Funding needed to repair a listed building in Moray could be provided by a local regeneration scheme, it has been announced.

The Institute Building in Mid Street, Keith, which previously housed the councils offices, has been closed for three years due to its deteriorating condition.

An inspection concluded £166,000 is needed to prevent further damage to the external fabric of the structure, which dates from 1886 and is in a conservation area.

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A total of £90,000 is available from the Keith Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) for the repairs.

However, the money is only available until next spring and a full council meeting on 16 September will be asked to supply the remaining £76,000.

The inspection report states: "If no repairs are carried out, there is the potential that the deterioration of the fabric could escalate in future years, leading to significantly greater upgrade costs.

"Significant external repairs should also encourage any potential interest for future development of the building which will benefit the community."

(LM/CD)