Brora old school project takes leap forward
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A £2.9 million project which has been years in the making to transform a historic building in Brora into a heritage centre has finally taken a leap forward.
A planning application has been submitted to develop the derelict, category C listed Old Clyne School, located on the roadside at the north end of the village, into a community heritage centre, cafe and shop.
Nick Lindsay, chairman of Clyne Heritage Society, the group behind the project, said:“We are delighted that we have reached the planning stage. It is a big step forward.”
However he warned that the project hinged on the success of fundraising.
Four full-time jobs are expected to be created if the scheme comes to fruition.
SSE Renewables bought the 155-year-old old school, in 2012 with a view to taking down a boundary wall to provide a turning circle for Gordonbush wind farm traffic.
The power company later gifted the building to the heritage centre along with a £1 million donation to help with the restoration.
There has since been a number of ups and downs including a funding knock-back.
An amended design for the new look building – which is on the at risk register – shows a small extension infilling the courtyard to the south to extend museum exhibition space and a larger one to house a small café and shop on the north.
Funding bids have been made with the help of a professional fundraiser to the Scottish government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF), Historic Environment Scotland and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
A Facebook page dedicated to the Old Clyne School has been created to keep people informed of progress.
Mr Lindsay said: “The project will bring a beautiful building back to life.”
