Green-fingered volunteers hope a new resident at a historic home in Moray will help restore flower beds to their former glory.
Two homes have stood at the foot of Ladyhill in Elgin for nearly a century after being built by Sir Archibald Williamson in the 1910s.
However, while Messines Cottage is currently occupied, Sulva has lain empty for about 14 years.
Now volunteers who tend to the floral displays at the landmark hope to encourage someone to move into the home in order to help maintain the area.
Anne Glover, leader of the group that maintains the flower beds, said: “Ladyhill and the Duke of Gordon’s monument are iconic in Elgin and are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
“But even though the garden is the main entrance to this important monument we get little to no help in looking after it.
“Having another person living in Sulva, and maybe helping to maintain the gardens would be a great outcome.”
Both cottages were gifted to the former town council by Sir Archibald, who was MP for Moray and Nairn, to commemorate the end of World War I in 1918.
They were later used as homes for war veterans who had fought in the conflict.
The buildings are currently owned by the Lady Hill Trust, and are maintained by Moray Council as trustees.
Local resident Alison Stockley, who is a member of the Ladyhill Flower Group, said: “It’s a real shame to see such a lovely cottage go to ruin and act as a draw for anti-social behaviour.
“There is a need for housing and an occupant could surely enjoy accommodation and perhaps some protection for the area.”
Elgin City North councillor Maria McLean is eager to hear from locals to find ways to restore the building in order to help reduce the council’s 3,500-strong waiting list for homes.
She said: “Even putting aside the considerable historic value of the cottage, it seems like a terrible waste of what could be a lovely home for someone.
“There would have to be fairly extensive renovations done before Sulva could provide someone with a home, funding this will be the biggest challenge.”
