A new group is hoping to save a heritage visitor centre in the Mearns which closed last year.
The 18th Century Mill of Benholm, near Johnshaven, is a restored and fully working water-powered meal mill.
Since opening as a tourist attraction in 1995 the mill has had a chequered career.
However, 2002 saw the formal launch of the Mill of Benholm Project with the object of providing community support for adult learners, and work experience in catering, horticulture, furniture restoration, shop and office work.
But concerns regarding health and safety saw it shut down by Aberdeenshire Council in April last year, and both the chairman and secretary of the trust’s board later resigned.
Now the newly formed Friends of the Mill of Benholm steering group is exploring the possibility of a community-led answer.
The steering group said it appears there is no other group looking into running the site.
It aims to engage with the community and find out if there is widespread support for a community-led approach, possibly involving community ownership through asset transfer.
A public meeting has been organised for November 12 in Wairds Park, where the new group hopes to have its constitution adopted and to elect a management committee.
It also plans to discuss potential ideas and uses for the site, and to gauge support for a community operated initiative.
A spokesman for the steering group said: “We believe the community could play a vital role in making sure this beautiful and important site is open once more and is being used for the good of the community.
“We are currently looking into our options, and are keen to find out if there is genuine interest in such an initiative.”
Users of the service cooked in the kitchen, served food in the cafe and helped maintain the grounds.
All trainee activities were suspended and the tearoom closed after a number of health and safety problems were found.
The kitchen’s layout raised concerns, including the placement of electrical sockets and cookers, and the general safety of the site was later questioned.
The A-listed Kirk was built in 1832 after an earlier medieval structure was demolished.
The mill is the only surviving traditional water-powered meal mill in Aberdeenshire.
Anyone looking for more information can email the steering group at friendsofbenholm@gmail.com.