A group of Dufftown residents have formed plans to take over the town’s most famous landmark – and get its clock back in working order.
The Speyside Youth Group describes the clock tower as “an icon of malt whisky country”, and members have devised measures to make the most of it.
Top of the agenda is getting the hands ticking again on the timepiece atop the building, which have been stuck at 3.03 for weeks.
The mechanism stopped as the electricity supply to the 19th century edifice was cut roughly a month ago on safety grounds, when water began leaking through its roof.
And, after recent budget cuts, Moray Council says there is no cash available to carry out repairs.
The youth group has now published its aims for the structure in a newsletter, and members began dropping copies through letterboxes in last night.
The pamphlet offers an insight into what the future could hold for the historic monument.
Members want to install different “chime settings” on the bell reflecting seasonal festivals.
They say an attached flat could be rented out as holiday accommodation to generate income, while the ground floor is revamped into a meeting room or space for pop-up shops and galleries.
And, under the “project restore” proposals, a cellar could be revamped and transformed into a visitor attraction.
Group secretary Marcus Salter reckons that they could buy the legendary venue from the council for £20,000.
He said: “The clock tower is an incredibly popular part of Dufftown, and we would like to be able to let people back into it.
“The main priority is to fix the clock so that it starts running again, and that should be easy enough to accomplish.
“And we will ensure that the clock, the bell tower and the flag pole are maintained annually.”
The youth group has been working on its proposals for a year, and leaders aim to present the local authority with a business plan next month.
The Speyside Youth Group is a registered charity which runs weekly sessions for about 50 youngsters.
People who would like to help with the group’s efforts have been asked to email admin@speysideyouth.org.uk
