A Moray community has celebrated the reopening of its village hall after a major refurbishment project to keep it open.
Bookings at Alves Hall began to dwindle due to concerns from users that the poor kitchen and toilet facilities there were no longer suitable.
For the last six years members of the building’s management committee have been on a drive to revamp the cherished building to make it thrive again.
Last night, a celebration was held in the hall to mark the end of the £110,000 project with pictures displaying the progress to date.
Other improvements to the building include the creation of a new meeting space, improved disabled access and more storage facilities.
The management group has also purchased a defibrillator for the building and intend running training sessions to educate residents how to use it in the coming months.
The hall is a former Territorial Army building which was taken over by the community more than three decades ago. Well-wishers for the cause now rally under the slogan “Let’s keep it going.”
Dedicated locals have run their own fundraisers and events to back up financial support from wind farm funds and the Robertson Trust.
Last night, committee chairman Neil Philip also paid tribute to Moray Council’s community support department to help guide the project to fruition over the last three years.
He added: “There’s been a lot of hard work and cooperation from members and volunteers along the way too.
“It’s a hall intended to be used by the community and we’re already seeing different hirers use it with an increased interest.
“Alves has lost its shop, post office and pub in recent years. The hall is a vital space for the rural area and a meeting space for older members of the community. The bowling clubs have been in operation for more than 40 years.”
The hall is also regularly used by a long-standing fitness club as well as young farmers, car club rallies and charity fundraisers.
