A cherished Elgin landmark which has been closed to the public since 2003 will not be allowed to take part in this year’s Doors Open Day.
Campaigners who are working to restore Grant Lodge said revealed earlier this year they hoped to be able to take part in the event.
But structural problems have left the property deemed unsafe for use, after a visit from council officials.
The building has been hit by dry rot, meaning that there could be a risk to public safety if people were allowed to enter the building.
It has been boarded-up since it was hit by a fire 14 years ago, and the campaigners had hoped that the public would be allowed to take a look round the 18th-century rooms.
The disappointed campaigners agreed with the council’s judgement, but said that they would aim to have the building ready for next year’s doors open event.
Caroline Webster, chairwoman of Friends of Grant Lodge said: “We are in discussions with the council about how we are going to deal with it.
“The decision was made that it was better not to go ahead with it, but we would absolutely hope that we can get involved next year.”
Councillor Graham Leadbitter backed the group’s efforts to reopen the historic building, and stressed the importance of finding a solution to prevent similar problems in future.
He said: “The ongoing work of the Friends of Grant Lodge and Trust to get the building back in to good use again is really important.
“It’s also equally important to keep the lodge wind and water tight until a solution can be found.”
Grant Lodge was donated to the people of Elgin by George Cooper in 1903, originally for use as a library.
Included in the handover was a stipulation the building would only be used for that purpose or as a heritage centre.
A council spokeswoman said: “A recent inspection has identified a problem with dry rot.
“The building will remain closed to the public while the problem is assessed.
“This is an appropriate measure under our wider duty of care to the public.”
