Plans to resurrect a north-east silversmith business could be signed off next week.
The Meal House in Banff, also known as the Auld Smiddy, will be refurbished and transformed into an artisan workshop to bring the traditional skill back to the region.
It will create space for five graduates, in addition to a teaching area, to train a new generation of silversmiths.
The tender to complete the work was put out to tender in November.
And on Tuesday, local councillors will vote to approve the preferred bidder.
The work will be discussed in private at a Banff and Buchan area committee meeting, with an announcement expected to be made shortly afterwards.
Once the work on the B-listed buildings has been completed, there will be nearly 1,000sqft of floor space inside.
Council planners said: “The works comprise the conversion of the former stone-built smiddy into a silversmithing centre.
“New services will be required throughout the building to include an electric boiler and underfloor heating within a new concrete floor slab.”
The council has not revealed the overall value of the contract, but the plans will be partially paid for by £300,000 of government grants.
When the scheme was first announced, Banffshire Preservation and Historic Society spokesman Julian Watson said the Meal House could prove to be a “unique Scottish silversmithing facility”.
“This will bring new focus to the town’s silver heritage and breathe new life into The Meal House and Banff Museum, as well as offering young silversmiths a unique opportunity.”
The Banff silver industry flourished from the 17th-19th centuries and the town has its own hallmark, the letter “B”.
Local councillor John Cox, chairman of the area committee, said it would be “good” to have the smith back in use.
“The project is exciting, unique and will hopefully attract a lot of visitors to Banff,” he added.
