A former high school, which has lain empty for almost a year could be turned into a swimming pool and sports facility.
The old Mearns Academy site at Laurencekirk was replaced by a £23 million community campus last August, and has been disused ever since.
However, Laurencekirk Development Trust is now proposing a swimming pool, along with other sports facilities on the land.
The group had hoped the new Mearns Academy would be equipped with a pool, however, residents in the fast-growing village and the wider Howe of the Mearns face a 10-mile journey to Montrose if they fancy a swim.
Members are now suggesting raising funds for a feasibility study, which could lead to them putting in a bid to Aberdeenshire Council for the building.
Group chairman Mike Robson said: “We need to get public support. The population of the Howe of the Mearns is around 9,000 to 10,000 people. We have got a big area that is missing out.”
An Aberdeenshire Council spokeswoman said: “A decision is yet to be taken on the future of the pitches at the former Mearns Academy site.”
A public meeting on future sports facilities in Laurencekirk will be held at Mearns Academy tonight at 7.
