viability emerged when its restaurant was forced to close last year.
He said that public money from various sources had been used to refurbish the pavilion and keep it running since the trust took over the running of it, while members of the community have helped to raise money for the facility.
Mr Maclean said: “All this money has been put in place to build it up and morally you would think they (the trust) would have an obligation to be open and transparent with the public about what they are doing with it.
“They haven’t publicised the sale at all, it wasn’t advertised anywhere as far as I know.
“It’s a major asset in Strathpeffer and it needs to be retained but they are not providing any information at all.”
The facility dates back to Victorian times – but had fallen into disrepair before it was bought by the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, via Highland Council.
It has been leased to the Strathpeffer Pavilion Association which has operated the facility.
The pavilion was put up for sale in November after the association made it known it could no longer sustain operations.
Una Richards, director of the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, said: “Scottish Historic Buildings Trust successfully restored Strathpeffer Pavilion which was neglected and had fallen into disrepair.
“A local social enterprise organistaion has run it as a leisure and entertainment hub and venue for hire since 2006.
“In November last year they advised the trust that they were no longer able to sustain their operations and since then we have been exploring all the available options to secure the future of the building in line with our charitable purpose and values.”
She added that the building will be sold with “vacant possession” but information about the potential purchaser is “commercially sensitive”.