The owner of a fire-ravaged Moray nightclub is hoping photographs from its prime will help inspire designs for its planned future as a block of flats.
The Jailhouse venue in Elgin was only open for 18 months before it was engulfed by flames and forced to close in 1998.
But memories from the unusual nightspot still burn strong in the minds of those who enjoyed nights out there in their younger years.
VIDEO: Inside Elgin’s prison-themed nightclub destroyed by fire
The Jailhouse was built to resemble an American penitentiary, with a cage for dancing in and murals depicting prison life painted on the walls.
The venue’s prize possession was a mock electric chair, flown in from the USA, which routinely “fried” a dummy inmate at midnight.
The building’s owner, William McBey, and business partner, Alan Robertson, last month lodged plans with Moray Council to convert what remains of it into a block of 14 flats.
However, since starting to clear out the site, Mr McBey has been struck by how well-maintained many of its most distinctive features are.
He is now determined to incorporate as many of the remaining design features as possible into the planned flat complex, called Jailhouse Executive Apartments.
And yesterday, the Banff-based property developer issued an appeal for photographs taken during the club’s heyday to use as inspiration.
He said: “We are keen to incorporate some of the history behind the building into the renovation, showing pictures and saving any artwork we can in the communal areas.
“We are looking into this with the cage and electric chair too, though seeing where they could fit in remains a work in progress.
“Any pictures to show how it used to look, or even any information about it, would be greatly appreciated as we are keen to ensure that the building is returned to its former glory.”
Mr McBey is considering opening the ruined building up to the public next month, should it be safe to do so from a health and safety standpoint.
His idea is to combine the open event with the Elgin Food and Drink Festival on Saturday, August 19.
He aims to begin work on creating eight one-bedroom and six two-bedroom flats there within months.
Images can be sent to the Jailhouse Executive Apartments page on Facebook.
