Court room drama to return to Stonehaven?

The Stonehaven Town Partnership has already appointed an architect, project manager and solicitor for the project and has applied for Heritage Lottery and other funding.

There have been a number of suggested uses for the various rooms within the building. Project officer Isabel Munn said: “Court Room 1 has potential to be used as a film set, a stage for performances, weddings, mock trials and debates.

“Court Room 2 could be a community cafe. We are exploring this idea.”

Additional suggested uses for the building include an advice centre, offices, hot-desking facilities, and toilet facilities for the profoundly disabled.

The options were narrowed down from suggestions made in a community poll.

Partnership chairman David Fleming, said: “It’s clear the community don’t want either flats or commercial developments or demolition.

“We are just waiting to hear from the court service as to whether our plans are acceptable.”

He added: “This is the next big step in a long journey which we hope will bring great benefits to Stonehaven.”

A SCTS spokesman said: “The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service has received the business plan from Stonehaven Town Partnership for taking over the former sheriff court building and it is under consideration.”