New tenants are being sought for a former tourist information building following an unsuccessful bid to turn it into a vegan cafe.
The old Collie Lodge in Low Street, Banff was the site of an office until December.
Local entrepreneur Emma Willats recently unveiled plans to turn it into the town’s very first vegan restaurant.
She launched an online bid to secure £5,000 to help finance the Food Without a Face project.
Miss Willats wanted to use the cash to pay for a full refit, coffee machines and other equipment, stock and rent.
But the proposal had to be abandoned after the 33-year-old failed in her bid to crowdfund for all the money needed to pay for the project.
Now Aberdeenshire Council has made the town centre building available to let and is searching for potential tenants.
Interested parties have until the start of next month to contact the local authority.
Last night, Banff councillor John Cox said it was time that the building was given a future.
He said: “The tourist office building has been there for a number of years.
“It has been classed as a building for the common good and the sooner it is occupied the better.
“It would make an excellent base for some starting a business like a café or a florist.
“It is a prominent site with parking and it would enhance the area and it is all ready for someone to move into.”
A council spokesman said the property had lain vacant since the end of last year and that the local authority wanted a new tenant to come in and take it over.
He said: “The Collie Lodge has been vacant since the tourist office closed in December and we had identified another tenant who unfortunately later withdrew.
“We are very keen to bring this historic and beautiful town centre building back into use, and interested parties have until August 1 to express an interest.”
