Confusion over ownership of a former park-keeper’s cottage at a popular Angus visitor attraction is holding up plans for the community to take over the running of the prominent building.
The two-storey, red sandstone house sits in the heart of Kirrie Den but has been boarded up for years.
It has been described as the “final piece in the jigsaw” for those hoping to bring new life to the town-centre park, which opened in 1867.
Discussions have taken place among members of the Kirriemuir Regeneration Group (KRG) and, more recently, the town’s community councillors about possible future uses.
Until ownership can be established it is stale mate.
Angus councillor Julie Bell, SNP member for Kirriemuir and Dean, has made enquiries but has drawn a blank.
Members of the KRG have re-opened the public toilets in the Den, and the group’s Kirriemuir Den Project members carry out weekly improvements in the park – the only thing needing attention now is the house.
Ms Bell said she was confident the local authority’s legal team was “on the case”.
She said: “This came up recently at community council.
“It would appear we took ownership of the building in 1908 but there are no title deeds. We are trying to find out how we can go about resolving that.
“It has been mentioned on a number of occasions with the potential of a community asset transfer. Once the legal aspect is sorted out then that is something that could be considered.
“We are not at the stage of a community asset transfer, we can’t do anything until ownership is resolved. There has been a lot of interest, and a lot of concern, from people that the house is getting in a poorer state of repair.
“It would be lovely to see it spring back in to life again and I would be supportive of any idea coming forward, once the legal issues are resolved.
“The will is there – this is another piece in the jigsaw for Kirrie – I am keen to see something happening.”
An Angus Council spokesperson said: “Den House has been managed by the council for a long time.
“There is currently an issue with the legal title to the property which is being worked through.”
