Villagers in Moray have launched an 11th hour battle to halt the demolition of their “iconic” pub.
The owner of the former Tennant Arms in Lhanbryde wants to knock it down and replace it with a shop.
The 19th century pub on St Andrew’s Road closed for the last time over a year ago and, although the frontage remains impressive, its interior is in a poor state due to dampness and dry-rot.
The current plan for the shop is the second proposal put forward by owner Tahir Pervaiz.
Initially, he had hoped to retain the current structure, with a shop downstairs and flats above. However, that application was rejected by Moray Council’s planning officers due to insufficient parking on the busy road.
Local resident Gill Stewart started a petition to stop the application.
The pensioner said: “That building has been there all my life, and there’s nothing coming over it that can’t be put right.
“It’s really an icon. It’s the first thing people see when they come to the village.
“To take it down and put up a shop in a shack is all wrong, but people only have until tomorrow night to get submissions in, so time is against us.”
Local architectural firm, Plans Plus, is the agent acting on behalf of Mr Pervaiz.
Project lead Colin Keir said: “The applicant would prefer to restore the building, but he was backed into a corner. We would have had 15 parking spaces, but this was deemed unacceptable.
“The pluses of this development are the majority of Lhanbryde residents would not have to cross the road to get to the shop on the northern side of the road.
“And, at the moment, the problem there is caused by people using the shops, residents parking in the street and two badly located bus stops.
“The new development should actually lessen the congestion if used properly.”
Councillor Sean Morton said: “I can completely understand why people would be sad to see the Tennants knocked down and prefer a development to make use of the existing front.
“It’s a lovely building, and it’s right in the middle of the village.”
A council spokesman said that “barring any issues” requiring the application to be reviewed by councillors, a recommendation would be expected “before Christmas”.