The team in charge of an ambitious plan to revive a crumbling Moray landmark have asked for the public’s help in securing its future.
The Kinloss Abbey Trust group is trying to highlight the exciting past of the ancient venue, and boost Moray’s tourist income by creating a visitor centre at the 13th-century ruin.
The organisation’s chairwoman, Kirsteen Mitcalfe, is hopeful the project can secure support from a new Historic Environment Scotland (HES) initiative, but she will need to demonstrate it has the backing of the surrounding community.
She said: “HES already know about our plans for Kinloss Abbey, and are interested, but we are trying to raise some more awareness in the hopes money will follow.
“It would be great if people could help by letting them know they also want to see the abbey become rejuvenated.
“If HES is persuaded to give our proposals some stronger backing, that can also assist with getting grants from other organisations.”
However, Mrs Mitcalfe added that the council’s ownership of the site could prove a stumbling block when it comes to securing donations.
The Kinloss Abbey Trust is negotiating the terms of a possible partnership with the authority, which will enable the group to pursue options for outside funding without owning the property.
HES’s “What’s your heritage?” campaign has been launched to find out which of the country’s treasured buildings they want to see “recognised and celebrated”.
Feedback will help the organisation shape new policies and decide which venues merit the most attention.
An online survey can be completed at www.historicenvironment.scot/whatsyourheritage until Friday, January 27.
