Plans to rebuild Dunaverty Hall in Argyll and Bute have received a funding boost.

The hall played a vital role within the local community until its demolition in 2010, but Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) has said it saw an opportunity to rebuild the premises and has invested £20,000 towards the scheme.

The decision comes following a period of severe storms in March last year, which left many locations in the area without power. Following these incidents, SHEPD looked at different options as to how to help the affected communities, with the main decision being that residents needed a place large enough to gather together in the event of a storm.

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During the 2013 storms, the local Muneroy tearoom opened to allow refuge for local residents and SHEPD workers, highlighting the need for a centre in the area that could be used throughout the year.

Mo Bates, SHEPD's Community Liaison Manager, explained: "The rebuilding of Dunaverty Hall helps to rebuild the past in this thriving community.

"While we saw the need for a centrally located building to give the village – and its residents – resilience in situations such as last year's storms, we also realised that the hall was much missed for the social events it hosted through the years.

"From a platform in the 1950s for the plays put on by the Women's Rural Institute to a venue for weddings, anniversaries and even pantomimes, Dunaverty Hall really was at the very heart of this community and we're delighted to be able to help rebuild it."

(JP/IT)