A rallying call has gone out to residents of an Angus village to come forward to ensure its Victorian hall continues to play a role in the community.
Views are being sought on the A-listed Inglis Memorial Hall, which houses one of the best-preserved late- 19th Century public libraries in the UK.
A public meeting is being held on Tuesday. Sandra Livingston, communities officer with Angus Council, said it would explore the option of forming a small focus group to look into taking on a lease for the hall, its running costs and how it might be made a sustainable project by, and for, the community.
It is currently managed by Angus Alive, the culture, sport and leisure trust for Angus.
Talks will also cover future input by Angus Council/Angus Alive, or if the landmark could be subject to a community asset transfer.
Representatives from Brechin City Hall, which transferred into community hands three years ago, will describe their own experiences.
She added: “Taking part in the open meeting or being part of the focus group in no way commits anyone to becoming part of any management group that may be formed.
“It is only an opportunity for people to look at possibilities.”
Local councillor Kenny Braes is urging villagers to have their say before it is too late.
The SNP councillor for Brechin and Edzell said: “There is a feeling in the community in Edzell more could be done with the hall. This is Angus Council giving the people the chance to do that – if they want to.
“It is entirely up to the community – it’s all about community empowerment. It is very much the case of use it or lose it.”
He said the Inglis Memorial Hall was an iconic feature of Edzell and it was up to locals to help safeguard it.
“The people who love that building most are the people who will, in the long term, look after it best and I encourage them to attend the meeting to ensure it has a future,” he said.
“If the people of Edzell and the surrounding district don’t take up this opportunity to have a greater involvement in its management, they won’t get another chance.”
The meeting on Tuesday will be held in Inglis Memorial Hall’s Lesser Hall at 7.30pm.
Anyone requiring further information can contact Sandra via livingstons@angus.go.uk or 078791 10424.
