Iconic mart revamp plan
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Rogart is approaching the last phase of its ambitious and exciting plans to convert its redundant auction mart into a "multi-purpose" space.
Rogart Development Trust is celebrating following the award of £131,000 from the Scottish Land Fund.
It is a significant milestone for the project as the funding means the plan can now go forward.
Trust chairman Alasdair Waddell spoke of his delight at the award and said the new facility could be up and running as early as June next year.
In its press release announcing the grant aid, the Scottish Land Fund said the mart building would be turned into a multi-purpose space suitable for outside and inside events such as theatre performances, markets and fairs.
It also said that a community cafe would be set up.
However, Mr Waddell said that that was not the case and the plan was restricted to a multi-purpose space only and did not include a community cafe.
The land fund award will enable the 1.25 hectare mart site to be purchased from its owners, Dingwall-based North Property (Highland) ltd. The site is in the centre of the village and runs east towards Pittentraill Hall car park.
The mart loading bays are beside the car park for the village's only shop, PO Stores.
The steel-framed mart building, which has brickwork half way up, lies beyond the loading bays.
Substantial work will have to be undertaken in the lead up to the predicted 2019 opening.
The mart's roof, which contains asbestos, will have to be replaced,
Mr Waddell said: "It is a great site and in the old days when it was in use, it helped create a village centre. If we get it up and running, the same thing will happen again.
