Campaigners fighting to save a cherished Moray hall from closure believe time is of the essence to keep the doors open.
Dozens of supporters packed a meeting to rally backing for the Fisherman’s Hall in Buckie last week.
Now fresh talks have been organised for the weekend to maintain the momentum behind the drive.
It is hoped membership of a new “Friends of the Fisherman’s Hall” group will be established as well as putting together a committee of representatives to spearhead the drive.
Moray Council has proposed shutting the 131-year-old venue unless a viable alternative group expresses an interest in taking it over before the end of June as part of its budget consultation.
Last night, Glen Campbell, a director of Buckie Community Theatre, said it was essential to move quickly to ensure shows can continue to be held at the building.
He said: “We’re moving through the stepping stones but there is a deadline so we have to move forward fast – while doing things correctly.
“We need to put together a committee and establish a constitution so we can start thinking about business plans and everything else that is needed.
“We’re already in the middle of January. Time will move away from us very quickly so we need to keep the momentum up.”
Mr Campbell hopes a committee comprising representatives from groups across the town will be assembled to lead the next chapter of the Fisherman’s Hall’s future.
Members from the Boys’ Brigade, a pensioner group, schools and the town’s community council attended the initial talks last week.
At the weekend supporters will be asked to pledge £1 to help with start-up costs for the cause.
Mr Campbell added: “There will probably be a fundraising programme when everything is up and running and we’re looking at how it’s going to be run. We need that little help to get us going though.”
The next meeting to set up the Friend’s of the Fisherman’s Hall group will take place on Sunday in the venue at 2pm.
