The group behind bringing the former sheriff court building in Arbroath back into use are planning a major public consultation.
It is almost a year since the Arbroath Courthouse Community Trust was formed with a view to bringing the prominent High Street building back into use.
Since then members have been investigating how to acquire the building as a community asset in the most beneficial way.
Meetings with Development Trust Scotland, Community Enterprise Scotland and the Scottish Court Property Services have taken place and a workable strategy has now been formulated.
As part of this strategy, the group has agreed to a constitution which meets the requirements for grant awards.
The trust’s main focus now is to secure funding for a major community consultation, which is the next essential step along the route to acquisition.
Interim chairman Angus Roberts said: “It is now nearly 12 months since the group, now a community trust, held a public meeting to ascertain whether the community would back the acquisition of the former sheriff court building as a community asset.
“This community-wide consultation provides an opportunity for other groups and individuals to have their say on how best to utilise such an asset were it to be acquired.
“The cooperation of locally-based groups and interested individuals is paramount in such an exercise.
“Our suggested business plan will be based on the evidence revealed by the study.
“The timeline we illustrated at the public meeting has slipped for this consultation process but it remains a key part of the process to establish whether there is support and a will within the town to secure the building.”
Scottish Court Property Services has accepted the trust’s outline as to how the building could be used for community benefit.
They are open to the possibility of disposing of the building to the group.
Mr Roberts added: “The trust’s acronym is ACCT we are hoping the townspeople will do just that and support this crucial stage in securing this invaluable part of our historic heritage for the benefit of all.”