A treasured stained-glass window salvaged several decades ago from a building demolished in the centre of Inverness could again see the light of day.
That is the hope of a growing band of people anxious that it does not remain under wraps at a council storage depot forever.
The Rose Window, regarded by many as a work of art, was originally a feature of a former Methodist Church in the city that was later converted into a restaurant.
Campaigners have pressed for years for the intricate window to once again have pride of place in the city.
Calls have resurfaced in recent days on social networks, prompted by a suggestion that money earmarked for the sunken “tilting pier” project be diverted to help give the window a new home at a prominent location.
And several city councillors have backed the idea.
The giant window was extracted more than 20 years ago from a former restaurant that stood on the Academy Street-Inglis Street corner.
Residents are saddened that it has been stored at a council depot ever since.
Former provost Jimmy Gray fears it may need renovating but he is also keen to see it installed somewhere central.
Taking to a social network, Alison Cummings posted: “Use monies earmarked for stupid tilting pier and breathe new life into this beautiful piece of Inverness history.”
Anne Cameron Fitzpatrick urged the council to “use it or lose it.”
It appears unlikely, however, that pier project money could be used for the purpose.
Highland Council city manager David Haas said: “We would dearly love to find a home for it if a proposal came along which allowed us to use it. It’s a lovely window.
“But unless an artist were to come along as part of the ‘Gathering Place’ project and put forward a proposal to involve the window we couldn’t allocate funds for the purpose.
“Alternatively, we might see a development in the city centre that lent itself to giving the window its due place, as we did with the Three Graces.”
The council is currently awaiting fresh proposals for use of the £300,000 funds designated for the Gathering Place/Tilting Pier, having agreed to rethink the process because of the level of public objections to what was proposed at a site beside Eden Court Theatre. An update is expected by the end of the monthu.
