Consultants have been appointed to conduct a feasibility study and business plan regarding the redevelopment of the site of the fire-ravaged Spittal of Glenshee Hotel.
The devastating blaze in August took more than 50 firefighters about three hours to contain.
A steering group set up in the aftermath has now met politicians and representatives of the Scottish Land Fund, Cairngorms National Park Authority and Perth and Kinross Council in a bid to move forward.
Yesterday, the community group set up to look at purchasing and redeveloping the site announced Heritage Consulting of Edinburgh has been appointed to undertake an options appraisal, feasibility study and business plan.
Tony Thompson, of the community group, said: “Heritage Consulting was chosen because it has a great deal of experience in this field and their enthusiasm and passion came through on their tender.
“We are looking at more than just a hotel on the site and many of the projects the consultants have experience of was of great interest to the group, ranging from work at Blair Atholl, Kenmore, Stirling, Biggar and around Argyll and the isles.
“It was also important that the consultants could demonstrate extensive experience of community consultation in remote rural areas and a number of community events are planned over the next three months to allow members of the community to input their ideas into the options appraisal and to give feedback on the feasibility and business plan.”
This follows a grant of £10,000 being awarded towards the project by the Big Lottery ‘Investing in Ideas’ Fund.
A consultation will take place on May 14 at the Blackwater Hall, from 7pm to 9pm.
Fundraising efforts continue with a Call my Bluff wine-tasting event at Bridge of Cally Hall on May 9.
Tickets are available by phoning 01250 895264.