Plans to return Elgin's historic Grant Lodge to public use have moved forward after Moray Council won £212,427 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The award will finance the project's development phase, including detailed architectural and conservation design, building and structural surveys, specialist assessments, community consultation and preparation of a full business case setting out how the site will operate and be sustained.

Built in the 1760s to designs by renowned Scottish architect Robert Adam, Grant Lodge is a prominent landmark in Cooper Park. The council's vision is to create Grant Lodge: Gateway to Moray, a new hub for heritage, tourism and learning that showcases the area's culture, stories and identity.

The redevelopment forms a cornerstone of the Cultural Quarter, a flagship element of the Moray Growth Deal aimed at reinvigorating Elgin town centre by improving key cultural assets, adding new visitor attractions and expanding opportunities for creativity, learning and events.

Alongside work at other historic sites and connections between them, the Cultural Quarter is intended to strengthen Moray's profile as a cultural destination, attract additional visitors and support local businesses across the region.

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Over the coming months, the council and partners will progress architectural and conservation design; carry out building and structural surveys; collaborate with heritage specialists, tourism partners and local community groups; develop activity and interpretation plans; continue engagement with residents; and finalise the detailed business case required for the next stage of funding.

Completion of this phase will enable an application to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the capital investment necessary to restore and reopen the building.

Councillor Marc Macrae, Chair of Moray Council's Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, said: "Securing this support for Grant Lodge marks a significant milestone in our ambition to protect and celebrate Moray's heritage. Grant Lodge is an iconic building with a remarkable history, and for too long it has stood unused.

"This funding allows us to take an important step toward transforming it into a vibrant gateway to Moray, one that tells our story, supports tourism and creates a space the whole community can be proud of. I'm delighted to see this progress and grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for recognising the potential of this project within the wider Moray Growth Deal."

Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, said, as part of a wider funding announcement: "To date the Heritage Fund has invested more than £60 million in projects across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray and we are delighted to add to that total with our support for these three projects.

"The Heritage Fund's investment in the region has benefitted communities, tourism and the wider local economy. Creating opportunities for people of all ages to volunteer, to learn and train, and to get involved in heritage.

"Our investment will not only support new uses for these buildings it will help deliver the care they need to have a bright future as assets for the whole community."